Manufacturing of Porous Ceramic Preforms Based on Halloysite Nanotubes (Hnts

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Kujawa M.

2016-06-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study was to determine the influence of manufacturing conditions on the structure and properties of porous halloysite preforms, which during pressure infiltration were soaked with a liquid alloy to obtain a metal matrix composite reinforced by ceramic, and also to find innovative possibilities for the application of mineral nanotubes obtained from halloysite. The method of manufacturing porous ceramic preforms (based on halloysite nanotubes as semi-finished products that are applicable to modern infiltrated metal matrix composites was shown. The ceramic preforms were manufactured by sintering of halloysite nanotubes (HNT, Natural Nano Company (USA, with the addition of pores and canals forming agent in the form of carbon fibres (Sigrafil C10 M250 UNS SGL Group, the Carbon Company. The resulting porous ceramic skeletons, suggest innovative application capabilities mineral nanotubes obtained from halloysite.

Carbon dioxide sorption on EDTA modified halloysite

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Waszczuk Patrycja

2016-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper the sorption study of CO2 on EDTA surface modified halloysite was conducted. In the paper chemical modification of halloysite from the Dunino deposit (Poland and its influence on sorption of CO2 are presented. A halloysite samples were washed with water-EDTA 1% solution, centrifuged to separate liquid and impurities and dried. The samples were tested for the sorption capacity using a manometric method with pressure up to 3 MPa. A Langmuir adsorption model was fitted to the data. The results showed that EDTA had a limited effect on the increase of sorption potential at low pressure and the samples exhibited similar results to that ones treated solely with the water solution.

Halloysite tubes as nanocontainers for anticorrosion coating with benzotriazole.

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Abdullayev, Elshad; Price, Ronald; Shchukin, Dmitry; Lvov, Yuri

2009-07-01

Halloysite clay nanotubes were investigated as a tubular container for the corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole. Halloysite is a naturally occurring cylindrical clay mineral with an internal diameter in the nanometer range and a length up to several micrometers, yielding a high-aspect-ratio hollow tube structure. Halloysite may be used as an additive in paints to produce a functional composite coating material. A maximum benzotriazole loading of 5% by weight was achieved for clay tubes of 50 nm external diameters and lumen of 15 nm. Variable release rates of the corrosion inhibitor were possible in a range between 5 and 100 h, as was demonstrated by formation of stoppers at tube openings. The anticorrosive performance of the sol-gel coating and paint loaded with 2-5% of halloysite-entrapped benzotriazole was tested on copper and on 2024-aluminum alloy by direct exposure of the metal plates to corrosive media. Kinetics of the corrosion spot formation at the coating defects was analyzed by the scanning vibrating electrode technique, and an essential damping of corrosion development was demonstrated for halloysite-loaded samples.

Controlled release of tetracycline-HCl from halloysite-polymer composite films.

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Ward, Christopher J; Song, Shang; Davis, Edward W

2010-10-01

The first direct comparison between two common methods for loading halloysite with a small molecule for controlled release is presented. While the methods differ in the degree of simplicity, they provide essentially the same level of loading and release kinetics. A tentative explanation of the "burst" effect often seen in the release of low molecular weight molecules from halloysite is provided. The ability of halloysite to mediate the release rate of a water soluble drug, tetracycline, from solution cast polyvinyl alcohol and polymethyl methacrylate films was evaluated. In some films, montmorillonite was also incorporated. The addition of montmorillonite to solutions used to cast tetracycline containing films significantly reduced the release rate from the dried films. The same overall effect was seen when the drug was loaded into halloysite prior to preparation of the films. In both cases, the release was best fit with the simple Higuchi model. However, when montmorillonite was added to solutions of polyvinyl alcohol and drug loaded halloysite the release profiles were better fit by the Ritgar-Peppas model for anomalous transport. Release from polymethyl methacrylate was reduced by a factor of three by incorporating the drug in halloysite prior to producing the films.

The effect of halloysite modification combined with in situ matrix modifications on the structure and properties of polypropylene/halloysite nanocomposites

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V. Khunova

2013-05-01

Full Text Available The effect of various modifications/intercalations of halloysite and the combination of these modifications with in situ PP matrix modification was investigated with respect to the structure and properties of the polypropylene/halloysite nanocomposites. Hexadecyl-tri-methyl-ammonium-bromide (HEDA, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and urea were used as the intercalators/modifiers. The best intercalation was found for urea, although an unexpected insignificant impact on the mechanical properties also resulted as a consequence of the urea polarity and the significant decrease in PP crystallinity. However, the simultaneous application of 4,4!-diphenylmethylene dimaleinimide (DBMI brought about an increase in the mechanical behavior by increasing the halloysite/PP affinity as a result of in situ matrix modification. This effect was further supported by coupling between the PP and halloysite (HNT in the system containing urea-intercalated HNT. This can be explained by the occurrence of a urea-supported reaction between the imide ring of DBMI and the OH groups of the HNT, which resulted in the best mechanical behaviors achieved in this study.

Organosilane functionalization of halloysite nanotubes for enhanced loading and controlled release

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yuan Peng; Southon, Peter D; Kepert, Cameron J; Liu Zongwen

2012-01-01

The surfaces of naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes were functionalized with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), which was found to have a substantial effect on the loading and subsequent release of a model dye molecule. APTES was mostly anchored at the internal lumen surface of halloysite through covalent grafting, forming a functionalized surface covered by aminopropyl groups. The dye loading of the functionalized halloysite was 32% greater than that of the unmodified sample, and the release from the functionalized halloysite was dramatically prolonged as compared to that from the unmodified one. Dye release was prolonged at low pH and the release at pH 3.5 was approximately three times slower than that at pH 10.0. These results demonstrate that organosilane functionalization makes pH an external trigger for controlling the loading of guest on halloysite and the subsequent controlled release. (paper)

Organosilane functionalization of halloysite nanotubes for enhanced loading and controlled release.

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Yuan, Peng; Southon, Peter D; Liu, Zongwen; Kepert, Cameron J

2012-09-21

The surfaces of naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes were functionalized with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), which was found to have a substantial effect on the loading and subsequent release of a model dye molecule. APTES was mostly anchored at the internal lumen surface of halloysite through covalent grafting, forming a functionalized surface covered by aminopropyl groups. The dye loading of the functionalized halloysite was 32% greater than that of the unmodified sample, and the release from the functionalized halloysite was dramatically prolonged as compared to that from the unmodified one. Dye release was prolonged at low pH and the release at pH 3.5 was approximately three times slower than that at pH 10.0. These results demonstrate that organosilane functionalization makes pH an external trigger for controlling the loading of guest on halloysite and the subsequent controlled release.

Infrared and infrared emission spectroscopic study of typical Chinese kaolinite and halloysite.

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Cheng, Hongfei; Frost, Ray L; Yang, Jing; Liu, Qinfu; He, Junkai

2010-12-01

The structure and thermal stability between typical Chinese kaolinite and halloysite were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, infrared emission spectroscopy (IES) and Raman spectroscopy. Infrared emission spectroscopy over the temperature range of 300-700°C has been used to characterise the thermal decomposition of both kaolinite and halloysite. Halloysite is characterised by two bands in the water bending region at 1629 and 1648 cm(-1), attributed to structural water and coordinated water in the interlayer. Well defined hydroxyl stretching bands at around 3695, 3679, 3652 and 3625 cm(-1) are observed for both kaolinite and halloysite. The 550°C infrared emission spectrum of halloysite is similar to that of kaolinite in 650-1350 cm(-1) spectral region. The infrared emission spectra of halloysite were found to be considerably different to that of kaolinite at lower temperatures. These differences are attributed to the fundamental difference in the structure of the two minerals. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of diclofenac sodium profile from halloysite nanotubules.

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Krejčová, Kateřina; Deasy, Patrick B; Rabišková, Miloslava

2013-04-01

Halloysite, aluminosilicate clay with the particle shape of multilayered hollow nanotubes, used in various non-medical applications, e.g. in ceramic industry, was discovered for pharmaceutical purposes in recent years. Several drugs of hydrophilic and lipophilic nature have been successfully encapsulated into halloysite tubules in order to modify their dissolution profile. The main goal of this experiment was to optimize the dissolution profile of diclofenac sodium - a drug with problematic solubility - from halloysite tubules using various polymers. Loading of the drug together with povidone or Eudragit® RS did not lead to drug burst effect reduction and its slower dissolution. In the case of povidone, drug improved wettability and solubilization rather than viscosity increasing expectations were observed. Eudragit® RS formed a solid dispersion with diclofenac sodium and thus the solvent/drug solution penetration through the polymer and not the drug solubility was the dissolution rate limiting factor. Reduction of the burst effect and further prolongation of drug release was achieved by coating the drug-loaded halloysite with chitosan. This formulation exhibited a diffusion-controlled prolonged release following Higuchi kinetic model.

Proteomic profiling of halloysite clay nanotube exposure in intestinal cell co-culture.

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Lai, Xianyin; Agarwal, Mangilal; Lvov, Yuri M; Pachpande, Chetan; Varahramyan, Kody; Witzmann, Frank A

2013-11-01

Halloysite is aluminosilicate clay with a hollow tubular structure with nanoscale internal and external diameters. Assessment of halloysite biocompatibility has gained importance in view of its potential application in oral drug delivery. To investigate the effect of halloysite nanotubes on an in vitro model of the large intestine, Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells in monolayer co-culture were exposed to nanotubes for toxicity tests and proteomic analysis. Results indicate that halloysite exhibits a high degree of biocompatibility characterized by an absence of cytotoxicity, in spite of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Exposure-specific changes in expression were observed among 4081 proteins analyzed. Bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed protein profiles suggest that halloysite stimulates processes related to cell growth and proliferation, subtle responses to cell infection, irritation and injury, enhanced antioxidant capability, and an overall adaptive response to exposure. These potentially relevant functional effects warrant further investigation in in vivo models and suggest that chronic or bolus occupational exposure to halloysite nanotubes may have unintended outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

HALLOYSITE INTERCALATION OF NORTHWEST ANATOLIA

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Bülent BAŞARA

2015-11-01

Full Text Available In this study, the representative samples were taken from the halloysite deposits located in Çanakkale-Balıkesir regions, in NW Anatolia. At first, the dehydration temperatures of the samples were determined after sample preparation and characterization studies. It was found that halloysite samples began to lose their interlayer waters at 50°C and continued up to 70°C. The intercalation studies were carried out on dehydrated samples by using ethylene glycol, potassium acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide and formamide. Although there were negative results by ethylene glycol and potassium acetate, the satisfactory results were obtained by dimethyl sulfoxide and formamide. It was understood that the most effective reagent in terms of intercalation was formamide.

The effect of chemical modification on the physico-chemical characteristics of halloysite: FTIR, XRF, and XRD studies

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Szczepanik, Beata; Słomkiewicz, Piotr; Garnuszek, Magdalena; Czech, Kamil; Banaś, Dariusz; Kubala-Kukuś, Aldona; Stabrawa, Ilona

2015-03-01

The effect of chemical modification of halloysite from a Polish strip mine "Dunino" on the chemical composition and structure of this clay mineral was studied using infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) methods. The results obtained by the WDXRF technique confirm that the content of silica and alumina was the highest for bleached halloysite samples and the lowest for acid-treated halloysite. A higher content of Fe2O3 in comparison to halloysite samples coming from other countries was observed for raw halloysite samples. XRPD diffraction pattern obtained for raw halloysite confirmed the presence of halloysite, kaolinite, hematite, and calcite minerals in the sample. Bleaching the halloysite removes (or significantly reduces) the content of other minerals present in the raw halloysite. The FT-IR spectra of the studied halloysite samples show in the 3700-3600 cm-1 region well-defined hydroxyl stretching bands characteristic for the kaolin-group minerals and bands associated with the vibrations of the aluminium-silicon skeleton in the 1400-1000 cm-1 region. Modifying halloysite with 4-chloro-aniline causes successive incorporation of amine into the BH sample.

Phase Change Insulation for Energy Efficiency Based on Wax-Halloysite Composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao, Yafei; Thapa, Suvhashis; Weiss, Leland; Lvov, Yuri

2014-01-01

Phase change materials (PCMs) have gained extensive attention in thermal energy storage. Wax can be used as a PCM in solar storage but it has low thermal conductivity. Introducing 10% halloysite admixed into wax yields a novel composite (wax-halloysite) which has a thermal conductivity of 0.5 W/mK. To increase the base conductivity, graphite and carbon nanotubes were added into the PCM composite improving its thermal energy storage. Thermal conductivity of wax-halloysite-graphite (45/45/10%) composite showed increased conductivity of 1.4 W/mK (3 times higher than the base wax-halloysite composite). Wax- halloysite-graphite-carbon nanotubes (45/45/5/5%) composite showed conductivity of 0.85 W/mK while maintaining the original shape perfectly until 91 °C (above the original wax melting point). Thermal conductivity can be further increased with higher doping of carbon nanotubes. This new composites are promising heat storage material due to good thermal stability, high thermal/electricity conductivity and ability to preserve its shape during phase transitions

Halloysite Clay Nanotubes for Loading and Sustained Release of Functional Compounds.

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Lvov, Yuri; Wang, Wencai; Zhang, Liqun; Fakhrullin, Rawil

2016-02-10

Halloysite is an alumosilicate tubular clay with a diameter of 50 nm, an inner lumen of 15 nm and a length of 600-900 nm. It is a natural biocompatible nanomaterial available in thousands of tons at low price, which makes it a good candidate for nanoarchitectural composites. The inner lumen of halloysite may be adjusted by etching to 20-30% of the tube volume and loading with functional agents (antioxidants, anticorrosion agents, flame-retardant agents, drugs, or proteins) allowing for formulations with sustained release tuned by the tube end-stoppers for hours and days. Clogging the tube ends in polymeric composites allows further extension of the release time. Thus, antioxidant-loaded halloysite doped into rubber enhances anti-aging properties for at least 12 months. The addition of 3-5 wt% of halloysite increases the strength of polymeric materials, and the possibility of the tube's orientation promises a gradient of properties. Halloysite nanotubes are a promising mesoporous media for catalytic nanoparticles that may be seeded on the tube surface or synthesized exclusively in the lumens, providing enhanced catalytic properties, especially at high temperatures. In vitro and in vivo studies on biological cells and worms indicate the safety of halloysite, and tests for efficient adsorption of mycotoxins in animals' stomachs are also carried out. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nanotubular halloysite clay as efficient water filtration system for cationic and anionic dyes removal

OpenAIRE

Conference, Nanostruc; Yafei Zhao, Elshad Abdullayev and Yuri Lvov

2014-01-01

Halloysite clay has chemical structure similar to kaolinite but it is rolled in tubes with diameter of 50 nm and length of ca. 1000 nm. Halloysite exhibits higher adsorption capacity for both cationic and anionic dyes because it has negative SiO2 outermost and positive Al2O3 inner lumen surface. An adsorption study using cationicRhodamine 6G and anionic Chrome azurol S has shown pproximately two times better dye removal for halloysite as compared to kaolin. Halloysite filters have been effect...

Composite microparticles of halloysite clay nanotubes bound by calcium carbonate.

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Jin, Yi; Yendluri, Raghuvara; Chen, Bin; Wang, Jingbo; Lvov, Yuri

2016-03-15

Natural halloysite clay nanotubes with 15 nm inner and 75 nm outer diameters have been used as vehicles for sustained release of drugs in composite hollow microparticles "glued" with CaCO3. We used a layer-by layer assembly accomplished alginate binding with Ca(2+) followed by CO2 bubbling to prepare the composite microspheres of CaCO3 and polyelectrolytes (PE) modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-PE2/CaCO3) with the diameter of about 5-10 μm. These microparticles have empty spherical structure and abundant pore distributions with maxima at 2.5, 3.9, 6.0 and 13.3 nm, and higher surface area of 82.3 m(2) g(-1) as characterized by SEM and BET test. We loaded drugs in these micro-nano carriers of tight piles of halloysite nanotube with end clogged with CaCO3. The sustained release of Nifedipine drug from HNTs-PE2/CaCO3 composite microspheres was slower than for pristine halloysite nanotubes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MINERALOGY OF HALLOYSITES AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH PORPHYRINE

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Vašutová V.

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Samples representing two modifications of halloysites, dehydrated (7 Å and hydrated (10 Å forms, respectively, were examined with the aim to select suitable candidates for to be used as carriers of porphyrine photoactive molecules. The samples were analysed by powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM. Chemical composition was also determined. For the determination of cationic exchange capacity (CEC the silver thiourea method (AgTU was used. Silver cations concentrations in the solution before and after the interaction were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS. By the interaction of two pure hydrated halloysites with porphyrine it was found that porphyrine does not intercalate the interlayer space, but it is adsorbed on the outer surface of halloysite. This interaction changed the colour of clay sample from white to green. The changes were also clearly visible on diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS.

Polyaniline-coated halloysite nanotubes via in-situ chemical polymerization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang Long [State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 (China); Wang Tingmei [State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000 (China); Liu Peng [State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 (China)], E-mail: pliu@lzu.edu.cn

2008-12-30

Polyaniline coated halloysite nanotubes (PANI/HNTs) were prepared by the in-situ soapless emulsion polymerization of the anilinium chloride adsorbed halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), obtained by the dispersion of HNTs in acidic aqueous solution of aniline with magnetic stirring and ultrasonic irradiation, by using ammonium persulfate (APS) as oxidant. The effect of the acidities of the polymerizing media on the crystal structure of the nanotubes was investigated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The surface conducting coatings of the hybrids were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphological analyses showed that the polyaniline coated halloysite nanotubes via the in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization with ultrasonic irradiation had the better well-defined structures, by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The conductivities of the PANI/HNTs hybrids increased with the increasing of the amounts of HCl dopant added in the emulsion polymerization.

Polyaniline-coated halloysite nanotubes via in-situ chemical polymerization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Long; Wang Tingmei; Liu Peng

2008-01-01

Polyaniline coated halloysite nanotubes (PANI/HNTs) were prepared by the in-situ soapless emulsion polymerization of the anilinium chloride adsorbed halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), obtained by the dispersion of HNTs in acidic aqueous solution of aniline with magnetic stirring and ultrasonic irradiation, by using ammonium persulfate (APS) as oxidant. The effect of the acidities of the polymerizing media on the crystal structure of the nanotubes was investigated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The surface conducting coatings of the hybrids were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphological analyses showed that the polyaniline coated halloysite nanotubes via the in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization with ultrasonic irradiation had the better well-defined structures, by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The conductivities of the PANI/HNTs hybrids increased with the increasing of the amounts of HCl dopant added in the emulsion polymerization.

Halloysite reinforced epoxy composites with improved mechanical properties

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Saif Muhammad Jawwad

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs reinforced epoxy composites with improved mechanical properties were prepared. The prepared HNTs reinforced epoxy composites demonstrated improved mechanical properties especially the fracture toughness and flexural strength. The flexural modulus of nanocomposite with 6% mHNTs loading was 11.8% higher than that of neat epoxy resin. In addition, the nanocomposites showed improved dimensional stability. The prepared halloysite reinforced epoxy composites were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA. The improved properties are attributed to the unique characteristics of HNTs, uniform dispersion of reinforcement and interfacial coupling.

Effect of Morphology and Size of Halloysite Nanotubes on Functional Pectin Bionanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications.

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Makaremi, Maziyar; Pasbakhsh, Pooria; Cavallaro, Giuseppe; Lazzara, Giuseppe; Aw, Yoong Kit; Lee, Sui Mae; Milioto, Stefana

2017-05-24

Pectin bionanocomposite films filled with various concentrations of two different types of halloysite nanotubes were prepared and characterized in this study as potential films for food packaging applications. The two types of halloysite nanotubes were long and thin (patch) (200-30 000 nm length) and short and stubby (Matauri Bay) (50-3000 nm length) with different morphological, physical, and dispersibility properties. Both matrix (pectin) and reinforcer (halloysite nanotubes) used in this study are considered as biocompatible, natural, and low-cost materials. Various characterization tests including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, release kinetics, contact angle, and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to evaluate the performance of the pectin films. Exceptional thermal, tensile, and contact angle properties have been achieved for films reinforced by patch halloysite nanotubes due to the patchy and lengthy nature of these tubes, which form a bird nest structure in the pectin matrix. Matauri Bay halloysite nanotubes were dispersed uniformly and individually in the matrix in low and even high halloysite nanotube concentrations. Furthermore, salicylic acid as a biocidal agent was encapsulated in the halloysite nanotubes lumen to control its release kinetics. On this basis, halloysite nanotubes/salicylic acid hybrids were dispersed into the pectin matrix to develop functional biofilms with antimicrobial properties that can be extended over time. Results revealed that shorter nanotubes (Matauri Bay) had better ability for the encapsulation of salicylic acid into their lumen, while patchy structure and longer tubes of patch halloysite nanotubes made the encapsulation process more difficult, as they might need more time and energy to be fully loaded by salicylic acid. Moreover, antimicrobial activity of the films against four different strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria indicated the

Nanotubular Halloysite Clay as Efficient Water Filtration System for Removal of Cationic and Anionic Dyes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao, Yafei; Abdullayev, Elshad; Lvov, Yuri

2014-01-01

Halloysite nanotubes, chemically similar to kaolinite, are formed by rolling of kaolinite layers in tubes with diameter of 50 nm and length of ca. 1 μm. Halloysite has negative SiO 2 outermost and positive Al 2 O 3 inner lumen surface, which enables it to be used as potential absorbent for both cationic and anionic dyes due to the efficient bivalent adsorbancy. An adsorption study using cationic Rhodamine 6G and anionic Chrome azurol S has shown approximately two times better dye removal for halloysite as compared to kaolinite. Halloysite filters have been effectively regenerated up to 50 times by burning the adsorbed dyes. Overall removal efficiency of anionic Chrome azurol S exceeded 99.9% for 5th regeneration cycle of halloysite. Chrome azurol S adsorption capacity decreases with the increase of ionic strength, temperature and pH. For cationic Rhodamine 6G, higher ionic strength, temperature and initial solution concentration were favorable to enhanced adsorption with optimal pH 8. These results indicate a potential to utilize halloysite for the removal of ionic dyes from environmental waters

Halloysite clay nanotubes for resveratrol delivery to cancer cells.

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Vergaro, Viviana; Lvov, Yuri M; Leporatti, Stefano

2012-09-01

Halloysite is natural aluminosilicate clay with hollow tubular structure which allows loading with low soluble drugs using their saturated solutions in organic solvents. Resveratrol, a polyphenol known for having antioxidant and antineoplastic properties, is loaded inside these clay nanotubes lumens. Release time of 48 h is demonstrated. Spectroscopic and ζ-potential measurements are used to study the drug loading/release and for monitoring the nanotube layer-by-layer (LbL) coating with polyelectrolytes for further release control. Resveratrol-loaded clay nanotubes are added to breast cell cultures for toxicity tests. Halloysite functionalization with LbL polyelectrolyte multilayers remarkably decrease nanotube self-toxicity. MTT measurements performed with a neoplastic cell lines model system (MCF-7) as function of the resveratrol-loaded nanotubes concentration and incubation time indicate that drug-loaded halloysite strongly increase of cytotoxicity leading to cell apoptosis. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cr(VI) reduction and immobilization by novel carbonaceous modified magnetic Fe3O4/halloysite nanohybrid.

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Xike; Wang, Weiwei; Tian, Na; Zhou, Chaoxin; Yang, Chao; Komarneni, Sridhar

2016-05-15

In this work, a novel "Dumbbell-like" magnetic Fe3O4/Halloysite nanohybrid (Fe3O4/HNTs@C) with oxygen-containing organic group grafting on the surface of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and homogeneous Fe3O4 nanospheres selectively aggregating at the tips of modified halloysite nanotubes was successfully synthesized. XRD, TEM, IR spectroscopy, XPS and VSM were used to characterize this newly halloysite nanohybrid and its formation mechanism was discussed. Cr(VI) ions adsorption experiments showed that the Fe3O4/halloysite nanohybrid exhibited higher adsorption ability with a maximum adsorption capacity of 132 mg/L at 303K, which is about 100 times higher than that of unmodified halloysite nanotubes. More importantly, with the reduction of Fe3O4 and electron-donor effect of oxygen-containing organic groups, Cr(VI) ions were easily reduced into low toxicity Cr(III) and then adsorbed onto the surface of halloysite nanohybrid. In addition, appreciable magnetization was observed due to the aggregation of magnetite nanoparticles, which make adsorbent facility separated from aqueous solutions after Cr pollution adsorption. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube bionanocomposite films with ionic liquid.

Science.gov (United States)

Soheilmoghaddam, Mohammad; Wahit, Mat Uzir

2013-07-01

In this study, novel nanocomposite films based on regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube (RC/HNT) have been prepared using an environmentally friendly ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) through a simple green method. The structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the RC/HNT nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermal analysis and tensile strength measurements. The results obtained revealed interactions between the halloysite nanotubes and regenerated cellulose matrix. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films, compared with pure regenerated cellulose film, were significantly improved When the halloysite nanotube (HNT) loading was only 2 wt.%, the 20% weight loss temperature (T20) increased 20°C. The Young's modulus increased from 1.8 to 4.1 GPa, while tensile strength increased from 35.30 to 60.50 MPa when 8 wt.% halloysite nanotube (HNT) was incorporated, interestingly without loss of ductility. The nanocomposite films exhibited improved oxygen barrier properties and water absorption resistance compared to regenerated cellulose. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective modification of halloysite lumen with octadecylphosphonic acid: new inorganic tubular micelle.

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Yah, Weng On; Takahara, Atsushi; Lvov, Yuri M

2012-01-25

Selective fatty acid hydrophobization of the inner surface of tubule halloysite clay is demonstrated. Aqueous phosphonic acid was found to bind to alumina sites at the tube lumen and did not bind the tube's outer siloxane surface. The bonding was characterized with solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance ((29)Si, (13)C, (31)P NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy of selectively modified tubes proved binding of octadecylphosphonic acid within the halloysite lumen through bidentate and tridentate P-O-Al linkage. Selective modification of the halloysite clay lumen creates an inorganic micelle-like architecture with a hydrophobic aliphatic chain core and a hydrophilic silicate shell. An enhanced capacity for adsorption of the modified halloysite toward hydrophobic derivatives of ferrocene was shown. This demonstrates that the different inner and outer surface chemistry of clay nanotubes can be used for selective modification, enabling different applications from water purification to drug immobilization and controlled release. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Carboxylic acid functionalization of halloysite nanotubes for sustained release of diphenhydramine hydrochloride

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zargarian, S. Sh.; Haddadi-Asl, V., E-mail: haddadi@aut.ac.ir; Hematpour, H. [Amirkabir University of Technology, Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2015-05-15

Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) (cylindrical shape with external diameter and length in the range of 30–80 nm and 0.2–1 µm, respectively) were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) from hydroxyl groups by a coupling reaction. Subsequently, maleic anhydride was attached to the APTES moieties to yield carboxylic acid-functionalized HNT. Loading and subsequent release of a model drug molecule diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) on modified and unmodified nanotubes were investigated. Morphology of HNT was studied by electron microscopy. Successful attachment of APTES and carboxylic acid groups to halloysite and drug loading were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The amount of surface modification and drug adsorption capacity were calculated via thermogravimetric analysis. The ordered crystal structure of loaded drug was evaluated by X-ray diffraction. UV–Visible spectrophotometer was used to study drug release from modified and unmodified samples. Carboxylated halloysite exhibits higher loading capacity and prolonged release of DPH as compared to that of the natural halloysite.

Carboxylic acid functionalization of halloysite nanotubes for sustained release of diphenhydramine hydrochloride

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zargarian, S. Sh.; Haddadi-Asl, V.; Hematpour, H.

2015-01-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) (cylindrical shape with external diameter and length in the range of 30–80 nm and 0.2–1 µm, respectively) were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) from hydroxyl groups by a coupling reaction. Subsequently, maleic anhydride was attached to the APTES moieties to yield carboxylic acid-functionalized HNT. Loading and subsequent release of a model drug molecule diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) on modified and unmodified nanotubes were investigated. Morphology of HNT was studied by electron microscopy. Successful attachment of APTES and carboxylic acid groups to halloysite and drug loading were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The amount of surface modification and drug adsorption capacity were calculated via thermogravimetric analysis. The ordered crystal structure of loaded drug was evaluated by X-ray diffraction. UV–Visible spectrophotometer was used to study drug release from modified and unmodified samples. Carboxylated halloysite exhibits higher loading capacity and prolonged release of DPH as compared to that of the natural halloysite

Innovative bionanocomposite films of edible proteins containing liposome-encapsulated nisin and halloysite nanoclay.

Science.gov (United States)

Boelter, Juliana Ferreira; Brandelli, Adriano

2016-09-01

Films and coatings based on natural polymers have gained increased interest for food packaging applications. In this work, halloysite and phosphatidylcholine liposomes encapsulating nisin were used to develop nanocomposite films of gelatin and casein. Liposomes prepared with either soybean lecithin or Phospholipon(®) showed particle size ranging from 124 to 178nm and high entrapment efficiency (94-100%). Considering their stability, Phospholipon(®) liposomes with 1.0mg/ml nisin were selected for incorporation into nanocomposite films containing 0.5g/l halloysite. The films presented antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the films had a smooth surface, but showed increased roughness with addition of liposomes and halloysite. Casein films were thinner and slightly yellowish, less rigid and very elastic as compared with gelatin films. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a decrease of the degradation temperature for casein films added with liposomes. The glass transition temperature decreased with addition of liposomes and halloysite. Gelatin and casein films containing nisin-loaded liposomes and halloysite represent an interesting alternative for development of active food packaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular Modeling of Adsorption of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid in the Halloysite Nanotube

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Borrego-Sánchez

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Halloysite nanotubes are becoming interesting materials for drug delivery. The knowledge of surface interactions is important for optimizing this application. The aim of this work is to perform a computational study of the interaction between 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA drug and halloysite nanotubes for the development of modified drug delivery systems. The optimization of this nanotube and the adsorption of different conformers of the 5-ASA drug on the internal surface of halloysite in the presence and absence of water were performed using quantum mechanical calculations by using Density Functional Theory (DFT and methods based on atomistic force fields for molecular modeling, respectively.

Selective adsorption of oppositely charged PNIPAAM on halloysite surfaces: a route to thermo-responsive nanocarriers.

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Cavallaro, Giuseppe; Lazzara, Giuseppe; Lisuzzo, Lorenzo; Milioto, Stefana; Parisi, Filippo

2018-05-17

Halloysite nanotubes were functionalized with stimuli-responsive macromolecules to generate smart nanohybrids. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-methacrylic acid (PNIPAAM-co-MA) was selectively adsorbed into halloysite lumen by exploiting electrostatic interactions. Amine-terminated PNIPAAM polymer was also investigated that selectively interacts with the outer surface of the nanotubes. The adsorption site has a profound effect on the thermodynamic behavior and therefore temperature responsive features of the hybrid material. The drug release kinetics was investigated by using Diclofenac as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug model. The release kinetics depends on the nanoarchitecture of the PNIPAAM/Halloysite based material. In particular, diclofenac release was slowed down above the LCST for PNIPAAM-co-MA/Halloysite. Opposite trends occurred for Halloysite functionalized with PNIPAAM at the outer surface. This work represents a further step toward the opportunity to extend and control the delivery conditions of active species, which represent a key point in technological applications. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Nanoparticles Formed Onto/Into Halloysite Clay Tubules: Architectural Synthesis and Applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Vinokurov, Vladimir A; Stavitskaya, Anna V; Glotov, Aleksandr P; Novikov, Andrei A; Zolotukhina, Anna V; Kotelev, Mikhail S; Gushchin, Pawel A; Ivanov, Evgenii V; Darrat, Yusuf; Lvov, Yuri M

2018-01-04

Nanoparticles, being objects with high surface area are prone to agglomeration. Immobilization onto solid supports is a promising method to increase their stability and it allows for scalable industrial applications, such as metal nanoparticles adsorbed to mesoporous ceramic carriers. Tubular nanoclay - halloysite - can be an efficient solid support, enabling the fast and practical architectural (inside / outside) synthesis of stable metal nanoparticles. The obtained halloysite-nanoparticle composites can be employed as advanced catalysts, ion-conducting membrane modifiers, inorganic pigments, and optical markers for biomedical studies. Here, we discuss the possibilities to synthesize halloysite decorated with metal, metal chalcogenide, and carbon nanoparticles, and to use these materials in various fields, especially in catalysis and petroleum refinery. © 2018 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sustained Release of Antibacterial Agents from Doped Halloysite Nanotubes

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Shraddha Patel

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The use of nanomaterials for improving drug delivery methods has been shown to be advantageous technically and viable economically. This study employed the use of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs as nanocontainers, as well as enhancers of structural integrity in electrospun poly-e-caprolactone (PCL scaffolds. HNTs were loaded with amoxicillin, Brilliant Green, chlorhexidine, doxycycline, gentamicin sulfate, iodine, and potassium calvulanate and release profiles assessed. Selected doped halloysite nanotubes (containing either Brilliant Green, amoxicillin and potassium calvulanate were then mixed with poly-e-caprolactone (PLC using the electrospinning method and woven into random and oriented-fibered nanocomposite mats. The rate of drug release from HNTs, HNTs/PCL nanocomposites, and their effect on inhibiting bacterial growth was investigated. Release profiles from nanocomposite mats showed a pattern of sustained release for all bacterial agents. Nanocomposites were able to inhibit bacterial growth for up to one-month with only a slight decrease in bacterial growth inhibition. We propose that halloysite doped nanotubes have the potential for use in a variety of medical applications including sutures and surgical dressings, without compromising material properties.

Sustained Release of Antibacterial Agents from Doped Halloysite Nanotubes

Science.gov (United States)

Patel, Shraddha; Jammalamadaka, Uday; Sun, Lin; Tappa, Karthik; Mills, David K.

2015-01-01

The use of nanomaterials for improving drug delivery methods has been shown to be advantageous technically and viable economically. This study employed the use of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as nanocontainers, as well as enhancers of structural integrity in electrospun poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. HNTs were loaded with amoxicillin, Brilliant Green, chlorhexidine, doxycycline, gentamicin sulfate, iodine, and potassium calvulanate and release profiles assessed. Selected doped halloysite nanotubes (containing either Brilliant Green, amoxicillin and potassium calvulanate) were then mixed with poly-e-caprolactone (PLC) using the electrospinning method and woven into random and oriented-fibered nanocomposite mats. The rate of drug release from HNTs, HNTs/PCL nanocomposites, and their effect on inhibiting bacterial growth was investigated. Release profiles from nanocomposite mats showed a pattern of sustained release for all bacterial agents. Nanocomposites were able to inhibit bacterial growth for up to one-month with only a slight decrease in bacterial growth inhibition. We propose that halloysite doped nanotubes have the potential for use in a variety of medical applications including sutures and surgical dressings, without compromising material properties. PMID:28952563

Direct chemical grafted curcumin on halloysite nanotubes as dual-responsive prodrug for pharmacological applications.

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Massaro, M; Amorati, R; Cavallaro, G; Guernelli, S; Lazzara, G; Milioto, S; Noto, R; Poma, P; Riela, S

2016-04-01

Covalently functionalized halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were successfully employed as dual-responsive nanocarriers for curcumin (Cur). Particularly, we synthesized HNT-Cur prodrug with a controlled curcumin release on dependence of both intracellular glutathione (GSH) and pH conditions. In order to obtain HNT-Cur produgs, halloysite was firstly functionalized with cysteamine through disulphide linkage. Afterwards, curcumin molecules were chemically conjugated to the amino end groups of halloysite via Schiff's base formation. The successful functionalization of halloysite was proved by thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Experimental data confirmed the presence of curcumin on HNT external surface. Moreover, we investigated the kinetics of curcumin release by UV-vis spectroscopy, which highlighted that HNT-Cur prodrug possesses dual stimuli-responsive ability upon exposure to GSH-rich or acidic environment. In vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant properties of HNT-Cur prodrug were studied with the aim to explore their potential applications in pharmaceutics. This work puts forward an efficient strategy to prepare halloysite based nanocarriers with controlled drug delivery capacity through direct chemical grafting with stimuli-responsive linkage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Halloysite nanotubes grafted hyperbranched (co)polymers via surface-initiated self-condensing vinyl (co)polymerization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mu Bin; Zhao Mingfei; Liu Peng

2008-01-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) grafted hyperbranched polymers were prepared by the self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) of 2-((bromoacetyl)oxy)ethyl acrylate (BAEA) and the self-condensing vinyl copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate (BA) and BAEA with BAEA as inimer (AB*) respectively, from the surfaces of the 2-bromoisobutyric acid modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-Br) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique. The halloysite nanotubes grafted hyperbranched polymer (HNTs-HP) and the halloysite nanotubes grafted hyperbranched copolymer (HNTs-HCP) were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The grafted hyperbranched polymers were characterized with Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the molecular ratio between the inimer AB* and BA in the grafted hyperbranched copolymers was found to be 3:2, calculated from the TGA and EA results

Halloysite nanotubes grafted hyperbranched (co)polymers via surface-initiated self-condensing vinyl (co)polymerization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mu Bin; Zhao Mingfei; Liu Peng [Lanzhou University, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (China)], E-mail: pliu@lzu.edu.cn

2008-05-15

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) grafted hyperbranched polymers were prepared by the self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) of 2-((bromoacetyl)oxy)ethyl acrylate (BAEA) and the self-condensing vinyl copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate (BA) and BAEA with BAEA as inimer (AB*) respectively, from the surfaces of the 2-bromoisobutyric acid modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-Br) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique. The halloysite nanotubes grafted hyperbranched polymer (HNTs-HP) and the halloysite nanotubes grafted hyperbranched copolymer (HNTs-HCP) were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The grafted hyperbranched polymers were characterized with Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the molecular ratio between the inimer AB* and BA in the grafted hyperbranched copolymers was found to be 3:2, calculated from the TGA and EA results.

Cr(VI) reduction and immobilization by novel carbonaceous modified magnetic Fe_3O_4/halloysite nanohybrid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tian, Xike; Wang, Weiwei; Tian, Na; Zhou, Chaoxin; Yang, Chao; Komarneni, Sridhar

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A novel magnetic nonohybrids (Fe_3O_4/HNTs@C) were synthesized for Cr(VI) removal. • Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) by Fe_3O_4 nanoparticles and hydroxyl groups. • Cr ions were attached on Fe_3O_4/HNTs@C by ion exchange and coordination interaction. - Abstract: In this work, a novel “Dumbbell-like” magnetic Fe_3O_4/Halloysite nanohybrid (Fe_3O_4/HNTs@C) with oxygen-containing organic group grafting on the surface of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and homogeneous Fe_3O_4 nanospheres selectively aggregating at the tips of modified halloysite nanotubes was successfully synthesized. XRD, TEM, IR spectroscopy, XPS and VSM were used to characterize this newly halloysite nanohybrid and its formation mechanism was discussed. Cr(VI) ions adsorption experiments showed that the Fe_3O_4/halloysite nanohybrid exhibited higher adsorption ability with a maximum adsorption capacity of 132 mg/L at 303 K, which is about 100 times higher than that of unmodified halloysite nanotubes. More importantly, with the reduction of Fe_3O_4 and electron–donor effect of oxygen-containing organic groups, Cr(VI) ions were easily reduced into low toxicity Cr(III) and then adsorbed onto the surface of halloysite nanohybrid. In addition, appreciable magnetization was observed due to the aggregation of magnetite nanoparticles, which make adsorbent facility separated from aqueous solutions after Cr pollution adsorption.

Halloysite nanotube supported Ag nanoparticles heteroarchitectures as catalysts for polymerization of alkylsilanes to superhydrophobic silanol/siloxane composite microspheres.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Cuiping; Li, Xueyuan; Duan, Xuelan; Li, Guangjie; Wang, Jiaqiang

2014-12-15

Halloysite nanotube supported Ag nanoparticles heteroarchitectures have been prepared through a very simple electroless plating method. Robust Ag nanocrystals can be reproducibly fabricated by soaking halloysite nanotubes in ethanolic solutions of AgNO3 and butylamine. By simply adjusting the molar ratio of AgNO3 and butylamine, Ag nanoparticles with tunable size and quantity on halloysite nanotube are achieved. It reveals that the Ag nanoparticles are well-dispersed on the surface of halloysite nanotubes. The halloysite nanotube supported Ag nanoparticles heteroarchitectures can serve as active catalysts for the polymerization of an alkylsilane C18H37SiH3 with water to form silanol/siloxane composite microspheres and exhibit interesting superhydrophobicity ascribed to the micro/nanobinary structure. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-healing coatings based on halloysite clay polymer composites for protection of copper alloys.

Science.gov (United States)

Abdullayev, Elshad; Abbasov, Vagif; Tursunbayeva, Asel; Portnov, Vasiliy; Ibrahimov, Hikmat; Mukhtarova, Gulbaniz; Lvov, Yuri

2013-05-22

Halloysite clay nanotubes loaded with corrosion inhibitors benzotriazole (BTA), 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) were used as additives in self-healing composite paint coating of copper. These inhibitors form protective films on the metal surface and mitigate corrosion. Mechanisms involved in the film formation have been studied with optical and electron microscopy, UV-vis spectrometry, and adhesivity tests. Efficiency of the halloysite lumen loading ascended in the order of BTA halloysite formulations have shown the best protection. Inhibitors were kept in the tubes buried in polymeric paint layer for a long time and release was enhanced in the coating defects exposed to humid media with 20-50 h, sufficient for formation of protective layer. Anticorrosive performance of the halloysite-based composite acrylic and polyurethane coatings have been demonstrated for 110-copper alloy strips exposed to 0.5 M aqueous NaCl for 6 months.

A spectroscopic comparison of selected Chinese kaolinite, coal bearing kaolinite and halloysite - A mid-infrared and near-infrared study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cheng, H.F.; Yang, J.; Liu, Q.F.; Zhang, J.S.; Frost, R.L. [Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld. (Australia). Faculty of Science & Technology

2010-11-15

Mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy have been compared and evaluated for differentiating kaolinite, coal bearing kaolinite and halloysite. Kaolinite, coal bearing kaolinite and halloysite are the three relative abundant minerals of the kaolin group, especially in China. In the MIR spectra, the differences are shown in the 3000-3600 cm{sup -1} between kaolinite and halloysite. It cannot obviously differentiate the kaolinite and halloysite, leaving alone kaolinite and coal bearing kaolinite. However, NIR, together with MIR, gives us the sufficient evidence to differentiate the kaolinite and halloysite, especially kaolinite and coal bearing kaolinite. There are obvious differences between kaolinite and halloysite in all range of their spectra, and they also show some difference between kaolinite and coal bearing kaolinite. Therefore, the reproducibility of measurement, signal to noise ratio and richness of qualitative information should be simultaneously considered for proper selection of a spectroscopic method for mineral analysis.

Characterizations of the Formation of Polydopamine-Coated Halloysite Nanotubes in Various pH Environments.

Science.gov (United States)

Feng, Junran; Fan, Hailong; Zha, Dao-An; Wang, Le; Jin, Zhaoxia

2016-10-11

Recent studies demonstrated that polydopamine (PDA) coating is universal to nearly all substrates, and it endows substrates with biocompatibility, postfunctionality, and other useful properties. Surface chemistry of PDA coating is important for its postmodifications and applications. However, there is less understanding of the formation mechanism and surface functional groups of PDA layers generated in different conditions. Halloysite is a kind of clay mineral with tubular nanostructure. Water-swellable halloysite has unique reactivity. In this study, we have investigated the reaction of dopamine in the presence of water-swellable halloysite. We have tracked the reaction progresses in different pH environments by using UV-vis spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The surface properties of PDA on halloysite were clarified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SERS, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) characterizations, zeta potential, surface wettability, and morphological characterizations. We noticed that the interaction between halloysite surface and dopamine strongly influences the surface functionality of coated PDA. In addition, pH condition further modulates surface functional groups, resulting in less content of secondary/aromatic amine in PDA generated in weak acidic environment. This study demonstrates that the formation mechanism of polydopamine becomes complex in the presence of inorganic nanomaterials. Substrate property and reaction condition dominate the functionality of obtained PDA together.

Preparation of aminated chitosan/alginate scaffold containing halloysite nanotubes with improved cell attachment.

Science.gov (United States)

Amir Afshar, Hamideh; Ghaee, Azadeh

2016-10-20

The chemical nature of biomaterials play important role in cell attachment, proliferation and migration in tissue engineering. Chitosan and alginate are biodegradable and biocompatible polymers used as scaffolds for various medical and clinical applications. Amine groups of chitosan scaffolds play an important role in cell attachment and water adsorption but also associate with alginate carboxyl groups via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding, consequently the activity of amine groups in the scaffold decreases. In this study, chitosan/alginate/halloysite nanotube (HNTs) composite scaffolds were prepared using a freeze-drying method. Amine treatment on the scaffold occurred through chemical methods, which in turn caused the hydroxyl groups to be replaced with carboxyl groups in chitosan and alginate, after which a reaction between ethylenediamine, 1-ethyl-3,(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and scaffold triggered the amine groups to connect to the carboxyl groups of chitosan and alginate. The chemical structure, morphology and mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds were investigated by FTIR, CHNS, SEM/EDS and compression tests. The electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding between chitosan, alginate and halloysite was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Chitosan/alginate/halloysite scaffolds exhibit significant enhancement in compressive strength compared with chitosan/alginate scaffolds. CHNS and EDS perfectly illustrate that amine groups were effectively introduced in the aminated scaffold. The growth and cell attachment of L929 cells as well as the cytotoxicity of the scaffolds were investigated by SEM and Alamar Blue (AB). The results indicated that the aminated chitosan/alginate/halloysite scaffold has better cell growth and cell adherence in comparison to that of chitosan/alginate/halloysite samples. Aminated chitosan/alginate/halloysite composite scaffolds exhibit great potential for applications in tissue engineering, ideally in

A spectroscopic comparison of selected Chinese kaolinite, coal bearing kaolinite and halloysite--a mid-infrared and near-infrared study.

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Hongfei; Yang, Jing; Liu, Qinfu; Zhang, Jinshan; Frost, Ray L

2010-11-01

Mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy have been compared and evaluated for differentiating kaolinite, coal bearing kaolinite and halloysite. Kaolinite, coal bearing kaolinite and halloysite are the three relative abundant minerals of the kaolin group, especially in China. In the MIR spectra, the differences are shown in the 3000-3600 cm⁻¹ between kaolinite and halloysite. It cannot obviously differentiate the kaolinite and halloysite, leaving alone kaolinite and coal bearing kaolinite. However, NIR, together with MIR, gives us the sufficient evidence to differentiate the kaolinite and halloysite, especially kaolinite and coal bearing kaolinite. There are obvious differences between kaolinite and halloysite in all range of their spectra, and they also show some difference between kaolinite and coal bearing kaolinite. Therefore, the reproducibility of measurement, signal to noise ratio and richness of qualitative information should be simultaneously considered for proper selection of a spectroscopic method for mineral analysis. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of halloysite content on carboxymethyl cellulose/halloysite nanotube bio-nanocomposite films

Science.gov (United States)

Suppiah, Kathiravan; Leng, Teh Pei; Husseinsyah, Salmah; Rahman, Rozyanty; Keat, Yeoh Cheow

2017-04-01

Carboxymethyl cellulose/halloysite nanotube (CMC/HNT) bio-nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method. The effect of HNT content on tensile properties and morphology were studied. The results showed that the tensile strength of the CMC/HNT bio-nanocomposite films achieved optimum at 10 wt% of HNT content. The elongation at break and modulus of elasticity increased with increasing HNT content. The morphology of CMC/HNT bio-nanocomposite films showed that the poor distribution of HNT filler was observed at 20 wt% of HNT content.

Release of surfactant cargo from interfacially-active halloysite clay nanotubes for oil spill remediation.

Science.gov (United States)

Owoseni, Olasehinde; Nyankson, Emmanuel; Zhang, Yueheng; Adams, Samantha J; He, Jibao; McPherson, Gary L; Bose, Arijit; Gupta, Ram B; John, Vijay T

2014-11-18

Naturally occurring halloysite clay nanotubes are effective in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and can serve as interfacially-active vehicles for delivering oil spill treating agents. Halloysite nanotubes adsorb at the oil-water interface and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions that are stable for months. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) imaging of the oil-in-water emulsions shows that these nanotubes assemble in a side-on orientation at the oil-water interface and form networks on the interface through end-to-end linkages. For application in the treatment of marine oil spills, halloysite nanotubes were successfully loaded with surfactants and utilized as an interfacially-active vehicle for the delivery of surfactant cargo. The adsorption of surfactant molecules at the interface serves to lower the interfacial tension while the adsorption of particles provides a steric barrier to drop coalescence. Pendant drop tensiometry was used to characterize the dynamic reduction in interfacial tension resulting from the release of dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOSS) from halloysite nanotubes. At appropriate surfactant compositions and loadings in halloysite nanotubes, the crude oil-saline water interfacial tension is effectively lowered to levels appropriate for the dispersion of oil. This work indicates a novel concept of integrating particle stabilization of emulsions together with the release of chemical surfactants from the particles for the development of an alternative, cheaper, and environmentally-benign technology for oil spill remediation.

Halloysite Clay Nanotubes for Enzyme Immobilization.

Science.gov (United States)

Tully, Joshua; Yendluri, Raghuvara; Lvov, Yuri

2016-02-08

Halloysite clay is an aluminosilicate nanotube formed by rolling flat sheets of kaolinite clay. They have a 15 nm lumen, 50-70 nm external diameter, length of 0.5-1 μm, and different inside/outside chemistry. Due to these nanoscale properties, they are used for loading, storage, and controlled release of active chemical agents, including anticorrosions, biocides, and drugs. We studied the immobilization in halloysite of laccase, glucose oxidase, and lipase. Overall, negatively charged proteins taken above their isoelectric points were mostly loaded into the positively charged tube's lumen. Typical tube loading with proteins was 6-7 wt % from which one-third was released in 5-10 h and the other two-thirds remained, providing enhanced biocatalysis in nanoconfined conditions. Immobilized lipase showed enhanced stability at acidic pH, and the optimum pH shifted to more alkaline pH. Immobilized laccase was more stable with respect to time, and immobilized glucose oxidase showed retention of enzymatic activity up to 70 °C, whereas the native sample was inactive.

Thermal analysis and infrared emission spectroscopic study of halloysite-potassium acetate intercalation compound

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cheng, Hongfei [School of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083 China (China); School of Mining Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010 (China); Chemistry Discipline, Faculty of Science and Technology, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 (Australia); Liu, Qinfu [School of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083 China (China); Yang, Jing [Chemistry Discipline, Faculty of Science and Technology, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 (Australia); Zhang, Jinshan [School of Mining Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010 (China); Frost, Ray L., E-mail: r.frost@qut.edu.au [Chemistry Discipline, Faculty of Science and Technology, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 (Australia)

2010-11-20

The thermal decomposition of halloysite-potassium acetate intercalation compound was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and infrared emission spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that intercalation of potassium acetate into halloysite caused an increase of the basal spacing from 1.00 to 1.41 nm. The thermogravimetry results show that the mass losses of intercalation the compound occur in main three main steps, which correspond to (a) the loss of adsorbed water, (b) the loss of coordination water and (c) the loss of potassium acetate and dehydroxylation. The temperature of dehydroxylation and dehydration of halloysite is decreased about 100 {sup o}C. The infrared emission spectra clearly show the decomposition and dehydroxylation of the halloysite intercalation compound when the temperature is raised. The dehydration of the intercalation compound is followed by the loss of intensity of the stretching vibration bands at region 3600-3200 cm{sup -1}. Dehydroxylation is followed by the decrease in intensity in the bands between 3695 and 3620 cm{sup -1}. Dehydration was completed by 300 {sup o}C and partial dehydroxylation by 350 {sup o}C. The inner hydroxyl group remained until around 500 {sup o}C.

