Search Results (66)

Heavy and highly viscous oils account for a significant proportion of the world’s hydrocarbon reserves. The development of these reserves in harsh climates is associated with technological risks due to paraffin deposits and equipment corrosion. Ensuring reliable transportation requires operational monitoring of the physical and chemical properties of fluids directly at the wellhead. Traditional laboratory methods such as SARA fractionation and gas chromatography (GC) are time-consuming and can yield to distortions in the sample composition during transportation. Field optical methods, such as an infrared (IR) spectroscopy are complicated by the optical heterogeneity of crude oils due to emulsified water, supramolecular associations of resins, asphaltenes, and paraffins. In this paper, ultrasonic (US) sample preparation for high-viscosity oils is justified as a method for increasing the reliability and information content of field IR spectroscopic analysis by unmasking the diagnostic extrema of absorption bands that are initially distorted by emulsified water, baseline scattering, and radiation scattering from large resin–asphaltene–paraffin aggregates. The technique is based on cavitation-induced destruction of emulsion shells and disaggregation of the structural framework without volume thermal heating. Experimental data obtained from watered high-viscosity oil has shown that 9 min of the US exposure reduces the light scattering index $I_{\mathrm{t}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{s}}$ by 92.83%, bringing the system into a less heterogeneous state. Statistical correlation analysis confirmed that emulsions and aggregates are the main scattering centers, and their destruction correlates directly with the transparency of the medium. Stability of spectral indices $I_{{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{H}}_3/{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{H}}_2}$, $I_{\mathrm{f}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{c}}$ and $I_{\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O}}$ indicates the absence of chemical degradation or oxidation at the US exposure intensity of 0.12 W/mL, confirming the physical nature of the effect. The proposed method makes it possible to implement automated monitoring of the properties of high-viscosity oil directly at the wellhead, minimizing logistic costs and risks of the sample degradation. The practical significance of the proposed method is to improve the reliability and information content of wellhead monitoring by reducing optical heterogeneity and making diagnostic significant IR absorption extremes more distinguishable for further interpretation. Full article

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were synthesized and optimized with the aim of obtaining strongly hydrophilic nanomaterials, suitable as a drug delivery system (DDS) for copper-based drugs. After careful purification, AuNRs were characterized by ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared spectroscopy (UV–Vis–NIR), showing two typical localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands in the range 550–750 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron (HR-XPS) spectroscopies verified the surface functionalization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed AuNRs with regular shape and size, with an aspect ratio (AR) of 2.6. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements confirmed the size and the stability in water for up to 3 months. The AuNRs were conjugated with copper(I) drugs, i.e., [Cu(PTA)₄]BF₄ (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphadamantane). The drug loading procedures and efficiency were optimized, and the best loading was η (%) = 50 ± 7%. The non-covalent interactions of the Cu(I) complex with the AuNRs were studied by means of UV–Vis–NIR, ζ-potential, HR-TEM, FT-IR, synchrotron radiation-induced X-ray photoelectron (SR-XPS), and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy measurements. The MTT assay performed on Vero E6 cells showed that AuNRs and AuNR-Cu(I) conjugates had no significant effect on cell viability, being biocompatible, causing a reduction in cell viability only after prolonged exposure. Full article

This study investigates the synthesis, dual functional applications, and electrochemical performance of the amine-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF), namely UiO-66-NH₂. The material was synthesized via the solvothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). UiO-66-NH₂ was assessed as a catalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes, specifically 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), under both dark and photo-assisted (i.e., photocatalysis) conditions. Complete photoreduction of nitroarenes was achieved under photocatalysis, highlighting its photo-assisted catalytic efficacy. UiO-66-NH₂ before and after nitroarenes adsorption capacities were investigated, and subsequent electrochemical assessments confirmed its suitability as a supercapacitor electrode. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) analyses demonstrated that nitroarene adsorption and light irradiation markedly improved specific capacitance. 2-NP@UiO-66-NH₂ showed specific capacitance of 221 F/g at 1 A/g under UV radiation. UiO-66-NH₂ demonstrated remarkable cycling stability (100%) across 7000 cycles. Structural and property modifications of UiO-66-NH₂, adsorption of redox-active species, and photo-assisted mechanisms can significantly enhance the energy storage efficacy. The results illustrate the dual role of UiO-66-NH₂ as an effective photo-assisted catalyst and electroactive supercapacitor material, facilitating integrated environmental remediation and energy storage applications. Full article

