Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Chemical Technology in 2022"

Investigation of structural and optical characteristics of CuO nanoparticles calcinated at various temperatures

Abstract: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO) have been synthesized by utilizing a precipitation approach with copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2.3H2O) as a precursor and sodium hydroxide as a stabilizing agent at different calcination temperatures i.e. 400, 600, and 800°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were used to look at the sample’s different characteristics. The XRD analysis show that copper oxide nanoparticles have a monoclinic structure with crystallite sizes increasing with increasing calcination temperature up to 600°C, then decreased at 800°C. Also, with increasing temperature, XRD peaks were observed to become sharper, indicating better crystallinity of the samples. FE-SEM image show that synthesized CuO exhibit a flake-like structure, but on calcination it attained a regular particle like structure. The band gap of the material increased as the crystallite size of the material decreased. Photoluminescence intensity was observed to increase with temperature up-to 600C and then decreased at 800C. The temperature at which copper oxide nanoparticles were calcined demonstrated to have a considerable impact on their structural and optical properties. The synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles may be employed in the field of electronics in making transistors, heterojunctions, diodes etc. in optoelectronics devices like solar cells, light emitting diodes and in environmental protection for developing gas sensors.

Anti-tuberculosis potential of bruceine: An in silico approach

Abstract: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacterial enzyme pantothenate synthetase (PS) catalyzes the synthesis of pantothenate, a precursor of coenzyme A. Hence, targeting PS is a potential mechanism in the development of anti-tuberculosis drugs. Bruceine, a highly oxygenated natural quassinoid molecule, is isolated from plants of the Simaroubaceae family. The anti-tuberculosis potential of eleven bruceine (A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K and L) has been investigated by in silico approach. The molecular docking (AutodockVina) and drug-likeness (Lipinski’s rule of five) analyses identified bruceine D as a potential inhibitor. Further, it has shown six hydrogen bond interactions with the key amino acids residues of the target protein, Tyr82, His135, Lys160 and Asp161. The ring-A and -D has contributed two hydrogen bonds, while one each from ring-C and -E. The results reveal that bruceine D possesses druglikeness property and binding energy of -9.3 kcal/mol. The binding score similar to pantoyl adenylate suggests chemical modifications to enhance the protein inhibition potency. Bruceine D has a great potential to inhibit PS and could contribute to the tuberculosis drug discovery process.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/ Montmorillonite nanocomposites using surfactants modified clay

Abstract: Nanocomposites of Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and surfactant modified Maghnite clay have been successfully synthesized by in situ polymerization of EDOT monomer in the interlayer space of the organoclay. The synthesis has been assisted by ultrasonic method to improve the dispersion of PEDOT polymer between the Maghnite clay sheets. The surfactant modified clay is synthesized via cation exchange method with Hydrogenure Tetrabutylammonuim (TBAHS) and cetyltrimethylammonium (CTAB). Two types of organo-modified clays are obtained namely the Mag-TBA and Mag-CTA according to the template used. Various physico-chemical techniques are used for nanocomposites characterization such as XRD, FTIR, AFM, TGA/DTA, SEM and TEM. The results prove the formation of intercalated / exfoliated upon increasing the content of organoclay in the nanocomposites , consequently, different morphologies and structures in which the exfoliated and intercalated forms were obtained. Both nanocomposites display significant enhancement in the thermal stabilities compared to the PEDOT polymer. However, a decrease in conductivity values is observed for all samples compared to pure conducting polymer. This feature can be improved in view of desired application in electrochemical devices.

Study on oxidative stability of deep fat fried food in Canola oil blended with medium chain triglyceride

Abstract: In the present study potatoslices are deep fried in Canola oil blended with medium chain triglycerides. The oxidative stability of deep-fried Potato slices is evaluated during their storage in dark. The potato slices were deep fried for 5 min in hot oil blend of Canola Oil and MCT at the ratio of 90:10, 70:30, 50:50 and 40:60. The fried potato Slices were stored in a glass container at room temperature in a dark place. The deep-fried potato slices were stored for 20 days in dark. The oxidative stability was evaluated by estimation of peroxide value and formation of free fatty acid. The study revealed that the peroxide value was less for following two blends i.e., 50:50 and 40:60 of Canola oil and MCT and the peroxide value showed increased value for 90:10 and 70:30 blend of Canola oil: MCT. The left-over oil after frying was also evaluated for its quality by checking percentage of free fatty acids formed in it. The quality of oil containing less MCT degraded quickly as compared to blend containing high MCT.

Cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of di-2-pyridyl ketone-4- methoxybenzhydrazone: Preparation and characterization

Abstract: A new aroylhydrazone ligand, di-2-pyridyl ketone-4-methoxybenzhydrazone (DKMBH∙H2O) and its three complexes with cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II), labelled Co(DKMB)Cl (1), Cu(DKMB)Cl (2), and Zn(DKMB)Cl (3) have been prepared and structurally studied. The spectroscopic techniques like IR, UV-Vis, MS, and 1H NMR, as well as CHN analysis and thermal analysis, have been used to physico-chemically characterize the synthesized compounds. The IR and 1H NMR analyses have made clear that the aroylhydrazone remains in the amido form in the solid state. The IR spectral measurements further support the tridentate character of the NNO donor aroylhydrazone. In all complexes, pyridine nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen, and iminolate oxygen of the tridentate aroylhydrazone are involved to coordinate to the metal centre.

Synergistic corrosion inhibitor of carbon steel by dihydroxy benzyl phosphonic acid -Zn2+ system in O.5 M H2SO4: Experimental and theoretical studies

Abstract: The synergistic effect of dihydroxy benzyl phosphonic acid (DAP) and zinc sulfate ZnSO4 (Zn2+) system in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution on carbon steel X48 has been evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and quantum methods (DFT). The combination of DPA and Zn2+ has been demonstrated to have remarkable inhibitory efficiency (96%). DPA/Zn2+ formulation operate as a mixed inhibitor, inhibiting both the anodic and cathodic reactions to the same amount, according to polarization studies. The diameter of the semicircles increases with the addition of DPA/Zn2+ formulation. Furthermore, the double layer capacitance Cdl decreases and Rt values increase with this combination of DPA and Zn2+, confirming the significant adsorption on the surface steel. The adsorption isotherm of Langmuir is approached by the adsorption on the metal surface. The nature of the protective coating is also determined using surface characterization techniques (FTIR and SEM). The molecular orbital (HOMO and LUMO) energies, energy gap (ΔEgap), dipole moment (μ), global hardness (η), global softness (σ), electrophilicity index (ω), absolute electronegativity (χ) and the fraction of transferred electrons (ΔN) have been determined as supporting evidence.

Biorelevant dissolution studies of platelet aggregation inhibitor: Ticagrelor hydrochloride and its co-crystal with sodium salt of Aspirin

Abstract: The comparative dissolution characteristics of poorly soluble platelet aggregation inhibitor Ticagrelor hydrochloride and its co-crystal with sodium salt of Aspirin in biorelevant media have been demonstrated. The API and co-crystal both are subjected to simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and fasted intestinal fluid without micelle forming components (blank FASSIF). The release of API is online monitored through reverse phase liquid chromatography. Prior to online monitoring, the chromatographic method is statistically validated in accordance with ICH guidelines. Chromatographic data reveals that the overall release of Ticagrelor after 3 h is about 6μg/mL higher in co-crystal (24.5μg/mL) compared to unaccompanied API (18.6μg/mL) in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Whereas in fasted intestinal fluid without micelle forming components (blank FASSIF) more than threefold high release of API is observed in co-crystal (12.14μg/mL) compared to API (4.22μg/mL) in free form. Results clearly indicate the improved solubility in the lower regions of the gastrointestinal tract and better absorption of drug. This type of co-crystal would also allow the simultaneous dosing in suitable formulation.

Synthesis and characterization of graphene nanosheets for electrochemical quantification of chlorpheniramine maleate drugs using a modified glassy carbon electrode

Abstract: The development of innovative sensors for the detection of analytes at extremely low concentrations with great sensitivity and selectivity has been a major focus of this study. The electrochemical activity of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPRM) in the presence of a graphene modified GCE has been investigated. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) have been obtained in the linear dynamic range 3.5- 156 μM while the optimum pH range and the maximum peak current (IPa) have been measured at pH 7.3. The process on the electrode's surface, diffusion regulated, heterogeneous rate constant, charge transfer coefficient, and the number of electrons transferred among the physicochemical properties have been obtained. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) of CPRM at the modified has electrode revealed a good linear calibration curve with a linear range of 10 to 60 μM and limit of detection of 0.062 μM. The suggested sensor has been fabricated and utilized to determine CPRM in medicines as well as serum samples.