The application of halloysite tubule nanoclay in drug delivery.

Science.gov (United States)

Lvov, Yuri M; DeVilliers, Melgardt M; Fakhrullin, Rawil F

2016-07-01

Natural and biocompatible clay nanotubes are among the best inorganic materials for drug nanoformulations. These halloysite tubes with SiO2 on the outermost surface have diameter of ca. 50 nm, length around 1 micrometer and may be loaded with drugs at 10-30 wt. %. Narrow tube openings allow for controllable sustained drug release for hours, days or even weeks. Physical-chemical properties of these nanotubes are described followed by examples of drug-loading capabilities, release characteristics, and control of duration of release through the end tube capping with polymers. Development of halloysite-polymer composites such as tissue scaffolds and bone cement/dentist resin formulations with enhanced mechanical properties and extension of the drug release to 2-3 weeks are described. Examples of the compression properties of halloysite in tablets and capsules are also shown. We expect that clay nanotubes will be used primarily for non-injectable drug formulations, such as topical and oral dosage forms, cosmetics, as well as for composite materials with enhanced therapeutic effects. These include tissue scaffolds, bone cement and dentist resins with sustained release of antimicrobial and cell growth-promoting medicines (including proteins and DNA) as well as other formulations such as compounds for antiseptic treatment of hospitals.

Preparation of a novel breviscapine-loaded halloysite nanotubes complex for controlled release of breviscapine

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Min; Lu, Liqian; Wang, Xiaoyue; Lin, Houke; Zhou, Qingsong

2017-11-01

For sustain the release rate and prolong half-life of breviscapine in vivo, the breviscapine-loaded halloysite nanotubes complex was prepared. The breviscapine was encapsulated into halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) using a vacuum process. The complex were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR). The formation of breviscapine-loaded HNTs complex was proved by the test results of SEM, DSC, TEM and IR analysise. The results confirmed that breviscapine was successfully loaded in the halloysite nanotubes. Additionally, the in vitro drug release of breviscapine from breviscapine-loaded HNTs complex was investigated, the result indicated this complex has apparent sustained-release effect.

The effect of halloysite modification combined with in situ matrix modifications on the structure and properties of polypropylene/halloysite nanocomposites

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Khunova, V.; Kristóf, J.; Kelnar, Ivan; Dybal, Jiří

2013-01-01

Roč. 7, č. 5 (2013), s. 471-479 ISSN 1788-618X R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA200500904 Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : nanocomposites * polypropylene * halloysite Subject RIV: JI - Composite Materials Impact factor: 2.953, year: 2013

Physicochemical and bioactive properties of innovative resin-based materials containing functional halloysite-nanotubes fillers.

Science.gov (United States)

Degrazia, Felipe Weidenbach; Leitune, Vicente Castelo Branco; Takimi, Antonio Shigueaki; Collares, Fabrício Mezzomo; Sauro, Salvatore

2016-09-01

This study aimed to assess the degree of conversion, microhardness, solvent degradation, contact angle, surface free energy and bioactivity (e.g., mineral precipitation) of experimental resin-based materials containing, pure or triclosan-encapsulated, aluminosilicate-(halloysite) nanotubes. An experimental resin blend was prepared using bis-GMA/TEGDMA, 75/25wt% (control). Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) doped with or without triclosan (TCN) were first analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HNT or HNT/TCN fillers were incorporated into the resin blend at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20wt%). Seven experimental resins were created and the degree of conversion, microhardness, solvent degradation and contact angle were assessed. Bioactive mineral precipitation induced by the experimental resins was evaluated through Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX. TEM showed a clear presence of TCN particles inside the tubular lumen and along the outer surfaces of the halloysite nanotubes. The degree of conversion, surface free energy, microhardness, and mineral deposition of polymers increased with higher amount of HNTs. Conversely, the higher the amount (20wt%) of TCN-loaded HNTs the lower the microhardness of the experimental resins. The incorporation of pure or TCN-loaded aluminosilicate-(halloysite) nanotubes into resin-based materials increase the bioactivity of such experimental restorative materials and promotes mineral deposition. Therefore, innovative resin-based materials containing functional halloysite-nanotube fillers may represent a valuable alternative for therapeutic minimally invasive treatments. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cr(VI) reduction and immobilization by novel carbonaceous modified magnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/halloysite nanohybrid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tian, Xike, E-mail: xktian@cug.edu.cn [Faculty of Material Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074 (China); Wang, Weiwei; Tian, Na; Zhou, Chaoxin; Yang, Chao [Faculty of Material Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074 (China); Komarneni, Sridhar [Materials Research Laboratory, Materials Research Institute and Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 (United States)

2016-05-15

Highlights: • A novel magnetic nonohybrids (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/HNTs@C) were synthesized for Cr(VI) removal. • Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) by Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles and hydroxyl groups. • Cr ions were attached on Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/HNTs@C by ion exchange and coordination interaction. - Abstract: In this work, a novel “Dumbbell-like” magnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/Halloysite nanohybrid (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/HNTs@C) with oxygen-containing organic group grafting on the surface of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and homogeneous Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanospheres selectively aggregating at the tips of modified halloysite nanotubes was successfully synthesized. XRD, TEM, IR spectroscopy, XPS and VSM were used to characterize this newly halloysite nanohybrid and its formation mechanism was discussed. Cr(VI) ions adsorption experiments showed that the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/halloysite nanohybrid exhibited higher adsorption ability with a maximum adsorption capacity of 132 mg/L at 303 K, which is about 100 times higher than that of unmodified halloysite nanotubes. More importantly, with the reduction of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and electron–donor effect of oxygen-containing organic groups, Cr(VI) ions were easily reduced into low toxicity Cr(III) and then adsorbed onto the surface of halloysite nanohybrid. In addition, appreciable magnetization was observed due to the aggregation of magnetite nanoparticles, which make adsorbent facility separated from aqueous solutions after Cr pollution adsorption.

Competitive interactions and controlled release of a natural antioxidant from halloysite nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Hári, József; Gyürki, Ádám; Sárközi, Márk; Földes, Enikő; Pukánszky, Béla

2016-01-15

Halloysite nanotubes used as potential carrier material for a controlled release stabilizer in polyethylene were thoroughly characterized with several techniques including the measurement of specific surface area, pore volume and surface energy. The high surface energy of the halloysite results in the strong bonding of the additive to the surface. Dissolution experiments carried out with eight different solvents for the determination of the effect of solvent characteristics on the amount of irreversibly bonded quercetin proved that adsorption and dissolution depend on competitive interactions prevailing in the system. Solvents with low polarity dissolve only surplus quercetin adsorbed in multilayers. Polyethylene is a very apolar polymer forming weak interactions with every substance; quercetin dissolves into it from the halloysite surface only above a critical surface coverage. Stabilization experiments confirmed that strong adhesion prevents dissolution and results in limited stabilization efficiency. At larger adsorbed amounts better stability and extended effect were measured indicating dissolution and controlled release. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of a new impregnated gauze containing bentonite and halloysite minerals on blood coagulation and wound healing.

Science.gov (United States)

Alavi, Mehrosadat; Totonchi, Alireza; Okhovat, Mohammad Ali; Motazedian, Motahareh; Rezaei, Peyman; Atefi, Mohammad

2014-12-01

In recent years, a wide variety of research has been carried out in the field of novel technologies to stop severe bleeding. In several studies, coagulation properties of minerals such as zeolite, bentonite and halloysite have been proven. In this study, the effect of a new impregnated sterile gauze containing bentonite and halloysite minerals was studied on blood coagulation and wound healing rate in male Wistar rats. Initially, impregnated sterile gauze was prepared from the mixture of bentonite and halloysite minerals and petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Then, the effect of gauze was studied on the blood coagulation time and wound healing process in 40 Wistar rats. SPSS software was used for data analysis and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The coagulation time of 81.10 ± 2.532 s in the control group and 33.00 ± 1.214 s in the study group (bentonite-halloysite treated) were reported (P halloysite impregnated sterile gauze significantly decreases the clotting time and increase the wound healing rate.

Investigation of sedimentation analysis of suspensions with 20 % of the content halloysite clay

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Z. Issagulov

2016-04-01

Full Text Available The paper describes the sedimentation analysis of the suspension. This allows us to get complete information about the particle size distribution used for protection against corrosion of pump parts covered with halloysite, thus giving a complete picture of its properties. Using this method is important in the calculation of concentrations when applied to anticorrosive coating. That in the future will increase the service life of parts on which corrosion liquid with halloysite was applied.

THE INFLUENCE OF A HALLOYSITE ADDITIVE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF AUTOCLAVED AERATED CONCRETE

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Z. Owsiak

2015-03-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the results from the tests of autoclaved aerated concrete with halloysite as a cement additive. Good pozzolanic properties make it a suitable material to be used as a partial replacement of a portion of cement. Basic physical and mechanical properties of the composites with various mineral content are discussed. The compressive strength test results indicate an increase in strength of the AAC containing 2.5 % and 5 % halloysite relative to the reference specimen. Thermal conductivity and density values remained at the same level. Observations of the microstructure in the scanning electron microscope confirmed the results from the XRD tests. Anhydrite was observed in addition to tobermorite. The results from the tests of the autoclaved aerated concretes in which halloysite was incorporated as 7.5 % and 10 % cement replacement showed an increase in compressive strength, density and thermal conductivity values.

Molecular transport behaviour of organic solvents through halloysite ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Micro and Nano Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Technical ... The transport behaviour of three organic solvents (benzene, toluene and xylene) through halloysite nan- ... ena play important roles in different areas of engineering and ... their blends by an equilibrium swelling method has been.

Interfacial adsorption and surfactant release characteristics of magnetically functionalized halloysite nanotubes for responsive emulsions.

Science.gov (United States)

Owoseni, Olasehinde; Nyankson, Emmanuel; Zhang, Yueheng; Adams, Daniel J; He, Jibao; Spinu, Leonard; McPherson, Gary L; Bose, Arijit; Gupta, Ram B; John, Vijay T

2016-02-01

Magnetically responsive oil-in-water emulsions are effectively stabilized by a halloysite nanotube supported superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle system. The attachment of the magnetically functionalized halloysite nanotubes at the oil-water interface imparts magnetic responsiveness to the emulsion and provides a steric barrier to droplet coalescence leading to emulsions that are stabilized for extended periods. Interfacial structure characterization by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy reveals that the nanotubes attach at the oil-water interface in a side on-orientation. The tubular structure of the nanotubes is exploited for the encapsulation and release of surfactant species that are typical of oil spill dispersants such as dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate. The magnetically responsive halloysite nanotubes anchor to the oil-water interface stabilizing the interface and releasing the surfactants resulting in reduction in the oil-water interfacial tension. The synergistic adsorption of the nanotubes and the released surfactants at the oil-water interface results in oil emulsification into very small droplets (less than 20μm). The synergy of the unique nanotubular morphology and interfacial activity of halloysite with the magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles has potential applications in oil spill dispersion, magnetic mobilization and detection using magnetic fields. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous deposition of Ni nanoparticles and wires on a tubular halloysite template: A novel metallized ceramic microstructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fu Yubin; Zhang Lide

2005-01-01

Tubular halloysite can be used as a template to fabricate a novel metallized ceramic microstructure through electroless plating. Reduction of Pd ions by methanol is conducted to initiate Ni plating. There is a simultaneous deposition of Ni nanoparticles on the outer surface and discontinuous wires in the lumen site of the halloysite template obtained. The different deposition could be caused by the different composition distribution of ferric oxide impurity in the wall due to the isomorphic substitution during the formation of halloysite template. Its magnetic property is mainly attributed to the Ni nanoparticles, not the wires. The metallized ceramic microstructure has the potential to be utilized as a novel magnetic material

Comment on "A spectroscopic comparison of selected Chinese kaolinite, coal bearing kaolinite and halloysite--a mid-infrared and near-infrared study" and "Infrared and infrared emission spectroscopic study of typical Chinese kaolinite and halloysite" by Hongfei Cheng et al. (2010).

Science.gov (United States)

Kloprogge, J Theo

2015-02-05

In two papers Cheng et al. (2010) reported in this journal on the mid-infrared, near-infrared and infrared emission spectroscopy of a halloysite from Hunan Xianrenwan, China. This halloysite contains around 8% of quartz (SiO2) and nearly 9% gibbsite (Al(OH)3). In their interpretation of the spectra these impurities were completely ignored. Careful comparison with a phase pure halloysite from Southern Belgium, synthetic gibbsite, gibbsite from Minas Gerais, and quartz show that these impurities do have a marked influence on the mid-infrared and infrared emission spectra. In the near-infrared, the effect is much less pronounced. Quartz does not show bands in this region and the gibbsite bands will be very weak. Comparison still show that the presence of gibbsite does contribute to the overall spectrum and bands that were ascribed to the halloysite alone do coincide with those of gibbsite. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of properties of chemically modified samples of halloysite mineral with X-ray fluorescence and X-ray powder diffraction methods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Banaś, D.; Kubala-Kukuś, A.; Braziewicz, J.; Majewska, U.; Pajek, M.; Wudarczyk-Moćko, J.; Czech, K.; Garnuszek, M.; Słomkiewicz, P.; Szczepanik, B.

2013-01-01

Elemental and chemical composition of raw and activated samples of halloysite mineral using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) methods were determined. As the result, it has been shown that application of the complementary X-ray spectrometry techniques allows very precise observation of changes in composition of halloysite mineral samples caused by its chemical modifications. Sample preparation procedure and usability of the research methods applied are described in details. Procedure of activation of raw halloysite mineral samples by etching them in sulfuric acid of various concentrations has been described and discussed. The ability of the samples to adsorb lead from intentionally contaminated water was tested and confirmed. - Author-Highlights: • We measured elemental and chemical composition of raw and activated halloysite mineral samples. • We showed that X-ray techniques allow precise study of changes in the sample composition. • We describe procedure of activation of the samples by etching them in sulfuric acid. • We tested ability of halloysite mineral to absorb lead from contaminated water

PdNP Decoration of Halloysite Lumen via Selective Grafting of Ionic Liquid onto the Aluminol Surfaces and Catalytic Application.

Science.gov (United States)

Dedzo, Gustave K; Ngnie, Gaëlle; Detellier, Christian

2016-02-01

The synthesis of selectively deposited palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) inside tubular halloysite lumens is reported. This specific localization was directed by the selective modification of the aluminol surfaces of the clay mineral through stable Al-O-C bonds. An ionic liquid (1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium) was grafted onto halloysite following the guest displacement method (generally used for kaolinite) using halloysite-DMSO preintercalate. The characterization of this clay nanohybrid material (XRD, NMR, TGA) showed characteristics reminiscent of similar materials synthesized from kaolinite. The grafting on halloysite lumens was also effective without using the DMSO preintercalate. The presence of these new functionalities in halloysite directs the synthesis of uniform PdNPs with size ranging between 3 and 6 nm located exclusively in the lumens. This results from the selective adsorption of PdNPs precursors in functionalized lumens through an anion exchange mechanism followed by in situ reduction. In contrast, the unmodified clay mineral displayed nanoparticles both inside and outside the tubes. These catalysts showed significant catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The most efficient catalysts were recycled up to three times without reducing significantly the catalytic activities.

The Degradation of Mechanical Properties in Halloysite Nanoclay-Polyester Nanocomposites Exposed in Seawater Environment

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Mohd Shahneel Saharudin

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Polyester based polymers are extensively used in aggressive marine environments; however, inadequate data is available on the effects of the seawater on the polyester based nanocomposites mechanical properties. This paper reports the effect of seawater absorption on the mechanical properties degradation of halloysite nanoclay-polyester nanocomposites. Results confirmed that the addition of halloysite nanoclay into polyester matrix was found to increase seawater uptake and reduce mechanical properties compared to monolithic polyester. The maximum decreases in microhardness, tensile and flexural properties, and impact toughness were observed in case of 1 wt% nanoclay. The microhardness decreased from 107 HV to 41.7 HV (61% decrease. Young’s modulus decreased from 0.6 GPa to 0.4 GPa (33% decrease. The flexural modulus decreased from 0.6 GPa to 0.34 GPa (43% decrease. The impact toughness dropped from 0.71 kJ/m2 to 0.48 kJ/m2 (32% decrease. Interestingly, the fracture toughness KIC increased with the addition of halloysite nanoclay due to the plasticization effect of the resin matrix. SEM images revealed the significant reduction in mechanical properties in case of 1 wt% reinforcement which is attributed to the degradation of the nanoclay-matrix interface influenced by seawater absorption and agglomeration of halloysite nanoclay.

Synthesization, Characterization, and in Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Biomaterials Based on Halloysite Nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Sánchez-Fernández, Antonio; Peña-Parás, Laura; Vidaltamayo, Román; Cué-Sampedro, Rodrigo; Mendoza-Martínez, Ana; Zomosa-Signoret, Viviana C; Rivas-Estilla, Ana M; Riojas, Paulina

2014-12-04

Halloysite is an aluminosilicate clay that has been widely used for controlled drug delivery, immobilization of enzymes, and for the capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Surface modification of halloysite by organosilanes has been explored to improve their properties. In this study halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) were functionalized by two different organosilanes: Trimethoxy(propyl)silane (TMPS), and Triethoxy(octyl)silane (EOS). Untreated and modified samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results showed a strong interaction of organosilanes with the chemical groups present in HNTs. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of these nanomaterials were determined using C6 rat glioblastoma cells. Our results indicate that prior to functionalization, HNTs show a high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. However, HNTs functionalized with EOS and TMPS showed high cytotoxicity by inducing apoptosis. These results allow the identification of potential applications in biomedical areas for HNTs.

Synthesization, Characterization, and in Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Biomaterials Based on Halloysite Nanotubes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Antonio Sánchez-Fernández

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Halloysite is an aluminosilicate clay that has been widely used for controlled drug delivery, immobilization of enzymes, and for the capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs. Surface modification of halloysite by organosilanes has been explored to improve their properties. In this study halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs were functionalized by two different organosilanes: Trimethoxy(propylsilane (TMPS, and Triethoxy(octylsilane (EOS. Untreated and modified samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, X-ray diffractometry (XRD, thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR. Results showed a strong interaction of organosilanes with the chemical groups present in HNTs. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of these nanomaterials were determined using C6 rat glioblastoma cells. Our results indicate that prior to functionalization, HNTs show a high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. However, HNTs functionalized with EOS and TMPS showed high cytotoxicity by inducing apoptosis. These results allow the identification of potential applications in biomedical areas for HNTs.

Thin-walled nanoscrolls by multi-step intercalation from tubular halloysite-10 Å and its rearrangement upon peroxide treatment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zsirka, Balázs; Horváth, Erzsébet; Szabó, Péter; Juzsakova, Tatjána; Szilágyi, Róbert K.; Fertig, Dávid; Makó, Éva; Varga, Tamás

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Halloysite intercalation/delamination. • Thin-walled nanoscroll preparation. • Oxidative surface cleaning with H_2O_2 and heating. • X-ray diffraction, TEM, N_2 adsorption, TG/DTG and FT-IR/ATR measurements. • Nanoscroll rearrangement, periodicity along the crystallographic ‘c’-axis. - Abstract: Surface modification of the halloysite-10 Å mineral with tubular morphology can be achieved by slightly modified procedures developed for the delamination of kaolinite minerals. The resulting delaminated halloysite nanoparticles have unexpected surface/morphological properties that display, new potentials in catalyst development. In this work, a four-step intercalation/delamination procedure is described for the preparation of thin-walled nanoscrolls from the multi-layered hydrated halloysite mineral that consists of (1) intercalation of halloysite with potassium acetate, (2) replacement intercalation with ethylene glycol, (3) replacement intercalation with hexylamine, and (4) delamination with toluene. The intercalation steps were followed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N_2 adsorption-desorption, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. Delamination eliminated the crystalline order and the crystallite size along the ‘c’-axis, increased the specific surface area, greatly decreased the thickness of the mineral tubes to a monolayer, and shifted the pore diameter toward the micropore region. Unexpectedly, the removal of residual organics from intercalation steps adsorbed at the nanoscroll surface with a peroxide treatment resulted in partial recovery of crystallinity and increase of crystallite size along the ‘c’-crystal direction. The d(001) value showed a diffuse pattern at 7.4–7.7 Å due to the rearrangement of the thin-walled nanoscrolls toward the initial tubular morphology of the dehydrated halloysite-7 Å mineral.

Thin-walled nanoscrolls by multi-step intercalation from tubular halloysite-10 Å and its rearrangement upon peroxide treatment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zsirka, Balázs, E-mail: zsirkab@almos.vein.hu [University of Pannonia, Institute of Environmental Engineering, P.O. Box 158, Veszprém 8201 Hungary (Hungary); Horváth, Erzsébet, E-mail: erzsebet.horvath@gmail.com [University of Pannonia, Institute of Environmental Engineering, P.O. Box 158, Veszprém 8201 Hungary (Hungary); Szabó, Péter, E-mail: xysma@msn.com [University of Pannonia, Department of Analytical Chemistry, P.O. Box 158, Veszprém 8201 Hungary (Hungary); Juzsakova, Tatjána, E-mail: yuzhakova@almos.uni-pannon.hu [University of Pannonia, Institute of Environmental Engineering, P.O. Box 158, Veszprém 8201 Hungary (Hungary); Szilágyi, Róbert K., E-mail: szilagyi@montana.edu [Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 (United States); Fertig, Dávid, E-mail: fertig.david92@gmail.com [University of Pannonia, Department of Analytical Chemistry, P.O. Box 158, Veszprém 8201 Hungary (Hungary); Makó, Éva, E-mail: makoe@almos.vein.hu [University of Pannonia, Institute of Materials Engineering, P.O. Box 158, Veszprém 8201 Hungary (Hungary); Varga, Tamás, E-mail: vtamas@chem.u-szeged.hu [University of Szeged, Department of Applied and Environmental Chemistry, Rerrich B. tér 1., Szeged H-6720 Hungary (Hungary); and others

2017-03-31

Highlights: • Halloysite intercalation/delamination. • Thin-walled nanoscroll preparation. • Oxidative surface cleaning with H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and heating. • X-ray diffraction, TEM, N{sub 2} adsorption, TG/DTG and FT-IR/ATR measurements. • Nanoscroll rearrangement, periodicity along the crystallographic ‘c’-axis. - Abstract: Surface modification of the halloysite-10 Å mineral with tubular morphology can be achieved by slightly modified procedures developed for the delamination of kaolinite minerals. The resulting delaminated halloysite nanoparticles have unexpected surface/morphological properties that display, new potentials in catalyst development. In this work, a four-step intercalation/delamination procedure is described for the preparation of thin-walled nanoscrolls from the multi-layered hydrated halloysite mineral that consists of (1) intercalation of halloysite with potassium acetate, (2) replacement intercalation with ethylene glycol, (3) replacement intercalation with hexylamine, and (4) delamination with toluene. The intercalation steps were followed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. Delamination eliminated the crystalline order and the crystallite size along the ‘c’-axis, increased the specific surface area, greatly decreased the thickness of the mineral tubes to a monolayer, and shifted the pore diameter toward the micropore region. Unexpectedly, the removal of residual organics from intercalation steps adsorbed at the nanoscroll surface with a peroxide treatment resulted in partial recovery of crystallinity and increase of crystallite size along the ‘c’-crystal direction. The d(001) value showed a diffuse pattern at 7.4–7.7 Å due to the rearrangement of the thin-walled nanoscrolls toward the initial tubular morphology of the dehydrated halloysite-7 Å mineral.

Halloysite-based dopamine-imprinted polymer for selective protein capture.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Xiaohong; Li, Hui; Liu, Hui; Peng, Wei; Zhong, Shian; Wang, Yan

2016-06-01

We describe a facile, general, and highly efficient approach to obtain polydopamine-coated molecularly imprinted polymer based on halloysite nanotubes for bovine serum albumin. The method combined surface molecular imprinting and one-step immobilized template technique. Hierarchically structured polymer was prepared in physiological conditions adopting dopamine as functional monomer. A thin layer of polydopamine can be coated on the surface of amino-modified halloysite nanotubes by self-polymerization, and the thickness of the imprinted shells can be controlled by the mass ratio of matrix and dopamine. The polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The prepared material showed high binding capacity (45.4 mg/g) and specific recognition behavior toward the template protein. In addition, stability and regeneration analyses indicated that the imprinted polymer exhibited excellent reusability (relative standard deviation < 9% for batch-to-batch evaluation). Therefore, the developed polymer is effective for protein recognition and separation. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thin-walled nanoscrolls by multi-step intercalation from tubular halloysite-10 Å and its rearrangement upon peroxide treatment

Science.gov (United States)

Zsirka, Balázs; Horváth, Erzsébet; Szabó, Péter; Juzsakova, Tatjána; Szilágyi, Róbert K.; Fertig, Dávid; Makó, Éva; Varga, Tamás; Kónya, Zoltán; Kukovecz, Ákos; Kristóf, János

2017-03-01

Surface modification of the halloysite-10 Å mineral with tubular morphology can be achieved by slightly modified procedures developed for the delamination of kaolinite minerals. The resulting delaminated halloysite nanoparticles have unexpected surface/morphological properties that display, new potentials in catalyst development. In this work, a four-step intercalation/delamination procedure is described for the preparation of thin-walled nanoscrolls from the multi-layered hydrated halloysite mineral that consists of (1) intercalation of halloysite with potassium acetate, (2) replacement intercalation with ethylene glycol, (3) replacement intercalation with hexylamine, and (4) delamination with toluene. The intercalation steps were followed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. Delamination eliminated the crystalline order and the crystallite size along the 'c'-axis, increased the specific surface area, greatly decreased the thickness of the mineral tubes to a monolayer, and shifted the pore diameter toward the micropore region. Unexpectedly, the removal of residual organics from intercalation steps adsorbed at the nanoscroll surface with a peroxide treatment resulted in partial recovery of crystallinity and increase of crystallite size along the 'c'-crystal direction. The d(001) value showed a diffuse pattern at 7.4-7.7 Å due to the rearrangement of the thin-walled nanoscrolls toward the initial tubular morphology of the dehydrated halloysite-7 Å mineral.

Hierarchical La0.7Ce0.3FeO3/halloysite nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiazhang; Zhu, Wei; Yan, Xiangyu; Lu, Xiaowang; Yao, Chao; Ni, Chaoying

2016-08-01

The hierarchical La0.7Ce0.3FeO3/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites have been successfully prepared via sol-gel method. XRD and TEM characterizations indicated that the sheet-like La0.7Ce0.3FeO3 coupled with the co-precipitated CeO2 were evenly deposited onto the surface of halloysite. The photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline under visible light irradiation using La0.7Ce0.3FeO3/HNTs as catalyst was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, which exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity with the removal rate up to 99 % in 90 min, due to the formation of "solid solution/co-precipitation" heterostructure as well as the excellent adsorptive capability of halloysite for antibiotics.

Hierarchical La0.7Ce0.3FeO3/halloysite nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Xiazhang; Yao, Chao; Zhu, Wei; Yan, Xiangyu; Lu, Xiaowang; Ni, Chaoying

2016-01-01

The hierarchical La 0.7 Ce 0.3 FeO 3 /halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites have been successfully prepared via sol-gel method. XRD and TEM characterizations indicated that the sheet-like La 0.7 Ce 0.3 FeO 3 coupled with the co-precipitated CeO 2 were evenly deposited onto the surface of halloysite. The photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline under visible light irradiation using La 0.7 Ce 0.3 FeO 3 /HNTs as catalyst was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, which exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity with the removal rate up to 99 % in 90 min, due to the formation of ''solid solution/co-precipitation'' heterostructure as well as the excellent adsorptive capability of halloysite for antibiotics. (orig.)

Preparation of Mg-α SiAlON powder by carbothermal reduction-nitridation of talc and halloysite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qui, J.Y.; Zhang, C.; Komeya, K.; Meguro, T.; Tatami, J.; Cheng, Y.-B.

2001-01-01

Carbothermal reduction-nitridation (CRN) of talc (Mg 3 (Si 2 O 5 ) 2 (OH) 2 ) and halloysite (Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 ) clay provides a useful route for preparing low-cost Mg-α sialon powder. In this study, the chosen molecular ratios of talc to halloysite were 0.1:1, 0.2:1, 1.5:1.0 and 2.0:1. The CRN reaction was conducted at 1450 to 1520 deg C and 2 to 6h holding time using carbon black as a reducing agent in flowing N 2 (gas). The results showed the synthesized powder was composed of α-sialon, β-sialon and small amounts of SiC, 15R and AlN phases that greatly depended on the ratio of talc to halloysite, the reaction temperature and holding time. The highest content of Mg-α sialon, as much as 90wt%, was achieved at 1480 deg C for a holding time of 4h at a talc to halloysite ratio of 1.5:1.0. SiC was considered as an intermediate compound. We also discuss the evaporation loss of Mg caused by talc decomposing into MgSiN 2 intermediate phase in the CRN reaction. Copyright (2001) The Australian Ceramic Society

The stability of halloysite nanotubes in acidic and alkaline aqueous suspensions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

White, Rachel D; Bavykin, Dmitry V; Walsh, Frank C

2012-01-01

The long term stability of natural halloysite nanotubes was studied at room temperature (22 ± 2 °C) in pure water, acidic and basic aqueous suspensions. The structural and morphological transformations of nanotubes were studied by TEM, SEM, nitrogen adsorption, XRD Raman and FTIR spectroscopy accompanied by monitoring the concentration of dissolved Si(IV) and Al(III) in solution. It has been revealed that, in 1 mol dm −3 H 2 SO 4 solution, the dissolution of halloysite is initiated on the inner surface of nanotubes, leading to the formation of amorphous spheroidal nanoparticles of SiO 2 whereas, in 1 mol dm −3 NaOH solution, dissolution of the inner surface of nanotubes is accompanied by the formation of Al(OH) 3 nanosheets. (paper)

Effect of the raw material type and the reaction time on the synthesis of halloysite based Zeolite Na-P1

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mahdi Meftah

Full Text Available Zeolites are currently one of the most important classes of inorganic materials because of their multiple applications not only as ions exchangers and molecular sieves, but also as catalysts. This works focus the synthesis and the characterization of Zeolite Na-P1 using halloysite (collected near Ain Khemouda, western Tunisia as the starting material. Two parameters, such as the host materials type (natural or treated and the reaction time, involved in the synthesis process are investigated. The intermediate phases and final products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Infrared IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR. Obtained results show that the hydrothermal synthesis from natural and heated-halloysite leads to formation of homogenous Zeolite Na-P1. The difference in the crystallization/transformation time process is explained by the effect of the dissolution rate of the starting materials in sodium hydroxide solution. In the case of heated halloysite, the synthesis reaction with alkali solution occurs very readily and achieved without prior thermal activation at high temperature. The optimal conditions of Zeolite Na-P1 crystallization, from heated-halloysite, are reached at 120 °C. Keywords: Zeolite Na-P1, Halloysite, X-ray, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy

Enlargement of halloysite clay nanotube lumen by selective etching of aluminum oxide.

Science.gov (United States)

Abdullayev, Elshad; Joshi, Anupam; Wei, Wenbo; Zhao, Yafei; Lvov, Yuri

2012-08-28

Halloysite clay tubes have 50 nm diameter and chemically different inner and outer walls (inner surface of aluminum oxide and outer surface of silica). Due to this different chemistry, the selective etching of alumina from inside the tube was realized, while preserving their external diameter (lumen diameter changed from 15 to 25 nm). This increases 2-3 times the tube lumen capacity for loading and further sustained release of active chemical agents such as metals, corrosion inhibitors, and drugs. In particular, halloysite loading efficiency for the benzotriazole increased 4 times by selective etching of 60% alumina within the tubes' lumens. Specific surface area of the tubes increased over 6 times, from 40 to 250 m(2)/g, upon acid treatment.

Halloysite Nanotubes: Controlled Access and Release by Smart Gates.

Science.gov (United States)

Cavallaro, Giuseppe; Danilushkina, Anna A; Evtugyn, Vladimir G; Lazzara, Giuseppe; Milioto, Stefana; Parisi, Filippo; Rozhina, Elvira V; Fakhrullin, Rawil F

2017-07-28

Hollow halloysite nanotubes have been used as nanocontainers for loading and for the triggered release of calcium hydroxide for paper preservation. A strategy for placing end-stoppers into the tubular nanocontainer is proposed and the sustained release from the cavity is reported. The incorporation of Ca(OH)₂ into the nanotube lumen, as demonstrated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, retards the carbonatation, delaying the reaction with CO₂ gas. This effect can be further controlled by placing the end-stoppers. The obtained material is tested for paper deacidification. We prove that adding halloysite filled with Ca(OH)₂ to paper can reduce the impact of acid exposure on both the mechanical performance and pH alteration. The end-stoppers have a double effect: they preserve the calcium hydroxide from carbonation, and they prevent from the formation of highly basic pH and trigger the response to acid exposure minimizing the pH drop-down. These features are promising for a composite nanoadditive in the smart protection of cellulose-based materials.

The Degradation of Mechanical Properties in Halloysite Nano clay-Polyester Nano composites Exposed in Seawater Environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saharudin, M.S.; Saharudin, M. Sh.; Wei, J.; Shyha, I.; Inam, F.

2016-01-01

Polyester based polymers are extensively used in aggressive marine environments; however, inadequate data is available on the effects of the seawater on the polyester based nano composites mechanical properties. This paper reports the effect of seawater absorption on the mechanical properties degradation of halloysite nano clay-polyester nano composites. Results confirmed that the addition of halloysite nano clay into polyester matrix was found to increase seawater uptake and reduce mechanical properties compared to monolithic polyester. The maximum decreases in microhardness, tensile and flexural properties, and impact toughness were observed in case of 1 wt% nano clay. The microhardness decreased from 107 HV to 41.7 HV (61% decrease). Young s modulus decreased from 0.6 GPa to 0.4 GPa (33% decrease). The flexural modulus decreased from 0.6 GPa to 0.34 GPa (43% decrease). The impact toughness dropped from 0.71 kJ/m"2 to 0.48 kJ/m"2 (32% decrease). Interestingly, the fracture toughnessκ_1C increased with the addition of halloysite nano clay due to the plasticization effect of the resin matrix. SEM images revealed the significant reduction in mechanical properties in case of 1 wt% reinforcement which is attributed to the degradation of the nano clay-matrix interface influenced by seawater absorption and agglomeration of halloysite nano clay.

Electrophoretic deposition of composite halloysite nanotube–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Deen, I. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4L7 (Canada); Zhitomirsky, I., E-mail: zhitom@mcmaster.ca [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4L7 (Canada)

2014-02-15

Highlights: ► Composite halloysite nanotubes–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films were prepared. ► Electrophoretic deposition method was used for deposition. ► Natural hyaluronic acid was used as a dispersing, charging and film forming agent. ► Film composition and deposition yield can be varied. ► The films can be used for biomedical implants with controlled release of drugs. -- Abstract: Electrophoretic deposition method has been developed for the deposition of biocomposite films containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), hydroxyapatite (HA) and hyaluronic acid. The method is based on the use of natural hyaluronate biopolymer as a dispersing and charging agent for HNT and HA and film forming agent for the fabrication of the composite films. The deposition kinetics was studied by the quartz crystal microbalance method. The composite films were studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and electron microscopy. The composite films are promising materials for the fabrication of biomedical implants with advanced functional properties.

Electrophoretic deposition of composite halloysite nanotube–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deen, I.; Zhitomirsky, I.

2014-01-01

Highlights: ► Composite halloysite nanotubes–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films were prepared. ► Electrophoretic deposition method was used for deposition. ► Natural hyaluronic acid was used as a dispersing, charging and film forming agent. ► Film composition and deposition yield can be varied. ► The films can be used for biomedical implants with controlled release of drugs. -- Abstract: Electrophoretic deposition method has been developed for the deposition of biocomposite films containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), hydroxyapatite (HA) and hyaluronic acid. The method is based on the use of natural hyaluronate biopolymer as a dispersing and charging agent for HNT and HA and film forming agent for the fabrication of the composite films. The deposition kinetics was studied by the quartz crystal microbalance method. The composite films were studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and electron microscopy. The composite films are promising materials for the fabrication of biomedical implants with advanced functional properties

The use of halloysite functionalized with isothiouronium salts as an organic/inorganic hybrid adsorbent for uranium(VI) ions removal.

Science.gov (United States)

Gładysz-Płaska, A; Majdan, M; Tarasiuk, B; Sternik, D; Grabias, E

2018-07-15

Elimination of U(VI) from nuclear wastes and from the underground water near the uranium mines is the serious problem. Therefore search for new sorbents for U(VI) is still a big challenge for the scientists. This paper investigates of U(VI) ions sorption on halloysite modified with the isothiouronium salts: S-dodecaneisothiouronium bromide (ligand 1), S,S'-dodecane-1,12-diylbis(isothiouronium bromide) (ligand 2), S-hexadecaneisothiouronium chloride (ligand 3), S,S'-naphthalene-1,4-diylbis(methylisothiouronium) dichloride (ligand 4), and S,S'-2,5-dimethylbenzene-1,4-diylbis(methylisothiouronium) dichloride (ligand 5). It was established that halloysite modified by the ligands with four nitrogen atoms in their structure (ligand-5, 2 and 4) was characterized by higher sorption capacity compared with that modified by the ligands with two donor nitrogens (ligand-1 and 3). The maximum sorption capacity of halloysite-5 toward U(VI) was 157 mg U/g and this places the modified mineral among the most effective sorbents for U(VI) removal from wastes. As follows from ATR, XPS and thermal degradation spectra of the sorption products [R-S-C(NH)(NH 2 )] n = 1-2 (UO 2 2+ ) complexes are formed on the external surface of the halloysite whereas oligomeric hydroxy complexes (UO 2 ) 3 (OH) 5 + and (UO 2 ) 4 (OH) 7 + are present in the interior of halloysite structure and interact predominantly with aluminols. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel molecularly imprinted material based on magnetic halloysite nanotubes for rapid enrichment of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhong, Shian; Zhou, Chengyun; Zhang, Xiaona; Zhou, Hui; Li, Hui; Zhu, Xiaohong; Wang, Yan

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Successful preparation of a novel type of magnetic halloysite molecularly imprinted material. • Rapid enrichment for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in water. • This material possesses high adsorption capacity and specific recognition to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. • Magnetic halloysite were synthesized by co-precipitation method. - Abstract: A new type of magnetic halloysite nanotubes molecularly imprinted polymer (MHNTs@MIP) based on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with embedded magnetic nanoparticles was introduced in this study. MHNTs@MIP was prepared through surface imprinting technology, using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as a template, 4-vinylpyridine as the monomer, divinylbenzene as cross-linking agents, and 2,2-azodiisobutyronitrile as initiator. MHNTs@MIP was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometer. MHNTs@MIP exhibited rapid and reliable analysis with supermagnetic properties, as well as repeated use and template-specific recognition. The adsorption capacity of magnetic halloysite nanotubes non-imprinted polymer (MHNTs@NIP) and MHNTs@MIP was 10.3 mg/g and 35.2 mg/g, respectively. In the detailed discussion on specific selectivity, MHNTs@MIP can be applied as an adsorbent for sample pretreatment extraction and obtain high recoveries of about 85–94%. After extraction, high-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect 2,4-D residue in water

A novel molecularly imprinted material based on magnetic halloysite nanotubes for rapid enrichment of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in water

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhong, Shian; Zhou, Chengyun; Zhang, Xiaona [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Zhou, Hui [Cancer Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Changsha 410013 (China); Li, Hui; Zhu, Xiaohong [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Wang, Yan, E-mail: yanwangcsu@163.com [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China)

2014-07-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Successful preparation of a novel type of magnetic halloysite molecularly imprinted material. • Rapid enrichment for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in water. • This material possesses high adsorption capacity and specific recognition to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. • Magnetic halloysite were synthesized by co-precipitation method. - Abstract: A new type of magnetic halloysite nanotubes molecularly imprinted polymer (MHNTs@MIP) based on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with embedded magnetic nanoparticles was introduced in this study. MHNTs@MIP was prepared through surface imprinting technology, using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as a template, 4-vinylpyridine as the monomer, divinylbenzene as cross-linking agents, and 2,2-azodiisobutyronitrile as initiator. MHNTs@MIP was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometer. MHNTs@MIP exhibited rapid and reliable analysis with supermagnetic properties, as well as repeated use and template-specific recognition. The adsorption capacity of magnetic halloysite nanotubes non-imprinted polymer (MHNTs@NIP) and MHNTs@MIP was 10.3 mg/g and 35.2 mg/g, respectively. In the detailed discussion on specific selectivity, MHNTs@MIP can be applied as an adsorbent for sample pretreatment extraction and obtain high recoveries of about 85–94%. After extraction, high-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect 2,4-D residue in water.

Effective Adsorption/Reduction of Cr(VI) Oxyanion by Halloysite@Polyaniline Hybrid Nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Tianzhu; Li, Cuiping; Jin, Huiling; Lian, Yangyang; Han, Wenmei

2017-02-22

Halloysite@polyaniline (HA@PANI) hybrid nanotubes are synthesized by the in situ chemical polymerization of aniline on halloysite clay nanotubes. By facilely tuning the dopant acid, pH, and apparent weight proportion for aniline (ANI) and halloysite (HA) nanotubes in the synthesis process, PANI with tuned oxidation state, doping extent, and content are in situ growing on halloysite nanotubes. The reaction system's acidity is tuned by dopant acid, such as HCl, H 2 SO 4 , HNO 3 , and H 3 PO 4 . The adsorption result shows the fabricated HA@PANI hybrid nanotubes can effectively adsorb Cr(VI) oxyanion and the adsorption ability changes according to the dopant acid, pH, and apparent weight proportion for ANI and HA in the synthesis process. Among them, the HA@PANI fabricated with HCl as dopant acid tuning the pH at 0.5 and 204% apparent weight proportion for ANI and HA (HP/0.5/204%-HCl) shows the highest adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacity is in accordance well with the doping extent of PANI in HA@PANI. Furthermore, when HP/0.5/204%-HCl is redoped with HNO 3 , H 2 SO 4 , and H 3 PO 4 , the adsorption capacity declines, implying the dopant acid in the process of redoping exhibits a marked effect on Cr(VI) oxyanion adsorption for the HA@PANI hybrid nanotubes. HP/0.5/204%-HCl and HP/0.5/204%-H 3 PO 4 have demonstrated good regenerability with an above 80% removal ratio after four cycles. Moreover, the HA@PANI adsorbent has better sedimentation ability than that of pure PANI. The adsorption behavior is in good agreement with Langmuir and pseudo second-order equations, indicating the adsorption of HA@PANI for Cr(VI) oxyanion is chemical adsorption. FT-IR and XPS of HA@PANI after Cr(VI) oxyanion adsorption indicate that the doped amine/imine groups (-NH + /═N + - groups) are the main adsorption sites for the removal of Cr(VI) oxyanion by electrostatic adsorption and reduction of the adsorbed Cr (VI) oxyanion to Cr(III) simultaneously.

Ecotoxicity of halloysite nanotube-supported palladium nanoparticles in Raphanus sativus L.

Science.gov (United States)

Bellani, Lorenza; Giorgetti, Lucia; Riela, Serena; Lazzara, Giuseppe; Scialabba, Anna; Massaro, Marina

2016-10-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are natural nanomaterials that are biocompatible and available in large amounts at low prices. They are emerging nanomaterials with appealing properties for applications like support for metal nanoparticles (NPs). The potential environmental impacts of NPs can be understood in terms of phytotoxicity. Current research has been focusing on HNT applications in cell or animal models, while their use in plants is limited so their ecotoxicological impact is poorly documented. To date there are no studies on the phytotoxic effects of functionalized halloysites (functionalized-HNTs). To develop a quantitative risk assessment model for predicting the potential impact of HNT-supported palladium nanoparticles (HNT-PdNPs) on plant life, an investigation was undertaken to explore their effects on seed germination, seedling development, and mitotic division in root tip cells of 2 lots of Raphanus sativus L. with different vigor. The results showed that exposure to 1500 mg/L of HNTs, functionalized-HNTs, and HNT-PdNPs had no significant influence on germination, seedling development, xylem differentiation, or mitotic index in both lots. Cytogenetic analyses revealed that treatments with functionalized-HNT significantly increased the number of aberrations in low-vigor seeds. These results suggest that low-vigor seeds represent a model for a stress test that would be useful to monitor the effects of NPs. Moreover the present study offers scientific evidence for the use of halloysite for environmental purposes, supporting the biological safety of HNT-PdNPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2503-2510. © 2016 SETAC. © 2016 SETAC.

Halloysite nanotubes as carriers of vancomycin in alginate-based wound dressing.

Science.gov (United States)

Kurczewska, Joanna; Pecyna, Paulina; Ratajczak, Magdalena; Gajęcka, Marzena; Schroeder, Grzegorz

2017-09-01

The influence of an inorganic support - halloysite nanotubes - on the release rate and biological activity of the antibiotic encapsulated in alginate-based dressings was studied. The halloysite samples were loaded with approx. 10 wt.% of the antibiotic and then encapsulated in Alginate and Gelatin/Alginate gels. The material functionalized with aliphatic amine significantly extended the release of vancomycin from alginate-based gels as compared to that achieved when silica was used. After 24 h, the released amounts of the antibiotic immobilized at silica reached 70%, while for the drug immobilized at halloysite the released amount of vancomycin reached 44% for Alginate discs. The addition of gelatin resulted in even more prolonged sustained release of the drug. The antibiotic was released from the system with a double barrier with Higuchi kinetic model and Fickian diffusion mechanism. Only the immobilized drug encapsulated in Alginate gel demonstrated very good antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. The inhibition zones were greater than those of the standard discs for the staphylococci and enterococci bacteria tested. The addition of gelatin adversely affected the biological activity of the system. The inhibition zones were smaller than those of the reference samples. A reduction in the drug dose by half had no significant effect on changing the release rate and microbiological activity. The in vivo toxicity studies of the material with immobilized drug were carried out with Acutodesmus acuminatus and Daphnia magna . The material studied had no effect on the living organisms used in the bioassays. The proposed system with a double barrier demonstrated high storage stability.

Microstructural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of recycled cellulose fiber-halloysite-epoxy hybrid nanocomposites

KAUST Repository

Alamri, H.; Low, I. M.

2012-01-01

Epoxy hybrid-nanocomposites reinforced with recycled cellulose fibers (RCF) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been fabricated and investigated. The dispersion of HNTs was studied by synchrotron radiation diffraction (SRD) and transmission

Loading of halloysite nanotubes with BSA, α-Lac and β-Lg: a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and thermogravimetric study

Science.gov (United States)

Duce, Celia; Della Porta, Valentina; Bramanti, Emilia; Campanella, Beatrice; Spepi, Alessio; Tiné, Maria Rosaria

2017-02-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are considered as ideal materials for biotechnological and medical applications. An important feature of halloysite is that it has a different surface chemistry on the inner and outer sides of the tubes. This property means that negatively-charged molecules can be selectively loaded inside the halloysite nanoscale its lumen. Loaded HNTs can be used for the controlled or sustained release of proteins, drugs, bioactive molecules and other agents. We studied the interaction between HNTs and bovine serum albumin, α lactalbumin and β -lactoglobulin loaded into HTNs using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. These techniques enabled us to study the protein conformation and thermal stability, respectively, and to estimate the amount of protein loaded into the HNTs. TEM images confirmed the loading of proteins into HTNs.

Loading of halloysite nanotubes with BSA, α-Lac and β-Lg: a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and thermogravimetric study.

Science.gov (United States)

Duce, Celia; Della Porta, Valentina; Bramanti, Emilia; Campanella, Beatrice; Spepi, Alessio; Tiné, Maria Rosaria

2017-02-03

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are considered as ideal materials for biotechnological and medical applications. An important feature of halloysite is that it has a different surface chemistry on the inner and outer sides of the tubes. This property means that negatively-charged molecules can be selectively loaded inside the halloysite nanoscale its lumen. Loaded HNTs can be used for the controlled or sustained release of proteins, drugs, bioactive molecules and other agents. We studied the interaction between HNTs and bovine serum albumin, α lactalbumin and β -lactoglobulin loaded into HTNs using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. These techniques enabled us to study the protein conformation and thermal stability, respectively, and to estimate the amount of protein loaded into the HNTs. TEM images confirmed the loading of proteins into HTNs.

Enhanced electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes by using halloysite nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mondragón, Margarita, E-mail: mmondragon@ipn.mx [Instituto Politécnico Nacional, ESIME Azcapotzalco, Av. de las Granjas 682, 02250 México D.F. (Mexico); Moggio, Ivana; León, Arxel de; Arias, Eduardo [Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, CIQA, Blvd. Enrique Reyna 140, 25253 Saltillo, Coahuila (Mexico)

2013-12-15

The effect of halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) on the optical and electronic properties of poly(2-methoxy-5-[2′-ethylhexyloxy]-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) have been investigated. The UV–vis absorption band of the conjugated polymer remains unchanged upon the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Photoluminescence (PL) measurements reveal a decreased quantum yield in the MEH-PPV/HNTs nanocomposites, compared with bulk MEH-PPV. Improvement of the electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) was achieved by incorporating high contents of HNTs. The nanotubes act to enhanced polymer aggregates, as revealed by AFM analysis, thus increasing charge transport and therefore electroluminescence but also decreasing PL quantum yield. -- Highlights: • Thin films of nanocomposites of MEH-PPV/HNTs were prepared by spin coating. • Quantum yield in the nanocomposites was decreased compared with bulk MEH-PPV. • Improvement of the EL of OLEDs was achieved by incorporating high contents of HNTs. • The HNTs act to enhanced polymer aggregates, as revealed by AFM.

Enhanced electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes by using halloysite nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mondragón, Margarita; Moggio, Ivana; León, Arxel de; Arias, Eduardo

2013-01-01

The effect of halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) on the optical and electronic properties of poly(2-methoxy-5-[2′-ethylhexyloxy]-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) have been investigated. The UV–vis absorption band of the conjugated polymer remains unchanged upon the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Photoluminescence (PL) measurements reveal a decreased quantum yield in the MEH-PPV/HNTs nanocomposites, compared with bulk MEH-PPV. Improvement of the electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) was achieved by incorporating high contents of HNTs. The nanotubes act to enhanced polymer aggregates, as revealed by AFM analysis, thus increasing charge transport and therefore electroluminescence but also decreasing PL quantum yield. -- Highlights: • Thin films of nanocomposites of MEH-PPV/HNTs were prepared by spin coating. • Quantum yield in the nanocomposites was decreased compared with bulk MEH-PPV. • Improvement of the EL of OLEDs was achieved by incorporating high contents of HNTs. • The HNTs act to enhanced polymer aggregates, as revealed by AFM

Pristine and γ-irradiated halloysite reinforced epoxy nanocomposites – Insight study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saif, Muhammad Jawwad; Naveed, Muhammad; Zia, Khalid Mahmood; Asif, Muhammad

2016-01-01

The present study focuses on development of epoxy system reinforced with naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). A comparative study is presented describing the performance of pristine and γ-irradiated HNTs in an epoxy matrix. The γ-irradiation treatment was used for structural modification of natural pristine HNTs under air sealed environment at different absorbed doses and subsequently these irradiated HNTs were incorporated in epoxy resin with various wt% loadings. The consequences of γ-irradiation on HNTs were studied by FTIR and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) in terms of changes in functional groups and crystalline characteristics. An improvement is observed in mechanical properties and crack resistance of composites reinforced with γ-irradiated HNTs. The irradiated HNTs imparted an improved flexural and tensile strength/modulus along with better thermal performance. - Highlights: • The γ-irradiation was used for structural modification of halloysite nanotubes. • Composite materials with irradiated HNTs showed improved mechanical properties. • The γ-irradiation treatment is a promising surface modification method.

