Exploring the Potential of Phytocompounds for Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An In Silico Study Using Similarity Indexing.

Finding structurally similar compounds in compound databases is highly efficient and is widely used in present-day drug discovery methodology. The most-trusted and -followed similarity indexing method is Tanimoto similarity indexing. Epigenetic proteins like histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors are traditionally used to target cancer, but have only been investigated very recently for their possible effectiveness against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The synthetic drugs that have been identified and used for the inhibition of HDACs include SAHA, which is being used to inhibit the activity of HDACs of different classes. SAHA was chosen as a compound of high importance as it is reported to inhibit the activity of many HDAC types. Similarity searching using the UNPD database as a reference identified aglaithioduline from the Aglaia leptantha compound as having a ~70% similarity of molecular fingerprints with SAHA, based on the Tanimoto indexing method using ChemmineR. Aglaithioduline is abundantly present in the shell and fruits of A. leptantha. In silico studies with aglaithioduline were carried out against the HDAC8 protein target and showed a binding affinity of -8.5 kcal mol. The complex was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using Gromacs. The RMSD, RMSF, compactness and SASA plots of the target with aglaithioduline, in comparison with the co-crystallized ligand (SAHA) system, showed a very stable configuration. The results of the study are supportive of the usage of A. leptantha and A. edulis in Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of pain-related ailments similar to RA. Our study therefore calls for further investigation of A. leptantha and A. edulis for their potential use against RA by targeting epigenetic changes, using in vivo and in vitro studies.

Emerging potential of spent coffee ground valorization for fuel pellet production in a biorefinery.

Abstract: The global market for fuel pellets (FPs) has been steadily growing because of a shift to coal substitutes. However, sustainability and the availability of biomass are the main issues. Various kinds of bio-wastes can be valorized through cutting-edge technologies. In the coffee industry, a valuable organic waste called spent coffee grounds (SCGs) is generated in bulk. SCG can be divided into two components, namely spent coffee ground oil and defatted spent coffee grounds (DSCG). SCG and DSCG can be used to produce FPs with excellent higher heating values. This review highlights that burning FPs composed of 100% SCG is not feasible due to the high emission of NOx. Moreover, the combustion is accompanied by a rapid temperature drop due to incomplete combustion which leads to lower boiler combustion efficiencies and increased carbon monoxide emissions. This was because of the low pellet strength and bulk density of the FP. Mixing SCG with other biomass offers improved boiler efficiency and emissions. Some of the reported optimized FPs include 75% SCG + 20% coffee silverskin, 30% SCG + 70% pine sawdust, 90% SCG + 10% crude glycerol, 32% SCG + 23% coal fines + 11% sawdust + 18% mielie husks + 10% waste paper + 6% paper pulp, and 50% SCG + 50% pine sawdust. This review noted the absence of combustion and emissions analyses of DSCG and the need for their future assessment. Valorization of DSCG offers a good pathway to improve the economics of an SCG-based biorefinery where the extracted SCGO can be valorized in other applications. The combustion and emissions of DSCG were not previously reported in detail. Therefore, future investigation of DSCG in boilers is essential to assess the potential of this industry and improve its economics. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10668-022-02361-z.

Adsorption Studies of Volatile Organic Compound (Naphthalene) from Aqueous Effluents: Chemical Activation Process Using Weak Lewis Acid, Equilibrium Kinetics and Isotherm Modelling.

This study deals with the preparation of activated carbon (CDSP) from date seed powder (DSP) by chemical activation to eliminate polyaromatic hydrocarbon-PAHs (naphthalene-C10H8) from synthetic wastewater. The chemical activation process was carried out using a weak Lewis acid of zinc acetate dihydrate salt (Zn(CH3CO2)2·2H2O). The equilibrium isotherm and kinetics analysis was carried out using DSP and CDSP samples, and their performances were compared for the removal of a volatile organic compound-naphthalene (C10H8)-from synthetic aqueous effluents or wastewater. The equilibrium isotherm data was analyzed using the linear regression model of the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations. The R2 values for the Langmuir isotherm were 0.93 and 0.99 for naphthalene (C10H8) adsorption using DSP and CDSP, respectively. CDSP showed a higher equilibrium sorption capacity (qe) of 379.64 µg/g. DSP had an equilibrium sorption capacity of 369.06 µg/g for C10H8. The rate of reaction was estimated for C10H8 adsorption using a pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic equation. The reaction mechanism for both the sorbents (CDSP and DSP) was studied using the intraparticle diffusion model. The equilibrium data was well-fitted with the pseudo-second order kinetics model showing the chemisorption nature of the equilibrium system. CDSP showed a higher sorption performance than DSP due to its higher BET surface area and carbon content. Physiochemical characterizations of the DSP and CDSP samples were carried out using the BET surface area analysis, Fourier-scanning microscopic analysis (FSEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier-transform spectroscopic analysis (FTIR). A thermogravimetric and ultimate analysis was also carried out to determine the carbon content in both the sorbents (DSP and CDSP) here. This study confirms the potential of DSP and CDSP to remove C10H8 from lab-scale synthetic wastewater.