Investigations of the optical and electrical properties of carbon quantum dots doped conducting polymers for organic solar cell applications

Abstract: Polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy), and polythiophene (PTh) have much more attention in energy applications owing to their optical and electrical properties. To overcome the problems associated with these polymers, the Up-Conversion Carbon Quantum Dot (UC-CQD) based materials are employed. That has more desirable features, like hydrophilicity, low toxicity, and high water solubility. The UC-CQD in the electrochemical field is creating great attention to photoluminescent behaviors and low specific capacitance. When UC-CQD is combined with the conducting polymers, the optical properties are enhanced with the help of energy transfer processes. By the advantage of electropolymerization technique, the solubility problems are tackled, because the monomer has coated on the substrate. Herein, the preparation and characterization of the UC-CQD doped, PPy, and PTh films have been reported and their optical and electrical properties are investigated. The band gap of PPy and PPy-CQD is analysed from Tauc plot and calculated to be 2.54 and 1.69 eV respectively. The 50% and 60% mass loss were observed in thermogravimetric analysis for PPy and PPy-CQD respectively. These materials can be used for organic solar cell applications in near future.

Theoretical determination of corrosion inhibitor activities of 4-allyl-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol-thione tautomerism

Abstract: Using the density functional method B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) calculations, the inhibitor activity of 4-allyl-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol tautomerism against corrosion of neutral copper surfaces has been investigated. Among the inhibitors tested, the 4-allyl-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol inhibitor has the inhibition performance for both forms (thiol and thione). Quantum chemical parameters that are correlated to the inhibition efficiency including highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, (LUMO), energy bandgap (ΔE), electronegativity (χ), Hardness (ɳ), softness (σ), dipole moment (μ), the fraction of the electrons transferred (ΔE), and Total energy (TE) has been calculated. In addition, the adsorption of inhibitors on the neutral copper surface reveals that nitrogen adsorption is preferred over sulfur adsorption. The results show that the thione form has the highest inhibitor compared to the thiol form.

Manufacturing of chitosan based drug release systems from tamarind shells for long-term and effective methylprednisolone sodium succinate release

Abstract: In this study a microparticular drug delivery system containing tamarind shell and chitosan has been developed to realize the controlled release of methylprednisolone sodium succinate an important corticosteroid. Drug-loaded tamarind shells are coated with chitosan for a pH-controlled release. The release kinetics of the system have been examined in detail at three different pH ranges (3, 5 and 7.4). In our pH sensitive release systems a slow release up to 39.02%±0.81 at pH=7.4 at 72 hours. But we see that there is a faster release at 70.58±1.73% at pH=5 and 96.68±1.70% at pH=3 in 72 hours. Rapid release in acidic media depends on the solubility of the chitosan structure in acidic environments. It is believed that the pH sensitive carrier system obtained within the scope of the study will have a high potential for use in many biomedical application areas (wound surface application, etc.).

Preparation and characterization of hybrid nanofibrous polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Abstract: This paper endeavours towards the scientific study of infusion of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into biodegradable polymer scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Highly biocompatible Ag NPs have been synthesized using chitosan as stabilizing and reducing agent. The synthesized Ag NPs have been uniformly suspended in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) solution and nanofibrous mat like scaffolds have been fabricated using electrospinning process. The proposed process of infusing Ag NPs in PVA/SA medium resulted in nanofibers of smaller diameter and reduced pore size resulted in high surface area which is due to electrostatic charge interaction of Ag NPs during electrospinning. Thus, the improved surface area has facilitated better growth of extracellular matrix (ECM) compared to traditional coating method. The effect of coating nanoparticles on prepared polymeric scaffolds proves less than infusion of nanoparticles prior to electrospinning.