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bio-based polymer, although its application is limited by mechanical brittleness and low thermal resistance. PLA-based biocomposites reinforced with waste materials are gaining attention due to their sustainability, but their durability under degradation conditions remains a key concern. In this work, PLA biocomposites containing 0, 1, and 3% wt. of Olive-stone Biomass Ash (OBA) were manufactured and characterized both (1) after manufacture and (2) after laboratory-accelerated weathering (including UV exposure, heat, and humidity). The results obtained were analyzed to evaluate the influence of ash incorporation on degradation resistance (measured through Carbonyl Indices, CI), mechanical properties (tensile strength), thermal (Thermogravimetric Analysis—Differential Scanning Calorimetry, TGA-DSC), structure (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FT-IR), morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM) and appearance (colorimetry and gloss). Key quantitative findings include a 35% reduction in tensile strength for raw PLA after 1000 h weathering exacerbated to 48% and 50% with 1% and 3% OBA incorporation, respectively. Degradation indices showed increased hydroxyl formation, with HI values ranging from 0.38 to 2.80 for PLA, while for biocomposites HI rose up to 5.85 for PLA with 3% OBA. Subsequently, a solid-state reaction was model-fitted from experimental data obtained by means of TGA analysis for determining the kinetic triplet (pre-exponential factor, the activation energy, and the reaction mechanism). Finally, the Acceleration Factor (AF), which combines the effects of radiation, temperature, and humidity to predict long-term material performance, is addressed analytically. Full article

To determine the structure of carbohydrate polymers using conventional analytical technology, several complicated steps are required. We instead adopted a direct approach without the need for pretreatments, using an intense infrared (IR) laser for carbohydrate analysis. IR free-electron lasers (FELs) driven by a linear accelerator possess unique spectroscopic features, including extensive wavelength tunability and high laser energy in the IR region from 1000 cm⁻¹ (10 μm) to 4000 cm⁻¹ (2.5 μm). FELs can induce IR multiphoton dissociation reactions against various molecules by supplying vibrational excitation energy to the corresponding chemical bonds. Chitin from crayfish and cellulose fiber were irradiated by FELs tuned to νC–O (9.1–9.8 μm), νC–H (3.5 μm), and δH–C–O (7.2 μm) in glycosidic bonds, and their low-molecular-weight sugars were separated, which were revealed by combining synchrotron radiation IR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. An intense IR laser can be viewed as a “molecular scalpel” for dissecting and directly analyzing the internal components in rigid biopolymers. This method is simple and rapid compared with general analytical techniques. Full article

We investigated the influence of gold deposition on the magnetic behavior, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of CoFe₂O₄ (MCF) nanomaterials (NMs) functionalized with sodium citrate (Cit) or glycine (Gly). The resulting multifunctional plasmonic nanostructured materials (MCF-Au-L, where L is Cit, Gly) exhibit superparamagnetic behavior with magnetic saturation of 59 emu/g, 55 emu/g, and 60 emu/g, and blocking temperatures of 259 K, 311 K, and 322 K for pristine MCF, MCF-Au-Gly, and MCF-Au-Cit, respectively. The MCF NMs exhibit a small uniform size (with a mean size of 7.1 nm) and an atomic ratio of Fe:Co (2:1). The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) show high heterogeneity as determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The UV-Vis spectroscopy of the composites reveals two localized surface plasmons (LSPs) at 530 nm and 705 nm, while Fourier Transformed-Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirm the presence of Cit and Gly on their surface. Subsequent biocompatibility tests confirm that MCF-Au-L NMs do not exert hemolytic activity (hemolysis < 5%). In addition, the CCK-8 viability assay tests indicate the higher sensitivity of cancerous cells (A549) to the photoactivity of MCF-Au compared to healthy Detroit 548 (D548) cell lines. We use advanced microscopy techniques, namely atomic force, fluorescence, and holotomography microscopies (AFM, FM, and HTM, respectively) to provide further insights into the nature of the observed photoactivity of MCF-Au-L NMs. In addition, in situ radiation, using a modified HTM microscope with an IR laser accessory, demonstrates the photoactivity of the MCF-Au NMs and their suitability for destroying cancerous cells through photodynamic therapy. The combined imaging capabilities demonstrate clear morphological changes, NMs internalization, and oxidative damage. Our results confirm that the fabricated multifunctional NMs exhibit high stability in aqueous solution, chemical solidity, superparamagnetic behavior, and effective IR responses, making them promising precursors for hybrid cancer therapy. Full article