Statistical Analysis of Polymer Nanocomposites for Mechanical Properties.

Epoxy resins, due to their high stiffness, ease of processing, good heat, and chemical resistance obtained from cross-linked structures, have found applications in electronics, adhesives coatings, industrial tooling, and aeronautic and automotive industries. These resins are inherently brittle, which has limited their further application. The emphasis of this study is to improve the properties of the epoxy resin with a low-concentration (up to 0.4% by weight) addition of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). Mechanical characterization of the modified composites was conducted to study the effect of MWCNTs infusion in the epoxy resin. Nanocomposites samples showed significantly higher tensile strength and fracture toughness compared to pure epoxy samples. The morphological studies of the modified composites were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Numerical investigation of the effect of stenosis geometry on the coronary diagnostic parameters.

The present study deals with the functional severity of a coronary artery stenosis assessed by the fractional flow reserve (FFR). The effects of different geometrical shapes of lesion on the diagnostic parameters are unknown. In this study, 3D computational simulation of blood flow in three different geometrical shapes of stenosis (triangular, elliptical, and trapezium) is considered in steady and transient conditions for 70% (moderate), 80% (intermediate), and 90% (severe) area stenosis (AS). For a given percentage AS, the variation of diagnostic parameters which are derived from pressure drop across the stenosis was found in three different geometrical shapes of stenosis and it was observed that FFR is higher in triangular shape and lower in trapezium shape. The pressure drop coefficient (CDP) was higher in trapezium shape and lower in triangular model whereas the LFC shows opposite trend. From the clinical perspective, the relationship between percentage AS and FFR is linear and inversely related in all the three models. A cut-off value of 0.75 for FFR was observed at 76.5% AS in trapezium model, 79.5% in elliptical model, and 82.7% AS for the triangular shaped model. The misinterpretation of the functional severity of the stenosis is in the region of 76.5%-82.7 % AS from different shapes of stenosis models.

Exergetic investigation of the influence of injector location in HCCI engines utilizing DEE as pilot fuel and biogas as primary fuel.

To address the global demand for sustainable energy, integrating biogas into internal combustion engines is becoming more important. Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines, known for high efficiency and low emissions, offer a promising solution. This study investigates the optimal injector location for using biogas in HCCI engines, with diethyl ether (DEE) as the pilot fuel, evaluating three positions: (i) at the port, (ii) 6 cm away (Manifold 1), and (iii) 10 cm away (Manifold 2). Through experiments and simulations, the impact of injector location on engine performance is analyzed across various parameters, including methane fractions, engine loads, and exhaust gas compositions. Results show that port injection achieves the highest first law and exergy efficiencies but increases emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and smoke. At 15 Nm load, Manifold 1 shows a 27.34 % reduction in exergy efficiency compared to port injection, while Manifold 2 exhibits an 18.49 % decrease at higher loads. Despite lower efficiencies, Manifold 1 effectively reduces harmful emissions. The study also considers exergo-economic and sustainability aspects, highlighting that while port injection is optimal for efficiency, Manifold 1 excels in minimizing HC and CO emissions, with a 50 % reduction in HC and 71.43 % reduction in CO emissions at 15 Nm load compared to port injection. Manifold 2 achieves the lowest smoke emissions across all loads. This investigation provides crucial insights into optimizing HCCI engines for biogas utilization, emphasizing injector location, fuel composition, and operating parameters to enhance performance and reduce environmental impact.

Unleashing the electrochemical performance of zirconia nanoparticles on valve-regulated lead acid battery.

