These bilayer films were synthesized using the solvent casting methodology. Between 47 and 83 micrometers, the PLA/CSM bilayer film's total thickness was found. Regarding the PLA layer's thickness in this bilayer film, it occupied either 10%, 30%, or 50% of the entire bilayer film's thickness. Film opacity, water vapor permeation, and thermal properties, in addition to mechanical properties, were assessed. Because both PLA and CSM are derived from agricultural sources, sustainable, and biodegradable, the bilayer film is a potentially more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional food packaging, lessening the adverse effects of plastic waste and microplastics. In addition, the incorporation of cottonseed meal could improve the value proposition of this cotton byproduct, presenting a possible financial return to cotton farmers.

The capability of tree extracts, such as tannin and lignin, to serve as effective modifying agents supports the current global emphasis on energy conservation and environmental protection. Pirfenidone inhibitor Therefore, a biodegradable, bio-based composite film comprising tannin and lignin as supplements to a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) matrix was produced (labeled TLP). Its simple preparation process sets it apart industrially from some bio-based films, which have a more complex preparation method, like cellulose-based films. The tannin- and lignin-modified polyvinyl alcohol film, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), displays a smooth surface free from pores and cracks. Consequently, the incorporation of lignin and tannin augmented the tensile strength of the film, which demonstrated a value of 313 MPa according to mechanical characterization. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and electrospray ionization mass (ESI-MS) spectroscopy elucidated the underlying mechanisms for the observed phenomena, revealing that the physical combination of lignin and tannin with PVOH sparked chemical reactions, thereby diminishing the prevailing hydrogen bonds within the PVOH film. The composite film's resistance to ultraviolet and visible light (UV-VL) was augmented by the addition of tannin and lignin. Moreover, the film demonstrated biodegradability, displaying a mass reduction exceeding 422% when exposed to Penicillium sp. contamination for a duration of 12 days.

In managing blood glucose levels of diabetic patients, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system excels as a monitoring tool. The quest for flexible glucose sensors that exhibit excellent glucose sensitivity, high linearity, and a wide measurement range is still an active area of challenge in continuous glucose monitoring. To address the existing concerns, a Con A-based hydrogel sensor, silver-doped, is put forward. Glucose-responsive hydrogels, incorporating Con-A, were combined with laser-scribed graphene electrodes adorned with green-synthesized silver nanoparticles to create the proposed flexible, enzyme-free glucose sensor. The sensor's performance, as evidenced by the experimental results, demonstrated repeatable and reversible glucose measurements across a concentration range from 0 to 30 mM, with a sensitivity of 15012 /mM and a high degree of linearity (R² = 0.97). The proposed glucose sensor's exceptional performance and simplistic manufacturing process establish it as a top contender among other enzyme-free glucose sensors. CGM devices hold considerable promise for advancement in their development.

The experimental study in this research focused on methods for improving the corrosion resistance of reinforced concrete structures. The concrete mixture, for this study, contained silica fume and fly ash, meticulously adjusted to 10% and 25% by cement weight, polypropylene fibers at a rate of 25% by volume of the concrete, and a commercial corrosion inhibitor, 2-dimethylaminoethanol (Ferrogard 901), at a concentration of 3% by cement weight. An examination of the corrosion resistance of three reinforcement types—mild steel (STt37), AISI 304 stainless steel, and AISI 316 stainless steel—was undertaken. The reinforcement surface underwent a series of coating treatments, including hot-dip galvanizing, alkyd-based primer, zinc-rich epoxy primer, alkyd top coating, polyamide epoxy top coating, polyamide epoxy primer, polyurethane coatings, a double layer of alkyd primer and alkyd top coating, and a double layer of epoxy primer and alkyd top coating, to evaluate their respective effects. Results from accelerated corrosion tests, pullout tests on steel-concrete bond joints, and stereographic microscope imaging were used to quantify the corrosion rate of the reinforced concrete. Samples containing pozzolanic materials, corrosion inhibitors, and their combination demonstrated a substantial rise in corrosion resistance, increasing by 70, 114, and 119 times, respectively, when contrasted with the control samples. Relative to the control sample, mild steel, AISI 304, and AISI 316 exhibited corrosion rates 14, 24, and 29 times lower, respectively; a contrasting effect was observed with polypropylene fibers, which decreased corrosion resistance by 24 times.

Acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-CO2H) were successfully modified with a benzimidazole heterocyclic scaffold, producing novel functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube materials, BI@MWCNTs, in this research. The characterization of the synthesized BI@MWCNTs included the application of FTIR, XRD, TEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, DLS, and BET. An examination was performed to determine the adsorption rate of the synthesized material for cadmium (Cd2+) and lead (Pb2+) ions in single and mixed metal solutions. The adsorption method's influencing factors—duration, pH, initial metal concentration, and BI@MWCNT dosage—were assessed for each metal type. Equally important, adsorption equilibrium isotherms demonstrably conform to both the Langmuir and Freundlich models, but intra-particle diffusion processes are dictated by pseudo-second-order kinetics. BI@MWCNTs showed an endothermic and spontaneous adsorptive behavior toward Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions, characterized by a strong affinity and indicated by the negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and positive enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS). The prepared material effectively eliminated Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from the aqueous solution, achieving complete removal at 100% and 98%, respectively. Besides the aforementioned aspects, BI@MWCNTs have a noteworthy capacity for adsorption and can be regenerated and reused for six cycles, demonstrating a cost-effective and efficient nature for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater.

This research project seeks to analyze the complex interactions within interpolymer systems composed of acidic (polyacrylic acid hydrogel (hPAA), polymethacrylic acid hydrogel (hPMAA)) and basic (poly-4-vinylpyridine hydrogel (hP4VP), notably poly-2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine hydrogel (hP2M5VP)) sparingly crosslinked polymeric hydrogels, evaluated in either water or lanthanum nitrate solutions. Ionization transitions within the developed interpolymer systems of hPAA-hP4VP, hPMAA-hP4VP, hPAA-hP2M5VP, and hPMAA-hP2M5VP polymeric hydrogels induced substantial modifications to the electrochemical, conformational, and sorption behavior of the initial macromolecules. The mutual activation effect, occurring subsequently, reveals substantial swelling within both hydrogel systems. The interpolymer systems' sorption efficiency for lanthanum is 9451% (33%hPAA67%hP4VP), 9080% (17%hPMAA-83%hP4VP), 9155% (67%hPAA33%hP2M5VP), and 9010% (50%hPMAA50%hP2M5VP). The sorption properties of interpolymer systems are significantly amplified (up to 35%) compared to those of individual polymeric hydrogels, a consequence of their high ionization states. The highly effective sorption of rare earth metals using interpolymer systems, a new generation of sorbents, warrants further industrial application.

The hydrogel biopolymer pullulan, being biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally benign, finds potential applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics. To synthesize pullulan, the endophytic Aureobasidium pullulans, with accession number OP924554, served as the chosen organism. Through an innovative application of Taguchi's approach and the decision tree learning algorithm, important variables for pullulan biosynthesis were identified and used to optimize the fermentation process. A comparison of the Taguchi method and the decision tree model revealed a high degree of consistency in their assessments of the seven variables' relative importance, thus substantiating the reliability of the experimental design. The decision tree model implemented a 33% reduction in medium sucrose, resulting in financial benefits without compromising pullulan biosynthesis. A 48-hour incubation period, using optimum nutritional conditions including sucrose (60 or 40 g/L), K2HPO4 (60 g/L), NaCl (15 g/L), MgSO4 (0.3 g/L), and yeast extract (10 g/L) at a pH of 5.5, produced 723% of pullulan. Pirfenidone inhibitor Confirmation of the obtained pullulan's structure was achieved through FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic analysis. This report, representing the first exploration of pullulan production, applies Taguchi methods alongside decision trees to a new endophytic strain. Further exploration of the application of artificial intelligence to maximize fermentation parameters is recommended.

The traditional cushioning materials, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Expanded Polyethylene (EPE), were derived from petroleum, a substance detrimental to the environment. The creation of renewable bio-based cushioning materials that can replace the existing foam-based options is vital to address the increasing energy demands and the depletion of fossil fuels. We detail a highly effective method for producing anisotropic elastic wood, characterized by unique spring-like lamellar structures. A process involving freeze-drying, chemical treatment, and thermal treatment of the samples selectively removes lignin and hemicellulose, ultimately producing an elastic material exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties. Pirfenidone inhibitor The elastic wood produced exhibits a reversible compression rate of 60%, coupled with substantial elastic recovery (99% height retention after 100 cycles at a 60% strain).