Effect of the raw material type and the reaction time on the synthesis of halloysite based Zeolite Na-P1

Science.gov (United States)

Meftah, Mahdi; Oueslati, Walid; Chorfi, Nejmeddine; Ben Haj Amara, Abdesslem

Zeolites are currently one of the most important classes of inorganic materials because of their multiple applications not only as ions exchangers and molecular sieves, but also as catalysts. This works focus the synthesis and the characterization of Zeolite Na-P1 using halloysite (collected near Ain Khemouda, western Tunisia) as the starting material. Two parameters, such as the host materials type (natural or treated) and the reaction time, involved in the synthesis process are investigated. The intermediate phases and final products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Infrared IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR. Obtained results show that the hydrothermal synthesis from natural and heated-halloysite leads to formation of homogenous Zeolite Na-P1. The difference in the crystallization/transformation time process is explained by the effect of the dissolution rate of the starting materials in sodium hydroxide solution. In the case of heated halloysite, the synthesis reaction with alkali solution occurs very readily and achieved without prior thermal activation at high temperature. The optimal conditions of Zeolite Na-P1 crystallization, from heated-halloysite, are reached at 120 °C.

Halloysite nanotubes as carriers of vancomycin in alginate-based wound dressing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Joanna Kurczewska

2017-09-01

Full Text Available The influence of an inorganic support – halloysite nanotubes – on the release rate and biological activity of the antibiotic encapsulated in alginate-based dressings was studied. The halloysite samples were loaded with approx. 10 wt.% of the antibiotic and then encapsulated in Alginate and Gelatin/Alginate gels. The material functionalized with aliphatic amine significantly extended the release of vancomycin from alginate-based gels as compared to that achieved when silica was used. After 24 h, the released amounts of the antibiotic immobilized at silica reached 70%, while for the drug immobilized at halloysite the released amount of vancomycin reached 44% for Alginate discs. The addition of gelatin resulted in even more prolonged sustained release of the drug. The antibiotic was released from the system with a double barrier with Higuchi kinetic model and Fickian diffusion mechanism. Only the immobilized drug encapsulated in Alginate gel demonstrated very good antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. The inhibition zones were greater than those of the standard discs for the staphylococci and enterococci bacteria tested. The addition of gelatin adversely affected the biological activity of the system. The inhibition zones were smaller than those of the reference samples. A reduction in the drug dose by half had no significant effect on changing the release rate and microbiological activity. The in vivo toxicity studies of the material with immobilized drug were carried out with Acutodesmus acuminatus and Daphnia magna. The material studied had no effect on the living organisms used in the bioassays. The proposed system with a double barrier demonstrated high storage stability.

The effect of urea and urea-modified halloysite on performance of PCL

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Khunová, V.; Kelnar, Ivan; Kristóf, J.; Dybal, Jiří; Kratochvíl, Jaroslav; Kaprálková, Ludmila

2015-01-01

Roč. 120, č. 2 (2015), s. 1283-1291 ISSN 1388-6150 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA13-15255S Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : PCL * urea * halloysite Subject RIV: JI - Composite Materials Impact factor: 1.781, year: 2015

Effect of barium-coated halloysite nanotube addition on the cytocompatibility, mechanical and contrast properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) cement

OpenAIRE

Jammalamadaka U; Tappa K; Weisman JA; Nicholson JC; Mills DK

2017-01-01

Uday Jammalamadaka,1 Karthik Tappa,1 Jeffery A Weisman,1 James Connor Nicholson,2 David K Mills1,3 1Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science, 2Nanosystems Engineering, 3The School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA Abstract: Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were investigated as a platform for tunable nanoparticle composition and enhanced opacity in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement. Halloysite has been widely used to increase ...

Diffraction patterns from 7-Angstroms tubular halloysite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eggleton, T.

1998-01-01

Full text: The diffraction patterns from 7-Angstroms tubular halloysite are superficially like those from kaolinite. Diffraction from a tubular aggregate of atoms, however, differs from that from a crystal because there is no linear repetition in two of the three conventional crystallographic directions. In tubular halloysite, the tube axis is [010] or [110] and in this direction the unit cell repeats in the normal linear fashion. The x-axis, by contrast, changes direction tangentially around the tube circumference, and there can be no true z-axis, because unit cells in the radial direction do not superimpose, since each successive tubular layer has a larger radius than its predecessor and therefore must contain more unit cells than its predecessor. Because tubular 'crystals' do not have a lattice repeat, use of Bragg 'hkl' indices is not appropriate. In the xy plane, a small area of the structure approximates a flat layer silicate, and hk indices may been used to label diffraction maxima. Similarly, successive 1:1 layers tangential to the tube walls yield a series of apparent 001 diffraction maxima. Measurement of these shows that the d-spacings do not form an exact integral series. The reason for this lies in the curvature of the structure. Calculated electron and powder X-ray diffraction patterns, based on a model of concentric 1:1 layers with no regular relation between them other than the 7.2 Angstroms spacing, closely simulate the observed data. Evidence for the 2-layer structure that is generally accepted may need to be reassessed in the light of these results

Preparation high photocatalytic activity of CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites with hydrothermal method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xing Weinan [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Ni Liang, E-mail: xingweinan3@126.com [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Huo Pengwei; Lu Ziyang; Liu Xinlin; Luo Yingying; Yan Yongsheng [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China)

2012-10-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The CdS/HNTs had better photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The presence of halloysite nanotubes both improved its photocatalytic activity and stability. - Abstract: A novel nanocatalyst CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was synthesized by hydrothermal method with direct growth of CdS nanoparticles on the surface of HNTs. The as-prepared photocatalysts had been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and the thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. Benefit from the excellent properties of CdS and HNTs, the photocatalyst exhibited good photocatalytic activity and stability. In order to find out the optimum synthesis condition to obtain the best photocatalytic activity, a series of experiments were performed with different CdS loading capacity, different sources of sulfide and different hydrothermal temperatures, etc. The best photodegradation rate could reach 93% in 60 min under visible light irradiation. Therefore, the combination of CdS nanoparticles with HNTs endowed this material with a potential use in environmental treatments in industries.

Preparation high photocatalytic activity of CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites with hydrothermal method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xing Weinan; Ni Liang; Huo Pengwei; Lu Ziyang; Liu Xinlin; Luo Yingying; Yan Yongsheng

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method. ► The CdS/HNTs had better photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline. ► The presence of halloysite nanotubes both improved its photocatalytic activity and stability. - Abstract: A novel nanocatalyst CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was synthesized by hydrothermal method with direct growth of CdS nanoparticles on the surface of HNTs. The as-prepared photocatalysts had been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and the thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. Benefit from the excellent properties of CdS and HNTs, the photocatalyst exhibited good photocatalytic activity and stability. In order to find out the optimum synthesis condition to obtain the best photocatalytic activity, a series of experiments were performed with different CdS loading capacity, different sources of sulfide and different hydrothermal temperatures, etc. The best photodegradation rate could reach 93% in 60 min under visible light irradiation. Therefore, the combination of CdS nanoparticles with HNTs endowed this material with a potential use in environmental treatments in industries.

Surface modification of halloysite nanotubes by vulcanization accelerator and properties of styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposites with modified halloysite nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhong, Bangchao; Jia, Zhixin, E-mail: zxjia@scut.edu.cn; Hu, Dechao; Luo, Yuanfang; Guo, Baochun; Jia, Demin

2016-03-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Vulcanization accelerant was used to modify halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). • The modified HNTs reduced the activation energy of vulcanization. • Strong filler–rubber interaction was achieved in rubber/modified HNTs composites. • The modified HNTs exhibited excellent reinforcement effect on rubber. - Abstract: Vulcanization accelerant N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CZ) was used as a surface modifier and chemically grafted on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to obtain CZ-functionalized HNTs (HNTs-s-CZ). It was found that HNTs-s-CZ could be homogeneously dispersed into styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The grafted CZ molecules, exactly located at the filler-rubber interface, reduced the activation energy of vulcanization of SBR/HNTs-s-CZ compounds. Besides, the density of chain segments introduced by the interfacial phase of SBR/HNTs-s-CZ nanocomposites was higher than the other nanocomposites with silane-modified HNTs (m-HNTs) or pristine HNTs, manifesting an indication of enhanced filler-rubber interfacial interaction in SBR/HNTs-s-CZ nanocomposites. Consequently, SBR/HNTs-s-CZ nanocomposites showed excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength could be enhanced by as much as 38.6% and 102.5% compared to those of SBR/m-HNTs and SBR/HNTs nanocomposites, respectively, though containing equivalent accelerant component. The value of this work lies in the fact that apparent properties improvement of elastomer composites has been achieved by the incorporation of vulcanization accelerant-functionalized HNTs, which may be fruitful for the rational design of filler surface treatment and offer new scientific and technological opportunities for the preparation of high performance elastomer composites.

Surface modification of halloysite nanotubes by vulcanization accelerator and properties of styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposites with modified halloysite nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhong, Bangchao; Jia, Zhixin; Hu, Dechao; Luo, Yuanfang; Guo, Baochun; Jia, Demin

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Vulcanization accelerant was used to modify halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). • The modified HNTs reduced the activation energy of vulcanization. • Strong filler–rubber interaction was achieved in rubber/modified HNTs composites. • The modified HNTs exhibited excellent reinforcement effect on rubber. - Abstract: Vulcanization accelerant N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CZ) was used as a surface modifier and chemically grafted on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to obtain CZ-functionalized HNTs (HNTs-s-CZ). It was found that HNTs-s-CZ could be homogeneously dispersed into styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The grafted CZ molecules, exactly located at the filler-rubber interface, reduced the activation energy of vulcanization of SBR/HNTs-s-CZ compounds. Besides, the density of chain segments introduced by the interfacial phase of SBR/HNTs-s-CZ nanocomposites was higher than the other nanocomposites with silane-modified HNTs (m-HNTs) or pristine HNTs, manifesting an indication of enhanced filler-rubber interfacial interaction in SBR/HNTs-s-CZ nanocomposites. Consequently, SBR/HNTs-s-CZ nanocomposites showed excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength could be enhanced by as much as 38.6% and 102.5% compared to those of SBR/m-HNTs and SBR/HNTs nanocomposites, respectively, though containing equivalent accelerant component. The value of this work lies in the fact that apparent properties improvement of elastomer composites has been achieved by the incorporation of vulcanization accelerant-functionalized HNTs, which may be fruitful for the rational design of filler surface treatment and offer new scientific and technological opportunities for the preparation of high performance elastomer composites.

Hierarchical La{sub 0.7}Ce{sub 0.3}FeO{sub 3}/halloysite nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Xiazhang; Yao, Chao [Changzhou University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou (China); Chinese Academy of Science, R and D Center of Xuyi Attapulgite Applied Technology, Xuyi (China); Zhu, Wei; Yan, Xiangyu [Changzhou University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou (China); Lu, Xiaowang [Chinese Academy of Science, R and D Center of Xuyi Attapulgite Applied Technology, Xuyi (China); Ni, Chaoying [University of Delaware, Center for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis, Newark, DE (United States)

2016-08-15

The hierarchical La{sub 0.7}Ce{sub 0.3}FeO{sub 3}/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites have been successfully prepared via sol-gel method. XRD and TEM characterizations indicated that the sheet-like La{sub 0.7}Ce{sub 0.3}FeO{sub 3} coupled with the co-precipitated CeO{sub 2} were evenly deposited onto the surface of halloysite. The photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline under visible light irradiation using La{sub 0.7}Ce{sub 0.3}FeO{sub 3}/HNTs as catalyst was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, which exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity with the removal rate up to 99 % in 90 min, due to the formation of ''solid solution/co-precipitation'' heterostructure as well as the excellent adsorptive capability of halloysite for antibiotics. (orig.)

Pharmaceutical properties of supramolecular assembly of co-loaded cardanol/triazole-halloysite systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Massaro, Marina; Colletti, Carmelo G; Noto, Renato; Riela, Serena; Poma, Paola; Guernelli, Susanna; Parisi, Filippo; Milioto, Stefana; Lazzara, Giuseppe

2015-01-30

Halloysite nanotubes were explored as drug carrier for cardanol, which is considered as a promising natural anticancer active species. To this aim, besides the pristine nanoclay, a chemical modification of the nanocarrier was performed by attaching triazolium salts with different hydrophobicity at the outer surface of the hollow nanotubes. The interaction between cardanol and nanotubes was highlighted in solution by HPLC. This method proved the loading of the drug into the nanotubes. The solid dried complexes formed by pristine and modified halloysite with the cardanol were characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis as well as water contact angle to evidence the structure, thermal properties and wettability of the obtained materials. The kinetics of cardanol release as well as cell viability experiments provided promising results that put forward a new strategy for potential applications of cardanol as active antiproliferative molecule and clay nanotubes as drug carrier. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Halloysite and chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite for wound healing.

Science.gov (United States)

Sandri, Giuseppina; Aguzzi, Carola; Rossi, Silvia; Bonferoni, Maria Cristina; Bruni, Giovanna; Boselli, Cinzia; Cornaglia, Antonia Icaro; Riva, Federica; Viseras, Cesar; Caramella, Carla; Ferrari, Franca

2017-07-15

Halloysite is a natural nanotubular clay mineral (HNTs, Halloysite Nano Tubes) chemically identical to kaolinite and, due to its good biocompatibility, is an attractive nanomaterial for a vast range of biological applications. Chitosan oligosaccharides are homo- or heterooligomers of N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucosamine, that accelerate wound healing by enhancing the functions of inflammatory and repairing cells. The aim of the work was the development of a nanocomposite based on HNTs and chitosan oligosaccharides, to be used as pour powder to enhance healing in the treatment of chronic wounds. A 1:0.05 wt ratio HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite was obtained by simply stirring the HTNs powder in a 1% w/w aqueous chitosan oligosaccharide solution and was formed by spontaneous ionic interaction resulting in 98.6% w/w HTNs and 1.4% w/w chitosan oligosaccharide composition. Advanced electron microscopy techniques were considered to confirm the structure of the hybrid nanotubes. Both HTNs and HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite showed good in vitro biocompatibility with normal human dermal fibroblasts up to 300μg/ml concentration and enhanced in vitro fibroblast motility, promoting both proliferation and migration. The HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite and the two components separately were tested for healing capacity in a murine (rat) model. HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide allowed better skin reepithelization and reorganization than HNTs or chitosan oligosaccharide separately. The results suggest to develop the nanocomposite as a medical device for wound healing. The present work is focused on the development of halloysite and chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite for wound healing. It considers a therapeutic option for difficult to heal skin lesions and burns. The significance of the research considers two fundamental aspects: the first one is related to the development of a self-assembled nanocomposite, formed by spontaneous ionic

Polypyrrole-coated halloysite nanotube clay nanocomposite: synthesis, characterization and Cr(VI) adsorption behaviour

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Ballav, N

2014-12-01

Full Text Available A polypyrrole-coated halloysite nanotube nanocomposite (PPy-HNTs NC) was prepared via in situ polymerization of pyrrole (Py) in the dispersion of HNTs and assessed for the removal of toxic Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. ATR-FTIR and XRD results...

A new microenvironment for the formation of clay minerals: the example of authigenic halloysite-7Å and gibbsite in a stalactite from Agios Georgios Cave, Kilkis, north Greece

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elena Ifandi, University of Patras

2015-09-01

Full Text Available An unusual authigenic origin for halloysite and gibbsite is reported in a stalactite from Agios Georgios Cave, Kilkis. This speleothem includes mostly pure calcite whereas minor areas of Mg-rich calcite and scarce dolomite are present in four growth phases. Abundant pores are created due to imperfect coalescence of the calcite crystals. Several of them contain detrital muscovite, which was presumably transferred from the dripping water, during the formation of speleothem and has been variably altered to halloysite. Several pores in the stalactite contain different mineral assemblages that we interpret as in situ: halloysite-7Å, halloysite + silica, gibbsite + silica and gibbsite. The breakdown of the muscovite and the formation of halloysite require acidic conditions, which we suggest to have been established by potassium solubilising microorganisms. The silica minerals include spheroidal assemblages or needle-like and blade-like quartz and can be explained by further dissolution of halloysite, under the same acidic conditions in the presence of microorganisms. In our model, the precipitation of gibbsite is the result of direct formation from muscovite, promoted from abundant and undisturbed water percolation, at moderately low pH, also induced by the presence of bacteria. Given that microbial activities promote: (1 breakdown of muscovite and formation of halloysite, silica, and gibbsite, and (2 formation of Mg-calcite and dolomite after calcite, then it is likely that two or more different microbial communities may exist in the same speleothem. The first creates mild acidic conditions, aiming at the decomposition of muscovite in the microenvironment of the pores antagonising the second that produces alkaline microregimes and the local precipitation of Mg-rich carbonate minerals.

CONTENT OF SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN NI-CONTAMINATED SOIL FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION OF HALLOYSITE AND ZEOLITE

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Maja Radziemska

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Nickel has been listed as a priory control pollutant by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA. Compared with other methods, the combination of vegetation and the addition of mineral sorbents to heavy metal-contaminated soils can be readily applied on a large scale because of the simplicity of technology and low cost. Halloysite and zeolite, among others, can be used for this purpose. A greenhouse study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of using natural zeolite, as well as raw and modified halloysite for the remediation of simulated Ni-contaminated soil. The soil was spiked with five doses of nickel, i.e. 0 (control, 80, 160, 240 and 320 mg Ni kg-1 soil. The average accumulation of heavy metals in nickel-contaminated soil was found to follow the decreasing order of Ni>Zn>Cr>Cu>Pb. The highest reduction of Pb content was observed in soil samples taken from pots containing 80 and 160 mg.kg-1 of Ni along with the addition of modified halloysite. The strongest effects were caused by natural zeolite, which significantly reduced the average content of chromium. Contamination at 320 mg Ni.kg-1 of soil led to the highest increases in the Ni, Pb and Cr contents of soil.

Polyurethane Coatings Reinforced by Halloysite Nanotubes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Diethelm Johannsmann

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The pencil hardness of a two-component polyurethane coating was improved by adding halloysite nanotubes to the recipe at a weight fraction of less than 10%. The pencil hardness was around F for the unfilled coating and increased to around 2H upon filling. It was important to silanize the surface of the filler in order to achieve good coupling to the matrix. Sonicating the sample during drying also improved the hardness. Scanning electron micrographs suggest that the nanotubes are always well immersed into the bulk of the film. With a thickness between 10 and 20 µm, the optical clarity was good enough to clearly read letters through the film. The films can be used in applications where transparency is required.

Halloysite nanotube-based electrospun ceramic nanofibre mat: a novel support for zeolite membranes

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Zhuwen; Zeng, Jiaying; Lv, Dong; Gao, Jinqiang; Zhang, Jian; Bai, Shan; Li, Ruili; Hong, Mei; Wu, Jingshen

2016-12-01

Some key parameters of supports such as porosity, pore shape and size are of great importance for fabrication and performance of zeolite membranes. In this study, we fabricated millimetre-thick, self-standing electrospun ceramic nanofibre mats and employed them as a novel support for zeolite membranes. The nanofibre mats were prepared by electrospinning a halloysite nanotubes/polyvinyl pyrrolidone composite followed by a programmed sintering process. The interwoven nanofibre mats possess up to 80% porosity, narrow pore size distribution, low pore tortuosity and highly interconnected pore structure. Compared with the commercial α-Al2O3 supports prepared by powder compaction and sintering, the halloysite nanotube-based mats (HNMs) show higher flux, better adsorption of zeolite seeds, adhesion of zeolite membranes and lower Al leaching. Four types of zeolite membranes supported on HNMs have been successfully synthesized with either in situ crystallization or a secondary growth method, demonstrating good universality of HNMs for supporting zeolite membranes.

Adsorption and photodegradation of methylene blue on TiO_2-halloysite adsorbents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Du, Yuanyuan; Zheng, Pengwu

2014-01-01

TiO_2-halloysite (TiO_2-HNT) composites were fabricated by depositing anatase TiO_2 on the halloysite (HNT) surfaces with calcination treatment at 100, 200, 300 and 500 .deg. C. The obtained composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). HNT was attached with TiO_2 particles or clusters in sizes of 10-30 nm. With the increasing of calcination temperature, the crystalline of anatase became more perfect, but the structure of HNT could be destroyed at 500 .deg. C. The adsorption and photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) by TiO_2-HNTs were investigated. The kinetic adsorption fit the pseudo second-order, and the isotherm data followed the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of MB were in the range of 38.57 to 54.29 mg/g. TiO_2-HNTs exhibited an efficient photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of MB. For TiO_2-HNT calcined at 300 .deg. C, 81.6% MB were degraded after 4 h treatment of UV irradiation

Halloysite nanotube-magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle hybrids for the rapid catalytic decomposition of pentachlorophenol

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Tsoufis, T.; Katsaros, F.; Kooi, B. J.; Bletsa, E.; Papageorgiou, S.; Deligiannakis, Y.; Panagiotopoulos, I.

2017-01-01

Halloysite clay are a very attractive class of alumino-silicate based, natural nanotubes possessing high aspect ratio, significant thermal and mechanical stability, as well as tunable surface chemistry. We report a novel, facile, synthetic approach involving a modified wet-impregnation method for

Dry Sintered Metal Coating of Halloysite Nanotubes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

James C. Nicholson

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs are a naturally-occurring aluminosilicate whose dimensions measure microns in length and tens of nanometers in diameter. Bonding defects between the alumina and silica lead to net negative and positive charges on the exterior and interior lumen, respectively. HNTs have been shown to enhance the material properties of polymer matrices and enable the sustained release of loaded chemicals, drugs, and growth factors. Due to the net charges, these nanotubes can also be readily coated in layered-depositions using the HNT exterior lumen’s net negative charge as the basis for assembly. These coatings are primarily done through wet chemical processes, the majority of which are limited in their use of desired chemicals, due to the polarity of the halloysite. Furthermore, this restriction in the type of chemicals used often requires the use of more toxic chemicals in place of greener options, and typically necessitates the use of a significantly longer chemical process to achieve the desired coating. In this study, we show that HNTs can be coated with metal acetylacetonates—compounds primarily employed in the synthesis of nanoparticles, as metal catalysts, and as NMR shift reagents—through a dry sintering process. This method was capable of thermally decaying the metal acetylacetonate, resulting in a free positively-charged metal ion that readily bonded to the negatively-charged HNT exterior, resulting in metallic coatings forming on the HNT surface. Our coating method may enable greater deposition of coated material onto these nanotubes as required for a desired application. Furthermore, the use of chemical processes using toxic chemicals is not required, thus eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals and costs associated with the disposal of the resultant chemical waste.

Determination of adsorption isotherms of chlorinated hydrocarbons on halloysite adsorbent by inverse gas chromatography.

Science.gov (United States)

Czech, K; Słomkiewicz, P M

2013-05-03

Inverse gas chromatographic methods of isotherm determination peak maximum (PM) and peak division (PD) were compared. These methods were applied to determine adsorption isotherms of dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene on acid-activated halloysite and adsorption enthalpy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In situ neutron diffraction investigation on the phase transformation sequence of kaolinite and halloysite to mullite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tezuka, Nobuo [Department of Applied Physics, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845 (Australia); Low, It-Meng [Department of Applied Physics, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845 (Australia)]. E-mail: J.Low@curtin.edu.au; Davies, Ian J. [Department of Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845 (Australia); Prior, Michael [Bragg Institute, ANSTO, PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234 (Australia); Studer, Andrew [Bragg Institute, ANSTO, PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234 (Australia)

2006-11-15

'Kaolin' is a major raw material for the fabrication of conventional ceramics. In this work the authors have investigated the thermal phase transformation of mullite from two different types of kaolin (kaolinite and halloysite), with or without alumina matrix constraint, during heating up to 1500 deg. C and then cooling using in situ neutron diffraction. Mullitization was initiated upon heating to 1200 deg. C for all specimens and followed spinel formation at 1100 deg. C. Above this temperature, however, evolution of the main phases, i.e., mullite, cristobalite and corundum, was influenced by the presence of impurities, initial type of silica, and alumina constraint. The relative amount of mullite was largest for the pure kaolinite specimen, particularly during heating, and this was attributed to the presence of a glassy phase. However, kaolinite with alumina suppressed the crystallization of cristobalite from the glassy phase upon cooling due to a reaction between alumina and amorphous silica, consequently resulting in an amount of mullite as for the pure kaolinite specimen (approximately 65 wt%). Halloysite was less active in terms of mullitization due to the lower level of initial impurities and greater amount of cristobalite, particularly for the alumina-constrained specimen. However, the final amount of mullite derived from the pure halloysite specimen was similar to that as from the kaolinite specimen.

In situ neutron diffraction investigation on the phase transformation sequence of kaolinite and halloysite to mullite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tezuka, Nobuo; Low, It-Meng; Davies, Ian J.; Prior, Michael; Studer, Andrew

2006-01-01

'Kaolin' is a major raw material for the fabrication of conventional ceramics. In this work the authors have investigated the thermal phase transformation of mullite from two different types of kaolin (kaolinite and halloysite), with or without alumina matrix constraint, during heating up to 1500 deg. C and then cooling using in situ neutron diffraction. Mullitization was initiated upon heating to 1200 deg. C for all specimens and followed spinel formation at 1100 deg. C. Above this temperature, however, evolution of the main phases, i.e., mullite, cristobalite and corundum, was influenced by the presence of impurities, initial type of silica, and alumina constraint. The relative amount of mullite was largest for the pure kaolinite specimen, particularly during heating, and this was attributed to the presence of a glassy phase. However, kaolinite with alumina suppressed the crystallization of cristobalite from the glassy phase upon cooling due to a reaction between alumina and amorphous silica, consequently resulting in an amount of mullite as for the pure kaolinite specimen (approximately 65 wt%). Halloysite was less active in terms of mullitization due to the lower level of initial impurities and greater amount of cristobalite, particularly for the alumina-constrained specimen. However, the final amount of mullite derived from the pure halloysite specimen was similar to that as from the kaolinite specimen

A novel molecularly imprinted material based on magnetic halloysite nanotubes for rapid enrichment of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in water.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhong, Shian; Zhou, Chengyun; Zhang, Xiaona; Zhou, Hui; Li, Hui; Zhu, Xiaohong; Wang, Yan

2014-07-15

A new type of magnetic halloysite nanotubes molecularly imprinted polymer (MHNTs@MIP) based on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with embedded magnetic nanoparticles was introduced in this study. MHNTs@MIP was prepared through surface imprinting technology, using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as a template, 4-vinylpyridine as the monomer, divinylbenzene as cross-linking agents, and 2,2-azodiisobutyronitrile as initiator. MHNTs@MIP was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometer. MHNTs@MIP exhibited rapid and reliable analysis with supermagnetic properties, as well as repeated use and template-specific recognition. The adsorption capacity of magnetic halloysite nanotubes non-imprinted polymer (MHNTs@NIP) and MHNTs@MIP was 10.3mg/g and 35.2mg/g, respectively. In the detailed discussion on specific selectivity, MHNTs@MIP can be applied as an adsorbent for sample pretreatment extraction and obtain high recoveries of about 85-94%. After extraction, high-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect 2,4-D residue in water. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning the Wettability of Halloysite Clay Nanotubes by Surface Carbonization for Optimal Emulsion Stabilization.

Science.gov (United States)

Owoseni, Olasehinde; Zhang, Yueheng; Su, Yang; He, Jibao; McPherson, Gary L; Bose, Arijit; John, Vijay T

2015-12-29

The carbonization of hydrophilic particle surfaces provides an effective route for tuning particle wettability in the preparation of particle-stabilized emulsions. The wettability of naturally occurring halloysite clay nanotubes (HNT) is successfully tuned by the selective carbonization of the negatively charged external HNT surface. The positively charge chitosan biopolymer binds to the negatively charged external HNT surface by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding, yielding carbonized halloysite nanotubes (CHNT) on pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Relative to the native HNT, the oil emulsification ability of the CHNT at intermediate levels of carbonization is significantly enhanced due to the thermodynamically more favorable attachment of the particles at the oil-water interface. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) imaging reveals that networks of CHNT attach to the oil-water interface with the particles in a side-on orientation. The concepts advanced here can be extended to other inorganic solids and carbon sources for the optimal design of particle-stabilized emulsions.

Doped Halloysite Nanotubes for Use in the 3D Printing of Medical Devices

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jeffery A. Weisman

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Previous studies have established halloysite nanotubes (HNTs as viable nanocontainers capable of sustained release of a variety of antibiotics, corrosion agents, chemotherapeutics and growth factors either from their lumen or in outer surface coatings. Accordingly, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs hold great promise as drug delivery carriers in the fields of pharmaceutical science and regenerative medicine. This study explored the potential of 3D printing drug doped HNT constructs. We used a model drug, gentamicin (GS and polylactic acid (PLA to fabricate GS releasing disks, beads, and pellets. Gentamicin was released from 3D printed constructs in a sustained manner and had a superior anti-bacterial growth inhibition effect that was dependent on GS doping concentration. While this study focused on a model drug, gentamicin, combination therapy is possible through the fabrication of medical devices containing HNTs doped with a suite of antibiotics or antifungals. Furthermore, tailored dosage levels, suites of antimicrobials, delivered locally would reduce the toxicity of individual agents, prevent the emergence of resistant strains, and enable the treatment of mixed infections.

Insights into structural and dynamical features of water at halloysite interfaces probed by DFT and classical molecular dynamics simulations.

Science.gov (United States)

Presti, Davide; Pedone, Alfonso; Mancini, Giordano; Duce, Celia; Tiné, Maria Rosaria; Barone, Vincenzo

2016-01-21

Density functional theory calculations and classical molecular dynamics simulations have been used to investigate the structure and dynamics of water molecules on kaolinite surfaces and confined in the interlayer of a halloysite model of nanometric dimension. The first technique allowed us to accurately describe the structure of the tetrahedral-octahedral slab of kaolinite in vacuum and in interaction with water molecules and to assess the performance of two widely employed empirical force fields to model water/clay interfaces. Classical molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the hydrogen bond network structure and dynamics of water adsorbed on kaolinite surfaces and confined in the halloysite interlayer. The results are in nice agreement with the few experimental data available in the literature, showing a pronounced ordering and reduced mobility of water molecules at the hydrophilic octahedral surfaces of kaolinite and confined in the halloysite interlayer, with respect to water interacting with the hydrophobic tetrahedral surfaces and in the bulk. Finally, this investigation provides new atomistic insights into the structural and dynamical properties of water-clay interfaces, which are of fundamental importance for both natural processes and industrial applications.

Preparation and characterization of bionanocomposite films based on potato starch/halloysite nanoclay.

Science.gov (United States)

Sadegh-Hassani, Fatemeh; Mohammadi Nafchi, Abdorreza

2014-06-01

In this research casting method was used to prepare potato starch based bio-nanocomposite films with halloysite nanoclay as the reinforcing materials. The composition included potato starch with 40% (w/w) of a mixture of sorbitol/glycerol (weight ratio of 3 to 1as plasticizer) with nanoclay (0-5% w/w). The films were dried under controlled conditions. Physicochemical properties such as solubility in water, water absorption capacity (WAC), water vapour permeability (WVP), oxygen permeability, and mechanical properties of the films were measured. Results showed that by increasing the concentration of nanoclay, mechanical properties of films were improved. Tensile strength was increased from 7.33 to 9.82MPa, and elongation at break decreased from 68.0 to 44.0%. Solubility in water decreased from 35 to 23%, and heat seal strength increased from 375 to 580N/m. Also incorporation of clay nanoparticles in the structure of biopolymer decreased permeability of the gaseous molecules. In summary, addition of halloysite nanoclay, improve the barrier and mechanical properties of potato starch films and this bionanocomposites have high potential to be used for food packaging purposes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Advances in rubber/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposites.

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Zhixin; Guo, Baochun; Jia, Demin

2014-02-01

The research advances in rubber/halloysite nanotubes (rubber/HNTs) nanocomposites are reviewed. HNTs are environmentally-friendly natural nanomaterials, which could be used to prepare the rubber-based nanocomposites with high performance and low cost. Unmodified HNTs could be adopted to prepare the rubber/HNTs composites with improved mechanical properties, however, the rubber/HNTs nanocomposites with fine morphology and excellent properties were chiefly prepared with various modifiers by in situ mixing method. A series of rubber/HNTs nanocomposites containing several rubbers (SBR, NR, xSBR, NBR, PU) and different modifiers (ENR, RH, Si69, SA, MAA, ILs) have been investigated. The results showed that all the rubber/HNTs nanocomposites achieved strong interfacial interaction via interfacial covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds or multiple interactions, realized significantly improved dispersion of HNTs at nanoscale and exhibited excellent mechanical performances and other properties.

Synergistic effect of plasma-modified halloysite nanotubes and carbon black in natural rubber-butadiene rubber blend

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Poikelispaa, Minna; Das, Amit; Dierkes, Wilma K.; Vuorinen, Jyrki

2013-01-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were investigated concerning their suitability for rubber reinforcement. As they have geometrical similarity with carbon nanotubes, they were expected to impart a significant reinforcement effect on the rubber compounds but the dispersion of the nanofillers is difficult.

Mineralogy and Physico-Chemical Data of Two Newly Discovered Halloysite in China and Their Contrasts with Some Typical Minerals

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Jing Ouyang

2018-03-01

Full Text Available We report in this article the systematical acquisition of physico-chemical parameters for two newly discovered halloysite (Hal minerals from Shiyan and Tongling in China. As the comparative reference, the data from Hal in Linfen, Chenxi, and the salt lake in Australia (samples were abbreviated as Hal-AU, Hal-SY, Hal-LF, Hal-CX and Hal-TL, respectively were also investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry (DSC-TG, X-ray fluorescence, surface zeta potential measurements and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The newly found minerals were probably formed in hydrothermal leaching and sedimentary circumstances. The Hal-SY contains 7 Å-halloysite and dickite, while Hal-TL contains 10 Å-halloysite with some alunite (similar with Hal-CX. Other impurities found in the samples include quartz, gibbsite, iron oxide and anatase. All of them showed tubular morphology with diameter in the range of 30–90 nm and a length of 300–2500 nm, while the Hal-SY has the largest inner diameter to about 150 nm. Specific surface areas varied from 26.0~59.0 m2·g−1. In addition, maximum CEC (cation exchange capacity of the newly found Hal was about 40 cmol/kg, while that of Hal-AU was relatively low (8 cmol/kg due to the sedimentary nature of Salt Lake circumstances. The surface charge was predominantly negative over most of the relevant pH range (>2.0. It can be concluded that the different morphology and impurity content of halloysite will greatly affect the surface area, pore volume, and cationic exchange capacity (CEC of the minerals.

Carbon hybridized halloysite nanotubes for high-performance hydrogen storage capacities

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Jin, Jiao; Fu, Liangjie; Yang, Huaming; Ouyang, Jing

2015-01-01

Hybrid nanotubes of carbon and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with different carbon:HNTs ratio were hydrothermally synthesized from natural halloysite and sucrose. The samples display uniformly cylindrical hollow tubular structure with different morphologies. These hybrid nanotubes were concluded to be promising medium for physisorption-based hydrogen storage. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of pristine HNTs was 0.35% at 2.65 MPa and 298 K, while that of carbon coated HNTs with the pre-set carbon:HNTs ratio of 3:1 (3C-HNTs) was 0.48% under the same condition. This carbon coated method could offer a new pattern for increasing the hydrogen adsorption capacity. It was also possible to enhance the hydrogen adsorption capacity through the spillover mechanism by incorporating palladium (Pd) in the samples of HNTs (Pd-HNTs) and 3C-HNTs (Pd-3C-HNTs and 3C-Pd-HNTs are the samples with different location of Pd nanoparticles). The hydrogen adsorption capacity of the Pd-HNTs was 0.50% at 2.65 MPa and 298 K, while those of Pd-3C-HNTs and 3C-Pd-HNTs were 0.58% and 0.63%, respectively. In particular, for this spillover mechanism of Pd-carbon-HNTs ternary system, the bidirectional transmission of atomic and molecular hydrogen (3C-Pd-HNTs) was concluded to be more effective than the unidirectional transmission (Pd-3C-HNTs) in this work for the first time. PMID:26201827

Use of modified halloysite nanotubes in the feed reduces the toxic effects of zearalenone on sow reproduction and piglet development.

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Zhang, Yuanyuan; Gao, Rui; Liu, Min; Shi, Baoming; Shan, Anshan; Cheng, Baojing

2015-03-15

A study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding a blend of corn contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on the physical condition of pregnant and suckling sows and the development of their offspring. Halloysite nanotubes modified using the surfactant, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, were tested for its efficacy in protecting against the detrimental effects of zearalenone (ZEN) exposure. A total of 18 pregnant second parity Yorkshire sows (six per treatment) were fed control diet, contaminated grain diet (ZEN, 2.77 mg/kg), and contaminated grain + 1% modified halloysite nanotube (MHNT) diet (ZEN, 2.76 mg/kg) from 35 to 70 days in pregnancy (DIP), which is the critical period in development of fetuses. The results show that consumption of ZEN led to a reduction in sow's mass gain during 35 to 70 DIP and mass at 110 DIP, backfat at 70 DIP and weaning, placenta weight at 70 DIP and farrowing, the lactation average daily feed intake, and an increase in the weight of ovary at 70 DIP of sows (P halloysite nanotubes could be used as adsorbent in the feed to reduce the toxic effects of ZEN. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of nano-sized silicon from natural halloysite clay and its high performance as anode for lithium-ion batteries

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Zhou, Xiangyang; Wu, Lili; Yang, Juan; Tang, Jingjing; Xi, Lihua; Wang, Biao

2016-08-01

Recently, nanostructured Si has been intensively studied as a promising anode candidate for lithium ion batteries due to its ultrahigh capacity. However, the downsizing of Si to nanoscale dimension is often impeded by complicated and expensive methods. In this work, natural halloysite clay was utilized for the production of Si nanoparticles through selective acid etching and modified magnesiothermic reduction processes. The physical and chemical changes of these samples during the various processes have been analyzed. The as-prepared Hsbnd Si from halloysite clay is composed of many interconnected Si nanoparticles with an average diameter of 20-50 nm. Owing to the small size and porous nature, the Hsbnd Si nanoparticles exhibit a satisfactory performance as an anode for lithium ion batteries. Without further modification, a stable capacity over 2200 mAh g-1 at a rate of 0.2 C after 100 cycles and a reversible capacity above 800 mAh g-1 at a rate of 1 C after 1000 cycles can be obtained. As a result, this synthetic route is cost-effective and can be scaled up for mass production of Si nanoparticles, which may facilitate valuable utilization of halloysite clay and further commercial application of Si-based anode materials.

Investigate the influence of halloysite and activated carbon mixtures in phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated soil with Lolium perenne L.

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Radziemska Maja

2017-06-01

Full Text Available A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of halloysite and activated carbon mixtures on the biomass and distribution of macronutrients (Mg, K, Ca, Na, P in ryegrass grown in Pb-contaminated soil. The soil was spiked with four different levels of lead contamination, i.e. 0 (control, 200, 400, 800 mg·kg−1 were applied in an analytical grade Pb(NO32 solution mixed thoroughly with the soil. Raw halloysite (3% and activated carbon (1% relative to soil mass mixtures were used to reduce the effect of soil lead contamination. Ryegrass of the Bokser variety was harvested after 42 days, and soil samples were collected for laboratory tests. The mixture of sorbents applied in the experiment which turned out to be most effective at doses of lead amounting to 400 and 800 mg·kg−1 of soil, with the increase in the yield of ryegrass being the highest. Increasing contamination of soil with lead in the series without the mixture of sorbents increased the contents of phosphorus, sodium, calcium and magnesium in ryegrass. The applied mixture of halloysite and activated carbon changed the macronutrient concentration in ryegrass, with the greatest changes found in that of potassium and sodium.

Surface Improvement of Halloysite Nanotubes

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Tayser Sumer Gaaz

2017-03-01

Full Text Available A novel development on halloysite-polyvinyl alcohol (HNTs-PVA nanocomposites has been conducted using malonic acid (MA by crosslinking PVA and HNTs. PVA-MA crosslinking produces smooth surfaces, which play an important role in enhancing the properties of HNTs-PVA nanocomposite. The crystallographic structures of crosslinked HNTs-PVA show almost no change as depicted by the X-ray diffraction (XRD-2θ-peak, suggesting that MA has no or little influence on the crystallographic structure of the HNTs-PVA. Images taken by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM suggest possible effects of MA on the morphology and internal features of HNTs-PVA by reducing the agglomeration of HNTs, which is considered a decisive step in improving the surface qualities of HNTs. Investigating the samples using the Brunauer–Emmelt–Teller (BET technique showed that the surface area was increased by about 10 times, reaching the second highest recorded results compared to the HNTs, which could be considered a breakthrough step in enhancing the properties of HNTs-PVA due to MA crosslinking.

Comparison of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate/Polylactic Acid and Halloysite/Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites

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Xuetao Shi

2015-01-01

Full Text Available PLA nanocomposites with stearate coated precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC and halloysite natural nanotubes (HNT were prepared by melt extrusion. The crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, thermal dynamical mechanical analysis (DMTA, and the morphology of the PCC/PLA, HNT/PLA, and HNT/PCC/PLA composites were discussed. Compared to halloysite nanotubes, PCC nanoparticles showed a better nucleating effect, which decreased both the glass transition and cold crystallization temperatures. The tensile performance of PLA composites showed that the addition of inorganic nanofillers increased Young’s modulus but decreased tensile strength. More interestingly, PLA composites with PCC particles exhibited an effectively increased elongation at break with respect to pure PLA, while HNT/PLA showed a decreased ultimate deformation of composites. DMTA results indicated that PLA composites had a similar storage modulus at temperatures below the glass transition and the addition of nanofillers into PLA caused Tg to shift to lower temperatures by about 3°C. The morphological analysis of fractures surface of PLA nanocomposites showed good dispersion of nanofillers, formation of microvoids, and larger plastic deformation of the PLA matrix when the PCC particles were added, while a strong aggregation was noticed in composites with HNT nanofillers, which has been attributed to a nonoptimal surface coating.

Adsorption and photodegradation of methylene blue on TiO{sub 2}-halloysite adsorbents

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Du, Yuanyuan; Zheng, Pengwu [Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang (China)

2014-11-15

TiO{sub 2}-halloysite (TiO{sub 2}-HNT) composites were fabricated by depositing anatase TiO{sub 2} on the halloysite (HNT) surfaces with calcination treatment at 100, 200, 300 and 500 .deg. C. The obtained composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). HNT was attached with TiO{sub 2} particles or clusters in sizes of 10-30 nm. With the increasing of calcination temperature, the crystalline of anatase became more perfect, but the structure of HNT could be destroyed at 500 .deg. C. The adsorption and photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) by TiO{sub 2}-HNTs were investigated. The kinetic adsorption fit the pseudo second-order, and the isotherm data followed the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of MB were in the range of 38.57 to 54.29 mg/g. TiO{sub 2}-HNTs exhibited an efficient photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of MB. For TiO{sub 2}-HNT calcined at 300 .deg. C, 81.6% MB were degraded after 4 h treatment of UV irradiation.

Manipulation of mechanical compliance of elastomeric PGS by incorporation of halloysite nanotubes for soft tissue engineering applications.

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Chen, Qi-Zhi; Liang, Shu-Ling; Wang, Jiang; Simon, George P

2011-11-01

Poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a promising elastomer for use in soft tissue engineering. However, it is difficult to achieve with PGS a satisfactory balance of mechanical compliance and degradation rate that meet the requirements of soft tissue engineering. In this work, we have synthesised a new PGS nanocomposite system filled with halloysite nanotubes, and mechanical properties, as well as related chemical characters, of the nanocomposites were investigated. It was found that the addition of nanotubular halloysite did not compromise the extensibility of material, compared with the pure PGS counterpart; instead the elongation at rupture was increased from 110 (in the pure PGS) to 225% (in the 20 wt% composite). Second, Young's modulus and resilience of 3-5 wt% composites were ∼0.8 MPa and >94% respectively, remaining close to the level of pure PGS which is desired for applications in soft tissue engineering. Third, an important feature of the 1-5 wt% composites was their stable mechanical properties over an extended period, which could allow the provision of reliable mechanical support to damaged tissues during the lag phase of the healing process. Finally, the in vitro study indicated that the addition of halloysite slowed down the degradation rate of the composites. In conclusion, the good compliance, enhanced stretchability, stable mechanical behavior over an extended period, and reduced degradation rates make the 3-5 wt% composites promising candidates for application in soft tissue engineering. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low temperature synthesis of polyaniline-crystalline TiO2-halloysite composite nanotubes with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity.

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Li, Cuiping; Wang, Jie; Guo, Hong; Ding, Shujiang

2015-11-15

A series of one-dimensional polyaniline-crystalline TiO2-halloysite composite nanotubes with different mass ratio of polyaniline to TiO2 are facilely prepared by employing the low-temperature synthesis of crystalline TiO2 on halloysite nanotubes. The halloysite nanotubes can adsorb TiO2/polyaniline precursors and induce TiO2 nanocrystals/polyaniline to grow on the support in situ simultaneously. By simply adjusting the acidity of reaction system, PANI-crystalline TiO2-HA composite nanotubes composed of anatase, a mixed phase TiO2 and different PANI redox state are obtained. The XRD and UV-vis results show that the surface polyaniline sensitization has no effect on the crystalline structure of halloysite and TiO2 and the light response of TiO2 is extended to visible-light regions. Photocatalysis test results reveal the photocatalytic activity will be affected by the pH value and the volume ratio of ANI to TTIP. The highest photocatalytic activity is achieved with the composite photocatalysts prepared at pH 0.5 and 1% volume ratio of ANI and TTIP owing to the sensitizing effect of polyaniline and the charge transfer from the photoexcited PANI sensitizer to TiO2. Moreover, the PANI-TiO2-HA composite nanotubes synthesized by one-step at pH 0.5 with 1% volume ratio of ANI to TTIP exhibit higher visible light photocatalytic activity than those synthesized by the two-step. Heterogeneous PANI-TiO2-HA composite nanotubes prepared at pH 0.5 exhibit a higher degradation activity than that prepared at pH 1.5. The redoped experiment proves that the PANI redox state plays the main contribution to the enhanced visible light catalytic degradation efficiency of PANI-TiO2-HA prepared at pH 0.5. Furthermore, the heterogeneous PANI-crystalline TiO2-HA nanotubes have good photocatalytic stability and can be reused four times with only gradual loss of activity under visible light irradiation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

THE USE OF HALLOYSITE TO REDUCE POLLUTIONS CONCENTRATION IN MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER

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Alicja Machnicka

2016-12-01

Full Text Available One of the methods of municipal wastewater treatment allows the use of biofilters. The study used a bed filled halloysite. In operation of the bed, depending on the hydraulic load, the concentration of phosphate, ammonium and organic matter was reduced. Highest reduction of the concentration PO43- (89% and N – NH4+ (81% in the waste water of the hydraulic load – 0,04 m3/m2h was obtained. The concentration of the organic substrate was reduced by approximately 86%.

Nitrile functionalized halloysite nanotubes/poly(arylene ether nitrile) nanocomposites: Interface control, characterization, and improved properties

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Wan, Xinyi; Zhan, Yingqing; Zeng, Guangyong; He, Yi

2017-01-01

To develop high-performance halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based nanocomposites, the two key issues need to be considered: precise interface control and the dispersal of HNTs. This study presents an efficient way to functionalize halloysite nanotubes with 3-aminophenoxy-phthalonitrile, followed by compounding with poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN), to prepare functional nanocomposite films. The surface functionalization of HNTs was characterized and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared with neat PEN, the tensile strength and modulus of the resulting PEN nanocomposites with 3 wt% functionalized HNTs were found to increase by 25.7% and 20.7%, respectively. The good dispersion and high capacitance of the dielectric layer resulted in PEN/HNTs nancomposites with enhanced dielectric permittivity and relatively low dielectric loss. Moreover, the addition of functional HNTs greatly improved the thermal stability of PEN, which could be further enhanced through the chemical cross-linking reaction between the functional HNTs and the PEN matrix. This work provides a new path toward obtaining advanced polymer-based nanocomposites with functional properties.

Hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles decorated halloysite clay nanotubes as a potential hydrogen storage medium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Muthu, R. Naresh, E-mail: rnaresh7708@gmail.com; Rajashabala, S. [School of Physics, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai-625021, Tamil Nadu (India); Kannan, R. [Department of Physics, University College of Engineering, Anna University, Dindigul-624622 (India); Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca 14850, New York (United States)

2016-05-23

The light weight and compact hydrogen storage materials is still prerequisite for the carbon free hydrogen fuel cell technology. In this work, the hydrogen storage performance of acid treated halloysite clay nanotubes (A-HNTs) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoparticles decorated acid treated halloysite nanoclay composite (A-HNT-h-BN) are demonstrated, where facile ultrasonic technique is adopted for the synthesis of A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite. Hydrogen storage studies were carried out using Sieverts-like hydrogenation setup. The A-HNTs and A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite were analyzed by XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, EDX, CHNS-elemental analysis and TGA. The A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite shows superior storage capacity of 2.19 wt% at 50 °C compared to the A-HNTs (0.58 wt%). A 100% desorption of stored hydrogen is noted in the temperature range of 138–175 °C. The average binding energy of hydrogen was found to be 0.34 eV for the prepared A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite. The excellent storage capability of A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite towards hydrogen at ambient temperature may find bright perspective in hydrogen fuel cell technology in near future.

Augmentation of chain formation in a magnetic fluid by the addition of halloysite nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Desai, Rucha; Upadhyay, R V; Mehta, R V

2014-01-01

The study aims to investigate the effect of the addition of nanotubes of halloysite on the augmentation of chains observed in an aqueous magnetic fluid consisting of co-precipitated magnetite particles stabilized with lauric acid. Three samples of the mixture containing 0.5%, 1% and 2% of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and a pure magnetic fluid are used for this study. A room temperature magnetization study shows that for 0.5% and 1% of HNT, the magnetization of the mixture significantly increases, while for the higher concentration (2%) it decreases. Such concentration dependent behaviour on the addition of a nonmagnetic system to a magnetic fluid has not previously been observed. The increase in the magnetization is attributed to smaller sized (<5–6 nm) magnetite attached to the HNT, forming a magnetite–HNT composite. Additionally, field-induced chaining is augmented by the addition of HNT in the magnetic fluid. The augmentation of chain formation is confirmed by optical microscopy, field-induced transmission changes and field-dependent diffraction effects. The augmentation will be useful in enhancing other properties of the composite, such as the viscosity and thermal conductivity of nanofluids. (paper)

Hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles decorated halloysite clay nanotubes as a potential hydrogen storage medium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muthu, R. Naresh; Rajashabala, S.; Kannan, R.

2016-01-01

The light weight and compact hydrogen storage materials is still prerequisite for the carbon free hydrogen fuel cell technology. In this work, the hydrogen storage performance of acid treated halloysite clay nanotubes (A-HNTs) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoparticles decorated acid treated halloysite nanoclay composite (A-HNT-h-BN) are demonstrated, where facile ultrasonic technique is adopted for the synthesis of A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite. Hydrogen storage studies were carried out using Sieverts-like hydrogenation setup. The A-HNTs and A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite were analyzed by XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, EDX, CHNS-elemental analysis and TGA. The A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite shows superior storage capacity of 2.19 wt% at 50 °C compared to the A-HNTs (0.58 wt%). A 100% desorption of stored hydrogen is noted in the temperature range of 138–175 °C. The average binding energy of hydrogen was found to be 0.34 eV for the prepared A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite. The excellent storage capability of A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite towards hydrogen at ambient temperature may find bright perspective in hydrogen fuel cell technology in near future.

Hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles decorated halloysite clay nanotubes as a potential hydrogen storage medium

Science.gov (United States)

Muthu, R. Naresh; Rajashabala, S.; Kannan, R.

2016-05-01

The light weight and compact hydrogen storage materials is still prerequisite for the carbon free hydrogen fuel cell technology. In this work, the hydrogen storage performance of acid treated halloysite clay nanotubes (A-HNTs) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoparticles decorated acid treated halloysite nanoclay composite (A-HNT-h-BN) are demonstrated, where facile ultrasonic technique is adopted for the synthesis of A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite. Hydrogen storage studies were carried out using Sieverts-like hydrogenation setup. The A-HNTs and A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite were analyzed by XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, EDX, CHNS-elemental analysis and TGA. The A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite shows superior storage capacity of 2.19 wt% at 50 °C compared to the A-HNTs (0.58 wt%). A 100% desorption of stored hydrogen is noted in the temperature range of 138-175 °C. The average binding energy of hydrogen was found to be 0.34 eV for the prepared A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite. The excellent storage capability of A-HNT-h-BN nanoclay composite towards hydrogen at ambient temperature may find bright perspective in hydrogen fuel cell technology in near future.

Formation of metal clusters in halloysite clay nanotubes

Science.gov (United States)

Vinokurov, Vladimir A.; Stavitskaya, Anna V.; Chudakov, Yaroslav A.; Ivanov, Evgenii V.; Shrestha, Lok Kumar; Ariga, Katsuhiko; Darrat, Yusuf A.; Lvov, Yuri M.

2017-12-01

We developed ceramic core-shell materials based on abundant halloysite clay nanotubes with enhanced heavy metal ions loading through Schiff base binding. These clay tubes are formed by rolling alumosilicate sheets and have diameter of c.50 nm, a lumen of 15 nm and length 1 μm. This allowed for synthesis of metal nanoparticles at the selected position: (1) on the outer surface seeding 3-5 nm metal particles on the tubes; (2) inside the tube's central lumen resulting in 10-12 nm diameter metal cores shelled with ceramic wall; and (3) smaller metal nanoparticles intercalated in the tube's wall allowing up to 9 wt% of Ru, and Ag loading. These composite materials have high surface area providing a good support for catalytic nanoparticles, and can also be used for sorption of metal ions from aqueous solutions.

Hierarchical Nickel Sulfide Coated Halloysite Nanotubes For Efficient Energy Storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Yanan; Zhou, Jie; Liu, Yun; Tang, Jian; Tang, Weihua

2017-01-01

Highlights: •An integration strategy was presented to construct Ni 3 S 2 based hierarchical composite. •Nanowhisker Ni 3 S 2 were densely integrated onto halloysite nanotubes. •The well-designed electrode exhibits remarkable capacitance and cycling stability. •This strategy provides good reference to electrode materials design for energy storage -- Abstract: Cost-effective and robust energy storage systems have attracted great attention for portable electronic devices. Three-dimensional electrodes can effectively enhance the charge transfer, increase the mechanical stability and thus improve the electrochemical performance upon continuous charge-discharge. The earth abundant halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have shown immense potential in constructing nanoarchitectural composites. Here, we first demonstrate the development of hybrid composite of nickel sulfide (Ni 3 S 2 ) and HNTs with glucose as binders for efficient energy storage in supercapacitor. The surface sulfhydrylation of HNTs and glucose-assisted hydrothermal reaction are crucial for the preparation of well-structured composite. Due to the synergistic effect between components, the Ni 3 S 2 /HNTs@HS composite electrode delivers a capacity of 450.4C g −1 and high retention of 82.6% over 2000 cycles in three-electrode supercapacitors. Moreover, the Ni 3 S 2 /HNTs@HS//Whatman paper//Ni 3 S 2 /HNTs@HS two-electrode symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a maximum potential window of 1.3 V, with a capacity of 250C g −1 and performance loss of only 18.2% over 2000 cycling at 1 A g −1 . A maximum energy density of 79.6 Wh kg −1 is achieved at a power density of 1.03 kW kg −1 . Such excellent energy storage performance suggests the great potential of Ni 3 S 2 /HNTs@HS for high-efficiency energy storage systems.

Effect of barium-coated halloysite nanotube addition on the cytocompatibility, mechanical and contrast properties of poly(methyl methacrylate cement

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Jammalamadaka U

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Uday Jammalamadaka,1 Karthik Tappa,1 Jeffery A Weisman,1 James Connor Nicholson,2 David K Mills1,3 1Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science, 2Nanosystems Engineering, 3The School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA Abstract: Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs were investigated as a platform for tunable nanoparticle composition and enhanced opacity in poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA bone cement. Halloysite has been widely used to increase the mechanical properties of various polymer matrices, in stark contrast to other fillers such as barium sulfate that provide opacity but also decrease mechanical strength. The present work describes a dry deposition method for successively fabricating barium sulfate nanoparticles onto the exterior surface of HNTs. A sintering process was used to coat the HNTs in barium sulfate. Barium sulfate-coated HNTs were then added to PMMA bone cement and the samples were tested for mechanical strength and tailored opacity correlated with the fabrication ratio and the amount of barium sulfate-coated HNTs added. The potential cytotoxic effect of barium-coated HNTs in PMMA cement was also tested on osteosarcoma cells. Barium-coated HNTs were found to be completely cytocompatible, and cell proliferation was not inhibited after exposure to the barium-coated HNTs embedded in PMMA cement. We demonstrate a simple method for the creation of barium-coated nanoparticles that imparted improved contrast and material properties to native PMMA. An easy and efficient method for coating clay nanotubes offers the potential for enhanced imaging by radiologists or orthopedic surgeons. Keywords: barium, bone cement, halloysite, imaging, PMMA, sintering

Highly selective solid-phase extraction of trace Pd(II) by murexide functionalized halloysite nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li Ruijun; He Qun; Hu Zheng; Zhang Shengrui [Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 (China); Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000 (China); Zhang Lijun [Faculty of Science and Engineer, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845 (Australia); Chang Xijun, E-mail: lirj2010@lzu.edu.cn [Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 (China); Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000 (China)

2012-02-03

Graphical abstract: Murexide functionalized halloysite nanotubes have been developed to separate and concentrate trace Pd(II) from aqueous samples. Parameters that affected the sorption and elution efficiency were studied in column mode, and the new adsorbent presented high selectivity and adsorption capacity for the solid phase extraction of trace Pd(II). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Murexide modified halloysite nanotubes as adsorbent has been reported originally. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This adsorbent has a unique selectivity for Pd(II) at pH 1.0. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This adsorbent had high adsorption capacity for Pd(II). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The precision and accuracy of the method are satisfactory. - Abstract: The originality on the high efficiency of murexide modified halloysite nanotubes as a new adsorbent of solid phase extraction has been reported to preconcentrate and separate Pd(II) in solution samples. The new adsorbent was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption isotherms. Effective preconcentration conditions of analyte were examined using column procedures prior to detection by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The effects of pH, the amount of adsorbent, the sample flow rate and volume, the elution condition and the interfering ions were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, Pd(II) could be retained on the column at pH 1.0 and quantitatively eluted by 2.5 mL of 0.01 mol L{sup -1} HCl-3% thiourea solution at a flow rate of 2.0 mL min{sup -1}. The analysis time was 5 min. An enrichment factor of 120 was accomplished. Common interfering ions did not interfere in both separation and determination. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 42.86 mg g{sup -1} for Pd(II). The detection limit (3{sigma}) of

Highly selective solid-phase extraction of trace Pd(II) by murexide functionalized halloysite nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Ruijun; He Qun; Hu Zheng; Zhang Shengrui; Zhang Lijun; Chang Xijun

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: Murexide functionalized halloysite nanotubes have been developed to separate and concentrate trace Pd(II) from aqueous samples. Parameters that affected the sorption and elution efficiency were studied in column mode, and the new adsorbent presented high selectivity and adsorption capacity for the solid phase extraction of trace Pd(II). Highlights: ► Murexide modified halloysite nanotubes as adsorbent has been reported originally. ► This adsorbent has a unique selectivity for Pd(II) at pH 1.0. ► This adsorbent had high adsorption capacity for Pd(II). ► The precision and accuracy of the method are satisfactory. - Abstract: The originality on the high efficiency of murexide modified halloysite nanotubes as a new adsorbent of solid phase extraction has been reported to preconcentrate and separate Pd(II) in solution samples. The new adsorbent was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and N 2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. Effective preconcentration conditions of analyte were examined using column procedures prior to detection by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The effects of pH, the amount of adsorbent, the sample flow rate and volume, the elution condition and the interfering ions were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, Pd(II) could be retained on the column at pH 1.0 and quantitatively eluted by 2.5 mL of 0.01 mol L −1 HCl–3% thiourea solution at a flow rate of 2.0 mL min −1 . The analysis time was 5 min. An enrichment factor of 120 was accomplished. Common interfering ions did not interfere in both separation and determination. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 42.86 mg g −1 for Pd(II). The detection limit (3σ) of the method was 0.29 ng mL −1 , and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.1% (n = 11). The method was

Potential applications for halloysite nanotubes based drug delivery systems

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Lin

Drug delivery refers to approaches, formulations, technologies, and systems for transporting a drug in the body. The purpose is to enhance the drug efficacy and to reduce side reactions, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Halloysite is a naturally occurred alumino-silicate clay with a tubular structure. It is a biocompatible material with a big surface area which can be used for attachment of targeted molecules. Besides, loaded molecules can present a sustained release manner in solution. These properties make halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) a good option for drug delivery. In this study, a drug delivery system was built based on halloysite via three different fabrication methods: physical adsorption, vacuum loading and layer-by-layer coating. Methotrexate was used as the model drug. Factors that may affect performance in both drug loading and release were tested. Results showed that methotrexate could be incorporated within the HNTs system and released in a sustained manner. Layer-by-layer coating showed a better potential than the other two methods in both MTX loading and release. Besides, lower pH could greatly improve MTX loading and release while the increased number of polyelectrolytes bilayers had a limited impact. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. Postoperative recurrence and metastasis has become one of the leading causes for patient death after surgical remove of the tumor mass. A strategy could be a sustained release of chemotherapeutics directly at the primary tumor sites where recurrence would mostly occur. Then, this HNTs based system was tested with osteosarcoma cells in vitro to show the potential of delivering chemotherapeutics in the treatment of osteosarcoma. Methotrexate was incorporated within HNTs with a layer-bylayer coating technique, and drug coated HNTs were filled into nylon-6 which is a common material for surgical sutures in industry. Results showed that (1) methotrexate

Binase Immobilized on Halloysite Nanotubes Exerts Enhanced Cytotoxicity toward Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vera Khodzhaeva

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Many ribonucleases (RNases are considered as promising tools for antitumor therapy because of their selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Binase, the RNase from Bacillus pumilus, triggers apoptotic response in cancer cells expressing RAS oncogene which is mutated in a large percentage of prevalent and deadly malignancies including colorectal cancer. The specific antitumor effect of binase toward RAS-transformed cells is due to its direct binding of RAS protein and inhibition of downstream signaling. However, the delivery of proteins to the intestine is complicated by their degradation in the digestive tract and subsequent loss of therapeutic activity. Therefore, the search of new systems for effective delivery of therapeutic proteins is an actual task. This study is aimed to the investigation of antitumor effect of binase immobilized on natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs. Here, we have developed the method of binase immobilization on HNTs and optimized the conditions for the enzyme loading and release (i; we have found the non-toxic concentration of pure HNTs which allows to distinguish HNTs- and binase-induced cytotoxic effects (ii; using dark-field and fluorescent microscopy we have proved the absorption of binase-loaded HNTs on the cell surface (iii and demonstrated that binase-halloysite nanoformulations possessed twice enhanced cytotoxicity toward tumor colon cells as compared to the cytotoxicity of binase itself (iv. The enhanced antitumor activity of biocompatible binase-HNTs complex confirms the advisability of its future development for clinical practice.

Benzothiazole sulfide compatibilized polypropylene/halloysite nanotubes composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu Mingxian [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China); Guo Baochun, E-mail: psbcguo@scut.edu.cn [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China); Lei Yanda; Du Mingliang; Jia Demin [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)

2009-02-15

Clay-philic benzothiazole sulfide, capable of donating electrons, is grafted onto polypropylene (PP) backbones when N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfonamide (CBS), a commonly used accelerator in the tire industry, is included in the processing of PP/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites. CBS decomposes at elevated temperature and yields benzothiazole sulfide radicals, which react with the PP polymeric free radicals generated during the processing of the composites. On the other hand, the benzothiazole group of CBS is reactive to HNTs via electron transferring. The compatibilization between HNTs and PP is thus realized via interfacial grafting and electron transferring mechanism. The interfacial interactions in the compatibilized systems were fully characterized. Compared with the control sample, the dispersion of HNTs and the interfacial bonding are enhanced substantially in the compatibilized composites. The significantly improved mechanical properties and thermal properties of benzothiazole sulfide compatibilized PP/HNTs composites are correlated to the enhanced interfacial property. The present work demonstrates a novel interfacial design via interfacial grafting/electron transferring for the compatibilization of PP/clay composites.

Monte Carlo study of magnetic nanoparticles adsorbed on halloysite Al2Si2O5(OH) 4 nanotubes

Science.gov (United States)

Sotnikov, O. M.; Mazurenko, V. V.; Katanin, A. A.

2017-12-01

We study properties of magnetic nanoparticles adsorbed on the halloysite surface. For that a distinct magnetic Hamiltonian with a random distribution of spins on a cylindrical surface was solved by using a nonequilibrium Monte Carlo method. The parameters for our simulations, the anisotropy constant, nanoparticle size distribution, saturated magnetization, and geometrical characteristics of the halloysite template, were taken from recent experiments. We calculate the hysteresis loops and temperature dependence of the zero-field-cooling (ZFC) susceptibility, the maximum of which determines the blocking temperature. It is shown that the dipole-dipole interaction between nanoparticles moderately increases the blocking temperature and weakly increases the coercive force. The obtained hysteresis loops (e.g., the value of the coercive force) for Ni nanoparticles are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. We also discuss the sensitivity of the hysteresis loops and ZFC susceptibilities to the change in anisotropy and dipole-dipole interaction, as well as the 3 d -shell occupation of the metallic nanoparticles; in particular we predict larger coercive force for Fe than for Ni nanoparticles.

Formation of halloysite from feldspar: Low temperature, artificial weathering versus natural weathering

Science.gov (United States)

Parham, Walter E.

1969-01-01

Weathering products formed on surfaces of both potassium and plagioclase feldspar (An70), which were continuously leached in a Soxhlet extraction apparatus for 140 days with 7.21 of distilled water per day at a temperature of approximately 78°C, are morphologically identical to natural products developed on potassium feldspars weathered under conditions of good drainage in the humid tropics. The new products, which first appear as tiny bumps on the feldspar surface, start to develop mainly at exposed edges but also at apparently random sites on flat cleavage surfaces. As weathering continues, the bumps grow outward from the feldspar surface to form tapered projections, which then develop into wide-based thin films or sheets. The thin sheets of many projections merge laterally to form one continuous flame-shaped sheet. The sheets formed on potassium feldspars may then roll to form tubes that are inclined at a high angle to the feldspar surface. Etch pits of triangular outline on the artificially weathered potassium feldspars serve as sites for development of continuous, non-rolled, hollow tubes. It is inferred from its morphology that this weathering product is halloysite or its primitive form. The product of naturally weathered potassium feldspars is halloysite . 4H2O.The flame-shaped films or sheets formed on artificially weathered plagioclase feldspar do not develop into hollow tubes, but instead give rise to a platy mineral that is most probably boehmite. These plates form within the flame-shaped films, and with continued weathering are released as the film deteriorates. There is no indication from this experiment that platy pseudohexagonal kaolinite forms from any of these minerals under the initial stage of weathering.

Pristine and γ-irradiated halloysite reinforced epoxy nanocomposites - Insight study

Science.gov (United States)

Saif, Muhammad Jawwad; Naveed, Muhammad; Zia, Khalid Mahmood; Asif, Muhammad

2016-10-01

The present study focuses on development of epoxy system reinforced with naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). A comparative study is presented describing the performance of pristine and γ-irradiated HNTs in an epoxy matrix. The γ-irradiation treatment was used for structural modification of natural pristine HNTs under air sealed environment at different absorbed doses and subsequently these irradiated HNTs were incorporated in epoxy resin with various wt% loadings. The consequences of γ-irradiation on HNTs were studied by FTIR and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) in terms of changes in functional groups and crystalline characteristics. An improvement is observed in mechanical properties and crack resistance of composites reinforced with γ-irradiated HNTs. The irradiated HNTs imparted an improved flexural and tensile strength/modulus along with better thermal performance.

Nitrile functionalized halloysite nanotubes/poly(arylene ether nitrile) nanocomposites: Interface control, characterization, and improved properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wan, Xinyi; Zhan, Yingqing; Zeng, Guangyong; He, Yi

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Novel nitrile functionalized HNTs were realized through the covalent bonding. • Then modified HNTs showed good dispersion and interfacial adhesion with PEN. • The modified HNTs exhibited excellent reinforcement effect on PEN. • The chemical crosslinking between HNTs and PEN further enhanced the performance of nanocomposites. - Abstract: To develop high-performance halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based nanocomposites, the two key issues need to be considered: precise interface control and the dispersal of HNTs. This study presents an efficient way to functionalize halloysite nanotubes with 3-aminophenoxy-phthalonitrile, followed by compounding with poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN), to prepare functional nanocomposite films. The surface functionalization of HNTs was characterized and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared with neat PEN, the tensile strength and modulus of the resulting PEN nanocomposites with 3 wt% functionalized HNTs were found to increase by 25.7% and 20.7%, respectively. The good dispersion and high capacitance of the dielectric layer resulted in PEN/HNTs nancomposites with enhanced dielectric permittivity and relatively low dielectric loss. Moreover, the addition of functional HNTs greatly improved the thermal stability of PEN, which could be further enhanced through the chemical cross-linking reaction between the functional HNTs and the PEN matrix. This work provides a new path toward obtaining advanced polymer-based nanocomposites with functional properties.

Nitrile functionalized halloysite nanotubes/poly(arylene ether nitrile) nanocomposites: Interface control, characterization, and improved properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wan, Xinyi [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, 8 Xindu Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500 (China); Zhan, Yingqing, E-mail: 201599010032@swpu.edu.cn [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, 8 Xindu Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610500 (China); Zeng, Guangyong [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, 8 Xindu Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500 (China); He, Yi, E-mail: heyi007@163.com [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, 8 Xindu Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610500 (China); State Key Lab of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, 8Xindu Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500 (China)

2017-01-30

Highlights: • Novel nitrile functionalized HNTs were realized through the covalent bonding. • Then modified HNTs showed good dispersion and interfacial adhesion with PEN. • The modified HNTs exhibited excellent reinforcement effect on PEN. • The chemical crosslinking between HNTs and PEN further enhanced the performance of nanocomposites. - Abstract: To develop high-performance halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based nanocomposites, the two key issues need to be considered: precise interface control and the dispersal of HNTs. This study presents an efficient way to functionalize halloysite nanotubes with 3-aminophenoxy-phthalonitrile, followed by compounding with poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN), to prepare functional nanocomposite films. The surface functionalization of HNTs was characterized and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared with neat PEN, the tensile strength and modulus of the resulting PEN nanocomposites with 3 wt% functionalized HNTs were found to increase by 25.7% and 20.7%, respectively. The good dispersion and high capacitance of the dielectric layer resulted in PEN/HNTs nancomposites with enhanced dielectric permittivity and relatively low dielectric loss. Moreover, the addition of functional HNTs greatly improved the thermal stability of PEN, which could be further enhanced through the chemical cross-linking reaction between the functional HNTs and the PEN matrix. This work provides a new path toward obtaining advanced polymer-based nanocomposites with functional properties.

In-vitro assessment of cytotoxicity of halloysite nanotubes against HepG2, HCT116 and human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmed, Farrukh Rafiq; Shoaib, Muhammad Harris; Azhar, Mudassar; Um, Soong Ho; Yousuf, Rabia Ismail; Hashmi, Shahkamal; Dar, Ahsana

2015-11-01

Halloysite is a clay mineral with chemical similarity to kaolin, a pharmaceutical ingredient. It consists of mainly aluminosilicate nanotubular particles in the size range of ∼ 200-1000 nm. Many studies have tried to empirically explore this novel clay for its potential in drug delivery systems but no work has yet studied its cytotoxicity from the perspective of oral drug delivery system. In this study, the halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were subjected to size distribution analyses, which reveal more than 50% of nanotubes in the size range of 500 nm and rest mainly in the sub micrometer range. HNTs were then evaluated for in-vitro cytotoxicity against HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cells which represent the earliest entry point and the first accumulating organ, respectively, for nanoparticles en-route to systemic circulation after oral delivery. Moreover, HNTs were tested for their cytogenetic toxicity against human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Both these results collectively indicated that HNTs are generally safe at practical concentrations of excipients for oral dosage forms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of halloysite nanotubes on the thermal degradation behaviour of poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) microfibrillar composites

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Luyt, A. S.; Kelnar, Ivan

2017-01-01

Roč. 60, July (2017), s. 166-172 ISSN 0142-9418 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA13-15255S Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : poly(lactic acid) * poly(epsilon-caprolactone) * halloysite nanotubes Subject RIV: JI - Composite Materials OBOR OECD: Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics Impact factor: 2.464, year: 2016

Interactions between halloysite nanotubes and 2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene and their effects on reinforcement of polypropylene/halloysite nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Mingxian; Guo Baochun; Zou Quanliang; Du Mingliang; Jia Demin

2008-01-01

Many types of clay tend to absorb organics via electron transferring interactions between the clay and the organics. This may be utilized to design clay incorporated polymer composites with better interfacial properties. In the present paper, 2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene (BBT), capable of donating electrons, is selected as the interfacial modifier for polypropylene (PP)/halloysite nanotube (HNTs) composites. The electron transfer between HNTs and BBT are confirmed. The mechanical properties and the unique morphology of the nanocomposites are examined. Formation of fibrils of BBT in the presence of HNTs is found in the nanocomposites. The chemical composition of the fibrils in the nanocomposites is found to be composed of largely BBT and a small amount of HNTs. The formation mechanism of BBT fibrils are elucidated to be the strong interactions between BBT and HNTs under melt shearing. The formation of the BBT fibrils leads to much higher crystallinity compared with previously reported PP nanocomposites. The nanocomposites with BBT show substantially increased tensile and flexural properties, which are attributed to the enhanced crystallinity of the nanocomposites

Interactions between halloysite nanotubes and 2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene and their effects on reinforcement of polypropylene/halloysite nanocomposites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu Mingxian; Guo Baochun; Zou Quanliang; Du Mingliang; Jia Demin [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)], E-mail: psbcguo@scut.edu.cn

2008-05-21

Many types of clay tend to absorb organics via electron transferring interactions between the clay and the organics. This may be utilized to design clay incorporated polymer composites with better interfacial properties. In the present paper, 2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene (BBT), capable of donating electrons, is selected as the interfacial modifier for polypropylene (PP)/halloysite nanotube (HNTs) composites. The electron transfer between HNTs and BBT are confirmed. The mechanical properties and the unique morphology of the nanocomposites are examined. Formation of fibrils of BBT in the presence of HNTs is found in the nanocomposites. The chemical composition of the fibrils in the nanocomposites is found to be composed of largely BBT and a small amount of HNTs. The formation mechanism of BBT fibrils are elucidated to be the strong interactions between BBT and HNTs under melt shearing. The formation of the BBT fibrils leads to much higher crystallinity compared with previously reported PP nanocomposites. The nanocomposites with BBT show substantially increased tensile and flexural properties, which are attributed to the enhanced crystallinity of the nanocomposites.

Zeolite A synthesized from alkaline assisted pre-activated halloysite for efficient heavy metal removal in polluted river water and industrial wastewater.

Science.gov (United States)

Meng, Qingpeng; Chen, Hong; Lin, Junzhong; Lin, Zhang; Sun, Junliang

2017-06-01

High quality zeolite A was synthesized through a hydrothermal process using alkaline-assisted pre-activated halloysite mineral as the alumina and silica source. The synthesis conditions employed in this study were finely tuned by varying the activating temperature, sodium hydroxide content, water content and Si/Al ratio. The obtained zeolite A showed excellent adsorption properties for both single metal cation solutions and mixed cation solutions when the concentrations of the mixed cations were comparable with those in polluted natural river water and industrial wastewater. High adsorptive capacities for Ag + (123.05mg/g) and Pb 2+ (227.70mg/g) were achieved using the synthesized zeolite A. This observation indicates that the zeolite A synthesized from alkaline-assisted pre-activated halloysite can be used as a low-cost and relatively effective adsorbent to purify heavy metal cation polluted natural river water and industrial wastewater. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Halloysite nanotubes with immobilized silver nanoparticles for anti-bacterial application.

Science.gov (United States)

Jana, Subhra; Kondakova, Anastasiya V; Shevchenko, Svetlana N; Sheval, Eugene V; Gonchar, Kirill A; Timoshenko, Victor Yu; Vasiliev, Alexander N

2017-03-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with immobilized silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by methods of wet chemistry and were characterized by using the transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy and experiments with E. coli bacteria in-vitro. It was found that Ag NPs with almost perfect crystalline structure and sizes from ∼9nm were mainly attached over the external surface of HNTs. The optical absorption measurement revealed a broad plasmonic resonance in the region of 400-600nm for HNTs with Ag NPs. The later samples exhibit bactericidal effect, which is more pronounced under illumination. A role of the plasmonic excitation of Ag NPs for their bioactive properties is discussed. The obtained results show that Ag NPs-decorated HNTs are promising agents for the antibacterial treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective fabrication of iron oxide particles in halloysite lumen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zheng, Pengwu; Du, Yuanyuan; Ma, Xiaofei

2015-01-01

As the adsorbents or the supports of photocatalysts, halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were expected to have intact external surface for adsorption or catalyst immobilization, when Fe 3 O 4 particles was introduced to prepare magnetic HNTs for easy separation. The negatively charged urease was loaded inside positively charged HNT lumen, and urease catalyzed the hydrolysis of urea and resulted in the alkaline environment in HNT lumen. When Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ diffused in, Fe 3 O 4 particles were selectively synthesized in the lumen of HNT. The obtained Fe 3 O 4 @HNT is characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and hysteresis loops. The obtained magnetic Fe 3 O 4 @HNT can be magnetically collected with intact external surface, which can support photocatalysts or remove the pollutants. - Highlights: • Fe 3 O 4 @HNT was prepared. • Fe 3 O 4 @HNT was characterized. • Fe 3 O 4 particles were selectively synthesized in the lumen of HNT

Halloysite nanotubes-polymeric nanocomposites: characteristics, modifications and controlled drug delivery approaches

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

P. C. Ferrari

Full Text Available Abstract Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs are aluminosilicate nanoclay mineral which have a hollow tubular structure and occurs naturally. They are biocompatible and viable carrier for inclusion of biologically active molecules due to the empty space inside the tubular structure. In this article, the HNTs main characteristics, and the HNTs-polymeric nanocomposite formation and their potential application as improvement of the mechanical performance of polymers and entrapment of hydrophilic and lipophilic substances are summarized. Recent works covering the increment of HNTs-polymeric nanocomposites and presenting promising employment of these systems as nanosized carrier, being suitable for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, based on earlier evidence in literature of its nature to sustain the release of loaded drugs, presenting low cytotoxicity, and providing evidence for controlled drug delivery are reviewed.

A gelatin composite scaffold strengthened by drug-loaded halloysite nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Ji, Lijun; Qiao, Wei; Zhang, Yuheng; Wu, Huayu; Miao, Shiyong; Cheng, Zhilin; Gong, Qianming; Liang, Ji; Zhu, Aiping

2017-09-01

Mechanical properties and anti-infection are two of the most concerned issues for artificial bone grafting materials. Bone regeneration porous scaffolds with sustained drug release were developed by freeze-drying the mixture of nanosized drug-loaded halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and gelatin. The scaffolds showed porous structure and excellent biocompatibility. The mechanical properties of the obtained composite scaffolds were enhanced significantly by HNTs to >300%, comparing to those of gelatin scaffold, and match to those of natural cancellous bones. The ibuprofen-loaded HNTs incorporated in the scaffolds allowed extended drug release over 100h, comparing to 8h when directly mixed the drug into the gelatin scaffold. The biological properties of the composite scaffolds were investigated by culturing MG63 cells on them. The HNTs/gelatin scaffolds with excellent mechanical properties and sustained drug release could be a promising artificial bone grating material. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interactions between halloysite nanotubes and poly(styrene sulfonate) in solution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Jae Heon; Ryu, Jung Ju; Shin, Joo Huei; Lee, Hoik; Sohn, Dae Won [Dept. of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Ick Soo [Nano Fusion Technology Research Lab, Division of Frontier Fibers, Institute for Fiber Engineering (IFES), Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research (ICCER), Shinshu University, Nagano (Japan)

2017-01-15

The interaction between halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) in aqueous solution was investigated by dynamic light scattering. Dynamic behavior of HNT/PSS was observed with different salt, HNT, and PSS concentrations. The HNT colloids were stabilized by PSS over a wide range of HNT concentrations, and HNT suspension in dilute solution formed stable HNT/PSS particles. On the other hand, HNT particles aggregated as sediments at higher concentrations due to strong attraction among HNT rods, and HNT aggregates were stabilized by additional PSS. The interactions between HNT and PSS are described by the van der Waals–London force (VDWL). The stabilization process of HNT/PSS particles in salt solution was proposed by comparing the hydrodynamic radii and apparent intensities of samples. The results demonstrate that electrostatic, steric, and depletion stabilization processes are responsible for the stable dispersion of HNT even at high concentration.

Multifunctional nanocomposite based on halloysite nanotubes for efficient luminescent bioimaging and magnetic resonance imaging

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhou T

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Tao Zhou,1 Lei Jia,1 Yi-Feng Luo,2 Jun Xu,1 Ru-Hua Chen,2 Zhi-Jun Ge,2 Tie-Liang Ma,2 Hong Chen,2 Tao-Feng Zhu2 1Department of Physics and Chemistry, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan, 2The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China Abstract: A novel multifunctional halloysite nanotube (HNT-based Fe3O4@HNT-polyethyleneimine-Tip-Eu(dibenzoylmethane3 nanocomposite (Fe-HNT-Eu NC with both photoluminescent and magnetic properties was fabricated by a simple one-step hydrothermal process combined with the coupling grafting method, which exhibited high suspension stability and excellent photophysical behavior. The as-prepared multifunctional Fe-HNT-Eu NC was characterized using various techniques. The results of cell viability assay, cell morphological observation, and in vivo toxicity assay indicated that the NC exhibited excellent biocompatibility over the studied concentration range, suggesting that the obtained Fe-HNT-Eu NC was a suitable material for bioimaging and biological applications in human hepatic adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the biocompatible Fe-HNT-Eu NC displayed superparamagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization and also functioned as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI contrast agent in vitro and in vivo. The results of the MRI tests indicated that the Fe-HNT-Eu NC can significantly decrease the T2 signal intensity values of the normal liver tissue and thus make the boundary between the normal liver and transplanted cancer more distinct, thus effectively improving the diagnosis effect of cancers. Keywords: halloysite nanotube, lanthanide complex, iron oxide, luminescence, contrast agent

Controlling the release of active compounds from the inorganic carrier halloysite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tescione, F.; Buonocore, G. G.; Stanzione, M.; Oliviero, M.; Lavorgna, M. [National Research Council - Institute of Composites and Biomedical Materials, P.le E. Fermi, 1 80055 Portici (Naples) (Italy)

2014-05-15

Halloysite (HNTs), a natural material characterized by a nanotube structure, has been used as an inorganic carrier of active compounds in several applications from medicine to anticorrosion coatings. In this present work, vanillin (VAN) used as a antimicrobial model, has been encapsulated within HNTs for exploiting its applicability in the active food packaging sector. The molecule release rate has been controlled by crosslinking at the tube ends the loaded vanillin with copper ions, thus producing a stopper network. The vanillin-loaded HNTs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis. The antimicrobial release kinetics from the loaded nanoparticles (VAN/HNTs) in water was investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. The results show that the vanillin crosslinked with cupper ions is a feasible method to tailor the release rate of antimicrobial model from HTNs nanoparticles.

Controlling the release of active compounds from the inorganic carrier halloysite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tescione, F.; Buonocore, G. G.; Stanzione, M.; Oliviero, M.; Lavorgna, M.

2014-01-01

Halloysite (HNTs), a natural material characterized by a nanotube structure, has been used as an inorganic carrier of active compounds in several applications from medicine to anticorrosion coatings. In this present work, vanillin (VAN) used as a antimicrobial model, has been encapsulated within HNTs for exploiting its applicability in the active food packaging sector. The molecule release rate has been controlled by crosslinking at the tube ends the loaded vanillin with copper ions, thus producing a stopper network. The vanillin-loaded HNTs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis. The antimicrobial release kinetics from the loaded nanoparticles (VAN/HNTs) in water was investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. The results show that the vanillin crosslinked with cupper ions is a feasible method to tailor the release rate of antimicrobial model from HTNs nanoparticles

Selective fabrication of iron oxide particles in halloysite lumen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zheng, Pengwu; Du, Yuanyuan [School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013 (China); Ma, Xiaofei, E-mail: maxiaofei@tju.edu.cn [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China)

2015-02-01

As the adsorbents or the supports of photocatalysts, halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were expected to have intact external surface for adsorption or catalyst immobilization, when Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles was introduced to prepare magnetic HNTs for easy separation. The negatively charged urease was loaded inside positively charged HNT lumen, and urease catalyzed the hydrolysis of urea and resulted in the alkaline environment in HNT lumen. When Fe{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 2+} diffused in, Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles were selectively synthesized in the lumen of HNT. The obtained Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@HNT is characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and hysteresis loops. The obtained magnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@HNT can be magnetically collected with intact external surface, which can support photocatalysts or remove the pollutants. - Highlights: • Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@HNT was prepared. • Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@HNT was characterized. • Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles were selectively synthesized in the lumen of HNT.

Styrene-butadiene rubber/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposites modified by methacrylic acid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo Baochun; Lei Yanda; Chen Feng; Liu Xiaoliang; Du Mingliang; Jia Demin

2008-01-01

Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used to improve the performance of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites by direct blending. The detailed interaction mechanisms of MAA and the in situ formed zinc methacrylate (ZDMA) were revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area and porosity analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) together with crosslink density determination. The strong interfacial bonding between HNTs and rubber matrix is resulted through ZDMA and MAA intermediated linkages. ZDMA connects SBR and HNTs via grafting/complexation mechanism. MAA bonds SBR and HNTs through grafting/hydrogen bonding mechanism. Significantly improved dispersion of HNTs in virtue of the interactions between HNTs and MAA or ZDMA was achieved. Effects of MAA content on the vulcanization behavior, morphology and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Promising mechanical properties of MAA modified SBR/HNTs nanocomposites were obtained. The changes in vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties and morphology were correlated with the interactions between HNTs and MAA or ZDMA and the largely improved dispersion of HNTs

Styrene-butadiene rubber/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposites modified by methacrylic acid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guo Baochun [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)], E-mail: psbcguo@scut.edu.cn; Lei Yanda; Chen Feng; Liu Xiaoliang; Du Mingliang; Jia Demin [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)

2008-12-30

Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used to improve the performance of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites by direct blending. The detailed interaction mechanisms of MAA and the in situ formed zinc methacrylate (ZDMA) were revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area and porosity analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) together with crosslink density determination. The strong interfacial bonding between HNTs and rubber matrix is resulted through ZDMA and MAA intermediated linkages. ZDMA connects SBR and HNTs via grafting/complexation mechanism. MAA bonds SBR and HNTs through grafting/hydrogen bonding mechanism. Significantly improved dispersion of HNTs in virtue of the interactions between HNTs and MAA or ZDMA was achieved. Effects of MAA content on the vulcanization behavior, morphology and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Promising mechanical properties of MAA modified SBR/HNTs nanocomposites were obtained. The changes in vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties and morphology were correlated with the interactions between HNTs and MAA or ZDMA and the largely improved dispersion of HNTs.

Effect of barium-coated halloysite nanotube addition on the cytocompatibility, mechanical and contrast properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) cement.

Science.gov (United States)

Jammalamadaka, Uday; Tappa, Karthik; Weisman, Jeffery A; Nicholson, James Connor; Mills, David K

2017-01-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were investigated as a platform for tunable nanoparticle composition and enhanced opacity in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement. Halloysite has been widely used to increase the mechanical properties of various polymer matrices, in stark contrast to other fillers such as barium sulfate that provide opacity but also decrease mechanical strength. The present work describes a dry deposition method for successively fabricating barium sulfate nanoparticles onto the exterior surface of HNTs. A sintering process was used to coat the HNTs in barium sulfate. Barium sulfate-coated HNTs were then added to PMMA bone cement and the samples were tested for mechanical strength and tailored opacity correlated with the fabrication ratio and the amount of barium sulfate-coated HNTs added. The potential cytotoxic effect of barium-coated HNTs in PMMA cement was also tested on osteosarcoma cells. Barium-coated HNTs were found to be completely cytocompatible, and cell proliferation was not inhibited after exposure to the barium-coated HNTs embedded in PMMA cement. We demonstrate a simple method for the creation of barium-coated nanoparticles that imparted improved contrast and material properties to native PMMA. An easy and efficient method for coating clay nanotubes offers the potential for enhanced imaging by radiologists or orthopedic surgeons.

Porous NiCo2S4-halloysite hybrid self-assembled from nanosheets for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor applications

Science.gov (United States)

Chai, Hui; Dong, Hong; Wang, Yucheng; Xu, Jiayu; Jia, Dianzeng

2017-04-01

The porous nanostructures have drawn considerable attention because of their abundant pore volume and unique properties that provide outstanding performance in catalysis and energy storage applications. This study proposes the growth mechanism of porous NiCo2S4 composited with halloysite (HL) via a self-assembly method using halloysite as a template and component. Electrochemical tests showed that the NiCo2S4-HL exhibited an ultrahigh specific capacitance (Csp) (589C g-1 at 1A g-1) and good cycle stability (Csp retention of 86% after 1000 cycles). The desirable capacitive performance of the NiCo2S4-HL can be attributed to the large specific surface area and short diffusion path for electrons and ions in the hierarchical porous structure. The superior electrochemical performances with the energy density of 35.48 W h kg-1 at a power density of 199.9 W kg-1 were achieved in an assembled aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device using NiCo2S4-HL as a positive electrode and N-doped graphene (NG) as a negative electrode. Moreover, the NiCo2S4-HL//NG asymmetric supercapacitor achieved outstanding cycle stability (also retained 83.2% after 1700 cycles). The high-performance of the ASC device will undoubtedly make the porous NiCo2S4-HL as potential electrode materials attractive in energy storage systems.

Effect of halloysite nanotubes on the structure and function of important multiple blood components

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Keke; Feng, Ru; Jiao, Yanpeng, E-mail: tjiaoyp@jnu.edu.cn; Zhou, Changren

2017-06-01

Many researchers have investigated the application of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in biomedicine, because of their special nanoscale hollow tubular structure. Although the cytocompatibility of HNTs has been studied, their blood compatibility has not been systematically investigated. In this work, the effect of HNTs on the structure and function of different blood components has been studied, including the morphology and hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs). Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, optical density test and flow cytometry analysis, we found that HNTs can affect the morphology and membrane integrity of RBCs in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in a content-dependent way. In particular, based on UV–vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD) spectra, HNTs can alter the secondary structure and conformation of human fibrinogen and γ-globulins. In addition, the detection of biomarker molecules C3a and C5a in plasma suggests that HNTs can trigger complement activation. In the blood clotting assay, HNTs were found to significantly prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), shorten the prothrombin time (PT) of platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and change the thromboelastography (TEG) parameters of whole blood coagulation. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis were used to test intracellular uptake by macrophages, and the cellular uptake of HNTs in the RAW 264.7 was found to be content-dependent, but not time-dependent. These findings provide insight for the potential use of HNTs as biofriendly nanocontainers for biomaterials in vivo. - Highlights: • Comprehensive study of blood compatibility halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) is processed. • We examine and analyze the effect of HNTs on conformation changes of three plasma proteins. • We prove HNTs can affect blood components at high content but little at low content. • We prove HNTs could be used as biomaterials

Effect of halloysite nanotubes on the structure and function of important multiple blood components

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Keke; Feng, Ru; Jiao, Yanpeng; Zhou, Changren

2017-01-01

Many researchers have investigated the application of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in biomedicine, because of their special nanoscale hollow tubular structure. Although the cytocompatibility of HNTs has been studied, their blood compatibility has not been systematically investigated. In this work, the effect of HNTs on the structure and function of different blood components has been studied, including the morphology and hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs). Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, optical density test and flow cytometry analysis, we found that HNTs can affect the morphology and membrane integrity of RBCs in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in a content-dependent way. In particular, based on UV–vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD) spectra, HNTs can alter the secondary structure and conformation of human fibrinogen and γ-globulins. In addition, the detection of biomarker molecules C3a and C5a in plasma suggests that HNTs can trigger complement activation. In the blood clotting assay, HNTs were found to significantly prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), shorten the prothrombin time (PT) of platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and change the thromboelastography (TEG) parameters of whole blood coagulation. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis were used to test intracellular uptake by macrophages, and the cellular uptake of HNTs in the RAW 264.7 was found to be content-dependent, but not time-dependent. These findings provide insight for the potential use of HNTs as biofriendly nanocontainers for biomaterials in vivo. - Highlights: • Comprehensive study of blood compatibility halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) is processed. • We examine and analyze the effect of HNTs on conformation changes of three plasma proteins. • We prove HNTs can affect blood components at high content but little at low content. • We prove HNTs could be used as biomaterials

Styrene-butadiene rubber/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposites modified by sorbic acid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guo Baochun, E-mail: psbcguo@scut.edu.cn [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China); Chen Feng; Lei Yanda; Liu Xiaoliang; Wan Jingjing; Jia Demin [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)

2009-05-30

Sorbic acid (SA) was used to improve the performance of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites by direct blending. The detailed mechanisms for the largely improved performance were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), porosity analysis and crosslink density determination. The strong interfacial bonding between HNTs and rubber matrix is resulted through SA intermediated linkages. SA bonds SBR and HNTs through grafting copolymerization/hydrogen bonding mechanism. Significantly improved dispersion of HNTs in virtue of the interactions between HNTs and SA was achieved. Formation of zinc disorbate (ZDS) was revealed during the vulcanization of the composites. However, in the present systems, the contribution of ZDS to the reinforcement was limited. Effects of SA content on the vulcanization behavior, morphology and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Promising mechanical properties of SA modified SBR/HNTs nanocomposites were obtained. The changes in vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties and morphology were correlated with the interactions between HNTs and SA and the largely improved dispersion of HNTs.

NanoSMGT: transgene transmission into bovine embryos using halloysite clay nanotubes or nanopolymer to improve transfection efficiency.

Science.gov (United States)

Campos, Vinicius Farias; de Leon, Priscila Marques Moura; Komninou, Eliza Rossi; Dellagostin, Odir Antônio; Deschamps, João Carlos; Seixas, Fabiana Kömmling; Collares, Tiago

2011-11-01

The objectives were to investigate whether: 1) nanotransfectants are more effective than other common transfection methods for SMGT; 2) NanoSMGT is able to transmit exogenous DNA molecules to bovine embryos; and 3) halloysite clay nanotubes (HCNs) can be used as a transfection reagent to improve transgene transmission. Four transfection systems were used: naked DNA (without transfectant), lipofection, nanopolymer, and halloysite clay nanotubes. Plasmid uptake by sperm and its transfer to embryos were quantified by conventional and real-time PCR, as well as EGFP expression by fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, sperm motility and viability, and embryo development were investigated. Mean number of plasmids taken up was affected (P < 0.05) by transfection procedure, with the nanopolymer being the most effective transfectant (∼ 153 plasmids per spermatozoon). None of the treatments affected sperm motility or viability. The mean number of plasmids transmitted to four-cell stage embryos was higher (P < 0.05) in nanopolymer and HCNs than liposomes and naked DNA groups. The number of embryos carrying the transgene increased from 8-10% using naked DNA or liposomes to 40-45% using nanopolymer or HCN as transfectants (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among transfection procedures regarding blastocyst formation rate of resulting embryos. However, no EGFP-expressing embryo was identified in any treatment. Therefore, nanotransfectants improved transgene transmission in bovine embryos without deleterious effects on embryo development. To our knowledge, this was the first time that bovine embryos carrying a transgene were produced by NanoSMGT. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tunable controlled release of molecular species from Halloysite nanotubes

Science.gov (United States)

Elumalai, Divya Narayan

Encouraged by potential applications in rust coatings, self-healing composites, selective delivery of drugs, and catalysis, the transport of molecular species through Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), specifically the storage and controlled release of these molecules, has attracted strong interest in recent years. HNTs are a naturally occurring biocompatible nanomaterial that are abundantly and readily available. They are alumosilicate based tubular clay nanotubes with an inner lumen of 15 nm and a length of 600-900 nm. The size of the inner lumen of HNTs may be adjusted by etching. The lumen can be loaded with functional agents like antioxidants, anticorrosion agents, flame-retardant agents, drugs, or proteins, allowing for a sustained release of these agents for hours. The release times can be further tuned for days and months by the addition of tube end-stoppers. In this work a three-dimensional, time-quantified Monte Carlo model that efficiently describes diffusion through and from nanotubes is implemented. Controlled delivery from Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) is modeled based on interactions between the HNT's inner wall and the nanoparticles (NP) and among NPs themselves. The model was validated using experimental data published in the literature. The validated model is then used to study the effect of multiple parameters like HNT diameter and length, particle charge, ambient temperature and the creation of smart caps at the tube ends on the release of encapsulated NPs. The results show that release profiles depend on the size distribution of the HNT batch used for the experiment, as delivery is sensitive to HNT lumen and length. The effect of the addition of end-caps to the HNTs, on the rate of release of encapsulated NPs is also studied here. The results show that the release profiles are significantly affected by the addition of end caps to the HNTs and is sensitive to the end-cap pore lumen. A very good agreement with the experiment is observed when a weight

Preparation and properties of natural nanocomposites based on natural rubber and naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rooj, Sandip; Das, Amit; Thakur, Varun; Mahaling, R.N.; Bhowmick, Anil K.; Heinrich, Gert

2010-01-01

A 'green' composite based on natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and natural rubber (NR) was prepared by mechanical mixing. A silane coupling agent, bis (triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulphide, was utilized to enhance the properties of these composites. It was observed that the reinforcing activity of HNTs was superior to commercial silica coupled with the same amount of silane coupling agent. Moreover the on-set thermal degradation decomposition temperature was improved by ∼64 o C with the addition of 10 parts HNTs per hundred of rubber. Transmission electron microscopic images confirmed the good dispersion of the HNTs in the rubber matrix, whereas X-ray diffraction studies showed a little change in interlayer spacing between the two silicate layers of HNTs.

Thermal Stability and Surface Wettability Studies of Polylactic Acid/Halloysite Nanotube Nanocomposite Scaffold for Tissue Engineering Studies

Science.gov (United States)

Nizar, M. Mohd; Hamzah, M. S. A.; Razak, S. I. Abd; Mat Nayan, N. H.

2018-03-01

This paper reports the preliminary study about the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) into polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold to improve the thermal resistance and surface wettability properties. The fabrication of the porous scaffold requires a simple yet effective technique with low-cost materials within freeze extraction method. The thermal stability of PLA/HNT scaffold compared to neat PLA scaffold achieved with increased content of HNT by 5 wt%. Moreover, the surface wettability of the scaffold also shows a positive impact with high content of HNT by 5 wt%. This new nanocomposite scaffold may have high potential as a suitable template for tissue regeneration.

Polyethyleneimine grafted short halloysite nanotubes for gene delivery.

Science.gov (United States)

Long, Zheru; Zhang, Jun; Shen, Yan; Zhou, Changren; Liu, Mingxian

2017-12-01

Inorganic nanoparticles have attracted much attentions in gene delivery because of their desirable characteristics including low toxicity, well-controlled characteristics, high gene delivery efficiency, and multi-functionalities. Here, natural occurred halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were developed as a novel non-viral gene vector. To increase the efficiency of endocytosis, HNTs were firstly shortened into an appropriate size (~200nm). Then polyethyleneimine (PEI) was grafted onto HNTs to bind green fluorescence protein (GFP) labeled pDNA. The structure and physical-chemical properties of PEI grafted HNTs (PEI-g-HNTs) were characterized by various methods. PEI-g-HNTs show lower cytotoxicity than PEI. PEI-g-HNTs are positively charged and can bind DNA tightly at designed N/P ratio from 5:1 to 40:1. PEI-g-HNTs/pDNA complexes show much higher transfection efficiency towards both 293T and HeLa cells compared with PEI/pDNA complexes at the equivalent N/P ratio. The transfection efficiencies of PEI-g-HNTs/pDNA complex towards HeLa cell can reach to 44.4% at N/P ratio of 20. PEI-g-HNTs/pDNA complexes possess a higher GFP protein expression than PEI/pDNA from simple western immunoblots. So, PEI-g-HNTs are potential gene vectors with good biocompatibility and high transfection efficiency, which have promising applications in cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Properties of halloysite nanotube-epoxy resin hybrids and the interfacial reactions in the systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu Mingxian; Guo Baochun; Du Mingliang; Cai Xiaojia; Jia Demin [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)

2007-11-14

A naturally occurred microtubullar silicate, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), was co-cured with epoxy/cyanate ester resin to form organic-inorganic hybrids. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the hybrids with low HNT concentration was found to be substantially lower than that of the plain cured resin. The moduli of the hybrids in the glassy state and rubbery state were significantly higher than those for the plain cured resin. The dispersion of HNTs in the resin matrix was very uniform as revealed by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results. The interfacial reactions between the HNTs and cyanate ester (CE) were revealed by the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The substantially increased properties of the hybrids were attributed to the covalent bonding between the nanotubes and the matrix.

Properties of halloysite nanotube-epoxy resin hybrids and the interfacial reactions in the systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Mingxian; Guo Baochun; Du Mingliang; Cai Xiaojia; Jia Demin

2007-01-01

A naturally occurred microtubullar silicate, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), was co-cured with epoxy/cyanate ester resin to form organic-inorganic hybrids. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the hybrids with low HNT concentration was found to be substantially lower than that of the plain cured resin. The moduli of the hybrids in the glassy state and rubbery state were significantly higher than those for the plain cured resin. The dispersion of HNTs in the resin matrix was very uniform as revealed by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results. The interfacial reactions between the HNTs and cyanate ester (CE) were revealed by the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The substantially increased properties of the hybrids were attributed to the covalent bonding between the nanotubes and the matrix

Tube-like natural halloysite/poly(tetrafluoroethylene) nanocomposites: simultaneous enhancement in thermal and mechanical properties

Science.gov (United States)

Gamini, Suresh; Vasu, V.; Bose, Suryasarathi

2017-04-01

In the current study, PTFE (polytetrafluroethylene) matrix is reinforced with different wt% (2%-10%) of Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). PTFE samples are fabricated with 2 wt% increment and are designated from ‘B’to ‘F’ and designation ‘A’ refers to neat PTFE. Thermal and mechanical characterization of the fabricated composites is studied. The calorimetric measurements showed enhanced degree of crystallinity of the nanocomposites, which is from 57.83% to 74.7%. The dynamic mechanical analysis results have shown enhanced storage modulus and loss modulus and reduced damping behaviour, without affecting glass transition temperature. Moreover, significant improvements in mechanical properties are observed from the experimental results. The results are discussed and validated with the existing literature. The phase and the fracture morphology of the nanocomposites is studied using scanning electron microscope and discussed herein.