The electrochemical act of valve-regulated lead acid batteries can be enhanced by conductive materials like metal oxides. This work aims to examine the preparation and influence of zirconia on poly(vinyl alcohol) based gel valve-regulated lead acid battery. Characterizations like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ionic conductivity, water retention study, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques were done. The optimized gel system exhibited a discharge capacity of 198.45 µAh cm-2 at the current density of 0.6 mA cm-2. The battery cell with an optimized gel matrix displayed a maximum discharge capacity of 22.5 µAh at a current of 20 µA. After 500 continuous cycles, the battery attained a discharge capacity retention of 91 %. The presence of zirconia will increase the electrochemical performance of gel valve-regulated lead acid batteries.

Advances in identifying and managing emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems: Analytical approaches, toxicity assessment, transformation pathways, environmental fate, and remediation strategies.

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly recognized as threats to human health and ecosystems. This review evaluates advanced analytical methods, particularly mass spectrometry, for detecting ECs and understanding their toxicity, transformation pathways, and environmental distribution. Our findings underscore the reliability of current techniques and the potential of upcoming methods. The adverse effects of ECs on aquatic life necessitate both in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. Evaluating the distribution and degradation of ECs reveals that they undergo physical, chemical, and biological transformations. Remediation strategies such as advanced oxidation, adsorption, and membrane bioreactors effectively treat EC-contaminated waters, with combinations of these techniques showing the highest efficacy. To minimize the impact of ECs, a proactive approach involving monitoring, regulations, and public education is vital. Future research should prioritize the refining of detection methods and formulation of robust policies for EC management.

A comprehensive analysis of the emerging modern trends in research on photovoltaic systems and desalination in the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems, desalination technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Machine Learning (ML) has introduced a new era of remarkable research and innovation. This review article thoroughly examines the recent advancements in the field, focusing on the interplay between PV systems and water desalination within the framework of AI and ML applications, along with it analyses current research to identify significant patterns, obstacles, and prospects in this interdisciplinary field. Furthermore, review examines the incorporation of AI and ML methods in improving the performance of PV systems. This includes raising their efficiency, implementing predictive maintenance strategies, and enabling real-time monitoring. It also explores the transformative influence of intelligent algorithms on desalination techniques, specifically addressing concerns pertaining to energy usage, scalability, and environmental sustainability. This article provides a thorough analysis of the current literature, identifying areas where research is lacking and suggesting potential future avenues for investigation. These advancements have resulted in increased efficiency, decreased expenses, and improved sustainability of PV system. By utilizing artificial intelligence technologies, freshwater productivity can increase by 10 % and efficiency. This review offers significant and informative perspectives for researchers, engineers, and policymakers involved in renewable energy and water technology. It sheds light on the latest advancements in photovoltaic systems and desalination, which are facilitated by AI and ML. The review aims to guide towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Mechanical and Wear Studies of Boron Nitride-Reinforced Polymer Composites Developed via 3D Printing Technology.

In the realm of 3D printing, polymers serve as fundamental materials offering versatility to cater to a diverse array of final product properties and tailored to the specific needs of the creator. Polymers, as the building blocks of 3D printing, inherently possess certain mechanical and wear properties that may fall short of ideal. To address this limitation, the practice of reinforcing polymer matrices with suitable materials has become a common approach. One such reinforcement material is boron nitride (BN), lauded for its remarkable mechanical attributes. The integration of BN as a reinforcing element has yielded substantial enhancements in the properties of polylactic acid (PLA). The central objective of this research endeavor is the development of polymer composites based on PLA and fortified with boron nitride. This study undertakes the comprehensive exploration of the compatibility and synergy between BN and PLA with a keen focus on examining their resultant properties. To facilitate this, various percentages of boron nitride were incorporated into the PLA matrix, specifically at 5% and 10% by weight. The compounding process involved the blending of PLA and boron nitride followed by the creation of composite filaments measuring 1.75 mm in diameter and optimized for 3D printing. Subsequently, test specimens were meticulously fabricated in adherence with ASTM standards to evaluate the ultimate tensile strength, dimensional accuracy, wear characteristics, and surface roughness. The findings from these assessments were systematically compared to the wear properties and mechanical behavior of PLA composites reinforced with boron nitride and the unreinforced PLA material. This study serves as a foundational resource that offers insights into the feasibility and methodologies of incorporating boron nitride into PLA matrices, paving the way for enhanced polymer composite development.

Effect of Short Glass Fiber Addition on Flexural and Impact Behavior of 3D Printed Polymer Composites.

