It is known that ethylene plays an important role in the quality characteristics of fruits, especially in storage. To avoid the deterioration of fruits caused by ethylene, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been used due to its photocatalytic capacity. The aim of this study was to develop films based on two types of biopolymers, Mater-Bi (MB) and poly-lactic acid (PLA), with nanoparticles of TiO2 and to determine their ethylene removal capacity and its application in bananas. First, the films were fabricated through an extrusion process with two different concentrations of TiO2 (5 and 10% w/w). Then, the films were characterized by their structural (FTIR), morphological (SEM), thermal (DSC and TGA), dynamic (DMA), barrier, and mechanical properties. The ethylene removal capacities of the samples were determined via gas chromatography and an in vivo study was also conducted with bananas for 10 days of storage. Regarding the characterization of the films, it was possible to determine that there was a higher interaction between PLA with nano-TiO2 than MB; moreover, TiO2 does not agglomerate and has a larger contact surface in PLA films. Because of this, a higher ethylene removal was also shown by PLA, especially with 5% TiO2. The in vivo study also showed that the 5% TiO2 films maintained their quality characteristics during the days in storage. For these reasons, it is possible to conclude that the films have the capacity to remove ethylene. Therefore, the development of TiO2 films is an excellent alternative for the preservation of fresh fruits.
Carbonfasern zurückgewinnen
(2023)
Faserverbundkunststoffe mit Duromermatrix lassen sich bisher nur unzureichend recyceln. Die starke Vernetzung der Duromere steht dem im Wege. Durch eine spezielle organisch-chemische Spaltungsreaktion können Carbonfasern nun jedoch aus Epoxidharz-basierten Faserverbundkunststoffen zurückgewonnen werden.
Abstract In initial experiments the effects of aromatic model substances on carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions in dimethylformamide (DMF) were investigated. Electron‐deficient aromatics interact strongly with CNTs, causing increased agglomeration and sedimentation. Conversely, electron‐donating aromatics stabilize CNT dispersions in DMF. Polymers with electron‐deficient aromatics, such as polyd initrostyrene (PDNS), exhibit a concentration‐dependent effect: low concentrations lead to stabilization of dispersions, while higher concentrations lead to sedimentation. This suggests that such polymers can enhance attraction between the matrix of CNT‐reinforced polymers as well as stabilize the dispersed CNTs. Polycarbonate, modified with polydinitrocarbonate (PDNC) and reinforced with CNTs showed improved mechanical properties. The addition of 6 wt.% CNTs and 6 wt.% PDNC resulted in a notable improvement with a 22% increase in tensile strength, a 29% increase in flexural strength, a 39% increase in Young's modulus and a 47% increase in flexural modulus. This enhancement resulted in an overall mechanical performance comparable to the high‐performance polymer polyetherimide. However, there must be noted, that the addition of PDNC increases the CNT particle size, which can negatively affect mechanical properties. The results highlight the additive's dual role in enhancing adhesive interactions while potentially increasing CNT agglomerate sizes.Highlights
Interactions of CNTs dispersed in DMF and various aromatics were investigated.
Polydinitrocarbonate (PDNC) was synthesized as a new additive for CNT‐composites.
Polycarbonate/CNT‐composites were obtained using extrusion.
Test specimens with CNT contents up to 6 wt.% were obtained.
Mechanical properties of polycarbonate reached the level of polyetherimide.
The use of recycled carbon fibers (rCFs) in cement composites is beneficial regarding strength improvements and environmental aspects. In this paper, we present the addition of carbon fibers recovered from reinforced epoxides using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to cement-based composites. Two degrees of depolymerization were investigated regarding the physiochemical properties of the fibers and the interfacial interactions. Although regained CFs exhibited a smaller amount of oxygen-containing groups on the surface than virgin CF (vCF), they exhibit better adhesion and pullout resistance, as proved in single-fiber pullout tests from a cementitious matrix. The subsequent incorporation of recovered CFs into cement-based composites resulted in a pronounced increase in flexural and compressive strengths compared with the plain matrices and the cement reinforced with virgin CFs. Furthermore, the rCFs with a higher degree of depolymer-ization showed a better interfacial interaction toward cement matrices and hence also a better reinforcing effect.
AbstractThe increased use of carbon fiber reinforced thermosets generates more waste and end‐of‐life products. However, an efficient recycling method for the expensive carbon fibers has not yet been developed. The selective decomposition of amine‐cured epoxy resin under mild conditions is presented. A two‐step method was investigated to decompose the epoxy resin. The optimum parameters were initially determined using a model compound. By analysis of the reaction products, a cleavage of the C–N bond according to the Cope elimination could be proven. Therefore, the Cope elimination is suggested as the main step of the decomposition of amine‐cured epoxy resins in presence of hydrogen peroxide. By dissolving the resin, it is possible to recover resin‐free fibers with unimpaired mechanical properties.