The problem of spreading harmful infections through contaminated surfaces has become more acute during the recent coronavirus pandemic. The design of self-cleaning materials, which can continuously decompose biological contaminants, is an urgent task for environmental protection and human health care. In this study, the surface of blended cotton/polyester fabric was functionalized with N-doped TiO₂ (TiO₂-N) nanoparticles using titanium(IV) isopropoxide as a binder to form durable photoactive coating and additionally decorated with Cu species to promote its self-cleaning properties. The photocatalytic ability of the material with photoactive coating was investigated in oxidation of acetone vapor, degradation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments of various lengths, and inactivation of PA136 bacteriophage virus and Candida albicans fungi under visible light and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The kinetic aspects of inactivation and degradation processes were studied using the methods of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), double-layer plaque assay, and ten-fold dilution. The results of experiments showed that the textile fabric modified with TiO₂-N photocatalyst exhibited photoinduced self-cleaning properties and provided efficient degradation of all studied contaminants under exposure to both UVA and visible light. Additional modification of the material with Cu species substantially improved its self-cleaning properties, even in the absence of light. Full article

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imagers are key tools to monitor the space environment and forecast space weather. EUV filters are important components to block radiation in the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near-infrared (IR) regions. In this study, various characterization methods were proposed for the nickel mesh-supported indium (In) filter, and their spectral characteristics were comprehensively studied. The material and thickness of the filter were chosen based on atomic scattering principles, determined through theoretical calculation and software simulation. The metal film was deposited using the vacuum-resistive thermal evaporation method. The measured transmission of the filter was 10.06% at 83.4 nm. The surface elements of the sample were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the filter were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The impact of the oxide layer and carbon contamination on the filter’s transmittance was investigated using an ellipsometer. A multilayer “In-In₂O₃-C” model was established to determine the thickness of both the oxide layer and carbon contamination layer on the filter. This model introduces the filling factor based on the original model and considers the diffusion of the contamination layer, resulting in more accurate fitting results. The transmittance of the filter in the visible light range was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer, and the measurement error was analyzed. This article provides preparation methods and test methods for the 83.4 nm EUV filter and conducts a detailed analysis of the spectral characteristics of the prepared optical filters, which hold significant value for space exploration applications. Full article

This article explores the foundational principles of ionizing radiation and provides a comprehensive overview of its impact on thermoplastic polymers. Ionizing radiation, encompassing gamma rays, X-rays, and electron beams, has been extensively studied due to its capacity to alter the molecular structure of polymers. These changes enable advancements in various applications by promoting molecular crosslinking, controlled degradation, molecular grafting, and crystallinity adjustments. The article delves into the fundamental mechanisms of radiation thermoplastic polymer interactions, including ionization, electronic excitation, and free radical formation. It highlights how these processes lead to structural transformations that enhance the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polymers. Factors such as radiation type, absorbed doses, temperature, and environmental conditions are discussed in the context of their role in controlling these modifications. Key practical applications are identified across fields such as medicine, food packaging, aerospace, and industry. Examples include the production of sterilizable medical devices, enhanced food packaging for longer shelf life, and radiation-resistant materials for the aerospace and nuclear sectors. Despite its many advantages, the article also emphasizes challenges such as process variability, polymer sensitivity to radiation, and standardization difficulties. The review underscores emerging research directions, including optimizing irradiation parameters and integrating advanced characterization techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The development of new polymer blends and composites, designed for irradiation-induced property enhancement, represents a promising area of innovation. Full article