Fused deposition modeling (FDM), one of the most widely used additive manufacturing (AM) processes, is used for fabrication of 3D models from computer-aided design data using various materials for a wide scope of applications. The principle of FDM or, in general, AM plays an important role in minimizing the ill effects of manufacturing on the environment. Among the various available reinforcements, short glass fiber (SGF), one of the strong reinforcement materials available, is used as a reinforcement in the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix. At the outset, very limited research has been carried out till date in the analysis of the impact and flexural strength of the SGF-reinforced ABS polymer composite developed by the FDM process. In this regard, the present research investigates the impact and flexural strength of SGF-ABS polymer composites by the addition of 15 and 30 wt % SGF to ABS. The tests were conducted as per ASTM standards. Increments in flexural and impact properties were observed with the addition of SGF to ABS. The increment of 42% in impact strength was noted for the addition of 15 wt % SGF and 54% increase with the addition of 30 wt % SGF. On similar lines, flexural properties also showed improved values of 44 and 59% for the addition of 15 and 30 wt % SGF to ABS. SGF addition greatly enhanced the properties of flexural and impact strength and has paved the path for the exploration of varied values of reinforcement into the matrix.

Advancements in algal membrane bioreactors: Overcoming obstacles and harnessing potential for eliminating hazardous pollutants from wastewater.

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of algal-based membrane bioreactors (AMBRs) and their potential for removing hazardous and toxic contaminants from wastewater. Through an identification of contaminant types and sources, as well as an explanation of AMBR operating principles, this study sheds light on the promising capabilities of AMBRs in eliminating pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, while generating valuable biomass and energy. However, challenges and limitations, such as the need for process optimization and the risk of algal-bacterial imbalance, have been identified. To overcome these obstacles, strategies like mixed cultures and bioaugmentation techniques have been proposed. Furthermore, this study explores the wider applications of AMBRs beyond wastewater treatment, including the production of value-added products and the removal of emerging contaminants. The findings underscore the significance of factors such as appropriate algal-bacterial consortia selection, hydraulic and organic loading rate optimization, and environmental factor control for the success of AMBRs. A comprehensive understanding of these challenges and opportunities can pave the way for more efficient and effective wastewater treatment processes, which are crucial for safeguarding public health and the environment.

Mechanical alloying of Mg0.8-XTi0.2 and study the effect of adding (x = 0.2 wt%) transition metal like Sc, Zr, or Nb on their phase transitions, activation energy, and hydrogen storage properties.

Till now Mg-based alloys have attracted much attention due to the high storage capacity of hydrogen. An effort was made to evaluate the apparent activation energy and electrochemical behavior of transition metals such as scandium (Sc), zirconium (Zr), and niobium (Nb) alloyed with Mg-Ti. Mg0.8Ti0.2, Mg0.6Ti0.2Sc0.2, Mg0.6Ti0.2Zr0.2, and Mg0.6Ti0.2Nb0.2 alloy powders were synthesized using high-energy ball milling. Ballmilled powders were subjected to structural and morphological characterization using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy respectively. A strong shift in the inter-planar spacing value of milled powders confirmed supersaturated solid solution of Ti and transition metals in Mg. The inter-planar spacing values before and after milling are found to be 0.24 and 0.21 nm, respectively. Mg0.8Ti0.2, Mg0.6Ti0.2Sc0.2, and Mg0.6Ti0.2Zr0.2 alloy powders result in the FCC phase while Mg0.6Ti0.2Nb0.2 powders result in BCC phase, however, the entire powders have an amorphous background. SEM-EDS analysis of the milled powders confirmed the presence of Mg, Ti, Sc, Zr, and Nb elements with a small amount of oxygen. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern of Mg0.8Ti0.2 alloy powders exhibits a nanocrystalline nature owing to their polycrystalline ring pattern. Exothermic peak broadening increases after the substitution of Nb and Zr in Mg0.8Ti0.2 alloy powder, which exhibits a lower activation energy (188 kJ mol-1) than others. In cyclic voltammetry, a drenched cathodic peak is observed for Mg0.8Ti0.2 at a potential around -0.83 V. In electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the charge transfer resistance of Mg0.6Ti0.2Sc0.2 is lower than that of Mg0.6Ti0.2Zr0.2 and Mg0.6Ti0.2Nb0.2 alloy but higher than Mg0.8Ti0.2 electrode materials, and charge-discharge studies were done on the developed electrode materials. It shows that Mg0.8Ti0.2 electrode material delivers a maximum discharge capacity of 535 mA h g-1.

Effect of silicon carbide on kerf convergence and irregularity of the surface during abrasive water jet machining of fiber-metal hybrid composites.