A new Ca(II) coordination polymer: Structural characterization and treatment activity on childhood asthma

Abstract: In the present study, a 3D coordination polymer with the chemical composition of[(CH3)2NH2][Ca(tcpbH)(H2O)] (1) has been solvothermally obtained from a rigid tetracarboxylic acid ligand tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H4tcpb) and alkaline-earth ion CaII. Complex 1 has been well studied via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis (EA), TG analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Its application values on the childhood asthma were determined and the internal principle has been discussed simultaneously. Firstly, the ELISA is utilized to measure the content of inflammatory cytokines released into the Broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after compound treatment. In addition to this, the real time RT-PCR was conducted to measure the relative expression levels of NF-κB signaling pathway in the alveolar epithelial cells.

Effect of Yupingfeng granule assisted fluticasone propionate nasal spray on patients with AR and its regulation on IL-5, ICAM-1 and ECP

Abstract: The present investigation deals with the effect and mechanism of Yupingfeng granule assisted Fluticasone propionate nasal spray in the treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Total of 140 patients with AR treated in Yulin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2019 to July 2020 have been selected for clinical trial. The patients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group were treated with Yupingfeng granule plus Fluticasone propionate nasal spray, while those in routine group are treated with Fluticasone propionate nasal spray. The remaining basic treatment in the two groups remained the same, with 60 patients in each group. Symptom, sign score, TCM syndrome score, quality of life score, interleukin-5 (IL-5), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in peripheral blood and clinical treatment effect have been compared between two groups before and after treatment. Before treatment, there is no significant difference in the scores of symptoms, signs and total scores between the two groups; after treatment, these were lower than those of the routine group. There is no significant difference in the scores of TCM symptoms between the two groups (P> 0.05) before treatment, while after treatment; these are lower than those of the routine group. The levels of IL-5, ICAM-1 and ECP in the peripheral blood of the patients in the two groups have been compared, and there is no significant difference between the two groups before treatment while after treatment, the levels of IL-5 and ECP in the peripheral blood of the patients in TCM group were lower than those in the routine group, and the difference had statistical significance. Yupingfeng granule assisted Fluticasone oropionate nasal spray can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with AR, improve the quality of life, regulate the levels of IL-5 and ECP in peripheral blood and improve the clinical effect.

Cavitation based pretreatment of biomass for intensification of biogas production

Abstract: Biogas, a clean and renewable form of energy, could very well substitute for conventional sources of energy (fossil fuels, oil, etc.) which are causing environmental problems. The present work investigates the application of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) for the pretreatment of biomass with the objective of enhancing biogas production. Effect of different parameters viz.rice straw to water ratio (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%), operating pressure (1-3 bar), and also treatment time (10-30 min) have been investigated using an orifice plate as a cavitating device. The water displacement method is used for the analysis of the quantity of biogas formation. As we increased the biomass ratio is increased from 0.5 to 3% with the same treatment time 15 min biogas yield also increased from 52 to 345 mL respectively. Combining chemical treatment with hydrodynamic cavitation it has been observed that it gives a maximum (470 mL) of biogas yield as compared to HC alone (360 mL) for the same biomass ratio of 4%. Overall, it has been established that a significant enhancement in the biogas production can be obtained due to the pretreatment using HC which can also be further intensified by combination with chemical treatment.

Effects of patient-controlled analgesia using dexmedetomidine combined with sufentanil on caesarean section and hemodynamics

Abstract: This study evaluates the effects of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) using dexmedetomidine combined with sufentanil on caesarean section and maternal hemodynamics. In this study, a total of 140 eligible puerperal are randomly divided into control and experimental groups (n=70). Control group has received PCA using sufentanil, while experimental group has received PCA using dexmedetomidine plus sufentanil. The analgesic and sedative effects have been evaluated using Bruggemann comfort scale(BCS) score and Ramsay score, respectively. Maternal hemodynamics-related indices heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) have been detected at the end of operation (T0), upon access to analgesic pump (T1), 24 h after access to analgesic pump (T2) and 48h after access to analgesic pump (T3). The incidence rates of postoperative complications were compared. It has been found that at T2 and T3, BCS and Experimental group had significantly higher Ramsay score and lower HR, SBP, DBP and SpO2 than those of control group (P<0.05). The incidence rate of complications in experimental group (5.71%) is found to be significantly lower than that of control group (22.86%) (P<0.05).