Reducing dehydrogenation temperature while preserving high hydrogen generation capacity obstructs the hydrolysis of sodium borohydrides (NaBH₄). The two-dimensional (2D) MAX phase of titanium aluminum carbide (Ti₃AlC₂) and MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) multilayers was investigated for hydrogen generation via NaBH₄ hydrolysis with and without light. The material was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The activity of Ti₃AlC₂ was significantly enhanced by the integration of UV light radiation during hydrolysis. Ti₃AlC₂/Ti₃C₂T_x improved the dehydrogenation rates of NaBH₄ at ambient conditions and maintained high hydrogen generation rates (HGRs) over time compared to a conventional method. It exhibited a HGR of 200–300 mL·min⁻¹·g⁻¹. Photo-assisted hydrolysis over the catalyst can be maintained for several times at ambient temperature. The catalyst demonstrated effective performance even after five cycles of usage. Full article

This study focused on developing pigmented linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) sheets while preserving their mechanical properties and infrared (IR) transparency. Six pigments—ZnO, ZnS, TiO₂, FeO yellow, FeO light brown, and FeO dark brown—were each mixed with polyethylene (PE) wax in a 1:1 ratio and blended with LLDPE at concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt%. Tensile strength tests showed minimal changes at lower pigment concentrations, with values near that of pure LLDPE (14 MPa), and slight reductions at 5 wt%. IR transparency tests, conducted using both direct and reflected heat sources, showed that white-pigmented sheets maintained over 85% transparency, while colored pigments exhibited slightly reduced IR transmittance, ranging from 70% to 91%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed that the critical IR transparency range of 8–12 μm remained unaffected with both pure and pigmented sheets. On the other hand, ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) testing showed that white-pigmented sheets experienced enhanced visible-light absorption with increasing pigment concentration and thickness, while color-pigmented sheets exhibited high opacity. Additionally, micro-structuring was performed on the LLDPE sheets to further modify their IR properties, which resulted in effective scattering of IR radiation. These findings highlight the potential of pigmented LLDPE sheets for applications requiring both visual opacity and IR transparency, such as thermal management and camouflage, as well as applications requiring tunable IR properties. Full article

The significant environmental impact from fashion and textile industries has spurred interest in sustainable alternatives, especially for accessories like sequins and beads, whose usage has surged post-pandemic. This study explores the potential of utilizing salmon industry waste from Chile to produce bio-sequins (BS) and guanine crystals (GC) from salmon skin. The production of BS offers a strategy to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and support sustainable waste management, as these materials decompose naturally without harmful residues. Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of the BS by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), evaluated their feasibility for textile, design, and fashion applications. Additionally, GC were extracted from salmon scales using less hazardous solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and acetic acid, and subsequently immobilized on the BS for decorative purposes. Notably, tensile mechanical properties of the BS improved up to 75% after guanine decoration and exposure to simulated environmental factors like UV radiation. This work addresses the dual challenge of pollution and resource depletion, demonstrating that BS from salmon skin offer an eco-friendly alternative. It underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices throughout the fashion industry’s production chain. Full article

Infrared (IR) radiation curing technology has a high potential to improve the curing process of thermosetting polymers. To investigate the IR curing reaction mechanism, the present study explores the curing kinetics of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/dodecanedioic acid (DDDA) powder coatings subjected to IR radiation. Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is employed to record the concentration of epoxide groups with respect to time under different temperature conditions, with the reaction conducted under IR radiation. The resulting data are then fitted by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm using MATLAB software to obtain the kinetic parameters, namely the rate constant (k), catalytic constants (n, m), manifestation activation energy (E), and the pre-exponential factor (A) of the curing reaction. Additionally, this study proposes a new concept: the ‘photo-thermal synergistic effect’ of infrared curing and its evaluation criteria using a dimensionless quantity. Incredibly, this index integrates the impact of IR curing technology on two aspects: the curing process and the properties of the cured product. Overall, this study deepens our understanding of the IR curing reaction mechanism and provides a reference for the application of this technology in practical engineering. Full article