The Impact of Halloysite on the Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites.

Science.gov (United States)

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A; Nassir, Mohamed H; Jaaz, Ahed Hameed

2017-05-20

Nanotubular clay minerals, composed of aluminosilicate naturally structured in layers known as halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), have a significant reinforcing impact on polymer matrixes. HNTs have broad applications in biomedical applications, the medicine sector, implant alloys with corrosion protection and manipulated transportation of medicines. In polymer engineering, different research studies utilize HNTs that exhibit a beneficial enhancement in the properties of polymer-based nanocomposites. The dispersion of HNTs is improved as a result of pre-treating HNTs with acids. The HNTs' percentage additive up to 7% shows the highest improvement of tensile strength. The degradation of the polymer can be also significantly improved by doping a low percentage of HNTs. Both the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers were remarkably improved when mixed with HNTs. The effects of HNTs on the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers, such as ultimate strength, elastic modulus, impact strength and thermal stability, are emphasized in this study.

Characterization and synergetic antibacterial properties of ZnO and CeO2 supported by halloysite

Science.gov (United States)

Shu, Zhan; Zhang, Yi; Ouyang, Jing; Yang, Huaming

2017-10-01

A novel antibacterial nanocomposite, CeO2-ZnO/HNTs was prepared by a homogeneous co-precipitation method in ethanol solution. ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles with sizes of approximately 8 and 4 nm, respectively, were dispersively precipitated onto the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). HNTs served as a template for reducing the agglomeration of ZnO nanoparticles and improving the interface reactions between the nanocomposite and bacteria cells. CeO2 nanoparticles were introduced to suppress the recombination of electron-hole pairs, and narrow the energy gap of ZnO nanoparticles. The synergistic effects of ZnO, CeO2 nanoparticles and HNTs led to the superior antibacterial activity of the CeO2-ZnO/HNTs nanocomposite against gram-negative Escherichia coli.

A novel reduced graphene oxide decorated with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-d-rGO hybrid composite and its flame-retardant application for polyamide 6

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. F. Zhu

2014-06-01

Full Text Available The improvement of flame-retardant properties of polyamide 6 (PA6 was achieved by using reduced graphene oxide decorated with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-d-rGO hybrid composite as the additive in PA6 matrix. The intimate integration of reduced graphene oxide (rGO and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs through a three-step chemical functionalization, enabled the combination of their unique physical and chemical characteristics together. The nanostructure of HNTs-d-rGO was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM. A morphological study revealed that HNTs-d-rGO was dispersed uniformly in PA6 matrix. From the results of cone calorimetry measurements, the fire retardant properties of PA6 were further improved with the addition of HNTs-d-rGO when compared with that of either HNTs, or GO, or a mixture of HNTs and GO (HNTs-m-GO used in PA6 matrix. The results indicate clearly that higher flame-retardant activity of the integrated HNTs-d-rGO nanostructures than that of the simple mixture verifies the importance of the intimate integration between HNTs and rGO, which ascribe to the combination of the stable silica layer created by HNT and the barrier effect of rGO.

Removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions using a halloysite-magnetite-based composite.

Science.gov (United States)

Ferrarini, F; Bonetto, L R; Crespo, Janaina S; Giovanela, M

2016-01-01

Adsorption has been considered as one of the most effective methods to remove dyes from aqueous solutions due to its ease of operation, high efficiency and wide adaptability. In view of all these aspects, this study aimed to evaluate the adsorption capacity of a halloysite-magnetite-based composite in the removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions. The effects of stirring rate, pH, initial dye concentration and contact time were investigated. The results revealed that the adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and equilibrium was well represented by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. The thermodynamic data showed that dye adsorption onto the composite was spontaneous and endothermic and occurred by physisorption. Finally, the composite could also be regenerated at least four times by calcination and was shown to be a promising adsorbent for the removal of this dye.

Preparation and characterization of coaxial halloysite/polypyrrole tubular nanocomposites for electrochemical energy storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Chao; Liu Peng; Zhao Yongqing

2010-01-01

Halloysite nanotubes/polypyrrole (HNTs/PPy) nanocomposites with coaxial tubular morphology for use as electrode materials for supercapacitors were synthesized by the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method based on self-assembled monolayer amine-functionalized HNTs. The HNTs/PPy coaxial tubular nanocomposites were characterized with transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrical conductivity measurement at different temperatures, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. The coaxial tubular nanocomposites showed their greatest conductivity at room temperature and a weak temperature dependence of the conductivity from 298 K to 423 K. A maximum discharge capacity of 522 F/g after correcting for the weight percent of the PPy phase at a current density of 5 mA cm -2 in a 0.5 M Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte could be achieved in a half-cell setup configuration for the HNTs/PPy composites electrode, suggesting its potential application in electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors.

Preparation and characterization of coaxial halloysite/polypyrrole tubular nanocomposites for electrochemical energy storage

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang Chao [State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road 222, Lanzhou 730000 (China); Liu Peng, E-mail: pliu@lzu.edu.c [State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road 222, Lanzhou 730000 (China); Zhao Yongqing [State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road 222, Lanzhou 730000 (China)

2010-09-01

Halloysite nanotubes/polypyrrole (HNTs/PPy) nanocomposites with coaxial tubular morphology for use as electrode materials for supercapacitors were synthesized by the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method based on self-assembled monolayer amine-functionalized HNTs. The HNTs/PPy coaxial tubular nanocomposites were characterized with transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrical conductivity measurement at different temperatures, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. The coaxial tubular nanocomposites showed their greatest conductivity at room temperature and a weak temperature dependence of the conductivity from 298 K to 423 K. A maximum discharge capacity of 522 F/g after correcting for the weight percent of the PPy phase at a current density of 5 mA cm{sup -2} in a 0.5 M Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte could be achieved in a half-cell setup configuration for the HNTs/PPy composites electrode, suggesting its potential application in electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors.

Halloysite Nanotubes Supported Ag and ZnO Nanoparticles with Synergistically Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

Science.gov (United States)

Shu, Zhan; Zhang, Yi; Yang, Qian; Yang, Huaming

2017-02-01

Novel antimicrobial nanocomposite incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and silver (Ag) into zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is prepared by integrating HNTs and decorating Ag nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with a size of about 100 and 8 nm, respectively, are dispersively anchored onto HNTs. The synergistic effects of ZnO NPs, Ag NPs, and HNTs led to the superior antibacterial activity of the Ag-ZnO/HNTs antibacterial nanocomposites. HNTs facilitated the dispersion and stability of ZnO NPs and brought them in close contact with bacteria, while Ag NPs could promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and enhanced the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs. The close contact with cell membrane enabled the nanoparticles to produce the increased concentration of reactive oxygen species and the metal ions to permeate into the cytoplasm, thus induced quick death of bacteria, indicating that Ag-ZnO/HNTs antibacterial nanocomposite is a promising candidate in the antibacterial fields.

Synthesis and Immobilization of Pt Nanoparticles on Amino-Functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes toward Highly Active Catalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tingting Yang

2015-02-01

Full Text Available A simple and effective method for the preparation of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs grown on amino-func‐ tionalized halloysite nanotubes (HNTs was developed. The nanostructures were synthesized through the func‐ tionalization of the HNTs, followed by an in situ approach to generate Pt NPs with diameter of approximately 1.5 nm within the entire HNTs. The synthesis process, composition and morphology of the nanostructures were characterized. The results suggest PtNPs/NH2-HNTs nanostructures with ultrafine PtNPs were successfully synthesized by green chemically-reducing H2PtCl6 without the use of surfactant. The nanostructures exhibit promising catalytic properties for reducing potassium hexacyanoferrate(III to potassium hexacyanoferrate(II. The presented experiment for novel PtNPs/NH2-HNTs nanostructures is quite simple and environmentally benign, permitting it as a potential application in the future field of catalysts.

Porous NiCo_2S_4-halloysite hybrid self-assembled from nanosheets for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chai, Hui; Dong, Hong; Wang, Yucheng; Xu, Jiayu; Jia, Dianzeng

2017-01-01

Highlights: • The NiCo_2S_4-HL nanomaterial is achieved via two-step hydrothermal approach. • The unique structures are assembled self-assembly by nanosheets. • The obtained electrode exhibits high capacitance and excellent retention. • An asymmetric supercapacitor also displays high energy density and outstanding cycling stability. • The high-performance of the device is possibly due to the introduction of HL and formation of composed nanosheets. - Abstract: The porous nanostructures have drawn considerable attention because of their abundant pore volume and unique properties that provide outstanding performance in catalysis and energy storage applications. This study proposes the growth mechanism of porous NiCo_2S_4 composited with halloysite (HL) via a self-assembly method using halloysite as a template and component. Electrochemical tests showed that the NiCo_2S_4-HL exhibited an ultrahigh specific capacitance (Csp) (589C g"−"1 at 1A g"−"1) and good cycle stability (Csp retention of 86% after 1000 cycles). The desirable capacitive performance of the NiCo_2S_4-HL can be attributed to the large specific surface area and short diffusion path for electrons and ions in the hierarchical porous structure. The superior electrochemical performances with the energy density of 35.48 W h kg"−"1 at a power density of 199.9 W kg"−"1 were achieved in an assembled aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device using NiCo_2S_4-HL as a positive electrode and N-doped graphene (NG) as a negative electrode. Moreover, the NiCo_2S_4-HL//NG asymmetric supercapacitor achieved outstanding cycle stability (also retained 83.2% after 1700 cycles). The high-performance of the ASC device will undoubtedly make the porous NiCo_2S_4-HL as potential electrode materials attractive in energy storage systems.

Effects of Partial Replacement of Eggshell Powder by Halloysite Nanotubes on the Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Composites

Science.gov (United States)

Alias, N. F.; Ismail, H.

2018-06-01

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/eggshell powder (ESP) were prepared via solution casting method. The effects of gradual replacement of ESP by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were investigated based on tensile properties, physical properties and biodegradability. The main objective is to study the effect of hybrid fillers and also to compare the properties of PVA/ESP composite with conventional filler, HNT. The tensile properties decreased with increasing HNT loading. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that agglomeration of filler were present throughout the composites. Due to the presence of hydroxyl group on the outer and inner surface of HNT, the water absorption and water vapor transmisibility were found to increase with increasing HNTs loading. The biodegradability of film filled with HNT is lower compared to the film filled with ESP.

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase based on halloysite nanotubes/chitosan nanocomposite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sun Xiumei; Zhang Yao; Shen Hebai [Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234 (China); Jia Nengqin, E-mail: nqjia@shnu.edu.c [Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234 (China)

2010-12-30

The novel halloysite nanotubes/chitosan (HNTs/Chi) composite films were firstly explored to utilize for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and their bioelectrochemical properties were studied, in which the biopolymer chitosan was used as a binder to increase film adherence on glassy carbon (GC) electrode. UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that HRP in the composite film could retain its native secondary structure. A pair of well-defined redox peaks of HRP was obtained at the HRP/HNTs/Chi composite film-modified electrode, exhibiting its fast direct electron transfer (DET). Furthermore, the immobilized HRP displayed its good electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}). The results demonstrate that the HNTs/Chi composite film may improve the enzyme loading with the retention of bioactivity and greatly promote the direct electron transfer, which can be attributed to its unique tubular structure, high specific surface area, and good biocompatibility.

Improvement of mechanical and biological properties of Polycaprolactone loaded with Hydroxyapatite and Halloysite nanotubes.

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Torres, E; Fombuena, V; Vallés-Lluch, A; Ellingham, T

2017-06-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) and Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) percentages have been optimized in Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymeric matrices to improve mechanical, thermal and biological properties of the composites, thus, to be applied in bone tissue engineering or as fixation plates. Addition of HA guarantees a proper compatibility with human bone due to its osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, facilitating bone regeneration in tissue engineering applications. Addition of HNTs ensures the presence of tubular structures for subsequent drug loading in their lumen, of molecules such as curcumin, acting as controlled drug delivery systems. The addition of 20% of HA and different amounts of HNTs leads to a substantial improvement in mechanical properties with values of flexural strength up to 40% over raw PCL, with an increase in degradation temperature. DMA analyses showed stability in mechanical and thermal properties, having as a result a potential composite to be used as tissue engineering scaffold or resorbable fixation plate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thyme Oil Encapsulated in Halloysite Nanotubes for Antimicrobial Packaging System.

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Lee, Min Hyeock; Seo, Hyun-Sun; Park, Hyun Jin

2017-04-01

An antimicrobial capsule releasing thyme oil was developed using modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). In order to increase the pore volume, HNTs were treated with 5.0 mol/L NaOH solution, which resulted in the encapsulation of more thyme oil molecules inside the HNTs. The morphology of the raw HNTs and NaOH-treated HNTs (N-HNTs) was characterized using transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The loading capacity increased from 180.7 ± 12.7 to 256.4 ± 16.7 mg thyme oil/g HNT after the NaOH treatment. The aerial release characteristics of thyme oil from both the HNT capsules were investigated in a closed-package atmosphere system at 4, 25, and 40 °C. The antimicrobial activity of the capsule against Escherichia coli O157:H7 was determined using the vapor phase assay. Moreover, the antimicrobial effects of the capsule against E. coli O157:H7, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), and molds and yeasts (MY) on the surfaces of cherry tomatoes were investigated at 4 and 25 °C for 5 d. When the cherry tomatoes were exposed to the thyme oil-loaded N-HNT capsule, the number of E. coli O157:H7, MAB, and MY significantly reduced during storage. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Halloysite Nanotubes Supported Ag and ZnO Nanoparticles with Synergistically Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

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Zhan Shu

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Novel antimicrobial nanocomposite incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs and silver (Ag into zinc oxide (ZnO nanoparticles is prepared by integrating HNTs and decorating Ag nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs with a size of about 100 and 8 nm, respectively, are dispersively anchored onto HNTs. The synergistic effects of ZnO NPs, Ag NPs, and HNTs led to the superior antibacterial activity of the Ag-ZnO/HNTs antibacterial nanocomposites. HNTs facilitated the dispersion and stability of ZnO NPs and brought them in close contact with bacteria, while Ag NPs could promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and enhanced the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs. The close contact with cell membrane enabled the nanoparticles to produce the increased concentration of reactive oxygen species and the metal ions to permeate into the cytoplasm, thus induced quick death of bacteria, indicating that Ag-ZnO/HNTs antibacterial nanocomposite is a promising candidate in the antibacterial fields.

Synthesis of polyetherimide / halloysite nanotubes (PEI/HNTs) based nanocomposite membrane towards hydrogen storage

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Muthu, R. Naresh; Rajashabala, S.; Kannan, R.

2018-04-01

Even though hydrogen is considered as green and clean energy sources of future, the blooming of hydrogen economy mainly relies on the development of safe and efficient hydrogen storage medium. The present work is aimed at the synthesis and characterization of polyetherimide/acid treated halloysite nanotubes (PEI/A-HNTs) nanocomposite membranes for solid state hydrogen storage medium, where phase inversion technique was adopted for the synthesis of nanocomposite membrane. The synthesized PEI/A-HNTs nanocomposite membranes were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, CHNS elemental analysis and TGA. Hydrogenation studies were performed using a Sievert's-like hydrogenation setup. The important conclusions arrived from the present work are the PEI/A-HNTs nanocomposite membranes have better performance with a maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 3.6 wt% at 100 °C than pristine PEI. The adsorbed hydrogen possesses the average binding energy of 0.31 eV which lies in the recommended range of US- DOE 2020 targets. Hence it is expected that the PEI/A-HNTs nanocomposite membranes may have bright extent in the scenario of hydrogen fuel cell applications.

Pd Nanoparticles and MOFs Synergistically Hybridized Halloysite Nanotubes for Hydrogen Storage.

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Jiao; Ouyang, Jing; Yang, Huaming

2017-12-01

Natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were hybridized with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to prepare novel composites. MOFs were transformed into carbon by carbonization calcination, and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles were introduced to build an emerging ternary compound system for hydrogen adsorption. The hydrogen adsorption capacities of HNT-MOF composites were 0.23 and 0.24 wt%, while those of carbonized products were 0.24 and 0.27 wt% at 25 °C and 2.65 MPa, respectively. Al-based samples showed higher hydrogen adsorption capacities than Zn-based samples on account of different selectivity between metal and hydrogen and approximate porous characteristics. More pore structures are generated by the carbonization reaction from metal-organic frameworks into carbon; high specific surface area, uniform pore size, and large pore volume benefited the hydrogen adsorption ability of composites. Moreover, it was also possible to promote hydrogen adsorption capacity by incorporating Pd. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of ternary compound, Pd-C-H3-MOFs(Al), reached 0.32 wt% at 25 °C and 2.65 MPa. Dissociation was assumed to take place on the Pd particles, then atomic and molecule hydrogen spilled over to the structure of carboxylated HNTs, MOFs, and the carbon products for enhancing the hydrogen adsorption capacity.

Regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube nanocomposite films prepared with an ionic liquid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Soheilmoghaddam, Mohammad [Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor (Malaysia); Wahit, Mat Uzir, E-mail: mat.uzir@cheme.utm.my [Center for Composites, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Skudai, Johor (Malaysia); Mahmoudian, Shaya [Department of Textile Engineering, Kashan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kashan (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Hanid, Nurbaiti Abdul [Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor (Malaysia)

2013-09-16

Regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube (RC/HNT) nanocomposite films were successfully prepared in ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) using solution casting method. The structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of RC/HNT nanocomposites were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a cellulose II crystalline structure and well dispersed HNT in RC/HNT nanocomposite films. At 6 wt.% HNT film, tensile strength and Young's modulus of RC films improved by 55.3% and 100%, respectively. Moisture absorption by the nanocomposites in an environment with 75% constant relative humidity was reduced by the addition of HNT to the RC. The presence of HNT enhanced the thermal stability and char yield of RC. The significant reinforcing effects of HNTs demonstrated that there is a possible interface interaction between cellulose and HNT which yielded better thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films as compared to pure RC. - Highlights: • The RC/HNT nanocomposite films were prepared via ionic liquid, BMIMCl. • XRD diffraction patterns and FESEM revealed well dispersed HNT in cellulose matrix. • The nanocomposite films exhibited excellent mechanical properties. • Moisture absorption and diffusion coefficient of RC reduced by HNT incorporation. • Addition of HNT enhanced thermal stability and activation energy of the RC.

Regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube nanocomposite films prepared with an ionic liquid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soheilmoghaddam, Mohammad; Wahit, Mat Uzir; Mahmoudian, Shaya; Hanid, Nurbaiti Abdul

2013-01-01

Regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube (RC/HNT) nanocomposite films were successfully prepared in ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) using solution casting method. The structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of RC/HNT nanocomposites were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a cellulose II crystalline structure and well dispersed HNT in RC/HNT nanocomposite films. At 6 wt.% HNT film, tensile strength and Young's modulus of RC films improved by 55.3% and 100%, respectively. Moisture absorption by the nanocomposites in an environment with 75% constant relative humidity was reduced by the addition of HNT to the RC. The presence of HNT enhanced the thermal stability and char yield of RC. The significant reinforcing effects of HNTs demonstrated that there is a possible interface interaction between cellulose and HNT which yielded better thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films as compared to pure RC. - Highlights: • The RC/HNT nanocomposite films were prepared via ionic liquid, BMIMCl. • XRD diffraction patterns and FESEM revealed well dispersed HNT in cellulose matrix. • The nanocomposite films exhibited excellent mechanical properties. • Moisture absorption and diffusion coefficient of RC reduced by HNT incorporation. • Addition of HNT enhanced thermal stability and activation energy of the RC

Pd Nanoparticles and MOFs Synergistically Hybridized Halloysite Nanotubes for Hydrogen Storage

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Jiao; Ouyang, Jing; Yang, Huaming

2017-03-01

Natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were hybridized with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to prepare novel composites. MOFs were transformed into carbon by carbonization calcination, and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles were introduced to build an emerging ternary compound system for hydrogen adsorption. The hydrogen adsorption capacities of HNT-MOF composites were 0.23 and 0.24 wt%, while those of carbonized products were 0.24 and 0.27 wt% at 25 °C and 2.65 MPa, respectively. Al-based samples showed higher hydrogen adsorption capacities than Zn-based samples on account of different selectivity between metal and hydrogen and approximate porous characteristics. More pore structures are generated by the carbonization reaction from metal-organic frameworks into carbon; high specific surface area, uniform pore size, and large pore volume benefited the hydrogen adsorption ability of composites. Moreover, it was also possible to promote hydrogen adsorption capacity by incorporating Pd. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of ternary compound, Pd-C-H3-MOFs(Al), reached 0.32 wt% at 25 °C and 2.65 MPa. Dissociation was assumed to take place on the Pd particles, then atomic and molecule hydrogen spilled over to the structure of carboxylated HNTs, MOFs, and the carbon products for enhancing the hydrogen adsorption capacity.

Synthesis and characterization of novel halloysite-incorporated adhesive resins.

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Feitosa, Sabrina A; Münchow, Eliseu A; Al-Zain, Afnan O; Kamocki, Krzysztof; Platt, Jeffrey A; Bottino, Marco C

2015-11-01

To investigate the effects of Halloysite® aluminosilicate clay nanotubes (HNTs) addition on selected physical, mechanical, and biological properties of experimental adhesive resins. Experimental dentin adhesive resins were prepared by mixing Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, HEMA (50/25/25wt.%), and photo-initiators. As-received HNTs were then incorporated into the resin mixture at distinct concentrations: 0 (HNT-free, control), 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 20wt.%. The degree of conversion (DC), radiopacity (RP), Knoop hardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), and cytotoxicity analyses were carried out for each adhesive formulation. The adhesive resin of Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) was used as the commercially available reference for both the RP and cytotoxicity tests. Data were statistically analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p≤0.05). All adhesives exhibited similar DC (p=0.1931). The RP of adhesives was improved with the addition of up to 5wt.% of HNTs (p<0.001). Adhesives containing 5-10wt.% of HNTs led to greater KHN when compared to the control (p<0.001). The FS was reduced only when 20wt.% of HNTs was added (p≤0.001). None of the prepared adhesives was cytotoxic. The incorporation of up to 10wt.% of HNTs into the adhesive resins did not jeopardize the tested physical and biological properties. When using HNTs as carriers of drugs/bioactive compounds, the amount of the former added into adhesive resin materials should not exceed 10wt.%; otherwise, a significant reduction in physicomechanical properties may be expected. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and application of halloysite nanotubes in semiconductor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Basilia, Blessie; Sudario, Franck; Clemente, Richard; Millare, Jeremiah; Abad, Jojo

2013-01-01

The demand for low cost and reliable conductive die attach paste continues to increase because of the recent development in the semiconductor and electronics industry. Hybrid products with vertically and horizontally integrated components attach material with good electrical conductivity and excellent reliability. This has driven interest in polymers filled with silver particles that can deliver good performance and reliability at reduced cost. The challenge lies with the metal and polymer composition of the available die attach epoxies in the market with low Tg (glass transition temperature) and high CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) compared to other components. Adding Halloysite Nanotube (HNT) to make a silver-filled epoxy (SFE) nanocomposite by in-situ intercalation method, the desired electrical conductivity of the epoxy matrix can be achieved without compromising its adhesion strength which is suitable for semiconductor die attach application. A custom design of experiment was used to study the effects of HNT mixed at varying composition into the silver filled epoxy matrix. Test results based on ASTM, JEDEC and military standards indicated that the desirable electrical conductivity and shear strength applicable to semiconductor die attach application can be achieved at 3% to 6% HNT composition. There was a substantial increase in Tg from 219°C t 228°C and reduction in CTE from 117 to 76 ppm/°C. Exfoliated structures of embedded HNT in the cured polymer matrix were observed in the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) micrographs. Considering the electrical conductivity, adhesion strength, Tg and CTE, the HNT content of 3 to 6% is a good range to produce this material to attain good functionality and reliability. Combining HNT to make a silver filled epoxy-clay nanocomposite is highly feasible for semiconductor and electronics application. (author)

Enhancement of mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride with polymethyl methacrylate-grafted halloysite nanotube

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2011-07-01

Full Text Available Halloysite nanotubes(HNTs grafted with Polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA were synthesized via radical polymerization. The properties of PMMA-grafted HNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS. The results showed that PMMA grafted to the surfaces of HNTs successfully. Then, PVC/PMMA-grafted HNTs nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding. The morphology, mechanical properties and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. PMMA-grafted HNTs can effectively improve the toughness, strength and modulus of PVC. The glass transition and thermal decomposition temperatures of PVC phase in PVC/PMMA-grafted HNTs nanocomposites are shifted toward slightly higher temperatures. The grafted HNTs were uniformly dispersed in PVC matrix as revealed by TEM photos. The fracture surfaces of the nanocomposites exhibited plastic deformation feature indicating ductile fracture behaviors. The improvement of toughness of PVC by PMMA-grafted HNTs was attributed to the improved interfacial bonding by grafting and the toughening mechanism was explained according to the cavitation mechanism.

Preparation high photocatalytic activity of CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites with hydrothermal method

Science.gov (United States)

Xing, Weinan; Ni, Liang; Huo, Pengwei; Lu, Ziyang; Liu, Xinlin; Luo, Yingying; Yan, Yongsheng

2012-10-01

A novel nanocatalyst CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was synthesized by hydrothermal method with direct growth of CdS nanoparticles on the surface of HNTs. The as-prepared photocatalysts had been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and the thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. Benefit from the excellent properties of CdS and HNTs, the photocatalyst exhibited good photocatalytic activity and stability. In order to find out the optimum synthesis condition to obtain the best photocatalytic activity, a series of experiments were performed with different CdS loading capacity, different sources of sulfide and different hydrothermal temperatures, etc. The best photodegradation rate could reach 93% in 60 min under visible light irradiation. Therefore, the combination of CdS nanoparticles with HNTs endowed this material with a potential use in environmental treatments in industries.

Properties and Applications of Polyvinyl Alcohol, Halloysite Nanotubes and Their Nanocomposites

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Tayser Sumer Gaaz

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The aim of this review was to analyze/investigate the synthesis, properties, and applications of polyvinyl alcohol–halloysite nanotubes (PVA–HNT, and their nanocomposites. Different polymers with versatile properties are attractive because of their introduction and potential uses in many fields. Synthetic polymers, such as PVA, natural polymers like alginate, starch, chitosan, or any material with these components have prominent status as important and degradable materials with biocompatibility properties. These materials have been developed in the 1980s and are remarkable because of their recyclability and consideration of the natural continuation of their physical and chemical properties. The fabrication of PVA–HNT nanocomposites can be a potential way to address some of PVA’s limitations. Such nanocomposites have excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. PVA–HNT nanocomposites have been reported earlier, but without proper HNT individualization and PVA modifications. The properties of PVA–HNT for medicinal and biomedical use are attracting an increasing amount of attention for medical applications, such as wound dressings, drug delivery, targeted-tissue transportation systems, and soft biomaterial implants. The demand for alternative polymeric medical devices has also increased substantially around the world. This paper reviews individualized HNT addition along with crosslinking of PVA for various biomedical applications that have been previously reported in literature, thereby showing the attainability, modification of characteristics, and goals underlying the blending process with PVA.

Properties and Applications of Polyvinyl Alcohol, Halloysite Nanotubes and Their Nanocomposites.

Science.gov (United States)

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Akhtar, Majid Niaz; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H; Mohamad, Abu Bakar; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A

2015-12-19

The aim of this review was to analyze/investigate the synthesis, properties, and applications of polyvinyl alcohol-halloysite nanotubes (PVA-HNT), and their nanocomposites. Different polymers with versatile properties are attractive because of their introduction and potential uses in many fields. Synthetic polymers, such as PVA, natural polymers like alginate, starch, chitosan, or any material with these components have prominent status as important and degradable materials with biocompatibility properties. These materials have been developed in the 1980s and are remarkable because of their recyclability and consideration of the natural continuation of their physical and chemical properties. The fabrication of PVA-HNT nanocomposites can be a potential way to address some of PVA's limitations. Such nanocomposites have excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. PVA-HNT nanocomposites have been reported earlier, but without proper HNT individualization and PVA modifications. The properties of PVA-HNT for medicinal and biomedical use are attracting an increasing amount of attention for medical applications, such as wound dressings, drug delivery, targeted-tissue transportation systems, and soft biomaterial implants. The demand for alternative polymeric medical devices has also increased substantially around the world. This paper reviews individualized HNT addition along with crosslinking of PVA for various biomedical applications that have been previously reported in literature, thereby showing the attainability, modification of characteristics, and goals underlying the blending process with PVA.

Flexible Bionanocomposites from Epoxidized Hemp Seed Oil Thermosetting Resin Reinforced with Halloysite Nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Shuttleworth, Peter S; Díez-Pascual, Ana M; Marco, Carlos; Ellis, Gary

2017-03-23

Hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) oil comprises a variety of beneficial unsaturated triglycerides with well-documented nutritional and health benefits. However, it can become rancid over a relatively short time period, leading to increased industrial costs and waste of a valuable product. The development of sustainable polymers is presented as a strategy, where both the presence of unsaturation and peroxide content could be effectively used to alleviate both the waste and financial burden. After the reaction with peroxyacetic acid, the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), and the subsequent thermal curing, without the need for organic solvents or interfacial modifiers, flexible transparent materials with a low glass-transition temperature were developed. The improvement in the thermal stability and both the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites were significantly enhanced with the well-dispersed HNT filler. At an optimum concentration of 0.5 wt % HNTs, a simultaneous increase in stiffness, strength, ductility, and toughness was observed in comparison to the unfilled cured resin. These sustainable food-waste-derived bionanocomposites may provide an interesting alternative to petroleum-based materials, particularly for low-load-bearing applications, such as packaging.

Modification of gellan gum films by halloysite: physicochemical evaluation and drug permeation properties.

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Sakloetsakun, Duangkamon; Pongjanyakul, Thaned

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to determine the potential of gellan gum (GG) and halloysite (HS) dispersions at different mixing ratios and to investigate the potential of GG-HS dispersions in film formation. To this end, the dispersions and films were characterized. The dispersions formed films with large particles ranging from 3 to 4 μm in size, with a zeta potential of ∼-35 mV. The GG-HS films were fabricated using a solvent-casting technique, which generated films with a white opaque appearance and rough surface. The GG-HS films were formed via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions at the inner cavity and outer surface, as confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The %water uptake and erosion of the GG-HS film decreased with increasing HS content, whereas both puncture strength and elongation were increased in the GG-HS ratios of 1:0.4 and 1:1.2. Moreover, addition of HS into the GG films could possibly decrease drug permeability coefficient when using higher HS ratio in acidic and neutral media. These results suggested that HS modifies the characteristics of the GG used to coat modified-release tablets.

Automatic Echographic Detection of Halloysite Clay Nanotubes in a Low Concentration Range.

Science.gov (United States)

Conversano, Francesco; Pisani, Paola; Casciaro, Ernesto; Di Paola, Marco; Leporatti, Stefano; Franchini, Roberto; Quarta, Alessandra; Gigli, Giuseppe; Casciaro, Sergio

2016-04-11

Aim of this work was to investigate the automatic echographic detection of an experimental drug delivery agent, halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs), by employing an innovative method based on advanced spectral analysis of the corresponding "raw" radiofrequency backscatter signals. Different HNT concentrations in a low range (5.5-66 × 10 10 part/mL, equivalent to 0.25-3.00 mg/mL) were dispersed in custom-designed tissue-mimicking phantoms and imaged through a clinically-available echographic device at a conventional ultrasound diagnostic frequency (10 MHz). The most effective response (sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 95%), was found at a concentration of 33 × 10 10 part/mL (1.5 mg/mL), representing a kind of best compromise between the need of enough particles to introduce detectable spectral modifications in the backscattered signal and the necessity to avoid the losses of spectral peculiarity associated to higher HNT concentrations. Based on theoretical considerations and quantitative comparisons with literature-available results, this concentration could also represent an optimal concentration level for the automatic echographic detection of different solid nanoparticles when employing a similar ultrasound frequency. Future dedicated studies will assess the actual clinical usefulness of the proposed approach and the potential of HNTs for effective theranostic applications.

Halloysite-derived nitrogen doped carbon electrocatalysts for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Yaxiang; Wang, Lianqin; Preuß, Kathrin; Qiao, Mo; Titirici, Maria-Magdalena; Varcoe, John; Cai, Qiong

2017-12-01

Developing the low-cost, highly active carbonaceous materials for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts has been a high-priority research direction for durable fuel cells. In this paper, two novel N-doped carbonaceous materials with flaky and rod-like morphology using the natural halloysite as template are obtained from urea nitrogen source as well as glucose (denoted as GU) and furfural (denoted as FU) carbon precursors, respectively, which can be directly applied as metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR in alkaline electrolyte. Importantly, compared with a benchmark Pt/C (20wt%) catalyst, the as-prepared carbon catalysts demonstrate higher retention in diffusion limiting current density (after 3000 cycles) and enhanced methanol tolerances with only 50-60mV negative shift in half-wave potentials. In addition, electrocatalytic activity, durability and methanol tolerant capability of the two N-doped carbon catalysts are systematically evaluated, and the underneath reasons of the outperformance of rod-like catalysts over the flaky are revealed. At last, the produced carbonaceous catalysts are also used as cathodes in the single cell H2/O2 anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC), in which the rod-like FU delivers a peak power density as high as 703 mW cm-2 (vs. 1106 mW cm-2 with a Pt/C benchmark cathode catalyst).

In-situ fabrication of halloysite nanotubes/silica nano hybrid and its application in unsaturated polyester resin

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Jing; Zhong, Bangchao; Jia, Zhixin; Hu, Dechao; Ding, Yong; Luo, Yuanfang; Jia, Demin

2017-06-01

Silica nanoparticles was in-situ grown on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by a facile one-step approach to prepare a unique nano-structured hybrid (HNTs-g-Silica). The structure, morphology and composition of HNTs-g-Silica were investigated. It was confirmed that silica nanoparticles with the diameter of 10-20 nm were chemically grafted through Sisbnd O bonds and uniformly dispersed onto the surface of HNTs, leading to the formation of nano-protrusions on the nanotube surface. Due to the significantly improved interface strength between HNTs-g-Silica and polymer matrix, HNTs-g-Silica effectively toughened unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) and endowed UPE with superior thermal stability compared to HNTs. Based on the unique hybrid architecture and the improved properties of UPE nanocomposites, it is envisioned that HNTs-g-Silica may be a promising filler for more high performance and functional polymers composites and the fabrication method may have implications in the synthesis of nano hybrid materials.

Nanocomposites Based on PCL and Halloysite Nanotubes Filled with Lysozyme: Effect of Draw Ratio on the Physical Properties and Release Analysis

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Valeria Bugatti

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs were loaded with lsozyme, as antimicrobial molecule, at a HNTs/lysozyme ratio of 1:1. Such a nano-hybrid was incorporated into a poly (ε-caprolactone (PCL matrix at 10 wt % and films were obtained. The nano-composites were submitted to a cold drawn process at three different draw ratios, λ = 3, 4, and 5, where λ is l(final length/l0(initial length. Morphology, physical, and barrier properties of the starting nanocomposite and drawn samples were studied, and correlated to the release of the lysozyme molecule. It was demonstrated that with a simple mechanical treatment it is possible to obtain controlled release systems for specific active packaging requirements.

Enhanced permeability and antifouling performance of cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membrane assisted by l-DOPA functionalized halloysite nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Mu, Keguang; Zhang, Dalun; Shao, Ziqiang; Qin, Dujian; Wang, Yalong; Wang, Shuo

2017-10-15

l-Dopa functionalized halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared by the self-polymerization of l-dopa in the weak alkaline condition. Then different contents of l-dopa coated HNTs (LPDHNTs) were blended into cellulose acetate to prepare enhanced performance ultrafiltration membranes via the phase inversion method. The HNTs and LPDHNTs were characterized by FTIR, XPS, and TEM anysis. And the membranes morphologies, separation performance, antifouling performance, mechanical properties and hydrophilicity were also investigated. It was found that the composite membranes exhibited excellent antifouling performance. The pure water flux of 3.0wt% LPDHNTs/CA membrane increased from 11.4Lm -2 h -1 to 92.9Lm -2 h -1 , while the EA rejection ratio of the membrane was about 91.2%. In addition, the mechanical properties of the resultant membranes were strengthened compared with the CA ultrafiltration membrane. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unique synergism in flame retardancy in ABS based composites through blending PVDF and halloysite nanotubes

Science.gov (United States)

Remanan, Sanjay; Sharma, Maya; Jayashree, Priyadarshini; Parameswaranpillai, Jyotishkumar; Fabian, Thomas; Shih, Julie; Shankarappa, Prasad; Nuggehalli, Bharath; Bose, Suryasarathi

2017-06-01

This study demonstrates flame retardant materials designed using bi-phasic polymer blends of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and Cloisite 30B nanoclay. The prepared blends with and without nanoparticles were extensively characterized. The nanoparticles were added in different weight concentrations to improve the flame retardancy. It was observed that prepared ABS/PVDF blends showed better flame retardancy than ABS based composites. The flame resistance was further improved by the addition of nanoparticles in the blends. The microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) test showed better flame resistance in ABS/PVDF blends filled with 5 wt% HNTs than other composites. The total heat release of ABS/PVDF blend filled with 5 wt% HNTs decreased by 31% and also the heat of combustion decreased by 26% as compared to neat ABS. When compared with nanoparticles, the addition of PVDF reduced the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and increased the char residue more effectively. A synergistic improvement was observed from both PVDF and HNTs on the flame resistance properties.

Characterization of selectively etched halloysite nanotubes by acid treatment

Science.gov (United States)

Garcia-Garcia, Daniel; Ferri, Jose M.; Ripoll, Laura; Hidalgo, Montserrat; Lopez-Martinez, Juan; Balart, Rafael

2017-11-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a type of naturally occurring inorganic nanotubes that are characterized by a different composition between their external and internal walls. The internal walls are mainly composed of alumina whilst external walls are composed of silica. This particular structure offers a dual surface chemistry that allows different selective surface treatments which can be focused on increasing the lumen, increasing porosity, etc. In this work, HNTs were chemically treated with different acids (sulphuric, acetic and acrylic acid), for 72 h at a constant temperature of 50 °C. As per the obtained results, the treatment with sulphuric acid is highly aggressive and the particular shape of HNTs is almost lost, with a remarkable increase in porosity. The BET surface area increases from 52.9 (untreated HNTs) up to 132.4 m2 g-1 with sulphuric acid treatment, thus showing an interesting potential in the field of catalysis. On the other hand, the treatment with acetic acid led to milder effects with a noticeable increase in the lumen diameter that changed from 13.8 nm (untreated HNTs) up to 18.4 nm which the subsequent increase in the loading capacity by 77.8%. The aluminium content was measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The final results using two systems, suggest a good correlation between the acid strength and the aluminium reduction. Consequently, is possible to conclude that new applications for HNTs can be derived from selective etching with acids. Sulphuric acid widens the potential of HNTs in the field of catalysis while weak acids such as acetic and acrylic acids give a controlled and homogeneous lumen increase with the corresponding increase in the loading capacity.

Improvement of Interfacial Adhesion of Incorporated Halloysite-Nanotubes in Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Composites

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Jin-Woo Lee

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The heart of composite materials depends on the characteristics of their interface. The physical properties of composite materials are often described by the rule of mixtures, representing the average physical properties of the reinforcement and the matrix resin. However, in practical applications there are situations which arise where the rule of mixtures is not followed. This is because when an external energy applied to the composite material is transferred from the matrix to the reinforcement, the final physical properties are affected by the interface between them rather than the intrinsic properties of both the reinforcement and the matrix. The internal bonding strength of the interface of these composites can be enhanced by enhancing the bonding strength by adding a small amount of material at the interface. In this study, the mechanical properties were evaluated by producing a carbon fiber-reinforced composite material and improved by dispersing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs and the epoxy resin using an ultrasonic homogenizer. The interfacial bond strength increased with the addition of HNT. On the other hand, the addition of HNTs more than 3 wt % did not show the reinforcing effect by HNT agglomeration.

Rapid and Controlled In Situ Growth of Noble Metal Nanostructures within Halloysite Clay Nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Rostamzadeh, Taha; Islam Khan, Md Shahidul; Riche', Kyle; Lvov, Yuri M; Stavitskaya, Anna V; Wiley, John B

2017-11-14

A rapid (≤2 min) and high-yield low-temperature synthesis has been developed for the in situ growth of gold nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled sizes in the interior of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). A combination of HAuCl 4 in ethanol/toluene, oleic acid, and oleylamine surfactants and ascorbic acid reducing agent with mild heating (55 °C) readily lead to the growth of targeted nanostructures. The sizes of Au NPs are tuned mainly by adjusting nucleation and growth rates. Further modification of the process, through an increase in ascorbic acid, allows for the formation of nanorods (NRs)/nanowires within the HNTs. This approach is not limited to gold-a modified version of this synthetic strategy can also be applied to the formation of Ag NPs and NRs within the clay nanotubes. The ability to readily grow such core-shell nanosystems is important to their further development as nanoreactors and active catalysts. NPs within the tube interior can further be manipulated by the electron beam. Growth of Au and Ag could be achieved under a converged electron beam suggesting that both Au@HNT and Ag@HNT systems can be used for the fundamental studies of NP growth/attachment.

Multifunctional nanocomposite based on halloysite nanotubes for efficient luminescent bioimaging and magnetic resonance imaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Tao; Jia, Lei; Luo, Yi-Feng; Xu, Jun; Chen, Ru-Hua; Ge, Zhi-Jun; Ma, Tie-Liang; Chen, Hong; Zhu, Tao-Feng

A novel multifunctional halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based Fe 3 O 4 @HNT-polyethyleneimine-Tip-Eu(dibenzoylmethane) 3 nanocomposite (Fe-HNT-Eu NC) with both photoluminescent and magnetic properties was fabricated by a simple one-step hydrothermal process combined with the coupling grafting method, which exhibited high suspension stability and excellent photophysical behavior. The as-prepared multifunctional Fe-HNT-Eu NC was characterized using various techniques. The results of cell viability assay, cell morphological observation, and in vivo toxicity assay indicated that the NC exhibited excellent biocompatibility over the studied concentration range, suggesting that the obtained Fe-HNT-Eu NC was a suitable material for bioimaging and biological applications in human hepatic adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the biocompatible Fe-HNT-Eu NC displayed superparamagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization and also functioned as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent in vitro and in vivo. The results of the MRI tests indicated that the Fe-HNT-Eu NC can significantly decrease the T 2 signal intensity values of the normal liver tissue and thus make the boundary between the normal liver and transplanted cancer more distinct, thus effectively improving the diagnosis effect of cancers.

Biodegradation of Halloysite Nanotubes-Polyester Nanocomposites Exposed to Short Term Seawater Immersion

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Mohd Shahneel Saharudin

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-polyester nanocomposites with four different concentrations were produced using solution casting technique and the biodegradation effect of short-term seawater exposure (120 h was studied. Monolithic polyester was observed to have the highest seawater absorption with 1.37%. At 0.3 wt % HNTs reinforcement, the seawater absorption dropped significantly to the lowest value of 0.77% due to increase of liquid diffusion path. For samples tested in dry conditions, the Tg, storage modulus, tensile properties and flexural properties were improved. The highest improvement of Tg was from 79.3 to 82.4 °C (increase 3.1 °C in the case of 0.3 wt % HNTs. This can be associated with the exfoliated HNTs particles, which restrict the mobility of polymer chains and thus raised the Tg. After seawater exposure, the Tg, storage modulus, tensile properties and flexural properties of polyester and its nanocomposites were decreased. The Young’s modulus of 0.3 wt % HNTs-polyester dropped 20% while monolithic polyester dropped up to 24% compared to their values in dry condition. Apart from that, 29% flexural modulus reduction was observed, which was 18% higher than monolithic polyester. In contrast, fracture toughness and surface roughness increased due to plasticization effect. The presence of various microbial communities caused gradual biodegradation on the microstructure of the polyester matrix as also evidently shown by SEM images.

Halloysite Nanocapsules Containing Thyme Essential Oil: Preparation, Characterization, and Application in Packaging Materials.

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Si-Hoon; Jang, So-Ri; Lee, Gyeong-Min; Ryu, Jee-Hoon; Park, Su-Il; Park, No-Hyung

2017-09-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), which are natural nanomaterials, have a hollow tubular structure with about 15 nm inner and 50 nm outer diameters. Because of their tubular shape, HNTs loaded with various materials have been investigated as functional nanocapsules. In this study, thyme essential oil (TO) was encapsulated successfully in HNTs using vacuum pulling methods, followed by end-capping or a layer-by-layer surface coating process for complete encapsulation. Nanocapsules loaded with TO were mixed with flexographic ink and coated on a paper for applications as food packaging materials. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of the nanocapsules and to confirm the TO loading of the nanocapsules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses analysis were used to complement the structural information. In addition, the controlled release of TO from the nanocapsules showed sustained release properties over a period of many days. The results reveal that the release properties of TO in these nanocapsules could be controlled by surface modifications such as end-capping and/or surface coating of bare nanocapsules. The packaging paper with TO-loaded HNT capsules was effective in eliminating against Escherichia coli during the first 5 d and showed strong antibacterial activity for about 10 d. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Porous NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4}-halloysite hybrid self-assembled from nanosheets for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chai, Hui, E-mail: huichmails@163.com; Dong, Hong; Wang, Yucheng; Xu, Jiayu; Jia, Dianzeng

2017-04-15

Highlights: • The NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4}-HL nanomaterial is achieved via two-step hydrothermal approach. • The unique structures are assembled self-assembly by nanosheets. • The obtained electrode exhibits high capacitance and excellent retention. • An asymmetric supercapacitor also displays high energy density and outstanding cycling stability. • The high-performance of the device is possibly due to the introduction of HL and formation of composed nanosheets. - Abstract: The porous nanostructures have drawn considerable attention because of their abundant pore volume and unique properties that provide outstanding performance in catalysis and energy storage applications. This study proposes the growth mechanism of porous NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4} composited with halloysite (HL) via a self-assembly method using halloysite as a template and component. Electrochemical tests showed that the NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4}-HL exhibited an ultrahigh specific capacitance (Csp) (589C g{sup −1} at 1A g{sup −1}) and good cycle stability (Csp retention of 86% after 1000 cycles). The desirable capacitive performance of the NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4}-HL can be attributed to the large specific surface area and short diffusion path for electrons and ions in the hierarchical porous structure. The superior electrochemical performances with the energy density of 35.48 W h kg{sup −1} at a power density of 199.9 W kg{sup −1} were achieved in an assembled aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device using NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4}-HL as a positive electrode and N-doped graphene (NG) as a negative electrode. Moreover, the NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4}-HL//NG asymmetric supercapacitor achieved outstanding cycle stability (also retained 83.2% after 1700 cycles). The high-performance of the ASC device will undoubtedly make the porous NiCo{sub 2}S{sub 4}-HL as potential electrode materials attractive in energy storage systems.

Halloysite Nanotubes as a New Adsorbent for Solid Phase Extraction and Spectrophotometric Determination of Iron in Water and Food Samples

Science.gov (United States)

Samadi, A.; Amjadi, M.

2016-07-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been introduced as a new solid phase extraction adsorbent for preconcentration of iron(II) as a complex with 2,2-bipyridine. The cationic complex is effectively adsorbed on the sorbent in the pH range of 3.5-6.0 and efficiently desorbed by trichloroacetic acid. The eluted complex has a strong absorption around 520 nm, which was used for determination of Fe(II). After optimizing extraction conditions, the linear range of the calibration graph was 5.0-500 μg/L with a detection limit of 1.3 μg/L. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of trace iron in various water and food samples, and the accuracy was assessed through the recovery experiments and analysis of a certified reference material (NIST 1643e).

The use of halloysite clay and carboxyl-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes for recombinant LipL32 antigen delivery enhanced the IgG response.

Science.gov (United States)

Hartwig, Daiane D; Bacelo, Kátia L; Oliveira, Thaís L; Schuch, Rodrigo; Seixas, Fabiana K; Collares, Tiago; Rodrigues, Oscar; Hartleben, Cláudia P; Dellagostin, Odir A

2015-02-01

We studied the feasibility of using halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) and carboxyl-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs) as antigen carriers to improve immune responses against a recombinant LipL32 protein (rLipL32). Immunisation using the HNTs or COOH-MWCNTs significantly increased the rLipL32-specific IgG antibody titres (p < 0.05) of Golden Syrian hamsters. None of the vaccines tested conferred protection against a challenge using a virulent Leptospira interrogans strain. These results demonstrated that nanotubes can be used as antigen carriers for delivery in hosts and the induction of a humoral immune response against purified leptospiral antigens used in subunit vaccine preparations.

Durable underwater superoleophobic PDDA/halloysite nanotubes decorated stainless steel mesh for efficient oil-water separation

Science.gov (United States)

Hou, Kun; Zeng, Yicheng; Zhou, Cailong; Chen, Jiahui; Wen, Xiufang; Xu, Shouping; Cheng, Jiang; Lin, Yingguang; Pi, Pihui

2017-09-01

A durable underwater superoleophobic mesh was conveniently prepared by layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on a stainless steel mesh. The hierarchical structure and roughness of the PDDA/HNTs coating surface were controlled by adjusting the number of layer deposition cycles. When the PDDA/HNTs coating with 10 deposition cycles was decorated on the mesh with pore size of about 54 μm, the underwater superoleophobic mesh was obtained. The as-prepared underwater superoleophobic PDDA/HNTs decorated mesh exhibits outstanding oil-water separation performance with a separation efficiency of over 97% for various oil/water mixtures, which allowed water to pass through while repelled oil completely. In addition, the as-prepared decorated mesh still maintained high separation efficiency above 97% after repeated 20 separation times for hexane/water mixture or chloroform/water mixture. More importantly, the as-prepared decorated mesh is durable enough to resist chemical and mechanical challenges, such as strong alkaline, salt aqueous and sand abrasion. Therefore, the as-prepared decorated mesh has practical utility in oil-water separation due to its stable oil-water performance, remarkable chemical and mechanical durability and the facile and eco-friendly preparation process.

Nano assembly of N-doped graphene quantum dots anchored Fe3O4/halloysite nanotubes for high performance supercapacitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganganboina, Akhilesh Babu; Chowdhury, Ankan Dutta; Doong, Ruey-an

2017-01-01

Highlights: •Halloysite coated Fe 3 O 4 is served as the framework for supporting graphene quantum dots. •GQDs can be well distributed onto Fe 3 O 4 /HNTs to prevent structural failure. •High specific capacitance of 418 F g −1 in 1 M Na 2 SO 4 neutral electrolyte is observed. •The composites show excellent electrochemical performance with energy density of 10.4–29.0 Wh kg −1 . -- Abstract: The development of robust and low cost electrode materials with superior electrochemical properties has been a subject of focus on energy storage devices. Herein, the development of N-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) deposited on Fe 3 O 4 -halloysite nanotubes (Fe 3 O 4 -HNTs) as active anode materials has been established for supercapacitor applications. The Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles synthesised by coprecipitation have been in-situ deposited on HNT surfaces following by the coating of (3-aminopropyl)-triexthoxysilane to anchor 4–10 nm N-GQDs via the formation of amide linkage. The N-GQD@Fe 3 O 4 -HNTs exhibits a high specific capacitance of 418 F g −1 and maintains good rate capability in neutral electrolyte solutions. In addition, the anode materials show excellent electrochemical performance with energy and power densities of 10.4–29 W h kg −1 and 0.25–5.2 kW kg −1 , respectively. Such excellent electrochemical features can be attributed to the synergistic contribution from individual components. The Fe 3 O 4 -HNTs provide 1-dimensional matrix to shorten the diffusion path of electrons and electrolyte ions as well as to absorb the mechanical stress during cycling along with excess sites for charge storage, while N-GQDs offer abundantly accessible electroactive sites for rapid electrons and electrolyte ions transport as well as enhance electrical conductivity of Fe 3 O 4 -HNTs. Results obtained in this study clearly demonstrate that metal oxide-HNTs are promising support to anchor N-GQDs nanomaterials as the high performance anode materials for next

Halloysite Nanotubes-Induced Al Accumulation and Fibrotic Response in Lung of Mice after 30-Day Repeated Oral Administration.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xue; Gong, Jiachun; Rong, Rui; Gui, Zongxiang; Hu, Tingting; Xu, Xiaolong

2018-03-21

Natural halloysite (Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 · nH 2 O) nanotubes (HNT) are clay materials with hollow tubular structure and are widely applied in many fields. Many in vitro studies indicate that HNTs exhibit a high level of biocompatibility; however, the in vivo toxicity of HNTs remains unclear. In this study, the biodistribution and pulmonary toxicity of the purified HNTs in mice were investigated after intragastric administration for 30 days. HNTs have high stability in biological conditions. Oral administration of HNTs caused significant Al accumulation predominantly in the lung with relative slight effects on Si biodistribution. Oral administration of HNTs stimulated the growth of the mice at low dose (5 mg/kg BW) with no pulmonary toxicity but inhibited the mouse growth and resulted in oxidative stress and inflammation in lung at high dose (50 mg/kg BW). In addition, oral HNTs at high dose could be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and deposited in lung and could also induce pulmonary fibrosis.