Aluminium hydroxide impregnated sawdust adsorbent: An eco-friendly and low-cost strategy for defluoridation of water

Abstract: Environment-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent is necessary for removal of excess fluoride from water to control the spread of fluorosis among people in fluoride-rich area. Plant-based cellulosic materials are the preferred choice for this purpose. In this work, aluminium hydroxide impregnated sawdust (AHSD) adsorbent has been prepared, characterized and applied for defluoridation of water through batch and fixed-bed adsorption. Fluoride adsorption capacity of AHSD in batch adsorption experiment is 4.45 mg/g for the initial fluoride concentration between 5-50 mg/L. At low fluoride concentration, the Freundlich isotherm model fit reasonably well, while at higher fluoride concentration (> 40 mg/L) the Langmuir model show better fitting with the experimental data. The adsorption kinetics follow pseudo second-order kinetic model. In fixedbed column adsorption, 4 g of the adsorbent is capable of bringing down the fluoride concentration from 5 mg/L to < 1.5 mg/L (WHO limit) for 690 mL of contaminated water. Residual aluminium in the treated water was within permissible limit of WHO. The reasonably good adsorption capacity and effectivity in both batch and fixed-bed column adsorption suggests that AHSD is an environment-friendly, cost-effective and promising adsorbent for defluoridation of water.

Designing efficient metal complex catalysts for acylation: A comparative study with soluble and insoluble catalysts systems

Abstract: New soluble and insoluble Nb, Ta, Mo, and Sb complex catalysts have been developed using pyridine and polymersupported cross-linked (poly-4-vinyl pyridine) bead (PSCPVP), and characterized using FT-IR, SEM, EDAX, elemental analysis (CHN), and TGA. Their ability to catalyze the acylation of ethanol with acetic anhydride at 303K has been proven. Both soluble and insoluble chemicals have the same order of activity: MoCl5, TaCl5, NbCl5, and SbCl5. The insoluble catalyst outperformed in terms of activity by complex catalysts, although they have significant limitations in terms of solubility and recyclability and soluble homogeneous catalysts in terms of lowest cost and recyclability, whereas all soluble Py-MCl5 catalysts exhibit better activity than insoluble PSCPVP-MCl5 catalysts according to the computed kobs values. Insoluble catalysts are preferable than soluble homogeneous catalysts in terms of recyclability, although all the soluble catalysts of Py-MCl5, M= Nb, Ta, Mo, and Sb have exhibited better activity than insoluble PSCPVP-MCl5 (kobs= 6.51, 6.98, 7.48 & 1.73 x103 min-1) based on the computed kobs values. For acylation process, it has been found that the soluble Py- NbCl5, Py-TaCl5, Py-MoCl5, and Py-SbCl5 catalysts whereas 1.47, 1.63, 1.59, and 1.67 folds more active than PSCPVPNbCl5, PSCPVP-TaCl5, PSCPVP-MoCl5, and PSCPVP-SbCl5 correspondingly.

Solvothermal synthesis and characterization studies of selenium decorated reduced graphene oxide supported CuSe2 nanoparticles as efficient electrochemical catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract: In the energy conversion system, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the most significant reactions. Pt-based catalysts are commonly used in fuel cells; the replacement with low-cost materials like transition metal oxides is much needed for the wide application of fuel cells. In this paper, the effective synthesis of copper selenide nanoparticles with selenium-reduced graphene oxide has been described. To establish the existence of selenium, graphene, and copper in manufactured samples, X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) has been used. Additionally, fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) has been used to examine the functional groups. The structure and morphology have been studied under the scanning electron microscope. UV has been used to assess the synthetic nanoparticles' optical performance. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) methods have been used to analyze their specific surface area and pore size. Cyclic voltammetry has been used to evaluate the produced nanoparticles' electrochemical performance (CV, LSV).