The traditional way to machine hybrid composites is hard because they tend to break, have a high retraction, have a high service temperature, and have an uneven surface irregularity. For high-strength fiber/metal composite constructions, alternative machining methods have drawn interest as a solution to these problems. Current research focuses on enhancing the Abrasive Water Jet Machining process by optimizing its variables using a composite material of epoxy reinforced with silicon carbide, stainless steel wire mesh, and Kevlar. The variables assessed are the Nozzle-to-substrate gap (S), the Abrasive discharge molding and different percentages of silicon carbide (SiC) filler (0%, 3%, and 6% by weight), three different types of hybrid laminates (H1, H2, and H3) were produced. The response surface method (RSM) was utilized in this learning, specifically on a central composite design, to calculate and optimize machining variables based on the Kerf convergence ratio (Kt) and Surface irregularity (Ra) as responses. According to the results, the traverse feed velocity, Abrasive discharge proportion, and Nozzle-to-substrate gap are the critical factors in determining Surface irregularity and Kerf convergence width (H1 laminate) for a fiber/metal laminate with 0%, 3% and 6% weight fraction. In the case of a 3% weight fraction H2 laminate, the traverse feed velocity was identified as the primary factor affecting the Kerf convergence ratio. In contrast, traverse feed velocity and Nozzle-to-substrate gap had the most significant influence on Surface irregularity. The findings also indicated that S, followed by Abrasive discharge proportion and traverse feed velocity, are the variables that have the most significant influence when cutting 6 wt% SiC filler particle fiber/metal laminate (H3 laminate). For Surface irregularity, the combination of traverse feed velocity and Nozzle-to-substrate gap had the most significant impact. To validate the optimization results, confirmatory tests was conducted, and the findings were very similar to the experimental values, indicating the accuracy and effectiveness of the optimization process. To better understand the manufacturing processes, a scanning electron microscope was used to examine the morphological features of the machined surfaces, such as delamination, fibre breakage, and fibre pull-out.

Utilization of additives in biodiesel blends for improving the diesel engine performance and minimizing emissions through a modified Taguchi approach.

Biodiesel from Jatropha oil is produced through catalyzed homogeneous transesterification. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is considered as additive. Blends of Jatropha considered in the present study are 60% diesel, (40-A)% biodiesel and A% additive, varying A from 0 to 10. Identifying optimal input variables (such as additive volume percentage, injection pressure, and load) is important for improving the engine performance and reducing emissions. Air-fuel ratio; brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC); and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) are the engine performance characteristics. Carbon monoxide (CO); carbon dioxide (CO2); exhaust gas temperature (EGT); nitrogen oxide (NOx); and smoke opacity are the emission characteristics. 27 experiments need to be performed for the assigned 3 levels and 3 input variables. The Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array (OA) is chosen to perform only 9 experiments to obtain the optimal solution. The expected range of performance characteristics and emissions was obtained following a modified Taguchi approach. Empirical relationships are developed and verified through engine performance and emission characteristics.

Effect of Strain Rate and Temperature on Tensile and Fracture Performance of AA2050-T84 Alloy.

AA2050-T84 alloy is widely used in primary structures of modern transport aircraft. AA2050-T84 is established as a low-density aluminum alloy with improved Young's modulus, less anisotropy, and temperature-dependent mechanical properties. During flights, loading rate and temperature variation in aircraft engine subsequent parts are commonly observed. The present work focuses on the effect of loading rate and temperature on tensile and fracture properties of the 50 mm thick (2-inch) AA2050-T84 alloy plate. Quasi-static strain rates of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 s-1 at -20 °C, 24 °C and 200 °C are considered. Tensile test results revealed the sensitivity of mechanical properties towards strain rate variations for considered temperatures. The key tensile properties, yield, and ultimate tensile stresses were positive strain rate dependent. However, Young's modulus and elongation showed negative strain rate dependency. Experimental fracture toughness tests exhibited the lower Plane Strain Fracture Toughness (KIC) at -20 °C compared to 24 °C. Elastic numerical fracture analysis revealed that the crack driving and constraint parameters are positive strain rate dependent and maximum at -20 °C, if plotted and analyzed over the stress ratio. The current results concerning strain rates and temperatures will help in understanding the performance-related issues of AA2050-T84 alloy reported in aircraft applications.

Optimization of Alkaline Activator on the Strength Properties of Geopolymer Concrete.