Improving the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Ceramizable Silicone Rubber/Halloysite Composites and Their Ceramic Residues by Incorporation of Different Borates

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Jianhua Guo

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Ceramizable silicone rubber (MVQ/halloysite (HNT composites were fabricated by incorporation of three different borates, including sodium tetraborate decahydrate, ammonium pentaborate, and zinc borate into MVQ matrix, respectively. The composites without any borates were also prepared as control. The effect of the borates on the mechanical and electrical properties of MVQ/HNT composites was investigated. The ceramic residues were obtained from the decomposition of the composites after sintering at 1000 °C. The effect of the borates on the linear shrinkage, weight loss, and flexural and impact strength of the residues was also studied. The fracture surfaces of the composites and their corresponding residues were observed by SEM. The proposed ceramizable mechanism of the composites by incorporation of different borates was revealed by XRD analysis.

Green synthesis of halloysite nanotubes supported Ag nanoparticles for photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zou Meiling; Zhu Han; Xu Congsheng; Du Mingliang; Fu Yaqin

2012-01-01

Using tea polyphenols (TPs) as a reductant, Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) supported on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were simply and greenly synthesized for the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB). HNTs were initially functionalized by N-β-aminoethyl-γ-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) to introduce amino groups to form N-HNTs to fasten the AgNPs; then AgNPs were synthesized and ‘anchored’ on the surface of the HNTs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to testify the amino groups on the surface of the HNTs. Transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction were utilized to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized HNTs supported by the AgNPs (AgNPs-N-HNTs). The results showed that the AgNPs had been synthesized and ‘anchored’ onto the surface of the HNTs with a diameter of about 20-30 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed the chelating interaction between the AgNPs and N atoms together with the TP molecular. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared AgNPs-N-HNTs catalyst was evaluated by decomposition of MB; the results showed that the prepared catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and high adsorption capability to MB. (paper)

Microstructural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of recycled cellulose fiber-halloysite-epoxy hybrid nanocomposites

KAUST Repository

Alamri, H.

2012-02-26

Epoxy hybrid-nanocomposites reinforced with recycled cellulose fibers (RCF) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been fabricated and investigated. The dispersion of HNTs was studied by synchrotron radiation diffraction (SRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influences of RCF/HNTs dispersion on the mechanical properties and thermal properties of these composites have been characterized in terms of flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness, impact toughness, impact strength, and thermogravimetric analysis. The fracture surface morphology and toughness mechanisms were investigated by SEM. Results indicated that mechanical properties increased because of the addition of HNTs into the epoxy matrix. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness, and impact toughness increased by 20.8, 72.8, 56.5, and 25.0%, respectively, at 1 wt% HNTs load. The presence of RCF dramatically enhanced flexural strength, fracture toughness, impact strength, and impact toughness of the composites by 160%, 350%, 444%, and 263%, respectively. However, adding HNTs to RCF/epoxy showed only slight enhancements in flexural strength and fracture toughness. The inclusion of 5 wt% HNTs into RCF/epoxy ecocomposites increased the impact toughness by 27.6%. The presence of either HNTs or RCF accelerated the thermal degradation of neat epoxy. However, at high temperature, samples reinforced with RCF and HNTs displayed better thermal stability with increased char residue than neat resin. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers.

Enhanced antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin-encapsulated halloysite nanotubes

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Li K

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Kai Li,1,* Yongxing Zhang,2,* Mengting Chen,1 Yangyang Hu,1 Weiliang Jiang,1 Li Zhou,1 Sisi Li,1 Min Xu,1 Qinghua Zhao,2 Rong Wan1 1Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: To improve the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX and provide novel clinical treatment of gastric cancer, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs loaded with DOX were encapsulated by soybean phospholipid (LIP and the formed HNTs/DOX/LIP was systematically characterized via different techniques. The in vitro anticancer activity of HNTs/DOX/LIP was examined using an MTT assay. The antitumor efficacy and biocompatibility were monitored by measuring the tumor volume and assessing the blood routine and serum biochemistry using an ectopic implantation cancer model. The results show that when the concentration of HNTs was 3 mg/mL and the concentration of DOX was 1 mg/mL the optimal DOX loading efficiency was as high as 22.01%±0.43%. In vitro drug release behavior study demonstrated that HNTs/DOX/LIP shows a pH-responsive release property with fast drug release under acidic conditions (pH =5.4. MTT assays and in vivo experimental results revealed that HNTs/DOX/LIP exhibits a significantly higher inhibitory efficacy on the growth of mouse gastric cancer cells than free DOX at the same drug concentration. In addition, the life span of tumor-bearing mice in the HNTs/DOX/LIP-treated group was obviously prolonged compared with the control groups. Moreover, HNTs/DOX/LIP possessed excellent hemocompatibility as shown in the blood and histology studies. These findings indicated that the formed HNTs/DOX/LIP possesses higher antitumor efficacy and may be used as a targeted

The use of halloysite clay and carboxyl-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes for recombinant LipL32 antigen delivery enhanced the IgG response

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Daiane D Hartwig

2015-02-01

Full Text Available We studied the feasibility of using halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs and carboxyl-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs as antigen carriers to improve immune responses against a recombinant LipL32 protein (rLipL32. Immunisation using the HNTs or COOH-MWCNTs significantly increased the rLipL32-specific IgG antibody titres (p < 0.05 of Golden Syrian hamsters. None of the vaccines tested conferred protection against a challenge using a virulent Leptospira interrogans strain. These results demonstrated that nanotubes can be used as antigen carriers for delivery in hosts and the induction of a humoral immune response against purified leptospiral antigens used in subunit vaccine preparations.

The partial replacement of palm kernel shell by carbon black and halloysite nanotubes as fillers in natural rubber composites

Science.gov (United States)

Daud, Shuhairiah; Ismail, Hanafi; Bakar, Azhar Abu

2017-07-01

The effect of partial replacement of palm kernel shell powder by carbon black (CB) and halloysite nanotube (HNT) on the tensile properties, rubber-filler interaction, thermal properties and morphological studies of natural rubber (NR) composites were investigated. Four different compositions of NR/PKS/CB and NR/PKS/HNT composites i.e 20/0, 15/5, 10/10,5/15 and 0/20 parts per hundred rubber (phr) were prepared on a two roll mill. The results showed that the tensile strength and modulus at 100% elongation (M100) and 300% elongation (M300) were higher for NR/PKS/CB compared to NR/PKS/HNT composites. NR/PKS/CB composites had the lowest elongation at break (Eb). The effect of commercial fillers in NR/PKS composites on tensile properties was confirmed by the rubber-filler interaction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study. The thermal stability of PKS filled NR composites with partially replaced by commercial fillers also determined by Thermo gravimetric Analysis (TGA).

Evaluation of Anti-Wear Properties of Metalworking Fluids Enhanced with Halloysite Nanotubes

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Laura Peña-Parás

2017-10-01

Full Text Available The study of nanoparticles as additives for metalworking fluids (MWFs with applications in the metal removal processes, or machining, has received increasing attention due to the possible enhancements on tribological properties. In this study, low-cost and environmentally friendly nanoparticle additives of halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs were dispersed in metalworking fluids utilized for milling processes. Concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.10 wt. % were incorporated into a mineral oil (MO and a semi-synthetic fluid (SF by ultrasonication. The anti-wear properties of metalworking nanofluids were characterized with a T-05 block-on-ring tribotester at a contact pressure of 0.5 GPa. Surface roughness of worn block materials was obtained with an optical 3D surface measurement system. Results showed that at a concentration of 0.10 wt. % HNTs block mass loss was lowered by 24% for the MO + HNTs nanofluids. For the SF + HNTs, a reduction of 63% and 32% in wear mass loss and coefficient of friction (COF, respectively, were found at the same concentration. The tribological enhancing mechanism for the applied contact pressure was proposed to be due to a reduction of the area of contact and nanoparticle sliding between surfaces with no HNT deposition, evidenced by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS. Furthermore, surface roughness studies of worn blocks showed smoother surfaces with lower groove density with the addition of nanoparticle additives. The results of this study demonstrate that HNTs can improve the lubricity of metalworking cutting fluids used for machining processes, enhancing tool life and providing better surface finish of products.

Preparation of Robust Superhydrophobic Halloysite Clay Nanotubes via Mussel-Inspired Surface Modification

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Yang Meng

2017-11-01

Full Text Available In this study, a novel and convenient bio-inspired modification strategy was used to create stable superhydrophobic structures on halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs surfaces. The polydopamine (PDA nanoparticles can firmly adhere on HNTs surfaces in a mail environment of pH 8.5 via the oxidative self-polymerization of dopamine and synthesize a rough nano-layer assisted with vitamin M, which provides a catechol functional platform for the secondary reaction to graft hydrophobic long-chain alkylamine for preparation of hierarchical micro/nano structures with superhydrophobic properties. The micromorphology, crystal structure, and surface chemical composition of the resultant superhydrophobic HNTs were characterized by field emission scanning electron (FE-SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS. The as-formed surfaces exhibited outstanding superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle (CA of 156.3 ± 2.3°, while having little effect on the crystal structures of HNTs. Meanwhile, the resultant HNTs also showed robust stability that can conquer various harsh conditions including strong acidic/alkaline solutions, organic solvents, water boiling, ultrasonic cleaning, and outdoor solar radiation. In addition, the novel HNTs exhibited excellent packaged capabilities of phase change materials (PCMs for practical application in thermal energy storage, which improved the mass fractions by 22.94% for stearic acid and showed good recyclability. These HNTs also exhibited good oil/water separation ability. Consequently, due to the superior merits of high efficiency, easy operation, and non-toxicity, this bionic surface modification approach may make HNTs have great potentials for extensive applications.

Novel Polyvinyl Alcohol/Styrene Butadiene Rubber Latex/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposites Reinforced with Modified Halloysite Nanotubes

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Yanjun Tang

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR latex/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs nanocomposites were successfully prepared through physical blending. The as-obtained PVA/SBR/CMC/HNTs nanocomposites were coated on the surface of old corrugated container (OCC-based paper in an effort to improve the mechanical properties of paper. To improve the dispersion of HNTs and enhance the compatibility between HNTs and polymer matrix, HNTs were modified with titanate coupling agent (TCA. FT-IR, together with TGA, confirmed that TCA was grafted onto the surface of HNTs successfully. XRD demonstrated that the crystal structures of HNTs remained almost unchanged. TEM showed that modified HNTs exhibited good dispersion and possessed nanotubular structures with an outer diameter of around 50 nm and an inner diameter of about 20 nm. SEM gave an indication that modified HNTs were dispersed more uniformly than unmodified HNTs within PVA/SBR/CMC matrix. Rheological measurement exhibited that surface modification process enhanced the compatibility between HNTs and polymer matrix, thus resulting in the decreased viscosity of nanocomposites. In comparison with unmodified HNTs, modified HNTs were found to contribute more to the enhancement in mechanical properties, which might be attributed to the better dispersion and compatibility of modified HNTs evidenced by TEM, SEM, and rheological measurement.

Preparation of highly ordered cubic NaA zeolite from halloysite mineral for adsorption of ammonium ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao Yafei; Zhang Bing; Zhang Xiang; Wang Jinhua; Liu Jindun; Chen Rongfeng

2010-01-01

Well-ordered cubic NaA zeolite was first synthesized using natural halloysite mineral with nanotubular structure as source material by hydro-thermal method. SEM and HRTEM images indicate that the synthesized NaA zeolite is cubic-shaped crystal with planar surface, well-defined edges and symmetrical and uniform pore channels. The adsorption behavior of ammonium ions (NH 4 + ) from aqueous solution onto NaA zeolite was investigated as a function of parameters such as equilibrium time, pH, initial NH 4 + concentration, temperature and competitive cations. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. A maximum adsorption capacity of 44.3 mg g -1 of NH 4 + was achieved. The regeneration and reusable ability of this adsorbent was evaluated, and the results indicated that the recovered adsorbent could be used again for NH 4 + removal with nearly constant adsorption capacity. Thermodynamic parameters such as change in free energy (ΔG 0 ), enthalpy (ΔH 0 ) and entropy (ΔS 0 ) were also determined, which indicated that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process at ambient conditions. Compared with other adsorbents, the as-synthesized NaA zeolite displays a faster adsorption rate and higher adsorption capacity, which implies potential application for removing NH 4 + pollutants from wastewaters.

Effects of halloysite nanotubes on physical properties and cytocompatibility of alginate composite hydrogels.

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Huang, Biao; Liu, Mingxian; Long, Zheru; Shen, Yan; Zhou, Changren

2017-01-01

Sodium alginate (SA)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composite hydrogels were successfully prepared by solution blending and cross-linking with calcium ions. HNTs can improve the physical properties and cytocompatibility of composite hydrogels. The static and shear viscosity of SA/HNTs solution increase by the addition of HNTs. FTIR suggests the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between HNTs and SA. The crystal structure of HNTs is retained in the composites as showed by the X-ray diffraction result. A porous structure with pore size of 100-250μm is found in the hydrogels, which can provide a space for cell growth and migration. The compressive mechanical properties of composite hydrogels significantly increase compared to the pure SA hydrogel. The SA/HNTs composite hydrogels with 80% HNTs loading exhibit the compressive stress at 80% strain of 2.99MPa, while the stress at 80% strain of pure SA hydrogel is only 0.8MPa. The dynamic storage modulus of composite hydrogels also markedly increases with HNTs concentration. The differential scanning calorimetry endothermic peak area and swelling ratios in NaCl solution of the composite hydrogels decrease by the addition of HNTs. Preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) culture results reveal that the SA/HNTs composites especially at relatively low HNTs loading show a significant increase in cells adhesion and proliferation compared to the pure SA hydrogel. All the results demonstrate that the SA/HNTs composite hydrogels show a promising application in bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of bimetallic Cu-Co nanocatalysts on poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) functionalized halloysite nanotubes for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yang; Zhang, Jun; Guan, Huijuan; Zhao, Yafei; Yang, Jing-He; Zhang, Bing

2018-01-01

In present work, we prepared the bimetallic Cu-Co nanocatalysts on poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (Cu-Co/PDDA-HNTs) by a deposition-reduction technique at room temperature. The analysis of XRD, SEM, TEM, HAADF-STEM and XPS were employed to systematically investigate the morphology, particle size, structure and surface properties of the nanocomposite. The results reveal that the PDDA coating with thickness of ∼15 nm could be formed on the surface of HNTs, and the existence of PDDA is beneficial to deposit Cu and Co nanoparticles (NPs) with high dispersibility on the surface. While the cost-effective nanocomposite was used for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane (NH3BH3), the nanocatalyst showed extraordinary catalytic properties with high total turnover frequency of 30.8 molH2/(molmetal min), low activation energy of 35.15 kJ mol-1 and high recycling stability (>90% conversion at 10th reuse). These results indicate that the bimetallic Cu-Co nanocatalysts on PDDA functionalized HNTs have particular potential for application in release hydrogen process.

Mussel inspired green synthesis of silver nanoparticles-decorated halloysite nanotube using dopamine: characterization and evaluation of its catalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Das, Tushar Kanti; Ganguly, Sayan; Bhawal, Poushali; Remanan, Sanjay; Mondal, Subhadip; Das, N. C.

2018-02-01

Naturally occurring ceramic tubular clay, Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), having a significant amount of surface hydroxyls has been coated by self-polymerized dopamine in this work. The polydopamine-coated HNTs acts as a self-reducing agent for Ag+ ion to Ag0 in nanometer abundance. Herein, nano size Ag0 deposited on solid support catalyst has been used to mitigate water pollution within 10 min. To establish the versatility of the catalyst, nitroaryl (4-nitrophenol) and synthetic dye (methylene blue) have been chosen as model pollutant. The degradation/reduction of the aforementioned pollutants was confirmed after taking UV-visible spectra of the respective compounds. All the study can make sure that the catalyst is green and the rate constant value for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue was calculated to be 4.45 × 10-3 and 1.13 × 10-3 s-1, respectively, which is found to be more efficient in comparison to other nanostructure and commercial Pt/C nanocatalyst (1.00 × 10-3 s-1).

Effect of Short-Term Water Exposure on the Mechanical Properties of Halloysite Nanotube-Multi Layer Graphene Reinforced Polyester Nanocomposites

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Mohd Shahneel Saharudin

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The influence of short-term water absorption on the mechanical properties of halloysite nanotubes-multi layer graphene reinforced polyester hybrid nanocomposites has been investigated. The addition of nano-fillers significantly increased the flexural strength, tensile strength, and impact strength in dry and wet conditions. After short-term water exposure, the maximum microhardness, tensile, flexural and impact toughness values were observed at 0.1 wt % multi-layer graphene (MLG. The microhardness increased up to 50.3%, tensile strength increased up to 40% and flexural strength increased up to 44%. Compared to dry samples, the fracture toughness and surface roughness of all types of produced nanocomposites were increased that may be attributed to the plasticization effect. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the main failure mechanism is caused by the weakening of the nano-filler-matrix interface induced by water absorption. It was further observed that synergistic effects were not effective at a concentration of 0.1 wt % to produce considerable improvement in the mechanical properties of the produced hybrid nanocomposites.

To study the recovery of L-Cysteine using halloysite nanotubes after heavy metal removal

Science.gov (United States)

Thakur, Juhi

2016-04-01

Industrial wastes are a major source of soil and water pollution that originate from mining industries, chemical industries, metal processing industries, etc. These wastes consist of a variety of chemicals including phenolics, heavy metals, etc. Use of industrial effluent and sewage sludge on agricultural land has become a common practice in the world which results in these toxic metals being transferred and ultimately concentrate in plant tissues from water and the soil. The metals that get accumulated, prove detrimental to plants themselves and may also cause damage to the healths of animals as well as man. This is because the heavy metals become toxins above certain concentrations, over a narrow range. As a further matter, these metals negatively affect the natural microbial populations as well, that leads to the disruption of fundamental ecological processes. However, many techniques and methods have been advanced to clear the heavy metal polluted soils and waters. One important method is by removing heavy metals with the help of amino acids like L-Cysteine and L-Penicillamine. But also, economy of removal of pollutant heavy metals from soils and waters is a major concern. Present study helps in decreasing the cost for large-scale removal of heavy metals from polluted water by recovering the amino acid (L-Cysteine) after removal of nickel (Ni+2) at a fixed pH, by binding the Ni+2 with halloysite nanotubes(HNT), so that L-Cysteine can be reused again for removal of heavy metals.

Effect of phosphoric acid on the morphology and tensile properties of halloysite-polyurethane composites

Science.gov (United States)

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Luaibi, Hasan Mohammed; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A.; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H.

2018-06-01

The high aspect ratio of nanoscale reinforcements enhances the tensile properties of pure polymer matrix. The composites were first made by adding halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) at low weight percentages of 1, 2, and 3 wt% to thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Then, HNTs were phosphoric acid-treated before adding to TPU at same weight percentage to create phosphoric acid HNTs-TPU composites. The samples were fabricated using injection moulding. The HNTs-TPU composites were characterized according to the tensile properties including tensile strength, tensile strain and Young's modulus. The loading has shown its highest tensile values at 2 wt% HNTs loading and same findings are shown with the samples that treated with phosphoric acid. The tensile strength increased to reach 24.65 MPa compare with the 17.7 MPa of the neat TPU showing about 26% improvement. For the phosphoric acid-treated composites, the improvement has reached 35% compared to the neat sample. Regarding the tensile stain, the improvement was about 83% at 2 wt% HNTs loading. For Young's modulus, the results obtained in this study have shown that Young's modulus is linearly improved with either the loading content or the phosphoric acid treated achieving its highest values at 3 wt% HNTs of 14.53 MPa and 16.27 MPa for untreated and treated, respectively. FESEM results showed that HNTs were well dispersed in TPU matrix. Thus, HNTs-TPU has improved tensile properties compared with pure TPU due to the addition of nanofiller.

Transport Asymmetry of Novel Bi-Layer Hybrid Perfluorinated Membranes on the Base of MF-4SC Modified by Halloysite Nanotubes with Platinum

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Anatoly Filippov

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Three types of bi-layer hybrid nanocomposites on the base of perfluorinated cation-exchange membrane MF-4SC (Russian analogue of Nafion®-117 were synthesized and characterized. It was found that two membranes possess the noticeable asymmetry of the current–voltage curve (CVC under changing their orientation towards the applied electric field, despite the absence of asymmetry of diffusion permeability. These phenomena were explained in the frame of the “fine-porous model” expanded for bi-layer membranes. A special procedure to calculate the real values of the diffusion layers thickness and the limiting current density was proposed. Due to asymmetry effects of the current voltage curves of bi-layer hybrid membranes on the base of MF-4SC, halloysite nanotubes and platinum nanoparticles, it is prospective to assemble membrane switches (membrane relays or diodes with predictable transport properties, founded upon the theory developed here.

Halloysite clay nanotubes and platinum nanoparticles dispersed in ionic liquid applied in the development of a catecholamine biosensor.

Science.gov (United States)

Brondani, Daniela; Scheeren, Carla Weber; Dupont, Jairton; Vieira, Iolanda Cruz

2012-08-21

Halloysite clay nanotubes were used as a support for the immobilization of the enzyme peroxidase from clover sprouts (Trifolium), and employed together with platinum nanoparticles in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid (Pt-BMI·PF(6)) in the development of a new biosensor for the determination of catecholamines by square-wave voltammetry. Under optimized conditions, the analytical curves showed detection limits of 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.12 μM for dopamine, isoproterenol, dobutamine and epinephrine, respectively. The biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity, good repeatability and reproducibility, and long-term stability (18% decrease in response over 150 days). A recovery study of dopamine in pharmaceutical samples gave values from 97.5 to 101.4%. The proposed biosensor was successfully applied to the determination of dopamine in pharmaceutical samples, with a maximum relative error of ±1.0% in relation to the standard (spectrophotometric) method. The good analytical performance of the proposed method can be attributed to the efficient immobilization of the peroxidase in the nanoclay, and the facilitation of electron transfer between the protein and the electrode surface due to the presence of the Pt nanoparticles and ionic liquid.

Enhanced interfacial interaction and antioxidative behavior of novel halloysite nanotubes/silica hybrid supported antioxidant in styrene-butadiene rubber

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Jing; Luo, Yuanfang; Zhong, Bangchao; Hu, Dechao; Jia, Zhixin; Jia, Demin

2018-05-01

A novel antioxidant (HS-s-RT) to improve the mechanical properties and anti-aging performance of styrene-butadiene (SBR) composites was prepared by antioxidant intermediate p-aminodiphenylamine (RT) grafting on the surface of halloysite nanotubes/silica hybrid (HS) via the linkage of silane coupling agent. The analysis of SEM and rubber processing analyzer (RPA) demonstrated HS-s-RT was uniformly dispersed in SBR, and stronger interfacial interaction between HS-s-RT and SBR was formed. Consequently, SBR/HS-s-RT composites have improving mechanical properties. Furthermore, the test of the retention of mechanical properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and oxidation induction time (OIT) showed HS-s-RT can effectively improve the anti-aging effect of SBR composites than corresponding low molecular-weight antioxidant N-isopropyl-N‧-phenyl-4-phenylenediamin (4010NA). Then, the mechanism of thermo-oxidative aging of SBR/HS composites was also investigated, and the superior antioxidative efficiency is attributed to the uniform dispersion and excellent migration resistance of HS-s-RT. Hence, this novel antioxidant might open up new opportunities for the fabrication of high-performance rubber composites due to its superior anti-aging effect and reinforcement.

In vitro evaluation of alginate/halloysite nanotube composite scaffolds for tissue engineering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Mingxian; Dai, Libing; Shi, Huizhe; Xiong, Sheng; Zhou, Changren

2015-01-01

In this study, a series of alginate/halloysite nanotube (HNTs) composite scaffolds were prepared by solution-mixing and freeze-drying method. HNTs are incorporated into alginate to improve both the mechanical and cell-attachment properties of the scaffolds. The interfacial interactions between alginate and HNTs were confirmed by the atomic force microscope (AFM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and FTIR spectroscopy. The mechanical, morphological, and physico-chemical properties of the composite scaffolds were investigated. The composite scaffolds exhibit significant enhancement in compressive strength and compressive modulus compared with pure alginate scaffold both in dry and wet states. A well-interconnected porous structure with size in the range of 100–200 μm and over 96% porosity is found in the composite scaffolds. X-ray diffraction (XRD) result shows that HNTs are uniformly dispersed and partly oriented in the composite scaffolds. The incorporation of HNTs leads to increase in the scaffold density and decrease in the water swelling ratio of alginate. HNTs improve the stability of alginate scaffolds against enzymatic degradation in PBS solution. Thermogravimetrica analysis (TGA) shows that HNTs can improve the thermal stability of the alginate. The mouse fibroblast cells display better attachment to the alginate/HNT composite than those to the pure alginate, suggesting the good cytocompatibility of the composite scaffolds. Alginate/HNT composite scaffolds exhibit great potential for applications in tissue engineering. - Highlights: • We fabricated HNTs reinforced alginate composite scaffolds for biomedical applications. • The hydrogen bond interactions between HNTs and alginate are confirmed. • HNTs can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of alginate scaffold. • The scaffolds exhibit a highly porous structure with interconnected pores. • HNTs can improve the cell attachment and proliferation on alginate

In vitro evaluation of alginate/halloysite nanotube composite scaffolds for tissue engineering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Mingxian [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Dai, Libing [Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220 (China); Shi, Huizhe; Xiong, Sheng [Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Zhou, Changren, E-mail: tcrz9@jnu.edu.cn [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China)

2015-04-01

In this study, a series of alginate/halloysite nanotube (HNTs) composite scaffolds were prepared by solution-mixing and freeze-drying method. HNTs are incorporated into alginate to improve both the mechanical and cell-attachment properties of the scaffolds. The interfacial interactions between alginate and HNTs were confirmed by the atomic force microscope (AFM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and FTIR spectroscopy. The mechanical, morphological, and physico-chemical properties of the composite scaffolds were investigated. The composite scaffolds exhibit significant enhancement in compressive strength and compressive modulus compared with pure alginate scaffold both in dry and wet states. A well-interconnected porous structure with size in the range of 100–200 μm and over 96% porosity is found in the composite scaffolds. X-ray diffraction (XRD) result shows that HNTs are uniformly dispersed and partly oriented in the composite scaffolds. The incorporation of HNTs leads to increase in the scaffold density and decrease in the water swelling ratio of alginate. HNTs improve the stability of alginate scaffolds against enzymatic degradation in PBS solution. Thermogravimetrica analysis (TGA) shows that HNTs can improve the thermal stability of the alginate. The mouse fibroblast cells display better attachment to the alginate/HNT composite than those to the pure alginate, suggesting the good cytocompatibility of the composite scaffolds. Alginate/HNT composite scaffolds exhibit great potential for applications in tissue engineering. - Highlights: • We fabricated HNTs reinforced alginate composite scaffolds for biomedical applications. • The hydrogen bond interactions between HNTs and alginate are confirmed. • HNTs can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of alginate scaffold. • The scaffolds exhibit a highly porous structure with interconnected pores. • HNTs can improve the cell attachment and proliferation on alginate.

AuPd Bimetallic Nanocrystals Embedded in Magnetic Halloysite Nanotubes: Facile Synthesis and Catalytic Reduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds

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Lei Jia

2017-10-01

Full Text Available In this research, a facile and effective approach was developed for the preparation of well-designed AuPd alloyed catalysts supported on magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd. The microstructure and the magnetic properties of HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, high resolution TEM (HRTEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM analyses. The catalysts, fabricated by a cheap, environmentally friendly, and simple surfactant-free formation process, exhibited high activities during the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and various other nitroaromatic compounds. Moreover, the catalytic activities of the HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd nanocatalysts were tunable via adjusting the atomic ratio of AuPd during the synthesis. As compared with the monometallic nanocatalysts (HNTs@Fe3O4@Au and HNTs@Fe3O4@Pd, the bimetallic alloyed HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd nanocatalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activities toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP to 4-aminophenol. Furthermore, the as-obtained HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd can be recycled several times, while retaining its functionality due to the stability and magnetic separation property.

Removal of UO{sup 2+}{sub 2} from aqueous solution using halloysite nanotube-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} composite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

He, Wenfang; Chen, Yuantao; Zhang, Wei; Hu, Chunlian; Wang, Jian; Wang, Pingping [Qinghai Normal University, Xining (China)

2016-01-15

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified with Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} to form novel magnetic HNTs-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} composites, and the composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The as-obtained results indicated that Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were successfully installed on the surface of HNTs. The adsorption of UO{sup 2+}{sub 2} on HNTs-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} was investigated as a function of solid content, contact time, pH, ionic strength and temperature by batch experiments. The consequences revealed that the adsorption of UO{sup 2+}{sub 2} onto HNTs-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm. The experimental results demonstrated that the adsorbents with HNTs-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} had the largest adsorption capacity of 88.32mg/g for UO{sup 2+}{sub 2}.

Simulation of stimuli-triggered release of molecular species from halloysite nanotubes

Science.gov (United States)

Elumalai, Divya Narayan; Tully, Joshua; Lvov, Yuri; Derosa, Pedro A.

2016-10-01

A Monte Carlo model is used to study the effect of environmental variables (pH and temperature) on the transport and release of dexamethasone molecules from Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) in a dielectric fluid medium. The model used for this study was introduced elsewhere and it is based on basic physics interactions without experimental parameters for these interactions. An intermediate phase between the burst and saturation phase is found and explained. Molecules experience a 1-D diffusion process that is different from the diffusion in the burst phase or the surface diffusion experienced by molecules attached to the wall. It is predicted that this phase exists when the molecule-wall interaction is attractive but not always noticeable in the release profile. In this work, it is shown that an agreement with the experiment better than previously reported is obtained when simulated delivery curves are produced by the weighted average of the release profiles from a collection of HNTs with diameters and lengths distributed according to the experimental sample, highlighting the relevance of HNTs' morphology in the release. HNTs are suitable for environment-triggered release and thus the effect of temperature, molecule zeta potential, and pH is studied. It is observed that for temperatures that significantly differ from room temperature (by 100's of degrees), the release profile changes significantly, increasing the delivery speed at high temperature and reducing that speed at low temperature. Finally, it is observed that as the pH becomes more acidic, both the molecule and inner wall surface become more positive (or less negative) with both eventually becoming positive leading to a repulsive interaction; thus, molecules are pushed out by electrostatic repulsion. On the contrary, as the pH becomes more basic, positive molecules become more positive while the wall becomes less negative, but even at pH 12, the wall remains negative and the interaction is attractive. Changes

Preparation of highly ordered cubic NaA zeolite from halloysite mineral for adsorption of ammonium ions.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Yafei; Zhang, Bing; Zhang, Xiang; Wang, Jinhua; Liu, Jindun; Chen, Rongfeng

2010-06-15

Well-ordered cubic NaA zeolite was first synthesized using natural halloysite mineral with nanotubular structure as source material by hydro-thermal method. SEM and HRTEM images indicate that the synthesized NaA zeolite is cubic-shaped crystal with planar surface, well-defined edges and symmetrical and uniform pore channels. The adsorption behavior of ammonium ions (NH(4)(+)) from aqueous solution onto NaA zeolite was investigated as a function of parameters such as equilibrium time, pH, initial NH(4)(+) concentration, temperature and competitive cations. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. A maximum adsorption capacity of 44.3 mg g(-1) of NH(4)(+) was achieved. The regeneration and reusable ability of this adsorbent was evaluated, and the results indicated that the recovered adsorbent could be used again for NH(4)(+) removal with nearly constant adsorption capacity. Thermodynamic parameters such as change in free energy (DeltaG(0)), enthalpy (DeltaH(0)) and entropy (DeltaS(0)) were also determined, which indicated that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process at ambient conditions. Compared with other adsorbents, the as-synthesized NaA zeolite displays a faster adsorption rate and higher adsorption capacity, which implies potential application for removing NH(4)(+) pollutants from wastewaters. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneously Toughening and Strengthening Soy Protein Isolate-Based Composites via Carboxymethylated Chitosan and Halloysite Nanotube Hybridization

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Xiaorong Liu

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Chemical cross-linking modification can significantly enhance the tensile strength (TS of soy protein isolate (SPI-based composites, but usually at the cost of a reduction in the elongation at break (EB. In this study, eco-friendly and high-potential hybrid SPI-based nanocomposites with improved TS were fabricated without compromising the reduction of EB. The hybrid of carboxymethylated chitosan (CMCS and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs as the enhancement center was added to the SPI and 1,2,3-propanetriol-diglycidyl-ether (PTGE solution. The chemical structure, crystallinity, micromorphology, and opacity properties of the obtained SPI/PTGE/HNTs/CMCS film was analyzed by the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, atomic force microscopy (AFM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results indicated that HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the SPI matrix without crystal structure damages. Compared to the SPI/PTGE film, the TS and EB of the SPI/PTGE/HNTs/CMCS film were increased by 57.14% and 27.34%, reaching 8.47 MPa and 132.12%, respectively. The synergy of HNTs and CMCS via electrostatic interactions also improved the water resistance of the SPI/PTGE/HNTs/CMCS film. These films may have considerable potential in the field of sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging.

Preparation of highly ordered cubic NaA zeolite from halloysite mineral for adsorption of ammonium ions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao Yafei [School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001 (China); Zhang Bing, E-mail: zhangb@zzu.edu.cn [School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001 (China); Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002 (China); Zhang Xiang; Wang Jinhua; Liu Jindun [School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001 (China); Chen Rongfeng [Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002 (China)

2010-06-15

Well-ordered cubic NaA zeolite was first synthesized using natural halloysite mineral with nanotubular structure as source material by hydro-thermal method. SEM and HRTEM images indicate that the synthesized NaA zeolite is cubic-shaped crystal with planar surface, well-defined edges and symmetrical and uniform pore channels. The adsorption behavior of ammonium ions (NH{sub 4}{sup +}) from aqueous solution onto NaA zeolite was investigated as a function of parameters such as equilibrium time, pH, initial NH{sub 4}{sup +} concentration, temperature and competitive cations. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. A maximum adsorption capacity of 44.3 mg g{sup -1} of NH{sub 4}{sup +} was achieved. The regeneration and reusable ability of this adsorbent was evaluated, and the results indicated that the recovered adsorbent could be used again for NH{sub 4}{sup +} removal with nearly constant adsorption capacity. Thermodynamic parameters such as change in free energy ({Delta}G{sup 0}), enthalpy ({Delta}H{sup 0}) and entropy ({Delta}S{sup 0}) were also determined, which indicated that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process at ambient conditions. Compared with other adsorbents, the as-synthesized NaA zeolite displays a faster adsorption rate and higher adsorption capacity, which implies potential application for removing NH{sub 4}{sup +} pollutants from wastewaters.

Preparation of N-doped ZnO-loaded halloysite nanotubes catalysts with high solar-light photocatalytic activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Zhi-Lin; Sun, Wei

2015-01-01

N-doped ZnO nanoparticles were successfully assembled into hollow halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by using the impregnation method. The catalysts based on N-doped ZnO-loaded HNTs nanocomposites (N-doped ZnO/HNTs) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (TEM-EDX), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The XRD pattern showed ZnO nanoparticles with hexagonal structure loaded on HNTs. The TEM-EDX analysis indicated ZnO particles with the crystal size of ca.10 nm scattered in hollow structure of HNTs, and furthermore the concentration of N atom in nanocomposites was up to 2.31%. The SEM-EDX verified most of N-ZnO nanoparticles existing in hollow nanotubes of HNTs. Besides containing an obvious ultraviolet absorbance band, the UV-vis spectra of the N-doped ZnO/HNTs catalysts showed an available visible absorbance band by comparing to HNTs and non-doped ZnO/HNTs. The photocatalytic activity of the N-doped ZnO/HNTs catalysts was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) solution with the concentration of 20 mg/L under the simulated solar-light irradiation. The result showed that the N-doped ZnO/HNTs catalyst exhibited a desirable solar-light photocatalytic activity.

XNBR-grafted halloysite nanotube core-shell as a potential compatibilizer for immiscible polymer systems

Science.gov (United States)

Paran, S. M. R.; Naderi, G.; Ghoreishy, M. H. R.

2016-09-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) grafted with carboxylated nitrile byutadiene rubber (XNBR) were synthesized via a sol-gel method. The HNTs as an inorganic cores were pre-treated with 3-Glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, then successfully coated with the XNBR as an organic shell. The properties of XNBR-grafted HNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results suggested that the XNBR grafted to the surfaces of HNTs successfully. Then the TPE nanocomposites based on polyamide-6 (PA6) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) containing various XNBR-grafted and pristine HNTs were prepared via a direct melt mixing method. The morphology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical and rheological properties of the prepared TPE nanocomposites were investigated. The results show that the XNBR-grafted HNTs can effectively improve the morphology and mechanical properties of the PA6/NBR TPEs. The morphology study of the prepared nanocomposites show that the effect of XNBR-grafted HNTs on the size reduction of NBR phase is markedly more effective than the pristine HNTs and rose by 50% in the same concentrations. Mechanical measurements show that the Young's modulus of the TPE nanocomposites rose by 60% in just 7 wt% of XNBR-grafted HNT loading. The results indicate that the introduction of HNT/XNBR core-shells into the PA6/NBR TPEs can enhances the interfacial interactions and provides a more fine rubber phase morphology and controlled mechanical properties in comparison with the accordingly TPE nanocomposites containing pristine HNTs.

Effect of halloysite nanotubes on the structure and function of important multiple blood components.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Keke; Feng, Ru; Jiao, Yanpeng; Zhou, Changren

2017-06-01

Many researchers have investigated the application of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in biomedicine, because of their special nanoscale hollow tubular structure. Although the cytocompatibility of HNTs has been studied, their blood compatibility has not been systematically investigated. In this work, the effect of HNTs on the structure and function of different blood components has been studied, including the morphology and hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs). Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, optical density test and flow cytometry analysis, we found that HNTs can affect the morphology and membrane integrity of RBCs in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in a content-dependent way. In particular, based on UV-vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD) spectra, HNTs can alter the secondary structure and conformation of human fibrinogen and γ-globulins. In addition, the detection of biomarker molecules C3a and C5a in plasma suggests that HNTs can trigger complement activation. In the blood clotting assay, HNTs were found to significantly prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), shorten the prothrombin time (PT) of platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and change the thromboelastography (TEG) parameters of whole blood coagulation. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis were used to test intracellular uptake by macrophages, and the cellular uptake of HNTs in the RAW 264.7 was found to be content-dependent, but not time-dependent. These findings provide insight for the potential use of HNTs as biofriendly nanocontainers for biomaterials in vivo. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Enhanced Catalytic Activities of Asymmetric Au-Ni Nanoparticle Decorated Halloysite-Based Nanocomposite for the Degradation of Organic Dyes

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Lei; Zhou, Tao; Xu, Jun; Li, Xiaohui; Dong, Kun; Huang, Jiancui; Xu, Zhouqing

2016-02-01

Janus particles (JPs) are unique among the nano-/microobjects because they provide asymmetry and can thus impart drastically different chemical or physical properties. In this work, we have fabricated the magnetic halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based HNTs@Fe3O4 nanocomposite (NCs) and then anchored the Janus Au-Ni or isotropic Au nanoparticles (NPs) to the surface of external wall of sulfydryl modified magnetic nanotubes. The characterization by physical methods authenticates the successful fabrication of two different magnetic HNTs@Fe3O4@Au and HNTs@Fe3O4@Au-Ni NCs. The catalytic activity and recyclability of the two NCs have been evaluated considering the degradation of Congo red (CR) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) using sodium borohydride as a model reaction. The results reveal that the symmetric Au NPs participated NCs display low activity in the degradation of the above organic dyes. However, a detailed kinetic study demonstrates that the employ of bimetallic Janus Au-Ni NPs in the NCs indicates enhanced catalytic activity, owing to the structurally specific nature. Furthermore, the magnetic functional NCs reported here can be used as recyclable catalyst which can be recovered simply by magnet.

Halloysite nanotubes-induced Al accumulation and oxidative damage in liver of mice after 30-day repeated oral administration.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xue; Gong, Jiachun; Gui, Zongxiang; Hu, Tingting; Xu, Xiaolong

2018-06-01

Halloysite (Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 ·nH 2 O) nanotubes (HNTs) are natural clay materials and widely applied in many fields due to their natural hollow tubular structures. Many in vitro studies indicate that HNTs exhibit a high level of biocompatibility, however the in vivo toxicity of HNTs remains unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the hepatic toxicity of the purified HNTs in mice via oral route. The purified HNTs were orally administered to mice at 5, 50, and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) every day for 30 days. Oral administration of HNTs stimulated the growth of the mice at the low dose (5 mg/kg BW) with no liver toxicity, but inhibited the growth of the mice at the middle (50 mg/kg BW) and high (300 mg/kg BW) doses. In addition, oral administration of HNTs at the high dose caused Al accumulation in the liver but had no marked effect on the Si content in the organ. The Al accumulation caused significant oxidative stress in the liver, which induced hepatic dysfunction and histopathologic changes. These findings demonstrated that Al accumulation-induced oxidative stress played an important role in the oral HNTs-caused liver injury. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of prostate-specific antigen based on conductivity nanocomposite with halloysite nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Yueyuan; Khan, Malik Saddam; Tian, Lihui; Liu, Li; Hu, Lihua; Fan, Dawei; Cao, Wei; Wei, Qin

2017-05-01

A sensitive label-free amperometric electrochemical immunosensor for detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was proposed in this work. The nanocomposite of halloysite nanotubes with polypyrrole shell and palladium nanoparticles (HNTs@PPy-Pd) was used as a novel signal label. The HNTs with adequate hydroxyl groups are economically available raw materials. PPy, as an electrically conducting polymer material, can be absorbed to the surface of HNTs by in situ oxidative polymerization of the pyrrole monomer and form a shell on the HNTs. The shell of PPy could not only improve the conductivity of the nanocomposite but also absorb large amounts of Pd nanoparticles (NPs). The Pd NPs with high electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of H 2 O 2 and the HNTs@PPy-Pd nanocomposite as the analytical signal label could improve the sensitivity of the immunosensor. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor showed a low detection limit (0.03 pg/mL) and a wide linear range (0.0001 to 25 ng/mL) of PSA. Moreover, its merits such as good selectivity, acceptable reproducibility, and stability indicate that the fabricated immunosensor has a promising application potential in clinical diagnosis. Graphical Abstract A new label-free amperometric electrochemical immunosensor based on HNTs@PPy-Pd nanocomposite for quantitative detection of PSA.

Effects of halloysite nanotubes on physical properties and cytocompatibility of alginate composite hydrogels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Biao; Liu, Mingxian, E-mail: liumx@jnu.edu.cn; Long, Zheru; Shen, Yan; Zhou, Changren, E-mail: tcrz9@jnu.edu.cn

2017-01-01

Sodium alginate (SA)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composite hydrogels were successfully prepared by solution blending and cross-linking with calcium ions. HNTs can improve the physical properties and cytocompatibility of composite hydrogels. The static and shear viscosity of SA/HNTs solution increase by the addition of HNTs. FTIR suggests the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between HNTs and SA. The crystal structure of HNTs is retained in the composites as showed by the X-ray diffraction result. A porous structure with pore size of 100–250 μm is found in the hydrogels, which can provide a space for cell growth and migration. The compressive mechanical properties of composite hydrogels significantly increase compared to the pure SA hydrogel. The SA/HNTs composite hydrogels with 80% HNTs loading exhibit the compressive stress at 80% strain of 2.99 MPa, while the stress at 80% strain of pure SA hydrogel is only 0.8 MPa. The dynamic storage modulus of composite hydrogels also markedly increases with HNTs concentration. The differential scanning calorimetry endothermic peak area and swelling ratios in NaCl solution of the composite hydrogels decrease by the addition of HNTs. Preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) culture results reveal that the SA/HNTs composites especially at relatively low HNTs loading show a significant increase in cells adhesion and proliferation compared to the pure SA hydrogel. All the results demonstrate that the SA/HNTs composite hydrogels show a promising application in bone tissue engineering. - Highlights: • Alginate/HNTs composite hydrogels were fabricated using Ca{sup 2+} cross-linking method. • The hydrogen bond interactions between HNTs and alginate are confirmed. • HNTs can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of alginate hydrogel. • HNTs can improve the cell attachment and proliferation of alginate.

Effects of halloysite nanotubes on physical properties and cytocompatibility of alginate composite hydrogels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Biao; Liu, Mingxian; Long, Zheru; Shen, Yan; Zhou, Changren

2017-01-01

Sodium alginate (SA)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composite hydrogels were successfully prepared by solution blending and cross-linking with calcium ions. HNTs can improve the physical properties and cytocompatibility of composite hydrogels. The static and shear viscosity of SA/HNTs solution increase by the addition of HNTs. FTIR suggests the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between HNTs and SA. The crystal structure of HNTs is retained in the composites as showed by the X-ray diffraction result. A porous structure with pore size of 100–250 μm is found in the hydrogels, which can provide a space for cell growth and migration. The compressive mechanical properties of composite hydrogels significantly increase compared to the pure SA hydrogel. The SA/HNTs composite hydrogels with 80% HNTs loading exhibit the compressive stress at 80% strain of 2.99 MPa, while the stress at 80% strain of pure SA hydrogel is only 0.8 MPa. The dynamic storage modulus of composite hydrogels also markedly increases with HNTs concentration. The differential scanning calorimetry endothermic peak area and swelling ratios in NaCl solution of the composite hydrogels decrease by the addition of HNTs. Preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) culture results reveal that the SA/HNTs composites especially at relatively low HNTs loading show a significant increase in cells adhesion and proliferation compared to the pure SA hydrogel. All the results demonstrate that the SA/HNTs composite hydrogels show a promising application in bone tissue engineering. - Highlights: • Alginate/HNTs composite hydrogels were fabricated using Ca 2+ cross-linking method. • The hydrogen bond interactions between HNTs and alginate are confirmed. • HNTs can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of alginate hydrogel. • HNTs can improve the cell attachment and proliferation of alginate.

Halloysite nanotubes loaded with peppermint essential oil as filler for functional biopolymer film.

Science.gov (United States)

Biddeci, G; Cavallaro, G; Di Blasi, F; Lazzara, G; Massaro, M; Milioto, S; Parisi, F; Riela, S; Spinelli, G

2016-11-05

The purpose of this paper is to show how a functional bionanocomposite film with both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities was successfully prepared by the filling of a pectin matrix with modified Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) containing the essential peppermint oil (PO). Firstly, HNT surfaces were functionalized with cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) molecules with the aim to enhance the affinity of the nanofiller towards PO, which was estimated by means of HPLC experiments. The HNT/CB[6] hybrid was characterized by several methods (thermogravimetry, FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy) highlighting the influence of the supramolecular interactions on the composition, thermal behavior and morphology of the filler. Then, a pectin+HNT/CB[6] biofilm was prepared by the use of the casting method under specific experimental conditions in order to favor the entrapment of the volatile PO into the nanocomposite structure. Water contact angle measurements, thermogravimetry and tensile tests evidenced the effects of the modified filler on the thermo-mechanical and wettability properties of pectin, which were correlated to the microscopic structure of the biocomposite film. In addition, PO release in food simulant solvent was investigated at different temperatures (4 and 25°C), whereas the antioxidant activity of the nanocomposite film was estimated using the DPPH method. Finally, we studied the in vitro antibacterial activity of the biofilm against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), which were isolated by beef and cow milk, respectively. These experiments were carried out at specific temperatures (4, 37 and 65°C) that can be useful for a multi-step food conservation. This paper puts forwards an easy strategy to prepare a functional sustainable edible film with thermo-sensitive antioxidant/antimicrobial activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microfluidic assembly of a nano-in-micro dual drug delivery platform composed of halloysite nanotubes and a pH-responsive polymer for colon cancer therapy.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Wei; Liu, Dongfei; Zhang, Hongbo; Correia, Alexandra; Mäkilä, Ermei; Salonen, Jarno; Hirvonen, Jouni; Santos, Hélder A

2017-01-15

Harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract hinder the oral delivery of many drugs. Developing oral drug delivery systems based on commercially available materials is becoming more challenging due to the demand for simultaneously delivering physicochemically different drugs for treating complex diseases. A novel architecture, namely nanotube-in-microsphere, was developed as a drug delivery platform by encapsulating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in a pH-responsive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate polymer using microfluidics. HNTs were selected as orally acceptable clay mineral and their lumen was enlarged by selective acid etching. Model drugs (atorvastatin and celecoxib) with different physicochemical properties and synergistic effect on colon cancer prevention and inhibition were simultaneously incorporated into the microspheres at a precise ratio, with atorvastatin and celecoxib being loaded in the HNTs and polymer matrix, respectively. The microspheres showed spherical shape, narrow particle size distribution and pH-responsive dissolution behavior. This nanotube/pH-responsive polymer composite protected the loaded drugs from premature release at pH⩽6.5, but allowed their fast release and enhanced the drug permeability, and the inhibition of colon cancer cell proliferation at pH 7.4. Overall, the nano-in-micro drug delivery composite fabricated by microfluidics is a promising and flexible platform for the delivery of multiple drugs for combination therapy. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are attracting increasing attention for drug delivery applications. However, conventional HNTs-based oral drug delivery systems are lack of the capability to precisely control the drug release at a desired site in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, a nanotube-in-microsphere drug delivery platform is developed by encapsulating HNTs in a pH-responsive polymer using microfluidics. Drugs with different physicochemical properties and synergistic effect on colon

Core-shell composite metal catalysts incased into natural ceramic nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vinokurov, V; Berberov, A; Afonin, D; Borzaev, H; Ivanov, E; Gushchin, P; Lvov, Y

2014-01-01

The bimetallic halloysite nanotubes were prepared by the injection of halloysite- containing aerosols into the microwave plasma reactor. Nanotubes contain metal nanoparticles formed from the metal salt solution in the lumen of nanotubes and the iron oxide nanoparticles at the outer surface of nanotubes. Such halloysite composites may be sputtered onto the surface of the porous carrier forming the nanostructured catalyst, as was shown by the pure halloysite sputtering onto the model porous ceramic surface

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Composites Containing Zirconia-Impregnated Halloysite Nanotubes with Different Loadings.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Suhyun; Kim, Moon Il; Shon, Minyoung; Seo, Bongkuk; Lim, Choongsun

2018-09-01

Epoxy resins are widely used in various industrial fields due to their low cost, good workability, heat resistance, and good mechanical strength. However, they suffer from brittleness, an issue that must be addressed for further applications. To solve this problem, additional fillers are needed to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the resins; zirconia is one such filler. However, it has been reported that aggregation may occur in the epoxy composites as the amount of zirconia increases, preventing enhancement of the mechanical strength of the epoxy composites. Herein, to reduce the aggregation, zirconia was well dispersed on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), which have high thermal and mechanical strength, by a conventional wet impregnation method. The HNTs were impregnated with zirconia at different loadings using zirconyl chloride octahydrate as a precursor. The mechanical and thermal strengths of the epoxy composites with these fillers were investigated. The zirconia-impregnated HNTs (Zr/HNT) were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM). The hardening conditions of the epoxy composites were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal strength of the epoxy composites was studied by thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and micro-calorimetry and the mechanical strength of the epoxy composites (flexural strength and tensile strength) was studied by using a universal testing machine (UTM). The mechanical and thermal strengths of the epoxy composites with Zr/HNT were improved compared to those of the epoxy composite with HNT, and also increased as the zirconia loading on HNT increased.