Corrosion inhibition efficiency of newly synthesized quaternary ammonium salt in 1M HCl

Abstract: The newly synthesized quaternary ammonium salt, 1, 4-Bis (dimethyl decyl) ethylene diammonium bromide has been characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR. It has been examined for its corrosion efficiency by the weight loss method by immersing in a 1M HCl solution. The surface morphology is characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy and it exhibited the variation between corroded surface and inhibited surface of carbon steel.Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also shown the differences in composition of the corroded and surface coated with inhibitor. The efficiency of the inhibitor is investigated by varying the concentration of the inhibitor from 100 to 500 ppm and over a temperature range from 25 to 45C. Inhibitor efficiency is maximum in the concentration range of 500 ppm and found to be 77.75% at 45C. The plot of concentration against surface coverage revealed that, the present system follows Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. Compared to acidic medium, inhibitor excelled its maximum efficiency in the neutral medium.

Synthesis of 4-(benzyloxy)biphenyl under a multi-site phase-transfer catalyst along with ultrasonication – A kinetic study

Abstract: In this present study, the synthesis of 4-(benzyloxy)biphenyl has been successfully carried out using 4-phenylphenol and benzyl chloride in the presence of ultrasonic power (40 kHz, 300W) along with synthesized multi - site phase - transfer catalyst viz., N1,N2-dibenzyl-N1,N1,N2,N2-tetramethylethane-1,2-diaminium dibromide (MPTC). The pseudo first-order kinetic equation has been applied to describe the organic reaction. The various kinetic parameters on the preparation of 4-(benzyloxy)biphenyl has been carried out under ultrasonic frequency condition and synthesized multi - site phase transfer catalyst. Sonication has resulted in better selectivity, high yield, avoids the use of the high temperature, side products and reduces the time consumption. The activation energy (Ea) has been calculated from the experimental results.

Application of response surface methodology for the composition optimization of polycaprolactone based composite membrane

Abstract: Response surface methodology is successfully utilized for the optimization of the composition of Polycaprolactone based nanocomposite membrane. The amount of nanoclay used as the additive and Polyethylene glycol as the pore former is optimized based on the membrane properties porosity and hydrophilicity. The quadratic equations are obtained using the central composite design and the ANOVA results are validated. The values for the coefficient of determination (R-squared), adjusted R-squared, adequate precision and coefficient of variance describe the significance of the model developed for the responses, porosity and contact angle. Eigen value analysis of the Hessian matrix for each response has been carried out and the nature of optimum is found maximum for porosity and minimum for contact angle. Residual plots have been analysed to validate the obtained models and the combined interaction of the variables was analysed using contour plots and surface plots. The independent variables and their levels have been determined using batch studies with one parameter optimization. Also, the optimized composition obtained using one parameter optimization and RSM analysis is compared and the composition optimized using RSM is found to be less with better membrane porosity and contact angle.

Carbon monoxide absorption with iron and alcohol solutions via design expert method

Abstract: In this study, effective parameters on CO absorption using ethyl alcohol and iron solutions [time (15-75 min), temperature (36-40°C), concentration (0-40% v/v, of ethyl alcohol, 0-8%w/v, of iron solution), stirring rate (0-400 rpm)] and interactions of parameters with each other have been examined as the optimization method by using Design Expert method, 4 parameters and 5 levels. Mathematical optimization results are evaluated by finding the optimum points. As a result, the effects of parameters on CO absorption are comparatively investigated. It is observed that the parameters could interact binary and also influence CO absorption (R1). According to ANOVA analysis, the value of the quadratic model (p<0.0001) is found to be less than 0.05 and indicates that the model is meaningful for ethyl alcohol solution. The experimental data of the model is well represented for ethyl alcohol solution (R2=0.9426) and iron solution (R2=0.9384) as can be seen from correlation coefficients. The data are furnished via FT-IR spectra.

Epoxidation of soybean oil by insitu formation of peracid in the presence of zeolites

Abstract: The catalytic epoxidation of soybean oil with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant has been accomplished using HZSM-5-, HYand Hß- zeolite catalysts. The prepared catalysts are characterized by XRD, FTIR, and BET surface area. The catalytic epoxidation of soybean oil is studied as a function of time. The results show that all three catalysts exhibit higher conversion and selectivity of epoxidized soybean oil. Optimized protocol provides 85 %, 83 % and 70.55 %, conversion, selectivity and yield, respectively with HZSM-5 catalyst. The reaction occurs inside the pores of the zeolite framework via insitu formation of performic acid which further catalyzed by acid sites.