This study investigates the effects of red mud on the performance of geopolymer concrete in regard to fresh and mechanical properties. Red mud was used as a binder, and GGBS replaced the binder. Different proportions of red mud ranging from 0 to 30% with an interval of 2% and activator agents such as KOH and K2SiO3 for various alkaline-to-binder ratios such as 0.30, 0.40, and 0.50 were used; their effect on the fresh and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete were the focusing parameter on the current study. Fresh properties such as setting time, slump, compaction factor, and vee-bee consistometer test, and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact energy were studied. ANOVA and radar plot analysis were studied for various alkaline to binder (A/B) compressive strength results tested for 7 to 90 days. The increase of red mud quantity caused the decline of workability, but there was continuous enhancement of mechanical properties of GPC up to a specific limit. An alkaline-to-binder ratio of 0.4 shows excellent results compared with other ratios at ambient conditions for strength properties. ANOVA and radar plot reveal that A/B of 0.40 for 90 days shows excellent results compared with other ratios, and CS values vary in a linear manner.

Review on the Relationship between Nano Modifications of Geopolymer Concrete and Their Structural Characteristics.

The main objective of this review is to study some important nanomaterials and their impact on the performance of geopolymer concrete. This paper is an investigation into trends and technology in the development of different nanomaterials to develop higher structural performance geopolymer concrete. The effect of the alkaline to binder and sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio on the performances of geopolymer performances is studied. The relationship between setting time and slump is evaluated through the ternary plot, the variation in compressive strength values is evaluated using the kernel density plot, and the relationship between split tensile and flexural strength is investigated using the scattering interval plot. Regression analysis is carried out among water absorption and bulk-density result values obtained from previous literature. As the molarity and alkaline to binder (A/B) ratios increase, the strength development of geopolymer concrete increases up to a specific limit. The addition of a small quantity of nanomaterials, namely, nano silica, nano alumina, carbon nano tubes, and nano clay, led to the maximum strength development of geopolymer concrete. Incorporating these nanomaterials into the geopolymer significantly refines the structural stability, improving its durability. The various products in GP composites emerging from the incorporation of highly reactive SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis of nanomaterials reveal that the presence of nanomaterials, which enhances the rate of polymerization, leads to better performance of the geopolymer.

Assessment of Destructive and Nondestructive Analysis for GGBS Based Geopolymer Concrete and Its Statistical Analysis.

Geopolymer is the alternative to current construction material trends. In this paper, an attempt is made to produce a sustainable construction composite material using geopolymer. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)-based geopolymer concrete was prepared and tested for different alkaline to binder ratios (A/B). The effect of various temperatures on compressive strength properties was assessed. The cubes were exposed to temperature ranging from 50 to 70 °C for a duration ranging from 2 to 10 h, and the compressive strength of the specimens was analyzed for destructive and non-destructive analysis and tested for 7, 28, and 90 days. The obtained compressive strength (CS) results were analyzed employing the probability plot (PP) curve, distribution overview curve (DOC), probability density function (PDF), Weibull, survival, and hazard function curve. Maximum compressive strength was achieved for the temperature of 70 °C and an A/B of 0.45 for destructive tests and non-destructive tests with 44.6 MPa and 43.56 MPa, respectively, on 90 days of testing. The survival and hazard function curves showed incremental distribution characteristics for 28 and 90 days of testing results with a probability factor ranging from 0.8 to 1.0.

Nanobacterial Cellulose Production and Its Antibacterial Activity in Biodegradable Poly(vinyl alcohol) Membranes for Food Packaging Applications.

Nanobacterial cellulose (NBC) was produced and incorporated into biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in different weight ratios to obtain polymer nanocomposite membranes. The physicochemical properties of the membranes were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a universal testing machine (UTM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) techniques, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). FTIR confirmed the consolidation of NBC into PVA by exhibiting significant changes in the peaks compared to NBC and PVA individually. The highest tensile strength of 53.33 MPa and 235.30% elongation at break of the membrane M-10 mass % NBC was obtained, illuminating that NBC provides stiffness and PVA imparts elasticity. WAXD revealed that the crystalline nature of the membrane increases up to 10 mass % and decreases beyond it. The effect of NBC on the poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes for food packaging was investigated systematically. Among all the membranes, M-10 mass % NBC was found to be the most suitable for packaging applications. Membranes had antimicrobial activity against food microbes and showed degradability behavior in the soil. The tests on membranes for packaging revealed that fruits were protected from spoilage caused by microorganisms. Hence, the prepared membranes could be used as an alternative to conventional plastics for packaging applications.