Influence of hybrid fibrils of 2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene and halloysite nanotubes on the crystallization behaviour of polypropylene

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Mingxian; Guo, Baochun; Du, Mingliang; Zou, Quanliang; Jia, Demin, E-mail: psbcguo@scut.edu.c [Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)

2009-04-07

2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene (BBT) included polypropylene (PP)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites showed substantially increased mechanical properties and this was attributed to the changed crystallinity of the PP matrix by BBT (Liu et al 2007 Nanotechnology 18 455703). This paper intends to give a detailed study on the influence of BBT hybrid fibrils on the crystallization of the PP matrix by using the observations of polarized optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy, together with the comparisons of the activation energy of crystallization. The POM results show that PP crystals could epitaxially grow on the BBT and hybrid fibril substrates, indicating the nucleating ability of BBT. Oriented PP ribbon-like crystals with a thickness of 200 nm around BBT fibrils are observed. The formation of this unique crystal morphology is attributed to the epitaxial crystallization under the shearing orientation effect. A new transition peak well above the glass transition of PP is observed, which is attributed to the glass transition of the confined amorphous PP in the ribbon-like crystal layers around the fibrils. The fold-surface free energy of the BBT included composites is substantially decreased, suggesting facilitated crystallization in the presence of hybrid fibrils.

Influence of hybrid fibrils of 2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene and halloysite nanotubes on the crystallization behaviour of polypropylene

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Mingxian; Guo, Baochun; Du, Mingliang; Zou, Quanliang; Jia, Demin

2009-01-01

2,5-bis(2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene (BBT) included polypropylene (PP)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites showed substantially increased mechanical properties and this was attributed to the changed crystallinity of the PP matrix by BBT (Liu et al 2007 Nanotechnology 18 455703). This paper intends to give a detailed study on the influence of BBT hybrid fibrils on the crystallization of the PP matrix by using the observations of polarized optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy, together with the comparisons of the activation energy of crystallization. The POM results show that PP crystals could epitaxially grow on the BBT and hybrid fibril substrates, indicating the nucleating ability of BBT. Oriented PP ribbon-like crystals with a thickness of 200 nm around BBT fibrils are observed. The formation of this unique crystal morphology is attributed to the epitaxial crystallization under the shearing orientation effect. A new transition peak well above the glass transition of PP is observed, which is attributed to the glass transition of the confined amorphous PP in the ribbon-like crystal layers around the fibrils. The fold-surface free energy of the BBT included composites is substantially decreased, suggesting facilitated crystallization in the presence of hybrid fibrils.

Structure, apatite inducing ability, and corrosion behavior of chitosan/halloysite nanotube coatings prepared by electrophoretic deposition on titanium substrate.

Science.gov (United States)

Molaei, A; Amadeh, A; Yari, M; Reza Afshar, M

2016-02-01

In this study chitosan/halloysite nanotube composite (CS/HNT) coatings were deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on titanium substrate. Using HNT particles were investigated as new substituents for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in chitosan matrix coatings. The ability of chitosan as a stabilizing, charging, and blending agent for HNT particles was exploited. Furthermore, the effects of pH, electrophoretic bath, and sonicating duration were studied on the deposition of suspensions containing HNT particles. Microstructure properties of coatings showed uniform distribution of HNT particles in chitosan matrix to form smooth nanocomposite coatings. The zeta potential results revealed that at pH around 3 there is an isoelectric point for HNT and it would have cathodic and anionic states at pH values less and more than 3, respectively. Therefore, CS/HNT composite deposits were produced in the pH range of 2.5 to 3. The apatite inducing ability of chitosan-HNT composite coating assigned that HNT particles were biocompatible because they formed carbonated hydroxyapatite particles on CS/HNT coating in corrected simulated body fluid (C-SBF). Finally, electrochemical corrosion characterizations determined that corrosion resistance in CS/HNT coating has been improved compared to bare titanium substrate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxicity of zearalenone on the intestines of pregnant sows and their offspring and alleviation with modified halloysite nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Min; Zhu, Dandan; Guo, Tao; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Shi, Baoming; Shan, Anshan; Chen, Zhihui

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of maternal exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) on the intestines of pregnant sows and offspring on postnatal days (PD) 1, 21 and 188. Eighteen pregnant sows (six per treatment) were fed a control diet (ZEN, 0.03 mg kg -1 ), ZEN diet (ZEN, 2.77 mg kg -1 ) and ZEN + 1% modified halloysite nanotube (MHNT) diet (ZEN, 2.76 mg kg -1 ) respectively from gestation days (GD) 35 to 70. At the end of the experiment, three sows of each group on GD70 and the offspring on PD1, PD21 and PD188 were killed to analyze the changes of intestines. The results showed that ZEN caused oxidative stress, an inflammatory response, changes in the structure of jejunum and alterations of the bacterial numbers in cecal digesta in pregnant sows and PD1 and PD21 piglets. On PD188, bacterial numbers were also altered. MHNTs supplementation reduced the amount of ZEN in the intestine and reversed to a large extent the effects induced by ZEN on the intestines of pregnant sows and offspring. The results obtained from this study indicated that MHNTs treatment was beneficial for the adsorption of ZEN in the intestine of sows. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Surface-dependent cytotoxicity on bacteria as a model for environmental stress of halloysite nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Choi, Hyo-Jick, E-mail: hyojickchoi@gmail.com [National Institute for Nanotechnology, Nanotechnology Accelerator and Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (Canada); Stazak, Theodore J. [School of Energy, Environmental, Biological and Medical Engineering, University of Cincinnati (United States); Montemagno, Carlo D., E-mail: montemag@ualberta.ca [National Institute for Nanotechnology, Nanotechnology Accelerator and Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (Canada)

2013-10-15

This study examined the cytotoxicity of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by investigating physiological responses of Escherichia coli, from cell growth to protein expression. Surfaces of HNTs were modified by amine functionalization (NH{sub 2}-HNTs) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) coating and their cytotoxicity levels were compared with that of non-modified HNTs (Bare-HNTs). Bare- and NH{sub 2}-HNTs exhibited accelerated cell death rates at {>=}0.5 mg/ml of HNTs. It was also found that concentration as low as 0.01 mg/ml of HNTs exerted significant toxic effects on the bacterial cells. Cellular viability, metabolic activity, and DNA replication all decreased with increasing concentrations of Bare- and NH{sub 2}-HNTs. In contrast, 0.01 mg/ml of BSA-coated HNTs (BSA-HNTs) coated showed no evidence of cytotoxicity. Even at concentrations {<=}0.1 mg/ml, the cytocompatibility of BSA-HNTs was significantly better than those of Bare- and NH{sub 2}-HNTs, which was confirmed by the observation of (i) the same or similar levels of cell proliferation and cell viability to the control, and (ii) higher levels of metabolic activity and plasmid DNA replication than those of Bare- and NH{sub 2}-HNTs. In addition, higher ranaspumin-2 protein yield was observed from bacterial culture supplemented with BSA-HNTs (100, 83, and 80 % of yield at 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/ml, respectively, relative to the control). This work showed that the increase of bacterial cytotoxicity of HNTs correlated well with elevating HNT concentration and that surface modification of HNTs with amine functional group and BSA coating was an effective strategy to reduce cytotoxicity up to 0.1 mg/ml of HNTs.

Absolute variation of the mechanical characteristics of halloysite reinforced polyurethane nanocomposites complemented by Taguchi and ANOVA approaches

Science.gov (United States)

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H.; Nassir, Mohamed H.; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A.

The variation of the results of the mechanical properties of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) at different HNTs loadings was implemented as a tool for analysis. The preparation of HNTs-TPU nanocomposites was performed under four controlled parameters of mixing temperature, mixing speed, mixing time, and HNTs loading at three levels each to satisfy Taguchi method orthogonal array L9 aiming to optimize these parameters for the best measurements of tensile strength, Young's modulus, and tensile strain (known as responses). The maximum variation of the experimental results for each response was determined and analysed based on the optimized results predicted by Taguchi method and ANOVA. It was found that the maximum absolute variations of the three mentioned responses are 69%, 352%, and 126%, respectively. The analysis has shown that the preparation of the optimized tensile strength requires 1 wt.% HNTs loading (excluding 2 wt.% and 3 wt.%), mixing temperature of 190 °C (excluding 200 °C and 210 °C), and mixing speed of 30 rpm (excluding 40 rpm and 50 rpm). In addition, the analysis has determined that the mixing time at 20 min has no effect on the preparation. The mentioned analysis was fortified by ANOVA, images of FESEM, and DSC results. Seemingly, the agglomeration and distribution of HNTs in the nanocomposite play an important role in the process. The outcome of the analysis could be considered as a very important step towards the reliability of Taguchi method.

Optimization of Processing Condition of Nanocomposites According to the Structural Changes of Halloysite Nanotubes Under Impact Behavior

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Yun-Hae; Park, Soo-Jeong; Nakagaito, Antonio Norio

2017-08-01

In the present study, optimal dispersion conditions were developed to disperse nanocomposites containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and unsaturated polyester (UP) resin using ultrasonic dispersion method. Due to the presence of a substantial amount of water in HNTs, their properties depend on the operating temperature when dispersing. It is, therefore, important to understand the structural changes of HNTs that occur when changing the operating temperature. HNTs heat-treated at various temperatures have different structures and mechanical/chemical properties. Therefore, in this research, HNTs were treated at two temperatures, 773.15 K and 973.15 K (500 °C and 700 °C), and the correlation between UP resin and heat-treated HNTs was studied in detail. The quantities of HNTs were 0.5 and 1 wt pct, for the 773.15 K and 973.15 K (500 °C and 700 °C) heat treatment temperatures, respectively. The contents of HNTs were restricted in order to demonstrate the aggregation phenomenon. The dispersion was carried out by ultrasonication. All structural changes including dispersion behavior were examined by TEM. The mechanical properties were assessed by impact tests. The results showed that the high impact strength of the nanocomposite containing 1 wt pct of 973.15 K (700 °C) heat-treated HNT was superior. In other words, it can be said that the rheological property of the matrix resin depended on the quantities of HNTs and the heat treatment temperature.

Halloysite nanotube incorporation into adhesive systems—effect on bond strength to human dentin.

Science.gov (United States)

Alkatheeri, Mohammed S; Palasuk, Jadesada; Eckert, George J; Platt, Jeffrey A; Bottino, Marco C

2015-11-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Halloysite® aluminosilicate clay nanotube (HNT) incorporation into a two-step etch-and-rinse (ER) and a one-step self-etch (SE) adhesive on human dentin shear bond strength (SBS). Ten groups (n = 12) were prepared according to the adhesive system (i.e., ER or SE) and amount of HNT incorporated (5-20%, w/v), as follows: commercial control (i.e., the adhesive was used as purchased, 0% HNT); experimental control (i.e., the adhesive was processed through mixing/stirring and sonication similarly to the HNT-incorporated experimental groups, but without HNT); and 5, 10, and 20% HNT. SBS testing was performed after 24 h of storage in deionized water at 37 °C. Failure modes were examined using a stereomicroscope (×40). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the resin-dentin interface of selected specimens was carried out. Two-way ANOVA revealed that incorporation of HNT up to 20% (w/v) in ER and up to 10% (w/v) in SE demonstrated an increased SBS compared to their experimental controls. Compared to the commercial control, SBS of HNT-modified dentin adhesives was not significantly different for ER adhesives (p > 0.05) but was significantly higher with 5% HNT in the SE adhesive (p < 0.05). Failure modes were predominantly adhesive and mixed failures. SEM micrographs of resin-dentin interfaces for ER-commercial control and ER-10% showed a similar morphology. A thicker adhesive layer and the presence of agglomerated HNT on the resin tags were seen in ER-10%. An increased number of short resin tags in SE-5% compared with SE-commercial control were observed. HNT addition up to 20% in ER and up to 10 % in SE showed increased SBS to dentin compared with the experimental control. HNT can be used not only to reinforce adhesive resins but also hold potential for the development of bioactive adhesives by the encapsulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors or anticariogenic agents.

Antifouling Thermoplastic Composites with Maleimide Encapsulated in Clay Nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Fu, Ye; Gong, Congcong; Wang, Wencai; Zhang, Liqun; Ivanov, Evgenii; Lvov, Yuri

2017-09-06

An antifouling ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) coating with halloysite clay nanotubes loaded with maleimide (TCPM) is prepared. Such antifoulant encapsulation allowed for extended release of TCPM and a long-lasting, efficient protection of the coated surface against marine microorganisms proliferation. Halloysite also induces the composite's anisotropy due to parallel alignment of the nanotubes. The maleimide loaded halloysite incorporated into the polymer matrix allowed for 12-month release of the bacterial inhibitor preventing fouling; it is much longer than the 2-3 month protection when TCPM is directly admixed into EVA. The antifouling properties of the EVA-halloysite nanocomposites were tested by monitoring surface adhesion and proliferation of marine V. natriegens bacteria with SEM. As compared to the composite directly doped with TCPM-antifoulant, there were much less bacteria accumulated on the EVA-halloysite-TCPM coating after a 2-month exposure to seawater. Field tests at South China Sea marine station further confirmed the formulation efficiency. The doping of 28 wt % TCPM loaded halloysite drastically enhanced material antifouling property, which promises wide applications for protective marine coating.

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) grafted halloysite nanotubes as a molecular host matrix for luminescent ions prepared by surface-initiated RAFT polymerization and coordination chemistry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Islam, Md. Rafiqul; Bach, Long Giang; Lim, Kwon Taek, E-mail: ktlim@pknu.ac.kr

2013-07-01

A fluorescent nanohybrid complex comprising of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), and europium ions (Eu{sup 3+}) was synthesized by the combination of surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI-RAFT) polymerization and coordination chemistry. Initially, PHEMA was grafted from the HNTs by SI-RAFT and then reacted with succinic anhydride to provide carboxyl acid groups on the external layers of HNTs-g-PHEMA nanohybrids. The subsequent coordination of the nanohybrids with Eu{sup 3+} ions afforded photoluminescent Eu{sup 3+} tagged HNTs-g-PHEMA nanohybrid complexes (HNTs-g-PHEMA-Eu{sup 3+}). The structure, morphology, and fluorescence properties of the Eu{sup 3+} coordinated nanohybrid complexes were investigated by respective physical and spectral studies. FT-IR, XPS, and EDS analyses suggested the formation of the HNTs-g-PHEMA-Eu{sup 3+} nanohybrids. FE-SEM images indicated the immobilization of polymer layers on HNTs. TGA scans further demonstrated the grafting of PHEMA onto HNTs surface. The optical properties of HNTs-g-PHEMA-Eu{sup 3+} nanohybrid complexes were investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Comparison between PCL/hydroxyapatite (HA) and PCL/halloysite nanotube (HNT) composite scaffolds prepared by co-extrusion and gas foaming.

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Jing, Xin; Mi, Hao-Yang; Turng, Lih-Sheng

2017-03-01

In this work, three-dimensional poly(caprolactone) (PCL) tissue engineering scaffolds were prepared by co-extrusion and gas foaming. Biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HA) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were added to the polymer matrix to enhance the mechanical properties and bioactivity of the composite scaffolds. The effects of HA and HNT on the rheological behavior, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds were systematically compared. It was found that the HNT improved viscosity more significantly than HA, and reduced the pore size of scaffolds, while the mechanical performance of PCL/HNT scaffolds was higher than PCL/HA scaffolds with the same filler content. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were used as the cell model to compare the biological properties of two composite scaffolds. The results demonstrated that cells could survive on all scaffolds, and showed a more flourishing living state on the composite scaffolds. The cell differentiation for 5% HA and 1% HNT scaffolds were significantly higher than other scaffolds, while the differentiation of 5% HNT scaffolds was lower than that of 1% HNT scaffolds mainly because of the reduced pore size and pore interconnectivity. Therefore, this study suggested that, with proper filler content and control of microstructure through processing, HNT could be a suitable substitute for HA for bone tissue engineering to reduce the cost and improve mechanical performance. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Three-dimensionally interconnected Si frameworks derived from natural halloysite clay: a high-capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

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Wan, Hao; Xiong, Hao; Liu, Xiaohe; Chen, Gen; Zhang, Ning; Wang, Haidong; Ma, Renzhi; Qiu, Guanzhou

2018-05-23

On account of its high theoretical capacity, silicon (Si) has been regarded as a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries. Extracting Si content from earth-abundant and low-cost aluminosilicate minerals, rather than from artificial silica (SiO2) precursors, is a more favorable and practical method for the large-scale application of Si anodes. In this work, three-dimensionally interconnected (3D-interconnected) Si frameworks with a branch diameter of ∼15 nm are prepared by the reduction of amorphous SiO2 nanotubes derived from natural halloysite clay. Benefiting from their nanostructure, the as-prepared 3D-interconnected Si frameworks yield high reversible capacities of 2.54 A h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 50 cycles, 1.87 A h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 after 200 cycles, and 0.97 A h g-1 at 2 A g-1 after a long-term charge-discharge process of 500 cycles, remarkably outperforming the commercial Si material. Further, when the as-prepared Si frameworks and commercial LiCoO2 cathodes are paired in full cells, a high anode capacity of 0.98 A h g-1 is achieved after 100 cycles of rapid charge/discharge at 2 A g-1. This work provides a new strategy for the synthesis of high-capacity Si anodes derived from natural aluminosilicate clay.

Development of Natural Insect-Repellent Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes and their Application to Food Packaging to Prevent Plodia interpunctella Infestation.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Jungheon; Park, No-Hyung; Na, Ja Hyun; Han, Jaejoon

2016-08-01

The aims of this study were to develop insect-proof halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and apply the HNTs to a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film that will prevent Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), commonly known as Indian mealmoth, from infesting the food. Clove bud oil (CO), an insect repellent, was encapsulated into HNTs with polyethylenimine (PEI) to bring about controlled release of CO. Chemical composition and insecticidal effect of CO were examined. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of encapsulated CO was confirmed. The surface charges of uncoated HNTs (HNTs/CO) and coated HNTs with PEI by the layer-by-layer (LBL) method (HNTs/CO/LBL) were determined to be -37.23 and 36.33 mV, respectively. HNTs/CO/LBL showed slow, controlled release of CO compared to HNTs/CO. After 30 d, the residual amounts of CO in HNTs/CO and HNTs/CO/LBL were estimated to be 13.43 and 28.66 mg/g, respectively. HNTs/CO/LBL showed the most sustainable repellent effect. HNTs applied to gravure printing ink solution did not affect mechanical, optical, or thermal properties of the developed film. Gravure-printed LDPE film containing HNTs/CO/LBL displayed the greatest preventive effect on insect penetration, indicating its potential for use as insect-resistant food packaging materials. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Novel polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiltration membrane blended with functionalized halloysite nanotubes for dye and heavy metal ions removal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeng, Guangyong; He, Yi; Zhan, Yingqing; Zhang, Lei; Pan, Yang; Zhang, Chunli; Yu, Zongxue

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A novel PVDF nanofiltration membrane was prepared by incorporation of A-HNTs. • HNTs dispersed well in membrane matrix after APTES modification. • The membrane exhibited excellent hydrophilicity and antifouling properties. • A high dye and heavy metal ions removal was realized by membrane separation. - Abstract: Membrane separation is an effective method for the removal of hazardous materials from wastewater. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiltration membranes were prepared by blending with various concentrations of APTES grafted HNTs (A-HNTs). The morphology structure of the membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The contact angle (CA), pure water flux (PWF) and antifouling capacity of membranes were investigated in detail. In addition, the separation performance of membranes were reflected by the removal of dye and heavy metal ions in simulated wastewater. The results revealed that the hydrophilicity of A-HNTs blended PVDF membrane (A-HNTs@PVDF) was enhanced significantly. Owing to the electrostatic interaction between membrane surface and dye molecules, the dye rejection ratio of 3% A-HNTs@PVDF membrane reached 94.9%. The heavy metal ions rejection ratio and adsorption capacity of membrane were also improved with the addition of A-HNTs. More importantly, A-HNTs@PVDF membrane exhibited excellent rejection stability and reuse performances after several times fouling and washing tests. It can be expected that the present work will provide insight into a new method for membrane modification in the field of wastewater treatment.

Novel polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiltration membrane blended with functionalized halloysite nanotubes for dye and heavy metal ions removal

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zeng, Guangyong [State Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); He, Yi, E-mail: heyi@swpu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Zhan, Yingqing; Zhang, Lei; Pan, Yang; Zhang, Chunli; Yu, Zongxue [State Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China)

2016-11-05

Highlights: • A novel PVDF nanofiltration membrane was prepared by incorporation of A-HNTs. • HNTs dispersed well in membrane matrix after APTES modification. • The membrane exhibited excellent hydrophilicity and antifouling properties. • A high dye and heavy metal ions removal was realized by membrane separation. - Abstract: Membrane separation is an effective method for the removal of hazardous materials from wastewater. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiltration membranes were prepared by blending with various concentrations of APTES grafted HNTs (A-HNTs). The morphology structure of the membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The contact angle (CA), pure water flux (PWF) and antifouling capacity of membranes were investigated in detail. In addition, the separation performance of membranes were reflected by the removal of dye and heavy metal ions in simulated wastewater. The results revealed that the hydrophilicity of A-HNTs blended PVDF membrane (A-HNTs@PVDF) was enhanced significantly. Owing to the electrostatic interaction between membrane surface and dye molecules, the dye rejection ratio of 3% A-HNTs@PVDF membrane reached 94.9%. The heavy metal ions rejection ratio and adsorption capacity of membrane were also improved with the addition of A-HNTs. More importantly, A-HNTs@PVDF membrane exhibited excellent rejection stability and reuse performances after several times fouling and washing tests. It can be expected that the present work will provide insight into a new method for membrane modification in the field of wastewater treatment.

XNBR-grafted halloysite nanotube core-shell as a potential compatibilizer for immiscible polymer systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paran, S.M.R.; Naderi, G., E-mail: g.naderi@ippi.ac.ir; Ghoreishy, M.H.R.

2016-09-30

Highlights: • Attached an utilitarian silane coupling agent to the HNT via a sol-gel method. • Developed and analyzed the HNT/XNBR core-shell particles via sol-gel technique. • Enhanced the reactivity of the surface of HNT through XNBR grafting. • The act of HNT/XNBR as a compatibilizer in PA6/NBR TPEs. • Immiscible Polymer System with a good balanced physical and mechanical properties. - Abstract: Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) grafted with carboxylated nitrile byutadiene rubber (XNBR) were synthesized via a sol-gel method. The HNTs as an inorganic cores were pre-treated with 3-Glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, then successfully coated with the XNBR as an organic shell. The properties of XNBR-grafted HNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results suggested that the XNBR grafted to the surfaces of HNTs successfully. Then the TPE nanocomposites based on polyamide-6 (PA6) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) containing various XNBR-grafted and pristine HNTs were prepared via a direct melt mixing method. The morphology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical and rheological properties of the prepared TPE nanocomposites were investigated. The results show that the XNBR-grafted HNTs can effectively improve the morphology and mechanical properties of the PA6/NBR TPEs. The morphology study of the prepared nanocomposites show that the effect of XNBR-grafted HNTs on the size reduction of NBR phase is markedly more effective than the pristine HNTs and rose by 50% in the same concentrations. Mechanical measurements show that the Young’s modulus of the TPE nanocomposites rose by 60% in just 7 wt% of XNBR-grafted HNT loading. The results indicate that the introduction of HNT/XNBR core-shells into the PA6/NBR TPEs can enhances the interfacial interactions

XNBR-grafted halloysite nanotube core-shell as a potential compatibilizer for immiscible polymer systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paran, S.M.R.; Naderi, G.; Ghoreishy, M.H.R.

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Attached an utilitarian silane coupling agent to the HNT via a sol-gel method. • Developed and analyzed the HNT/XNBR core-shell particles via sol-gel technique. • Enhanced the reactivity of the surface of HNT through XNBR grafting. • The act of HNT/XNBR as a compatibilizer in PA6/NBR TPEs. • Immiscible Polymer System with a good balanced physical and mechanical properties. - Abstract: Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) grafted with carboxylated nitrile byutadiene rubber (XNBR) were synthesized via a sol-gel method. The HNTs as an inorganic cores were pre-treated with 3-Glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, then successfully coated with the XNBR as an organic shell. The properties of XNBR-grafted HNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results suggested that the XNBR grafted to the surfaces of HNTs successfully. Then the TPE nanocomposites based on polyamide-6 (PA6) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) containing various XNBR-grafted and pristine HNTs were prepared via a direct melt mixing method. The morphology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical and rheological properties of the prepared TPE nanocomposites were investigated. The results show that the XNBR-grafted HNTs can effectively improve the morphology and mechanical properties of the PA6/NBR TPEs. The morphology study of the prepared nanocomposites show that the effect of XNBR-grafted HNTs on the size reduction of NBR phase is markedly more effective than the pristine HNTs and rose by 50% in the same concentrations. Mechanical measurements show that the Young’s modulus of the TPE nanocomposites rose by 60% in just 7 wt% of XNBR-grafted HNT loading. The results indicate that the introduction of HNT/XNBR core-shells into the PA6/NBR TPEs can enhances the interfacial interactions

Toughening of poly(lactic acid without sacrificing stiffness and strength by melt-blending with polyamide 11 and selective localization of halloysite nanotubes

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B. J. Rashmi

2015-08-01

Full Text Available This paper aims at improving the mechanical behavior of biobased brittle amorphous polylactide (PLA by extrusion melt-blending with biobased semi-crystalline polyamide 11 (PA11 and addition of halloysite nanotubes (HNT. The morphological analysis of the PLA/PA11/HNT blends shows a strong interface between the two polymeric phases due to hydrogen bonding, and the migration of HNTs towards PA11 phase inducing their selective localization in one of the polymeric phases of the blend. A ‘salami-like’ structure is formed revealing a HNTs-rich tubular-like (fibrillar PA11 phase. Moreover, HNTs localized in the dispersed phase act as nucleating agents for PA11. Compared to neat PLA, this leads to a remarkable improvement in tensile and impact properties (elongation at break is multiplied by a factor 43, impact strength by 2, whereas tensile strength and stiffness are almost unchanged. The toughening mechanism is discussed based on the combined effect of resistance to crack propagation and nanotubes load bearing capacity due to the existence of the fibrillar structure. Thus, blending brittle PLA with PA11 and HNT nanotubes results in tailor-made PLA-based compounds with enhanced ductility without sacrificing stiffness and strength.

Chitosan/halloysite beads fabricated by ultrasonic-assisted extrusion-dripping and a case study application for copper ion removal.

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Choo, Cheng Keong; Kong, Xin Ying; Goh, Tze Lim; Ngoh, Gek Cheng; Horri, Bahman Amini; Salamatinia, Babak

2016-03-15

Development of new materials for different applications especially as bio-composites has received great attention. This study concentrates on development of a biopolymer based on chitosan (CT) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and evaluates the copper removal intake as a potential application of this bio-composite. In this study, CT/HNT beads were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted extrusion-dripping method for the first time. Two sources of HNTs (i.e. Dragonite and Matauri Bay) were added into a chitosan solution (2wt.%) at various loading fractions (25, 50, 75wt.%). The effect of ultrasound as a mixing device was also studied by varying the amplitude at constant frequency of 25%, 50% and 75%. Characteristics and physical properties of the prepared CT/HNT beads were also analyzed by SEM, FTIR, TGA and BET the results show that introducing HNT to chitosan increases the adsorption capacity toward copper ions; however HNT loading fraction above 50wt.% resulted in a decrease in adsorption capacity attributed to limited accessibility of the amino groups. The adsorption capacity of the CT/HNT beads prepared from Dragonite source had a larger adsorption capacity of 14.2mg/g as compared to that of Matauri Bay, 10.55mg/g. It was observed that the adsorption capacity of the beads toward copper ions decreased when the loading fraction of HNT is increased at constant ultrasound amplitude. The result of this study helps to understand the links between the characteristics and adsorption abilities of CT/HNT beads. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Absolute variation of the mechanical characteristics of halloysite reinforced polyurethane nanocomposites complemented by Taguchi and ANOVA approaches

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Tayser Sumer Gaaz

Full Text Available The variation of the results of the mechanical properties of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU at different HNTs loadings was implemented as a tool for analysis. The preparation of HNTs-TPU nanocomposites was performed under four controlled parameters of mixing temperature, mixing speed, mixing time, and HNTs loading at three levels each to satisfy Taguchi method orthogonal array L9 aiming to optimize these parameters for the best measurements of tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and tensile strain (known as responses. The maximum variation of the experimental results for each response was determined and analysed based on the optimized results predicted by Taguchi method and ANOVA. It was found that the maximum absolute variations of the three mentioned responses are 69%, 352%, and 126%, respectively. The analysis has shown that the preparation of the optimized tensile strength requires 1 wt.% HNTs loading (excluding 2 wt.% and 3 wt.%, mixing temperature of 190 °C (excluding 200 °C and 210 °C, and mixing speed of 30 rpm (excluding 40 rpm and 50 rpm. In addition, the analysis has determined that the mixing time at 20 min has no effect on the preparation. The mentioned analysis was fortified by ANOVA, images of FESEM, and DSC results. Seemingly, the agglomeration and distribution of HNTs in the nanocomposite play an important role in the process. The outcome of the analysis could be considered as a very important step towards the reliability of Taguchi method. Keywords: Nanocomposite, Design-of-experiment, Taguchi optimization method, Mechanical properties

TiO2/Halloysite Composites Codoped with Carbon and Nitrogen from Melamine and Their Enhanced Solar-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Performance

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Pengcheng Yao

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Carbon (C and nitrogen (N codoped anatase TiO2/amorphous halloysite nanotubes (C+N-TiO2/HNTs were fabricated using melamine as C and N source. The samples prepared by different weight ratios of melamine and TiO2 were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer. It is shown that the doping amounts of C and N could influence the photocatalytic performance of as-prepared composites. When the weight ratio of melamine/TiO2 is 4.5, the C+N-TiO2/HNTs exhibited the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency of methyl blue (MB under solar light irradiation. The obtained C+N-TiO2/HNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm (BET, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR. The results showed that the aggregation was effectively reduced, and TiO2 nanoparticles could be uniformly deposited on the surface of HNTs. This leads to an increase of their specific surface area. XPS and FT-IR analyses indicated TiO2 particles were doped successfully with C and N via the linkage of the Ti–O–N, O–Ti–N, and Ti–O–C. Photocatalytic experiments showed that C+N-TiO2/HNTs had higher degradation efficiency of MB than TiO2/HNTs. This makes the composite a potential candidate for the photocatalytic wastewater treatment.

Antimicrobial gelatin-based elastomer nanocomposite membrane loaded with ciprofloxacin and polymyxin B sulfate in halloysite nanotubes for wound dressing.

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Shi, Rui; Niu, Yuzhao; Gong, Min; Ye, Jingjing; Tian, Wei; Zhang, Liqun

2018-06-01

Bacterial infection is a major problem world-wide, especially in wound treatment where it can severely prolong the healing process. In this study, a double drug co-delivery elastic antibacterial nanocomposite was developed by combining ciprofloxacin (CPX) and polymyxin B sulfate-loaded halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs-B) into a gelatin elastomer. CPX nanoparticles which act against both gram positive and gram-negative bacterium were dispersed directly in the matrix, and polymyxin B sulfate was loaded in HNTs and then distributed into the matrix. The effect of CPX and HNTs-B content on the physical properties, cytotoxicity, fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, in vitro drug release behavior and anti-bacterial properties were systematically investigated. The ciprofloxacin crystals and HNT-B were distributed in the matrix uniformly. The HNTs in the drug loading system not only enhanced the matrix' tensile strength but also slowed down the release rate of the high dissoluble polymyxin B sulfate. When the amount of HNT in the matrix increased, the thermal stability and tensile strength also increased but the polymyxin B sulfate release rate decreased because the HNTs prevented the drug release inside. All the nanocomposites exhibited antimicrobial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria with the dual combination of drugs released from the nanocomposites. Furthermore, this kind of gelatin-based nanocomposites possesses higher water-absorbing quality, low cytotoxicity, adaptable biodegradability and good elasticity which can satisfy the requirements for an ideal biomaterial for use in wound healing applications. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Multifunctional halloysite nanotubes for targeted delivery and controlled release of doxorubicin in-vitro and in-vivo studies

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Hu, Yuwei; Chen, Jian; Li, Xiufang; Sun, Yanhua; Huang, Shen; Li, Yuqing; Liu, Hui; Xu, Jiangfeng; Zhong, Shian

2017-09-01

The current state of cancer therapy encourages researchers to develop novel efficient nanocarriers. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are good nanocarrier candidates due to their unique nanoscale (40-80 nm in diamter and 200-500 nm in length) and hollow lumen, as well as good biocompatibility and low cost. In our study, we prepared a type of folate-mediated targeting and redox-triggered anticancer drug delivery system, so that Doxorubicin (DOX) can be specifically transported to tumor sites due to the over-expressed folate-receptors on the surface of cancer cells. Furthermore, it can then be released by the reductive agent glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells where the content of GSH is nearly 103-fold higher than in the extracellular matrix. A series of methods have demonstrated that per-thiol-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-(SH)7) was successfully combined with HNTs via a redox-responsive disulfide bond, and folic acid-polyethylene glycol-adamantane (FA-PEG-Ad) was immobilized on the HNTs through the strong complexation between β-CD/Ad. In vitro studies indicated that the release rate of DOX raised sharply in dithiothreitol (DTT) reducing environment and the amount of released DOX reached 70% in 10 mM DTT within the first 10 h, while only 40% of DOX was released in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) even after 79 h. Furthermore, the targeted HNTs could be specifically endocytosed by over-expressed folate-receptor cancer cells and significantly accelerate the apoptosis of cancer cells compared to non-targeted HNTs. In vivo studies further verified that the targeted HNTs had the best therapeutic efficacy and no obvious side effects for tumor-bearing nude mice, while free DOX showed damaging effects on normal tissues. In summary, this novel nanocarrier system shows excellent potential for targeted delivery and controlled release of anticancer drugs and provides a potential platform for tumor therapy.

Physico-mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of furfuryl alcohol/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate/halloysite nanoclay wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNCs

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Md. Rezaur Rahman

2017-07-01

Full Text Available In this study, the physical, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of furfuryl alcohol/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate/halloysite nanoclay wood polymer nanocomposites (FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs were investigated. FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs were prepared via an impregnation method and the properties of the nanocomposites were characterized through the weight percent gain, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, three-point flexural test, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC analysis and moisture absorption test. The weight percent gain in the 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC was the highest compared with the raw wood (RW and other WPNCs. The FT-IR results confirmed that polymerization took place in the nanocomposites, especially 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC, which had a reduced amount of hydroxyl groups. The SEM results revealed that the 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC had the smoothest and most uniform surface among all of the nanocomposites. The 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC showed the highest flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. The results revealed that the storage modulus and loss modulus of the FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs were higher and the tan δ of FA-co-EHMA-HNC WNPCs was lower compared with the RW. The FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs exhibited the higher thermal stability in the TGA and DSC analysis. The 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC exhibited remarkably lower moisture absorption compared with the RW. Overall, this study proved that the ratio 50:50 FA-co-EHMA ratio was the most suitable for introduction in the in the RW.

Concept of Aided Phytostabilization of Contaminated Soils in Postindustrial Areas.

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Radziemska, Maja; Koda, Eugeniusz; Bilgin, Ayla; Vaverková, Mgdalena D

2017-12-23

The experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of trace element immobilizing soil amendments, i.e., chalcedonite, dolomite, halloysite, and diatomite on the chemical characteristics of soil contaminated with Cr and the uptake of metals by plants. The study utilized analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA). The content of trace elements in plants, pseudo-total and extracted by 0.01 M CaCl₂, were determined using the method of spectrophotometry. All of the investigated element contents in the tested parts of Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea L.) differed significantly in the case of applying amendments to the soil, as well as Cr contamination. The greatest average above-ground biomass was observed when halloysite and dolomite were amended to the soil. Halloysite caused significant increases of Cr concentrations in the roots. The obtained values of bioconcentration and translocation factors observed for halloysite treatment indicate the effectiveness of using Indian mustard in phytostabilization techniques. The addition of diatomite significantly increased soil pH. Halloysite and chalcedonite were shown to be the most effective and decreased the average Cr, Cu and Zn contents in soil.

Enhanced mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of electrospun poly(L-lactide) composite fiber membranes assisted by polydopamine-coated halloysite nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Luo, Chuang; Zou, Ziping [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Luo, Binghong, E-mail: tluobh@jnu.edu.cn [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Wen, Wei [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Li, Huihua [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Liu, Mingxian [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Zhou, Changren, E-mail: tcrz9@jnu.edu.cn [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China)

2016-04-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • D-HNTs was prepared by a facile approach based on the self-polymerization of DOPA. • The D-HNTs can disperse more uniformly in PLLA matrix than untreated HNTs. • The interfacial adhesion between D-HNTs and PLLA matrix was obviously improved. • D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane has better tensile properties compared with HNTs/PLLA. • The D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane is favorable to cell adhesion and proliferation. - Abstract: To improve the dispersion and interfacial interaction between halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) matrix, and hence to increase the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of the HNTs/PLLA composite, a facile approach was developed to prepare polydopamine-coated HNTs (D-HNTs) by the self-polymerization of dopamine (DOPA), and then HNTs and D-HNTs were further introduced into PLLA matrix to fabricate HNTs/PLLA and D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membranes based on electrospinning technique. The successful immobilization of the polydopamine (PDOPA) coating on the surfaces of HNTs was confirmed, and such PDOPA coating played an important role in improving the interfacial interaction between the nanotubes and PLLA matrix. The D-HNTs were dispersed in the matrix more uniformly than untreated HNTs, and relative smooth and uniform fiber were obtained for the D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane. As a result, the tensile strength and modulus of the D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane were obviously superior to those of the HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane. Cell culture results revealed that D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane was more effectively to promote MC3T3-E1 cells adhesion and proliferation than neat PLLA and HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane.

Enhanced mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of electrospun poly(L-lactide) composite fiber membranes assisted by polydopamine-coated halloysite nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luo, Chuang; Zou, Ziping; Luo, Binghong; Wen, Wei; Li, Huihua; Liu, Mingxian; Zhou, Changren

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • D-HNTs was prepared by a facile approach based on the self-polymerization of DOPA. • The D-HNTs can disperse more uniformly in PLLA matrix than untreated HNTs. • The interfacial adhesion between D-HNTs and PLLA matrix was obviously improved. • D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane has better tensile properties compared with HNTs/PLLA. • The D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane is favorable to cell adhesion and proliferation. - Abstract: To improve the dispersion and interfacial interaction between halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) matrix, and hence to increase the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of the HNTs/PLLA composite, a facile approach was developed to prepare polydopamine-coated HNTs (D-HNTs) by the self-polymerization of dopamine (DOPA), and then HNTs and D-HNTs were further introduced into PLLA matrix to fabricate HNTs/PLLA and D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membranes based on electrospinning technique. The successful immobilization of the polydopamine (PDOPA) coating on the surfaces of HNTs was confirmed, and such PDOPA coating played an important role in improving the interfacial interaction between the nanotubes and PLLA matrix. The D-HNTs were dispersed in the matrix more uniformly than untreated HNTs, and relative smooth and uniform fiber were obtained for the D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane. As a result, the tensile strength and modulus of the D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane were obviously superior to those of the HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane. Cell culture results revealed that D-HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane was more effectively to promote MC3T3-E1 cells adhesion and proliferation than neat PLLA and HNTs/PLLA fiber membrane.

Enhanced performance of microbial fuel cells by using MnO_2/Halloysite nanotubes to modify carbon cloth anodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Yingwen; Chen, Liuliu; Li, Peiwen; Xu, Yuan; Fan, Mengjie; Zhu, Shemin; Shen, Shubao

2016-01-01

The modification of anode materials is important to enhance the power generation of MFCs (microbial fuel cells). A novel and cost-effective modified anode that is fabricated by dispersing manganese dioxide (MnO_2) and HNTs (Halloysite nanotubes) on carbon cloth to improve the MFCs' power production was reported. The results show that the MnO_2/HNT anodes acquire more bacteria and provide greater kinetic activity and power density compared to the unmodified anode. Among all modified anodes, 75 wt% MnO_2/HNT exhibits the highest electrochemical performance. The maximum power density is 767.3 mWm"−"2, which 21.6 higher than the unmodified anode (631 mW/m"2). Besides, CE (Coulombic efficiency) was improved 20.7, indicating that more chemical energy transformed to electricity. XRD (X-Ray powder diffraction) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) are used to characterize the structure and functional groups of the anode. CV (cyclic voltammetry) scans and SEM (scanning electron microscope) images demonstrate that the measured power density is associated with the attachment of bacteria, the microorganism morphology differed between the modified and the original anode. These findings demonstrate that MnO_2/HNT nanocomposites can alter the characteristics of carbon cloth anodes to effectively modify the anode for practical MFC applications. - Highlights: • Different contents of MnO_2/HNT composites were prepared and used to modify anodes in MFCs. • The performance of MFCs was improved by the anode modification. • 75% wt MnO_2/HNT modified anode showed the better capacity on power density. • Water contact angle, CV, SEM were determined to figure out the effect of modification on MFCs. • MnO_2/HNT modified anode in MFCs was first studied to push MFCs technology forward.

Dispersion of phyllosilicates in aqueous suspensions: role of the nature and amount of surfactant.

Science.gov (United States)

Houta, Nadia; Lecomte-Nana, Gisèle-Laure; Tessier-Doyen, Nicolas; Peyratout, Claire

2014-07-01

The present work aims at investigating the effect of pH values and additives on the dispersion of two 1:1 dioctahedral phyllosilicates in the presence of water. Two model clays are used for this purpose, BIP kaolin and NZCC halloysite, presenting the same surface chemistry but different morphologies. The effect of sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium silicate and sodium carbonate is discussed. Kaolin and halloysite powders were first characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, suspensions containing 8 mass% of each clay were prepared with or without additives. Experimental measurements regarding the pH values, the zeta potential and the rheological behavior were performed to determine the most suitable additive. Results show that the conformation of halloysite particles changes regarding pH values of suspensions and is strongly related to the surface charges of these particles. At their natural pH values, halloysite and kaolin suspensions exhibit zeta potentials equal to -50 and -20 mV respectively. This trend indicates that halloysite-based suspensions are well dispersed compared to kaolin-based suspensions. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most suitable dispersant for both clays. The rheological characterization regarding further applications in casting process indicates a shear-thinning behavior for all studied compositions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Poly(L-lactide)/halloysite nanotube electrospun mats as dual-drug delivery systems and their therapeutic efficacy in infected full-thickness burns.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiazhi; Guo, Rui; Xu, Jiqing; Lan, Yong; Jiao, Yanpeng; Zhou, Changren; Zhao, Yaowu

2015-11-01

In this study, poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) electrospun mats were prepared as a dual-drug delivery system. HNTs were used to encapsulate polymyxin B sulphate (a hydrophilic drug). Dexamethasone (a hydrophobic drug) was directly dissolved in the PLLA solution. The drug-loaded HNTs with optimised encapsulation efficiency were then mixed with the PLLA solution for subsequent electrospinning to form composite dual-drug-loaded fibre mats. The structure, morphology, degradability and mechanical properties of the electrospun composite mats were characterised in detail. The results showed that the HNTs were uniformly distributed in the composite PLLA mats. The HNTs content in the mats could change the morphology and average diameter of the electrospun fibres. The HNTs improved both the tensile strength of the PLLA electrospun mats and their degradation ratio. The drug-release kinetics of the electrospun mats were investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The HNTs/PLLA ratio could be varied to adjust the release of polymyxin B sulphate and dexamethasone. The antibacterial activity in vitro of the mats was evaluated using agar diffusion and turbidimetry tests, which indicated the antibacterial efficacy of the dual-drug delivery system against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Healing in vivo of infected full-thickness burns and infected wounds was investigated by macroscopic observation, histological observation and immunohistochemical staining. The results indicated that the electrospun mats were capable of co-loading and co-delivering hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, and could potentially be used as novel antibacterial wound dressings. © The Author(s) 2015.

Mechanical and moisture barrier properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and halloysite nanotubes reinforced polylactic acid (PLA)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alberton, J; Martelli, S M; Soldi, V; Fakhouri, F M

2014-01-01

Polylactic acid (PLA) has been larger used in biomedical field due to its low toxicity and biodegradability. The aim of this study was to produce PLLA nanocomposites, by melt extrusion, containing Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and/or titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles. Immediately after drying, PLLA was mechanically homogenized with the nanofillers and then melt blended using a single screw extruder (L/D = 30) at a speed of 110 rpm, with three heating zones in which the following temperatures were maintained: 150, 150 and 160°C (AX Plasticos model AX14 LD30). The film samples were obtained by compression molding in a press with a temperature profile of 235 ± 5°C for 2.5 min, after pressing, films were cooled up to room temperature. The mechanical tests were performed according to ASTM D882-09 and the water vapor permeability (WVP) was measured according to ASTM E-96, in triplicate. The tensile properties indicated that the modulus was improved with increased TiO 2 content up to 1g/100g PLLA. The Young's modulus (YM) of the PLA was increased from 3047 MPa to 3222 MPa with the addition of 1g TiO 2 /100g PLLA. The tensile strength (TS) of films increases with the TiO 2 content. In both cases, the YM and TS are achieved at the 1% content of TiO 2 and is due to the reinforcing effect of nanoparticles. Pristine PLA showed a strain at break (SB) of 3.56%, while the SB of nanocomposites were significant lower, for instance the SB of composite containing 7.5 g HNT/100g PLLA was around 1.90 %. The WVP of samples was increased by increasing the nano filler content. It should be expected that an increase of nanofiller content would decrease the mass transfer of water molecules throughout the samples due to the increase in the way water molecules will have to cross to permeate the material. However, this was not observed. Therefore, this result can be explained considering the molecular structure of both fillers, which contain several hydroxyl groups in the surface

Halloysite nanotubes-titanium dioxide as a solid-phase microextraction coating combined with negative corona discharge-ion mobility spectrometry for the determination of parathion.

Science.gov (United States)

Saraji, Mohammad; Jafari, Mohammad Taghi; Mossaddegh, Mehdi

2016-07-05

Halloysite nanotubes-titanium dioxide (HNTs-TiO2) as a biocompatible environmentally friendly solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber coating was prepared. HNTs-TiO2 was chemically coated on the surface of a fused-silica fiber using a sol-gel process. Parathion as an organophosphorus pesticide was selected as a model compound to investigate the extraction efficiency of the fiber. The extracted analyte was detected by negative corona discharge-ion mobility spectrometer (NCD-IMS). The effective parameters on the extraction efficiency, such as salt effect, extraction temperature and extraction time were investigated and optimized. The extraction efficiency of HNTs-TiO2 fiber was compared with bare-silica (sol-gel based coating without HNTs-TiO2), HNTs, carbon nanotubes and commercial SPME fibers (PA, PDMS, and PDMS-DVB). The HNTs-TiO2 fiber showed highest extraction efficiency among the studied fibers. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were found to be 4.3 and 6.3%, respectively. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.03 and 0.1 μg L(-1), respectively. The dynamic range of the method was in the range of 0.1-25 μg L(-1). The spiking recoveries were between 85 (±9) and 97 (±6). The SPME-HNTs-TiO2 combined with NCD-IMS was successfully applied for the determination of parathion in apple, strawberry, celery and water samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimizing Injection Molding Parameters of Different Halloysites Type-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites via Taguchi Complemented with ANOVA

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Tayser Sumer Gaaz

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Halloysite nanotubes-thermoplastic polyurethane (HNTs-TPU nanocomposites are attractive products due to increasing demands for specialized materials. This study attempts to optimize the parameters for injection just before marketing. The study shows the importance of the preparation of the samples and how well these parameters play their roles in the injection. The control parameters for injection are carefully determined to examine the mechanical properties and the density of the HNTs-TPU nanocomposites. Three types of modified HNTs were used as untreated HNTs (uHNTs, sulfuric acid treated (aHNTs and a combined treatment of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-malonic acid (MA (treatment (mHNTs. It was found that mHNTs have the most influential effect of producing HNTs-TPU nanocomposites with the best qualities. One possible reason for this extraordinary result is the effect of SDS as a disperser and MA as a crosslinker between HNTs and PVA. For the highest tensile strength, the control parameters are demonstrated at 150 °C (injection temperature, 8 bar (injection pressure, 30 °C (mold temperature, 8 min (injection time, 2 wt % (HNTs loading and mHNT (HNTs type. Meanwhile, the optimized combination of the levels for all six control parameters that provide the highest Young’s modulus and highest density was found to be 150 °C (injection temperature, 8 bar (injection pressure, 32 °C (mold temperature, 8 min (injection time, 3 wt % (HNTs loading and mHNT (HNTs type. For the best tensile strain, the six control parameters are found to be 160 °C (injection temperature, 8 bar (injection pressure, 32 °C (mold temperature, 8 min (injection time, 2 wt % (HNTs loading and mHNT (HNTs type. For the highest hardness, the best parameters are 140 °C (injection temperature, 6 bar (injection pressure, 30 °C (mold temperature, 8 min (injection time, 2 wt % (HNTs loading and mHNT (HNTs type. The analyses are carried out by coordinating

Halloysite Nanotubes Noncovalently Functionalised with SDS Anionic Surfactant and PS-b-P4VP Block Copolymer for Their Effective Dispersion in Polystyrene as UV-Blocking Nanocomposite Films

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Lazaros Tzounis

2017-01-01

Full Text Available A simple and versatile method is reported for the noncovalent functionalisation of natural and “green” halloysite nanotubes (HNTs allowing their effective dispersion in a polystyrene (PS thermoplastic matrix via solvent mixing. Initially, HNTs (pristine HNTs were modified with physically adsorbed surfactant molecules of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS and PS-b-P4VP [P4VP: poly(4-vinylpyridine] block copolymer (BCP. Hereafter, SDS and BCP modified HNTs will be indicated as SDS-m-HNT and BCP-m-HNT. Nanocomposite films with 1, 2, and 5 wt.% HNT loadings were prepared, abbreviated as PS-SDS-m-HNT1, PS-SDS-m-HNT2, and PS-SDS-m-HNT5 and PS-BCP-m-HNT1, PS-BCP-m-HNT2, and PS-BCP-m-HNT5 (where 1, 2, and 5 correspond to the wt.% of HNTs. All nanocomposites depicted improved thermal degradation compared to the neat PS as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM confirmed the good dispersion state of HNTs and the importance of modification by SDS and BCP. X-ray diffraction (XRD studies showed the characteristic interlayer spacing between the two silicate layers of pristine and modified HNTs. The PS/HNT nanocomposite films exhibited excellent ultraviolent-visible (UV-vis absorbance properties and their potential application as UV-filters could be envisaged.

