Chitosan hydrogels were prepared by crosslinking chitosan with glutaraldehyde. The swelling behaviour of the crosslinked and uncross-linked was measured gels in media different pH at temperatures. behavior observed to be dependent on pH, temperature degree crosslinking. gel films characterized Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). glass transition (Tg) amount free water decreased increasing hydrogels.

Semi interpenetrating hydrogels (semi-IPN) of bacterial cellulose (BC) and chitosan (Ch) crosslinked with genipin were prepared characterised using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Electron Microscopy (SEM). spectra showed amide I II absorption peaks at 1632 1554 cm−1 C−N stretching absorptions 1250 1020 cm−1, respectively, for hydrogels. The fibrous structure BC the porosity in revealed by SEM. Swelling was sensitive to pH, maximum pH...

Summary An egg coating was developed to preserve the internal quality of eggs by mixing cassava starch (CS), gelling agents and fatty acids. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used as agents. Palm oil acid (PO) incorporated. Coated non‐coated evaluated over a period 4 weeks at 28 °C yolk colour, weight loss, albumen pH Haugh unit testing. The deteriorated from AA B grade after 3 weeks, with values below detection limit weeks. optimum 6/1/3 w/v%...

Graphene, a 2D sp2 hybridized carbon sheet consisting of honeycomb network, is the building block graphite. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene’s exceptional electronic and mechanical properties have peaked interest various applications. However, inability to mass produce high-quality graphene affordably currently limits practical application material. Researchers are continuously working on advancing synthesis methods alleviate these limitations. Therefore, this review looks at overview...

Polylactic acid (PLA) was melt-blended with epoxy resin to study the effects of reaction on mechanical and thermal properties PLA. The addition 0.5% (wt/wt) PLA increased maximum tensile strength (57.5 MPa) 67 MPa, whereas 20% improved elongation at break 12%, due crosslinking caused by reaction. morphology PLA/epoxy blends showed nanoparticle dispersion in matrix that presented a smooth fracture surface high content. glass transition temperature decreased an increasing content owing partial...

The South Pacific Journal of Natural Science (SPJNS) is published online by CSIRO PUBLISHING on behalf the Faculty and Technology, University Pacific, Fiji. normal focus journal to disseminate scientific research work carried out in Pacific.

Semi‐interpenetrating polymeric networks of chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) [PVA] were prepared by varying the ratio constituents. The hydrogels crosslinked using genipin, a naturally occurring nontoxic cross‐linking agent. swelling behavior these was studied immersing films in deionized water at various temperatures buffer solutions different pH. states hydrogels, swollen 25°C pH 7, determined Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). gels found to be dependent on temperature medium. amount...

A simple viscometry experiment undertaken by an undergraduate polymer class as a research project is described. Viscosity measure of fluid's resistance to flow and affected several factors, such concentration temperature. In this experiment, the viscosities polyvinylpyrrolidone solutions (a polymeric material) different concentrations were prepared in water measured at various temperatures. The solution viscosity was found increase gradually with increasing up ∼5 mass%, dramatic after this....

The abundance and identification of microplastics were investigated for the first time in gills soft tissues freshwater mussels (Batissa violacea) harvested from five rivers Fiji. Microplastics found 100% sampled all rivers. average site concentration varied 2.78 ± 0.40 to 6.84 0.89 per gram dry weight. overall was 5.93 0.39 mussel. This is concerning because these mussels, commonly known as kai, are an important source protein income many people. Microplastic significantly dependent on...

Blends of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with pine resin, an extract from the plant Pinus caribaea—Hondurensis was prepared by melt mixing in mass ratios 90/10 to 50/50. The thermal, crystallization, morphological, and mechanical properties blends were studied differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, electron tensile test. Enzymatic degradation investigated using porcine pancreatic Candida rugosa lipase. Antimicrobial activity...

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was melt blended with maleic anhydride–grafted ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM-MAH) and ethylene-1-butene copolymer (EB-MAH) to obtain thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) containing a biodegradable polyester. PBS/EB-MAH blend showed lower modulus excellent strain recovery compared PBS/EPDM-MAH due the smaller rubber particle size. Tensile strength of found be significantly improved by annealing because increased interfacial reaction between PBS matrix...

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was blended with poly(viny1 butyral) (PVB) through solution casting method using chloroform as the common solvent. The films obtained were characterized for miscibility Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing and FTIR spectroscopy. DSC results showed that glass-transition temperature (Tg) of PLA PVB remained more or less constant composition blend. existence two Tg?s in blends indicated immiscible over range investigated. percentage crystallinity ( cc...

Abstract Chitosan and 80 % hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were used to prepare semi-interpenetrating networks of varying ratios the constituents. The hydrogels crosslinked using genipin, a naturally occurring nontoxic crosslinking agent. swelling behavior these was studied in deionized water at 25, 35 45 °C media different pH 25 °C. gels found be dependent on temperature, medium amount PVA present gel. States swollen 7 determined Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). freezing...

Miscibility of poly(ε-caprolactone), (PCL), containing 1, 5, and 10 wt.% poly(vinyl formal) (PVF) blends was investigated by polarized optical microscopy (POM), atomic force (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for spherulitic morphology equilibrium melting temperature (T°m, via Hoffman-Weeks plot). The T°m PCL in the similar to that pure PCL, indicating immiscibility. Isothermally, melt crystallized virgin between 30°C 50°C showed with negative birefringence, Maltese cross,...

Abstract Biodegradation of blends poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) [PCL] with poly(vinyl butyral) [PVB] was studied in the soil and by bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis Escherichia Coli isolated from soil. Miscibility also analyzed using FT‐IR optical microscopy at room temperature. followed weight loss, visual observations scanning electron [SEM]. Blends low polyester concentration, i.e., 30 wt% PCL less, were clear transparent no spherulite formation observed. Above spherulites appeared, size which...

Melt crystallization behavior in miscible blends of poly(e-caprolactone) and poly(hexylene adipate) was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Polarized Optical Microscopy, Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction time resolved Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Both polymers were highly crystalline, had similar thermal properties exhibited negative birefringence. Fractional PCL observed with <40 wt% PCL. Crystallization kinetics the polyesters monitoring absorbance intensities bands...

Solution cast blends of poly(e-caprolactone) [PCL] and poly(vinyl formal) [PVF] from dichloromethane was investigated for miscibility by Differential Scanning Calorimetry [DSC], Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy [FTIR] optical microscopy. Melting (Tm) crystallization (Tc) temperatures were the PCL fraction while glass transition temperature (Tg) PVF in blends. Blends with 20 wt% less showed a depression Tm Tc. Depression Tc indicated that during non-isothermal process, presence...

The origin of the multiple melting peaks in two linear polyesters, poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) and poly(butylene (PBS), isothermally crystallized samples was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at atmospheric pressure high-pressure thermal analysis (HP-DTA) elevated pressures. In PES, DSC curves showed three endothermic slow heating rates, which decreased to with increasing rates. HP-DTA that area (qualitative) peak height high-temperature merged low-temperature...