Removal of Erythrosine B using Prosopisspicigera L. wood carbon-iron oxide composite

Abstract: The present study investigates the removal of Erythrosine B (EB), a neurotoxin and carcinogenic dye from aqueous system using Prosopisspicigera L. wood (PsLw) carbon-iron oxide composite. The adsorbent is well characterized by Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for surface morphology, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller nitrogen adsorption method (BET)/methylene blue method for surface area determination and potentiometric methods for surface charge (pHzpc) determination. The removal capacity of the adsorbent has been evaluated by batch method under varying pH, contact time, adsorbate initial concentrations, and in the presence of other ions. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity is found to be 487.8 mg/g at pH = 2.0 for an initial concentration of 250 mg/L. The adsorption follows pseudo second order kinetics and fits to Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption is thermodynamically spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Pore diffusion and mass transfer studies are performed. Column mode analysis is applied in the process for industrial applications.

Effects of operating variables in adsorption for azo textile dye from wastewater: Optimization of process parameters by Box-Behnken design of RSM: Isothermal and kinetic studies

Abstract: The removal of dye from azo textile dye using raw wheat bran adsorbent prepared by coating on low-density Polypropylene (PP) particles has been studied by batch experimental studies. The batch adsorption studies have been performed for 36 h. Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM) is utilized to ascertain the impact of initial concentration, adsorbent dose, and pH on the removal of dye. The data obtained from experimental parameters have been analyzed through the fitting of kinetic models such as Pseudo-first order, Pseudo second-order model, Intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich model for dye removal along with correlation or regression coefficient (R2) values. The statistical analyses of the results collected in reaction kinetic modeling portray the superiority of the Pseudo second-order model for both dye removal. In the dye removal, the higher R2 values are seen in case of better suitability of the Pseudo second-order model. The isotherms of adsorption experiments have been performed by employing different adsorption isotherm models such as Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Halsey. It is observed that both isotherms reflect the equilibrium data for dye removal.

Development and property evaluation of alkyd resins from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed oil

Abstract: Watermelon Seed Oil (WSO) has been investigated for its suitability in the development of alkyds. Chemical method is used to extract the oil, and the WSO's physicochemical properties are determined. The alcoholysis-esterification method is used to prepare two grades of alkyds containing 30 percent WSO (alkyd I) and 60 percent WSO(alkyd II).The progress of the reaction is monitored by determining the volume of water of condensation and acid value as the reaction progresses. Film properties of the prepared alkyd are determined. The results of the physicochemical properties of the WSO reveal an iodine value of 119.38 gI2/100g indicating that it is semi-drying oil and can serve as a modifier for alkyd resins production for the paint industry. Alkyd I has a higher acid value, a greater degree of polymerization and extent of the polymerization than alkyd II, according to the results. Alkyd II produce a harder film than that of alkyd I as observed from the scratch hardness test. Also, both alkyd show good flexibility properties and have good impact resistance on the coated panel. The present study, therefore, suggests that WSO can be considered as a modifier for alkyd resins production for the paint industry.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of coupled ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite under visible light for the degradation of Quinalphos in aqueous solution

Abstract: Metal nanocomposite as photocatalyst plays a major role for treating organic and inorganic pollutants present in industrial effluent through photocatalytic process. In this study, the co-precipitation method has been demonstrated in the preparation of ZnO/SnO2nanocomposite. The catalytic behaviour of the ZnO/SnO2 is studied against Quinalphos pesticide under the illumination of direct sunlight at neutral pH. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO/SnO2nanocomposite is examined by loading 2 mg/L of the catalyst in 30 ppm of the Quinalphos solution to achieve 98 % degradation in thirty minutes. The structural and chemical compositional analysis of the prepared ZnO/SnO2nanocomposite has been characterised by X-ray diffraction pattern and FT-IR spectrum respectively. The morphological analysis of ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite is done by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy is used to examine the optical properties of ZnO/SnO2nanocomposite together with the photo degradation process of Quinalphos pesticide. The presence of oxygen vacancies and the fluorescence property of the prepared nanocomposite are detected by fluorimetric analysis. Degradation efficiency is estimated by COD and TOC measurements. Moreover, the stability and quality of the prepared ZnO/SnO2nanocomposite could be separated easily and utilised for multiple cycles with no change in its activity.