The significance of soil in the agricultural industry is profound, with healthy soil representing an important role in ensuring food security. In addition, soil is the largest terrestrial carbon sink on earth. The soil carbon pool is composed of both inorganic and organic forms. The equilibrium of the soil carbon pool directly impacts the carbon cycle via all of the other processes on the planet. With the development of agricultural systems from traditional to conventional ones, and with the current era of precision agriculture, which involves making decisions based on information, the importance of understanding soil is becoming increasingly clear. The control of microenvironment conditions and soil fertility represents a key factor in achieving higher productivity in these systems. Furthermore, agriculture represents a significant contributor to carbon emissions, a topic that has become timely given the necessity for carbon neutrality. In addition to these concerns, updating soil-related data, including information on macro and micronutrient conditions, is important. Carbon represents one of the major nutrients for crops and plays a key role in the retention and release of other nutrients and the management of soil physical properties. Despite the importance of carbon, existing analytical methods are complex and expensive. This discourages frequent analyses, which results in a lack of soil carbon-related data for agricultural fields. From this perspective, in situ soil organic carbon (SOC) analysis can provide timely management information for calibrating fertilizer applications based on the soil–carbon relationship to increase soil productivity. In addition, the available data need frequent updates due to rapid changes in ecosystem services and the use of extensive fertilizers and pesticides. Despite the importance of this topic, few studies have investigated the potential of image analysis based on image processing and spectral data recording. The use of spectroscopy and visual color matching to develop SOC predictions has been considered, and the use of spectroscopic instruments has led to increased precision. Our extensive literature review shows that color models, especially Munsell color charts, are better for qualitative purposes and that Cartesian-type color models are appropriate for quantification. Even for the color model, spectroscopy data could be used, and these data have the potential to improve the precision of measurements. On the other hand, mid-infrared radiation (MIR) and near-infrared radiation (NIR) diffuse reflection has been reported to have a greater ability to predict SOC. Finally, this article reports the availability of inexpensive portable instruments that can enable the development of in situ SOC analysis from reflection and emission information with the integration of images and spectroscopy. This integration refers to machine learning algorithms with a reflection-oriented spectrophotometer and emission-based thermal images which have the potential to predict SOC without the need for expensive instruments and are easy to use in farm applications. Full article

The poultry industry is dynamically advancing production by focusing on nutrition, management practices, and technology to enhance productivity by improving feed conversion ratios, disease control, lighting management, and exploring antibiotic alternatives. Infrared (IR) radiation is utilized to improve the well-being of humans, animals, and poultry through various operations. IR radiation occurs via electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 760 to 10,000 nm. The biological applications of IR radiation are gaining significant attention and its utilization is expanding rapidly across multiple sectors. Various IR applications, such as IR heating, IR spectroscopy, IR thermography, IR beak trimming, and IR in computer vision, have proven to be beneficial in enhancing the well-being of humans, animals, and birds within mechanical systems. IR radiation offers a wide array of health benefits, including improved skin health, therapeutic effects, anticancer properties, wound healing capabilities, enhanced digestive and endothelial function, and improved mitochondrial function and gene expression. In the realm of poultry production, IR radiation has demonstrated numerous positive impacts, including enhanced growth performance, gut health, blood profiles, immunological response, food safety measures, economic advantages, the mitigation of hazardous gases, and improved heating systems. Despite the exceptional benefits of IR radiation, its applications in poultry production are still limited. This comprehensive review provides compelling evidence supporting the advantages of IR radiation and advocates for its wider adoption in poultry production practices. Full article