Property Relationship in Organosilanes and Nanotubes Filled Polypropylene Hybrid Composites

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Alejandra J. Monsiváis-Barrón

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Polypropylene composites with different filler contents were prepared by creating a masterbatch containing 3 wt%. filler. A variety of silanol groups were used to synthetized three compounds in different media trough a sol-gel process with acetic acid, formic acid and ammonium hydroxide as catalysts. Besides, four different nanotubular fillers were also used to analyze their behavior and compare it with the effect caused by the silanol groups. These tubular structures comprise: unmodified halloysite, carbon nanotubes and functionalized halloysite and carbon nanotubes. Morphological characterization in SEM and STEM/TEM showed dispersion in the polypropylene matrix. According to TGA and DSC measurements thermal behavior remain similar for all the composites. Mechanical test in tension demonstrate that modulus of the composites increases for all samples with a major impact for materials containing silanol groups synthetized in formic acid. Rheological measurements show a significantly increment in viscosity for samples containing unmodified and modified carbon nanotubes. No difference was found for samples containing silanol groups and halloysite when compared to neat polypropylene. Finally, the oxygen transmission rate increased for all samples showing high barrier properties only for samples containing natural and functionalized halloysite nanotubes.

Property Relationship in Organosilanes and Nanotubes Filled Polypropylene Hybrid Composites.

Science.gov (United States)

Monsiváis-Barrón, Alejandra J; Bonilla-Rios, Jaime; Sánchez-Fernández, Antonio

2014-10-20

Polypropylene composites with different filler contents were prepared by creating a masterbatch containing 3 wt%. filler. A variety of silanol groups were used to synthetized three compounds in different media trough a sol-gel process with acetic acid, formic acid and ammonium hydroxide as catalysts. Besides, four different nanotubular fillers were also used to analyze their behavior and compare it with the effect caused by the silanol groups. These tubular structures comprise: unmodified halloysite, carbon nanotubes and functionalized halloysite and carbon nanotubes. Morphological characterization in SEM and STEM/TEM showed dispersion in the polypropylene matrix. According to TGA and DSC measurements thermal behavior remain similar for all the composites. Mechanical test in tension demonstrate that modulus of the composites increases for all samples with a major impact for materials containing silanol groups synthetized in formic acid. Rheological measurements show a significantly increment in viscosity for samples containing unmodified and modified carbon nanotubes. No difference was found for samples containing silanol groups and halloysite when compared to neat polypropylene. Finally, the oxygen transmission rate increased for all samples showing high barrier properties only for samples containing natural and functionalized halloysite nanotubes.

Taguchi design optimization of machining parameters on the CNC end milling process of halloysite nanotube with aluminium reinforced epoxy matrix (HNT/Al/Ep hybrid composite

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J.S. Pang

2014-08-01

Full Text Available This paper introduces the application of Taguchi optimization methodology in optimizing the cutting parameters of end-milling process for machining the halloysite nanotubes (HNTs with aluminium reinforced epoxy hybrid composite material under dry condition. The machining parameters which are chosen to be evaluated in this study are the depth of cut (d, cutting speed (S and feed rate (f. While, the response factors to be measured are the surface roughness of the machined composite surface and the cutting force. An orthogonal array of the Taguchi method was set-up and used to analyse the effect of the milling parameters on the surface roughness and cutting force. The result from this study shows that the application of the Taguchi method can determine the best combination of machining parameters that can provide the optimal machining response conditions which are the lowest surface roughness and lowest cutting force value. For the best surface finish, A1–B3–C3 (d = 0.4 mm, S = 1500 rpm, f = 60 mmpm is found to be the optimized combination of levels for all the three control factors from the analysis. Meanwhile, the optimized combination of levels for all the three control factors from the analysis which provides the lowest cutting force was found to be A2–B2–C2 (d = 0.6 mm, S = 1000 rpm, f = 40 mmpm.

Mineralogical and chemical characterization of DD3 kaolin from the east of Algeria

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Senoussi, H.; Osmani, H.; Courtois, C.; Bourahli, M. H.

2016-08-01

The mineralogical and chemical characteristics, based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy, of a kaolin known as DD3, from eastern Algeria were examined in the present study. The results showed that kaolin DD3 has an alumina content of 39%. The SiO{sub 2}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} molar ratio of 2.14 is close to that of a pure halloysite. The hematite concentration is relatively large and the flux oxides ratios remain as acceptable impurities. Microscopic observations showed a predominant tubular halloysite phase, flattened hexagonal platelets corresponding to the presence of kaolinite and its polymorphs (nacrite, dickite), and hydrated alumina. The SiO{sub 2}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} molar ratio and tubular DD3 suggest possible uses in technical ceramics and nano technology applications. Analysis by XRD revealed the presence of many phases. Thermal treatment at 450 degree centigrade and chemical treatment with HCl confirmed the presence of halloysite. The inclusion in the clay of organic molecules (dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), DMF, and diluted glycerol) showed that the DMSO led to expansion of the inter-planar distance. The intercalation by DMSO molecules resulted in a shift of the basal peak from 10 to 11.02 A and partial displacement of the peak from 3.35 to 3.65 A. These two peaks are characteristic of halloysite. The presence of residual nacrite was also confirmed by the shift of the peak observed at 3.35 A. A full analysis of the XRD patterns using the Match software, based on these results, showed that the DD3 clay consists of >60% halloysite. (Author)

Mineralogical and chemical characterization of DD3 kaolin from the east of Algeria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Senoussi, H.; Osmani, H.; Courtois, C.; Bourahli, M. H.

2016-01-01

The mineralogical and chemical characteristics, based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy, of a kaolin known as DD3, from eastern Algeria were examined in the present study. The results showed that kaolin DD3 has an alumina content of 39%. The SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 molar ratio of 2.14 is close to that of a pure halloysite. The hematite concentration is relatively large and the flux oxides ratios remain as acceptable impurities. Microscopic observations showed a predominant tubular halloysite phase, flattened hexagonal platelets corresponding to the presence of kaolinite and its polymorphs (nacrite, dickite), and hydrated alumina. The SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 molar ratio and tubular DD3 suggest possible uses in technical ceramics and nano technology applications. Analysis by XRD revealed the presence of many phases. Thermal treatment at 450 degree centigrade and chemical treatment with HCl confirmed the presence of halloysite. The inclusion in the clay of organic molecules (dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), DMF, and diluted glycerol) showed that the DMSO led to expansion of the inter-planar distance. The intercalation by DMSO molecules resulted in a shift of the basal peak from 10 to 11.02 A and partial displacement of the peak from 3.35 to 3.65 A. These two peaks are characteristic of halloysite. The presence of residual nacrite was also confirmed by the shift of the peak observed at 3.35 A. A full analysis of the XRD patterns using the Match software, based on these results, showed that the DD3 clay consists of >60% halloysite. (Author)

Dispersion de phyllosilicates et processus de frittage de céramiques silicatées

OpenAIRE

Houta , Nadia

2015-01-01

This thesis is devoted to improve both densification and stress to rupture values of silicate ceramics mainly elaborated from kaolin. This improvement is achieved by replacing a proportion of kaolin by halloysite. Indeed, this way also allows to highlight the influence of the shape of particles and their organization on microstructural properties. First, the dispersion of suspensions containing only kaolin or a mixture of kaolin and halloysite was optimized by reducing the size of agglomerate...

Halloysite nanotubes as a solid sorbent in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction for the determination of bismuth in water samples using high-resolution continuum source graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Science.gov (United States)

Krawczyk-Coda, Magdalena

2017-03-01

In this research, a simple, accurate, and inexpensive preconcentration procedure was developed for the determination of bismuth in water samples, using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR CS GFAAS). During the preconcentration step, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as a solid sorbent in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction (USA DMSPE). The influence of the pH of the sample solution, amount of HNTs, and extraction time, as well as of the main parameters of HR CS GFAAS, on absorbance was investigated. The limit of detection was 0.005 μg L- 1. The preconcentration factor achieved for bismuth was 32. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 4%. The accuracy of this method was validated by analyses of NIST SRM 1643e (Trace elements in water) and TMDA-54.5 (A high level fortified sample for trace elements) certified reference materials. The measured bismuth contents in these certified reference materials were in satisfactory agreement with the certified values according to the t-test for a 95% confidence level. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of bismuth in five different real water samples (seawater, lake water, river water, stream water and rain water).

Pd@HNTs-CDNS-g-C3N4: A novel heterogeneous catalyst for promoting ligand and copper-free Sonogashira and Heck coupling reactions, benefits from halloysite and cyclodextrin chemistry and g-C3N4 contribution to suppress Pd leaching.

Science.gov (United States)

Sadjadi, Samahe; Heravi, Majid M; Malmir, Masoumeh

2018-04-15

For the first time, a ternary hybrid system composed of halloysite nanotubes, HNTs, cyclodextrin nanosponges, CDNS, and g-C 3 N 4 is prepared and used for immobilization of Pd(0) nanoparticles and development of a heterogeneous catalyst, Pd@HNTs-CDNS-g-C 3 N 4 for promoting ligand and copper-free Sonogashira and Heck coupling reactions in aqueous media. HNT as a porous tubular clay with outstanding thermal, mechanical and textural properties can act as a support for immobilizing Pd nanoparticles. The role of CDNS can be explained on the base of its capability to form inclusion complexe with substrates and bringing them in the vicinity of the catalytic active sites. Regarding the role of g-C 3 N 4 in catalysis, it is proved that its presence can suppress the Pd leaching dramatically. The contribution of each component as well as synergistic effect between them results in high catalytic activity and recyclability (up to 10 reaction runs) of the catalyst. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect Of Milling Time On Microstructure Of AA6061 Composites Fabricated Via Mechanical Alloying

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Tomiczek B.

2015-06-01

Full Text Available The aim of this work is to determine the effect of manufacturing conditions, especially milling time, on the microstructure and crystallite size of a newly developed nanostructural composite material with the aluminium alloy matrix reinforced with halloysite nanotubes. Halloysite, being a clayey mineral of volcanic origin, is characterized by high porosity and large specific surface area. Thus it can be used as an alternative reinforcement in metal matrix composite materials. In order to obtain this goal, composite powders with fine microstructures were fabricated using high-energy mechanical alloying, cold compacting and hot extrusion techniques. The obtained composite powders of aluminium alloy reinforced with 5, 10 and 15 wt% of halloysite nanotubes were characterized with SEM, TEM and XRD analysis. It has been proven that the use of mechanical alloying leads to a high degree of deformation, which, coupled with a decreased grain size below 100 nm and the dispersion of the refined reinforcing particles–reinforces the material very well.

Hydrogen isotope ratios of clay minerals constituting clay veins found in granitic rocks in Hiroshima Prefecture

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kitagawa, Ryuji; Kakitani, Satoru; Kuroda, Yoshimatsu; Matsuo, Sadao; Suzuoki, Tetsuro.

1980-01-01

The deuterium content of the constitutional and interlayer water extracted from the clay minerals (illite, montmorillonite, interstratified illite-montmorillonite mineral, kaolinite, halloysite) constituting the clay veins found in the granitic rocks in Hiroshima Prefecture was measured. The clay minerals were heated at 270 deg C to extract the interlayer water, then heated to 1,400 or 1,500 deg C to extract the constitutional water. The deuterium content of the local surface water collected from sampling points was measured. In the clay veins formed along perpendicular joints, the constituent clay minerals change from lower to upper part: illite → montmorillonite → kaolinite → halloysite. The deuterium content values of the constitutional water for illite and montmorillonite were estimated to be -67 to -69% and -86 to -89%, respectively. The deuterium content values of the constitutional water for halloysite range from -68 to -80% and for kaolinite from -63 to -67%. (J.P.N.)

Fluorescence and Cytotoxicity of Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots Stabilized on Clay Nanotubes

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Anna V. Stavitskaya

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Quantum dots (QD are widely used for cellular labeling due to enhanced brightness, resistance to photobleaching, and multicolor light emissions. CdS and CdxZn1−xS nanoparticles with sizes of 6–8 nm were synthesized via a ligand assisted technique inside and outside of 50 nm diameter halloysite clay nanotubes (QD were immobilized on the tube’s surface. The halloysite–QD composites were tested by labeling human skin fibroblasts and prostate cancer cells. In human cell cultures, halloysite–QD systems were internalized by living cells, and demonstrated intense and stable fluorescence combined with pronounced nanotube light scattering. The best signal stability was observed for QD that were synthesized externally on the amino-grafted halloysite. The best cell viability was observed for CdxZn1−xS QD immobilized onto the azine-grafted halloysite. The possibility to use QD clay nanotube core-shell nanoarchitectures for the intracellular labeling was demonstrated. A pronounced scattering and fluorescence by halloysite–QD systems allows for their promising usage as markers for biomedical applications.

Crystallite size distribution of clay minerals from selected Serbian clay deposits

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Simić Vladimir

2006-01-01

Full Text Available The BWA (Bertaut-Warren-Averbach technique for the measurement of the mean crystallite thickness and thickness distributions of phyllosilicates was applied to a set of kaolin and bentonite minerals. Six samples of kaolinitic clays, one sample of halloysite, and five bentonite samples from selected Serbian deposits were analyzed. These clays are of sedimentary volcano-sedimentary (diagenetic, and hydrothermal origin. Two different types of shape of thickness distribution were found - lognormal, typical for bentonite and halloysite, and polymodal, typical for kaolinite. The mean crystallite thickness (T BWA seams to be influenced by the genetic type of the clay sample.

Estimate of long-term dissolution rate of basaltic glass. A case study on Mt. Fuji area

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shikazono, Naotatsu; Takino, Akitsugu

2002-01-01

Bulk compositional, mineralogical and physical properties of weathered basaltic ash soil ('Andisol') derived mainly from Mt. Fuji were studied. Mineralogical studies revealed that the dominant primary material and weathering products are volcanic glass, allophane and halloysite and the sequence of weathering is volcanic glass → allophane → 10A halloysite → 7A halloysite. X-ray fluorescence analysis indicates that the relative elemental mobilities during the weathering is Na, Ca>K>Mg>P>Si>Ti, Fe>Al>Mn. The trends of soilwater chemistry (H 4 SiO 4 concentration) with depth were calculated based on dissolution - precipitation kinetics - fluid flow coupling model. In order to calculate the trends, the data on present-day annual rainfall, solubility of basalt glass, porosity and specific weight of soil, deposition rate of volcanic ash and grain size of volcanic glass were used. The calculated results were compared with analytical trends of soilwater chemistry. From this comparison the dissolution rate constant of basalt glass was estimated to be 10 -9.4 - 10 -9.2 (mole Si m -2 s -1 ). This value is consistent with previous experimental dissolution rate constant of basalt glass reported in the literature. (author)

Development of high performance electroless Ni–P–HNT composite coatings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ranganatha, S.; Venkatesha, T.V.; Vathsala, K.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Novel Ni–P composites were prepared by incorporating Halloysite nanotubes. ► Mild steel specimens surface engineered by nickel using electroless technique. ► Incorporated halloysite nanotubes made nickel matrix highly corrosion resistant. ► HNT composite exhibits high hardness and largely reduces friction. - Abstract: Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) of the dimension 50 nm × 1–3 μm (diameter × length) are utililized to fabricate the alloy composite by employing electroless/autocatalytic deposition technique. Electroless Ni–P–HNT binary alloy composite coatings are prepared successfully on low carbon steel. These nanotubes were made to get inserted/incorporated into nickel matrix and corresponding composites are examined for their electrochemical, mechanical and tribological performances and compared with that of plain Ni–P. The coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques to analyze surface nature and composition correspondingly. Small amount of incorporated HNTs made Ni–P deposits appreciable enhancement and betterment in corrosion resistance, hardness and friction resistance. This drastic improvement in the properties reflects the effect of addition of HNTs into Ni–P matrix leading to the development of high performance Ni–P–HNT composite coatings.

Mineralogical and geological study of fault rocks and associated strata

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jeon Jin; Jeong, Gyo Cheol; Bae, Doo Won; Park, Seong Min; Kim, Jun Yeong

2007-01-01

Mineralogical characterizations of fault clay and associated strata in fault zone with field study and analytical methods. Mineral composition and color of fault clay and rock occur in fracture zone different from bed rocks. Fault clay mainly composed of smectite with minor zeolite such as laumontite and stilbite, and halloysite, illite, Illite and halloysite grow on the surface of smectite, and laumontite and stilbite result from precipitation or alteration of Ca rich bed rock. The result of mineralogical study at Ipsil, Wangsan, Gaegok, Yugyeori, Gacheon in Gyeongju area, the detail research of microstructure in the fault clay making it possible for prediction to age of fault activity

Mineralogical and geological study of fault rocks and associated strata

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Jeon Jin; Jeong, Gyo Cheol; Bae, Doo Won; Park, Seong Min; Kim, Jun Yeong [Andong Univ., Andong (Korea, Republic of)

2007-01-15

Mineralogical characterizations of fault clay and associated strata in fault zone with field study and analytical methods. Mineral composition and color of fault clay and rock occur in fracture zone different from bed rocks. Fault clay mainly composed of smectite with minor zeolite such as laumontite and stilbite, and halloysite, illite, Illite and halloysite grow on the surface of smectite, and laumontite and stilbite result from precipitation or alteration of Ca rich bed rock. The result of mineralogical study at Ipsil, Wangsan, Gaegok, Yugyeori, Gacheon in Gyeongju area, the detail research of microstructure in the fault clay making it possible for prediction to age of fault activity.

The first biopolymer-wrapped non-carbon nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shamsi, Mohtashim H; Geckeler, Kurt E [Laboratory of Applied Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 261-Cheomdan-gwagiro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712 (Korea, Republic of)], E-mail: keg@gist.ac.kr

2008-02-20

DNA-wrapped halloysite nanotubes were obtained by a mechanochemical reaction in the solid state. The characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed that the nanotubes were cut into shorter lengths and were completely covered with DNA. This resulted in a high aqueous solubility of the product with stability of the solution for about 6 weeks. The nanotubes were cut to different fractions with lengths of 200-400 nm (30-40%), 400-600 nm (10-20%) and 600-800 nm (5-10%) after ball milling. FTIR spectroscopic analysis shows that the DNA in the product remained intact. This straightforward technique for obtaining water-soluble halloysite nanotubes by a solid-state reaction has great potential for biomedical applications of nanotubes.

The first biopolymer-wrapped non-carbon nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shamsi, Mohtashim H; Geckeler, Kurt E

2008-01-01

DNA-wrapped halloysite nanotubes were obtained by a mechanochemical reaction in the solid state. The characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed that the nanotubes were cut into shorter lengths and were completely covered with DNA. This resulted in a high aqueous solubility of the product with stability of the solution for about 6 weeks. The nanotubes were cut to different fractions with lengths of 200-400 nm (30-40%), 400-600 nm (10-20%) and 600-800 nm (5-10%) after ball milling. FTIR spectroscopic analysis shows that the DNA in the product remained intact. This straightforward technique for obtaining water-soluble halloysite nanotubes by a solid-state reaction has great potential for biomedical applications of nanotubes

Estimate of long-term dissolution rate of basaltic glass. A case study on Mt. Fuji area

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shikazono, Naotatsu; Takino, Akitsugu [Keio Univ., Environmental Geochemistry, Tokyo (Japan)

2002-03-01

Bulk compositional, mineralogical and physical properties of weathered basaltic ash soil ('Andisol') derived mainly from Mt. Fuji were studied. Mineralogical studies revealed that the dominant primary material and weathering products are volcanic glass, allophane and halloysite and the sequence of weathering is volcanic glass {yields} allophane {yields} 10A halloysite {yields} 7A halloysite. X-ray fluorescence analysis indicates that the relative elemental mobilities during the weathering is Na, Ca>K>Mg>P>Si>Ti, Fe>Al>Mn. The trends of soilwater chemistry (H{sub 4}SiO{sub 4} concentration) with depth were calculated based on dissolution - precipitation kinetics - fluid flow coupling model. In order to calculate the trends, the data on present-day annual rainfall, solubility of basalt glass, porosity and specific weight of soil, deposition rate of volcanic ash and grain size of volcanic glass were used. The calculated results were compared with analytical trends of soilwater chemistry. From this comparison the dissolution rate constant of basalt glass was estimated to be 10{sup -9.4} - 10{sup -9.2} (mole Si m{sup -2} s{sup -1}). This value is consistent with previous experimental dissolution rate constant of basalt glass reported in the literature. (author)

Development of high performance electroless Ni-P-HNT composite coatings

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ranganatha, S., E-mail: kamath.ranganath@gmail.com [Department of studies in chemistry, School of chemical sciences, Kuvempu university, Shankaraghatta-577451, Shimoga, Karnataka (India); Venkatesha, T.V., E-mail: drtvvenkatesha@yahoo.co.uk [Department of studies in chemistry, School of chemical sciences, Kuvempu university, Shankaraghatta-577451, Shimoga, Karnataka (India); Vathsala, K., E-mail: vathsala.mahesh@gmail.com [Nanotribology Laboratory, Mechanical engineering department, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka (India)

2012-12-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Novel Ni-P composites were prepared by incorporating Halloysite nanotubes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mild steel specimens surface engineered by nickel using electroless technique. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Incorporated halloysite nanotubes made nickel matrix highly corrosion resistant. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HNT composite exhibits high hardness and largely reduces friction. - Abstract: Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) of the dimension 50 nm Multiplication-Sign 1-3 {mu}m (diameter Multiplication-Sign length) are utililized to fabricate the alloy composite by employing electroless/autocatalytic deposition technique. Electroless Ni-P-HNT binary alloy composite coatings are prepared successfully on low carbon steel. These nanotubes were made to get inserted/incorporated into nickel matrix and corresponding composites are examined for their electrochemical, mechanical and tribological performances and compared with that of plain Ni-P. The coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques to analyze surface nature and composition correspondingly. Small amount of incorporated HNTs made Ni-P deposits appreciable enhancement and betterment in corrosion resistance, hardness and friction resistance. This drastic improvement in the properties reflects the effect of addition of HNTs into Ni-P matrix leading to the development of high performance Ni-P-HNT composite coatings.

Effect of addition of different nano-clays on the fumed silica-polyethylene glycol based shear-thickening fluids

Science.gov (United States)

Singh, Mansi; Mehta, Rajeev; Verma, Sanjeev K.; Biswas, Ipsita

2018-01-01

A comparative study of the rheology of shear thickening suspensions of 20% fumed silica in polyethylene glycol (PEG200) with different nano clays as additives has been done. The nano-clays used are montmorillonite (MMT), Closite15A, Kaolin and Halloysite clay. The objective was to study the effect of relatively cost-effective clays as a partial substitute of silica. Specifically, the effect of type, concentration, temperature and frequency were considered. The results indicate that the shear thickening properties of Closite15A as additive in temperature ranges of 25 °C-45 °C performs the best and Halloysite performs best at higher (55 °C) and lower temperatures (5, 15 °C). The elasticity effects in dynamic experiments were markedly enhanced by Halloysite clay addition. Addition of MMT, however, led to insignificant enhancement in critical viscosity in steady-state as well as dynamic state-rheology. Interestingly, shear thickening fluid (STF) with all clay except MMT was stable after storing for more than a month. These findings indicate that the introduction of nano-clay as additives is a promising and cost effective method for enhancing the STF behavior which can be utilized in high impact resistant (about 3000% strain and 300 rad s-1 frequency) applications.

Mineralogical variation in the size fractions of a Ranong kaolin, southern Thailand

Science.gov (United States)

Pisutha-Arnond, Visut; Phuvichit, Suraphol; Leepowpanth, Quanchai

A representative crude Ranong kaolin from the Thungkla-Ranong mine was separated into > 2 mm (granule), 2-1 mm (very coarse sand), 1-0.5 mm (coarse sand), 0.5-0.25 mm (medium sand), 0.25-0.125 mm (fine sand), 0.125-0.062 mm (very fine sand) and 62-28, 28-14, 17-7, 7-4, 4-2, 2-1 and dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). Kaolin group minerals were differentiated by using XRD in combination with various chemical and heat treatments together with TEM, SEM and DTA. The Ranong kaolin consists predominantly of tubular halloysite, poorly crystallized kaolinite and quartz with minor amounts of mica and K-feldspars. Other trace constituents include gibbsite, tourmaline, zircon and colored impurities (i.e. extractable iron hydroxide coating on clay mineral surface). The kaolin minerals are found in all size fractions by which their contents and halloysite/kaolinite ratios increase as the particle sizes become finer. Quartz and mica are also detected in almost all size fractions. They are, however, more abundant with coarsening particle size. Gibbsite, K-feldspar and tourmaline are mainly concentrated in the fine sand to silt size fractions. Crystallinity of kaolin minerals as measured by XRD varied moderately with size. Relatively pure kaolin minerals, predominantly halloysite and kaolinite, can be obtained in the particle size below 1 or 2 μm.

REE behavior during weathering of basaltic rocks from the Lisbon Volcanic Complex (Portugal)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prudencio, M.I.; Cabral, J.M.P.; Sequeira Braga, M.A.

1991-01-01

Two weathering profiles developed in alkali basalts from the Lisbon Volcanic Complex were chosen for a REE behavior study. Profile 1 consists of a lava flow with porphyritic texture. Olivine and clinopyroxene are set in a groundmass which mainly comprises plagioclase, clinopyroxene, olivine, biotite, glass and Fe-Ti oxides. X-ray diffraction analysis of the 0 < 2μm fraction revealed: 45-95% smectites and 5-40% halloysite (7.3 angstrom), and Fe and/or Ti oxides. Profile 2 consists of a lava flow with an intergranular texture, where olivine, clinopyroxene and spinel grains are surrounded by large feldspars laths. The 0 < 2μ fraction consists of 80-100% halloysite (7.3 angstrom), < 20% micas and < 10% palygorskite and Fe and/or Ti oxides. The REE were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The clay-sized fractions of the more weathered samples were separated and analyzed too. For the whole samples it was observed that: (1) when halloysites are the dominant clay-minerals (profile 2), REE are more retained in the profile and (2) in general the light REE are less concentrated in the profiles than the intermediate or even the heavy REE. In most weathered samples of profile 1 a significant loss of Ce was found. The REE in the 0 < 2μm fractions are in general enriched relative to the whole samples. In profile 1, where smectites dominate, a significant negative Ce anomaly is also present except for one sample collected at an intermediate level. Among the REE analyzed, Nd is the most enriched compared to the whole samples. In profile 2, where halloysites dominate and micas are present mainly at the bottom of the profile, it was observed that: (a) REE are less fractionated than in profile 1, (b) Ce is depleted at the bottom of the profile but increases upwards, so that at the top the 0 < 2μm fraction reveals a small positive anomaly relative to whole sample

Environ: E00192 [KEGG MEDICUS

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available E00192 Aluminum silicate hydrate with silicon dioxide (JP17) Hydrated halloysite T...me as: D06895 Clay mineral comprised of natural hydrated aluminium silicate and silicon dioxide; Standards for non-pharmacopoeial crude drugs ...

Cathodoluminescence (CL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies of clay minerals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goetze, J.; Ploetze, M.; Goette, T.; Neuser, R.D.; Richter, D.K.

2002-01-01

Sheet silicates of the serpentine-kaolin-group (serpentine, kaolinite, dickite, nacrite, halloysite), the talc-pyrophyllite-group (talc, pyrophyllite), the smectite-group (montmorillonite), and illite (as a mineral of the mica-group) were investigated to obtain information concerning their cathodoluminescence behavior. The study included analyses by cathodoluminescence (CL microscopy and spectroscopy), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and trace element analysis. In general, all dioctahedral clay minerals exhibit a visible CL. Kaolinite, dickite, nacrite and pyrophyllite have a characteristic deep blue CL, whereas halloysite emission is in the greenish-blue region. On the contrary, the trioctahedral minerals (serpentine, talc) and illite do not show visible CL. The characteristic blue CL is caused by an intense emission band around 400 nm (double peak with two maxima at 375 and 410 nm). EPR measurements indicate that his blue emission can be related to radiation induced defect centers (RID), which occur as electron holes trapped on apical oxygen (Si-O center) or located at the Al-O-Al group (Al substituting Si in the tetrahedron). Additional CL emission bands were detected at 580 nm in halloysite and kaolinite, and between 700 and 800 nm in kaolinite, dickite, nacrite and pyrophyllite. Time-resolved spectral CL measurements show typical luminescence kinetics for the different clay minerals, which enable differentiation between the various dioctahedral minerals (e.g. kaolinite and dickite), even in thin section. (author)

Microcellular poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate)-hyperbranched polymer-nanoclay nanocomposites

Science.gov (United States)

Alireza Javadi; Yottha Srithep; Srikanth Pilla; Craig C. Clemons; Shaoqin Gong; Lih-Sheng Turng

2012-01-01

The effects of incorporating hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) and different nanoclays [Cloisite® 30B and halloysite nanotubes (HNT)] on the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of solid and microcellular poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) were investigated. According to the X-ray diffraction (...

Mechanical Properties of Epoxy and Its Carbon Fiber Composites Modified by Nanoparticles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fang Liu

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Compressive properties are commonly weak parts in structural application of fiber composites. Matrix modification may provide an effective way to improve compressive performance of the composites. In this work, the compressive property of epoxies (usually as matrices of fiber composites modified by different types of nanoparticles was firstly investigated for the following study on the compressive property of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Carbon fiber/epoxy composites were fabricated by vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM technique using stitched unidirectional carbon fabrics, with the matrices modified with nanosilica, halloysite, and liquid rubber. Testing results showed that the effect of different particle contents on the compressive property of fiber/epoxy composites was more obvious than that in epoxies. Both the compressive and flexural results showed that rigid nanoparticles (nanosilica and halloysite have evident strengthening effects on the compression and flexural responses of the carbon fiber composite laminates fabricated from fabrics.

Thermal Stability and Flammability of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber-Based (SBR Ceramifiable Composites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rafał Anyszka

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Ceramifiable styrene-butadiene (SBR-based composites containing low-softening-point-temperature glassy frit promoting ceramification, precipitated silica, one of four thermally stable refractory fillers (halloysite, calcined kaolin, mica or wollastonite and a sulfur-based curing system were prepared. Kinetics of vulcanization and basic mechanical properties were analyzed and added as Supplementary Materials. Combustibility of the composites was measured by means of cone calorimetry. Their thermal properties were analyzed by means of thermogravimetry and specific heat capacity determination. Activation energy of thermal decomposition was calculated using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method. Finally, compression strength of the composites after ceramification was measured and their micromorphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The addition of a ceramification-facilitating system resulted in the lowering of combustibility and significant improvement of the thermal stability of the composites. Moreover, the compression strength of the mineral structure formed after ceramification is considerably high. The most promising refractory fillers for SBR-based ceramifiable composites are mica and halloysite.

X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis of kaolins particle size fractions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Patricia dos Santos

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Kaolins are common geological materials and have high concentrations of kaolinite as well as the clay fraction of tropical and subtropical soils of Brazil. The characterization of kaolin is a proxy of assessing the contribution of kaolinite to important soil chemical and mineralogical attributes. This study evaluated four kaolins (commercial kaolin A (CCA, commercial kaolin B (CCB, pink sandy kaolin A (CRA and green sandy kaolin A (CVA in the original form and after particle size separation into: sand (200-53 mm, coarse silt (53-20 m, fine silt (20-2 m, large clay (2-1m, medium clay (1-0.5 m and fine clay (<0.5m fractions. The minerals were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD and evaluated for crystallinity (kaolinite and halloysite through indexes Hughes and Brown, Amigó, Bramão and the dehydroxylation temperature. The physical fractionation was efficient to concentrate minerals in specific size fractions which were not identified in the original material. In CCA kaolin was concentrated one mineral which remains unidentified in fine fractions, in kaolin CRA, zircon was concentrated in the coarse silt and different silicates in the fine fractions, in kaolin CCB were concentrated kaolinite and a silicate in the medium and coarse clay fractions. The estimate by X-ray diffraction overestimated the amount of kaolinite and halloysite underestimated when compared to quantification by thermal gravimetric analysis The crystallinity index exhibit different behaviors depending on the mineralogy of each material, thus the correlation between the crystallinity of kaolinite and / or halloysite and other variables, may be compromised, especially in materials with distinct geological origins.

Shear-thickening behavior of Fe-ZSM5 zeolite slurry and its removal with alumina/boehmites

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xiao-guang; Li, Yan; Xue, Wen-dong; Sun, Jia-lin; Tang, Qian

2018-06-01

A cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) technique was used to explore the shear-thickening behavior of Fe-ZSM5 zeolite pastes and to discover its underlying mechanism. Bare Fe-ZSM5 zeolite samples were found to contain agglomerations, which may break the flow of the pastes and cause shear-thickening behaviors. However, the shear-thickening behaviors can be eliminated by the addition of halloysite and various boehmites because of improved particle packing. Furthermore, compared with pure Fe-ZSM5 zeolite samples and its composite samples with halloysite, the samples with boehmite (Pural SB or Disperal) additions exhibited network structures in their cryo-SEM images; these structures could facilitate the storage and release of flow water, smooth paste flow, and avoid shear-thickening. By contrast, another boehmite (Versal 250) formed agglomerations rather than network structures after being added to the Fe-ZSM5 zeolite paste and resulted in shear-thickening behavior. Consequently, the results suggest that these network structures play key roles in eliminating the shear-thickening behavior.

Use of clays as liners in solar ponds

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Gerardo [Facultad de Ingenieria, Universidad Anahuac Mexico Norte, Huixquilucan, Edo. de Mexico 52786 (Mexico); Almanza, Rafael [Instituto de Ingenieria, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico D.F. 04510 (Mexico)

2009-06-15

An alternative to synthetic materials for use in solar pond liners is to select clayey soils as hydraulic barriers. This option reduces the cost of construction and the risk of contamination of subsoil and groundwater by hot brines. This paper deals with the physical, chemical and hydraulic properties of different soils tested mainly as compacted clay liners. The underdeveloped nations have the option to use this type of liner, but before doing so several tests are recommended, including those for soil and water composition, permeability, plasticity and X-ray diffraction analysis. In this investigation the following samples are analyzed: native clayey soils with illite, montmorillonite and halloysite, treated and non-treated bentonites in powder and granulated form, a mixture of zeolite and sodium bentonite, and industrial minerals composed largely of halloysite, kaolinite and attapulgite selected clays. Neutral salt aqueous solutions (NaCl and KCl) at different concentrations and under temperature gradients were used for compatibility testing conducted on these specimens. Experiment setup and particular testing procedures are also discussed. (author)

Assembling strategy to synthesize palladium modified kaolin nanocomposites with different morphologies

OpenAIRE

Li, Xiaoyu; Ouyang, Jing; Zhou, Yonghua; Yang, Huaming

2015-01-01

Nanocomposites of aluminosilicate minerals, kaolins (kaolinite and halloysite) with natural different morphologies assembling with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through strong electrostatic adsorption and chemical bonding after surface modification with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). Meanwhile, the influence of different morphologies supports on catalytic hydrogenation properties was explored. The surface concentration of amino groups on the kaolins w...

Radionuclide and mineralogical studies of kimberlite slime and soil ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Whereas phlogopite, kaolinite, illite, calcite and smectite occurred in minor quantities, lizardite, talc and halloysite were in trace amounts. The annual dose level for the Jwaneng mine was calculated and found to be 0.012 mSv/yr. This baseline is still below the limits given as 50 mSv/yr and 1 mSv/yr recommended by boththe ...

Substitutional Doping for Aluminosilicate Mineral and Superior Water Splitting Performance

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Yi; Fu, Liangjie; Shu, Zhan; Yang, Huaming; Tang, Aidong; Jiang, Tao

2017-07-01

Substitutional doping is a strategy in which atomic impurities are optionally added to a host material to promote its properties, while the geometric and electronic structure evolution of natural nanoclay mineral upon substitutional metal doping is still ambiguous. This paper first designed an efficient lanthanum (La) doping strategy for nanotubular clay (halloysite nanotube, HNT) through the dynamic equilibrium of a substitutional atom in the presence of saturated AlCl3 solution, and systematic characterization of the samples was performed. Further density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to reveal the geometric and electronic structure evolution upon metal doping, as well as to verify the atom-level effect of the La doping. The CdS loading and its corresponding water splitting performance could demonstrate the effect of La doping. CdS nanoparticles (11 wt.%) were uniformly deposited on the surface of La-doped halloysite nanotube (La-HNT) with the average size of 5 nm, and the notable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of CdS/La-HNT reached up to 47.5 μmol/h. The results could provide a new strategy for metal ion doping and constructive insight into the substitutional doping mechanism.

ADSORPTION OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ONTO NATURAL KAOLIN FROM TATAKAN, SOUTH KALIMANTAN

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sunardi Sunardi

2010-06-01

Full Text Available Adsorption of gibberellic acid (GA3 onto raw and purified kaolin from Tatakan, South Kalimantan was investigated in this study. Purification process was done by sedimentation to obtain relative pure kaolinite. Raw and purified kaolin samples were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer (XRD. The adsorption process was carried out in a batch system and the effect of pH, contact time and GA3 concentration were experimentally studied to evaluate the adsorption capacity. The amount of GA3 adsorbed was determined by UV spectrophotometer. The result showed that the raw kaolin from South Kalimantan consist of 53.36% kaolinite, 29.47% halloysite, 4.47% chlorite, 11.32% quartz and 1.38% christobalite and the purified kaolin consist of 73.03% kaolinite, 22.6% halloysite, 0.77% chlorite, 1.37% quartz and 2.23% christobalite Adsorption experimental indicate that the optimum adsorption took place at pH 7 and contact time for 4 h. Adsorption of GA3 was described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model with adsorption capacity of 8.91 mg/g on raw kaolin and 10.38 mg/g on purified kaolin.   Keywords: kaolin, gibberellic acid, adsorption

The hydrogen isotopic composition of kaolin minerals in Japan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marumo, Katsumi; Nagasawa, Keinosuke; Kuroda, Yoshimasu.

1979-01-01

Hydrogen isotopic composition (D/H ratio) was determined for kaolin minerals from geothermal areas and sedimentary and hydrothermal kaolin deposits in Japan. On the Ohnuma, Matsukawa, and Ohtake geothermal areas, the hydrogen isotopic fractionation factor between kaolin minerals and water was calculated to fall between 0.97 and 0.99 for the temperature range of 50 to 200 0 C, a fact which shows that the temperature of formation has no important effect on the D/H ratio of kaolin minerals. D/H ratio of kaolinites and dickites from many kaolin deposits shows local variation, and seems to correlate with isotopic variation of the present-day meteoric surface water. Exceptions are seen in some kaolin deposits such as Shokozan, Hiroshima Prefecture, where kaolinite and dickite have considerably high values of D/H ratio, and seem to have reacted with water rich in deuterium. D/H ratio of halloysite is not correlated with that of the present-day meteoric surface water. As Lawrence and Taylor (1971) pointed out, the original D/H ratio of constitutional water of halloysite is not preserved because of the isotopic exchange between the interlayer water and the constitutional water. (author)

Facile Fabrication of Uniform Polyaniline Nanotubes with Tubular Aluminosilicates as Templates

OpenAIRE

Zhang, Long; Liu, Peng

2008-01-01

AbstractThe uniform polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes, with inner diameter, outer diameter, and tubular thickness of 40, 60, and 10 nm, respectively, were prepared successfully by using natural tubular aluminosilicates as templates. The halloysite nanotubes were coated with PANI via the in situ chemical oxidation polymerization. Then the templates were etched with HCl/HF solution. The PANI nanotubes were characterized using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The conduct...

Advanced Composites for Air and Ground Vehicles

Science.gov (United States)

2015-08-01

Identification 140 9.3.4 Materials and Process 142 9.3.5 Trials 145 9.3.6 Results 146 9.4 Interlaminar Reinforcement of Glass Fiber /Epoxy...carbon fiber – reinforced polymer (CFRP) (left) and 8-layer quasi-isotropic CFRP laminate (right...Halloysite Density 2.5 g/cc Elastic Modulus 140 GPa Poisson Ratio 0.4 Polypropylene Density 0.9 g/cc Elastic Modulus 1.3+ 0.04 GPa

The effect of charge on the release kinetics from polysaccharide–nanoclay composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Buffa, Stefano Del; Grifoni, Emanuele; Ridi, Francesca, E-mail: francesca.ridi@unifi.it; Baglioni, Piero, E-mail: piero.baglioni@unifi.it [University of Florence, Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff” and CSGI (Italy)

2015-03-15

The objective of this study was to integrate inorganic halloysite nanotubes (HNT) with chitosan and hyaluronic acid to obtain hybrid nanocomposites with opposing charges and to investigate their potential in the controlled release of drug model probes. Two oppositely charged polysaccharides, chitosan and hyaluronic acid, were selected for their biocompatibility and their importance in biomedical applications. The high surface area and the hollow nanometric-sized lumen of HNT allowed for the efficient loading of rhodamine 110 and carboxyfluorescein, used as models for oppositely charged drugs. In the case of chitosan, the preparation of the nanocomposite was carried out exploiting the electrostatic interaction between the polymer and HNT in water, while with hyaluronic acid, a covalent functionalization strategy was employed to couple the polymer with the clay. Nanocomposites were characterized with thermal, microscopic, and spectroscopic techniques, and the release kinetics of the model compounds was assessed by fluorescence measurements. The release curves were fitted with a model able to account for the desorption process from the external and the internal halloysite surfaces. The results show that both polymeric coatings alter the release of the probes, indicating a key role of both charge and coating composition on the initial and final amount of released dye, as well as on the rate of the desorption process.

Flexible and strong ternary blends of poly(vinyl chloride), poly(butylene adipate)and nanoparticle-plasticizers

OpenAIRE

Yin, Bo; Hakkarainen, Minna

2013-01-01

Multiple property enhancement was achieved for ternary blends of PVC, poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) plasticizer and PBA-grafted nanofillers as compared to ternary blends with untreated nanofillers. The blends with surface modified halloysite, kaolin or silicon dioxide nanofillers all exhibited higher stress at break and higher strain at break as compared to the corresponding composites with untreated nanoparticles. The strain at break was similar or improved compared to binary PVC/PBA blends. ...

Insightful understanding of the role of clay topology on the stability of biomimetic hybrid chitosan-clay thin films and CO2-dried porous aerogel microspheres

OpenAIRE

Frindy, Sana; Primo Arnau, Ana Maria; Qaiss, Abou el Kacem; Bouhfid, Rachid; Lahcini, Mohamed; García Gómez, Hermenegildo; Bousmina, Mosto; El Kadib, Abdelkrim

2016-01-01

[EN] Three natural clay-based microstructures, namely layered montmorillonite (MMT), nanotubular halloysite (HNT) and micro-fibrillar sepiolite (SP) were used for the synthesis of hybrid chitosan-clay thin films and porous aerogel microspheres. At a first glance, a decrease in the viscosity of the three gel forming solutions was noticed as a result of breaking the mutual polymeric chains interaction by the clay microstructure. Upon casting, chitosan-clay films displayed enhanced hydrophilicit...

Quasicrystallography on the spiral of Archimedes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bursill, L.A.

1990-01-01

The concept of a spiral lattice is discussed. Some examples of known mineral structures, namely clino asbestos, halloysite and cylindrite, are then interpreted in terms of this structural principle. An example of a synthetic sulphide catalyst spiral structure having atomic dimensions is also described. All of these inorganic spiral structures are based on the sprial of Archimedes. The principles for a new type of crystallography, based on the Archimedian spiral, are then presented. 45 refs., 8 figs

Cytotoxicity evaluation of nanoclays in human epithelial cell line A549 using high content screening and real-time impedance analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Verma, Navin K. [Trinity College Dublin, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine (Ireland); Moore, Edward; Blau, Werner [Trinity College Dublin, School of Physics (Ireland); Volkov, Yuri [Trinity College Dublin, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine (Ireland); Ramesh Babu, P., E-mail: babup@tcd.ie [Trinity College Dublin, Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (Ireland)

2012-09-15

Continuously expanding use of products containing nanoclays for wide range of applications have raised public concerns about health and safety. Although the products containing nanoclays may not be toxic, it is possible that nanomaterials may come in contact with humans during handling, manufacture, or disposal, and cause adverse health impact. This necessitates biocompatibility evaluation of the commonly used nanoclays. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of platelet (Bentone MA, ME-100, Cloisite Na{sup +}, Nanomer PGV, and Delite LVF) and tubular (Halloysite, and Halloysite MP1) type nanoclays on cultured human lung epithelial cells A549. For the first time with this aim, we employed a cell-based automated high content screening in combination with real-time impedance sensing. We demonstrate varying degree of dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects of both nanoclay types. Overall, platelet structured nanoclays were more cytotoxic than tubular type. A low but significant level of cytotoxicity was observed at 25 {mu}g/mL of the platelet-type nanoclays. A549 cells exposed to high concentration (250 {mu}g/mL) of tubular structured nanoclays showed inhibited cell growth. Confocal microscopy indicated intracellular accumulation of nanoclays with perinuclear localization. Results indicate a potential hazard of nanoclay-containing products at significantly higher concentrations, which warrant their further biohazard assessment on the actual exposure in humans.

Environmentally-Friendly Dense and Porous Geopolymers Using Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash as Raw Materials

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniele Ziegler

2016-06-01

Full Text Available This paper assesses the feasibility of two industrial wastes, fly ash (FA and rice husk ash (RHA, as raw materials for the production of geopolymeric pastes. Three typologies of samples were thus produced: (i halloysite activated with potassium hydroxide and nanosilica, used as the reference sample (HL-S; (ii halloysite activated with rice husk ash dissolved into KOH solution (HL-R; (iii FA activated with the alkaline solution realized with the rice husk ash (FA-R. Dense and porous samples were produced and characterized in terms of mechanical properties and environmental impact. The flexural and compressive strength of HL-R reached about 9 and 43 MPa, respectively. On the contrary, the compressive strength of FA-R is significantly lower than the HL-R one, in spite of a comparable flexural strength being reached. However, when porous samples are concerned, FA-R shows comparable or even higher strength than HL-R. Thus, the current results show that RHA is a valuable alternative to silica nanopowder to prepare the activator solution, to be used either with calcined clay and fly ash feedstock materials. Finally, a preliminary evaluation of the global warming potential (GWP was performed for the three investigated formulations. With the mix containing FA and RHA-based silica solution, a reduction of about 90% of GWP was achieved with respect to the values obtained for the reference formulation.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of nanoclays in human epithelial cell line A549 using high content screening and real-time impedance analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Verma, Navin K.; Moore, Edward; Blau, Werner; Volkov, Yuri; Ramesh Babu, P.

2012-01-01

Continuously expanding use of products containing nanoclays for wide range of applications have raised public concerns about health and safety. Although the products containing nanoclays may not be toxic, it is possible that nanomaterials may come in contact with humans during handling, manufacture, or disposal, and cause adverse health impact. This necessitates biocompatibility evaluation of the commonly used nanoclays. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of platelet (Bentone MA, ME-100, Cloisite Na + , Nanomer PGV, and Delite LVF) and tubular (Halloysite, and Halloysite MP1) type nanoclays on cultured human lung epithelial cells A549. For the first time with this aim, we employed a cell-based automated high content screening in combination with real-time impedance sensing. We demonstrate varying degree of dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects of both nanoclay types. Overall, platelet structured nanoclays were more cytotoxic than tubular type. A low but significant level of cytotoxicity was observed at 25 μg/mL of the platelet-type nanoclays. A549 cells exposed to high concentration (250 μg/mL) of tubular structured nanoclays showed inhibited cell growth. Confocal microscopy indicated intracellular accumulation of nanoclays with perinuclear localization. Results indicate a potential hazard of nanoclay-containing products at significantly higher concentrations, which warrant their further biohazard assessment on the actual exposure in humans.

Effect of platy and tubular nanoclays on behaviour of biodegradable PCL/PLA blend and related microfibrillar composites

Science.gov (United States)

Kelnar, Ivan; Kratochvíl, Jaroslav

2016-05-01

Blending of ductile poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and rigid polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising way to tailor biodegradable materials with broad range of properties. But the mutual incompatibility of both polyesters leads to compromised behaviour only. Alternative to PCL/PLA blends is application of PLA in the form of short fibres, however, difficult dispergation of flexible fibres including their poor adhesion and limited processing is a significant restriction. More effective is in situ formation of polymeric fibre-reinforced materials using microfibrillar composites (MFC) concept based on melt- or cold-drawing of a polymer blend. Important advantage of MFC is efficient dispersion and bonding of in-situ formed reinforcing fibres This work deals with combination of structure-directing and reinforcing effects of montmorillonite (oMMT) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) in the PCL/PLA 80/20 blend with in-situ formation of PLA fibrils in the PCL matrix. In the resulting microfibrillar composite, reinforcement by rigid PLA fibrils is combined with strengthening of both components by the nanofiller (NF). Moreover, PLA fibrils formation via melt-drawing is only possible after nanofiller addition due to favourable affecting of rheological parameters of the polymer components. The structure-properties relationship and complex effect of NF on microfibrillar composite performance, causing e.g., quite comparable parameters of both microfibrillar composites in spite of lower reinforcing effect of halloysite nanotubes on components, are discussed.

New fillers in the synthesis of polypropylene nano composites with Ziegler-Natta catalysts; Novas cargas na sintese de nanocompositos de polipropileno com catalisadores Ziegler-Natta

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2011-07-01

In this study, Ziegler-Natta catalysts bi-supported on MgCl{sub 2} and natural clays were prepared in order to synthesize polypropylene nanocomposites. The employed clays were bentonite, as reference, as well as halloysite, vermiculite and mica. Propylene polymerizations were carried out using those catalysts and the properties of the obtained materials were analyzed using techniques of thermogravimetric analysis X-ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis e scanning electronic microscopy. Results showed the production of nanocomposites with higher thermal degradation temperature. (author)

Concept of Aided Phytostabilization of Contaminated Soils in Postindustrial Areas

OpenAIRE

Radziemska, Maja; Koda, Eugeniusz; Bilgin, Ayla; Vaverková, Mgdalena D.

2017-01-01

The experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of trace element immobilizing soil amendments, i.e., chalcedonite, dolomite, halloysite, and diatomite on the chemical characteristics of soil contaminated with Cr and the uptake of metals by plants. The study utilized analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA). The content of trace elements in plants, pseudo-total and extracted by 0.01 M CaCl2, were determined using the method of sp...

New fillers in the synthesis of polypropylene nano composites with Ziegler-Natta catalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosa, Jeferson L.S.; Silva, Marcelo C.V.; Marques, Maria F.V.

2011-01-01

In this study, Ziegler-Natta catalysts bi-supported on MgCl 2 and natural clays were prepared in order to synthesize polypropylene nanocomposites. The employed clays were bentonite, as reference, as well as halloysite, vermiculite and mica. Propylene polymerizations were carried out using those catalysts and the properties of the obtained materials were analyzed using techniques of thermogravimetric analysis X-ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis e scanning electronic microscopy. Results showed the production of nanocomposites with higher thermal degradation temperature. (author)

Facile Fabrication of Uniform Polyaniline Nanotubes with Tubular Aluminosilicates as Templates

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Long; Liu, Peng

2008-08-01

The uniform polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes, with inner diameter, outer diameter, and tubular thickness of 40, 60, and 10 nm, respectively, were prepared successfully by using natural tubular aluminosilicates as templates. The halloysite nanotubes were coated with PANI via the in situ chemical oxidation polymerization. Then the templates were etched with HCl/HF solution. The PANI nanotubes were characterized using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The conductivity of the PANI nanotubes was found to be 1.752 × 10-5 (Ω·cm)-1.

Mineralogy of halloysites and their interaction with porphyrine

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Vašutová, V.; Bezdička, Petr; Lang, Kamil; Hradil, David

2013-01-01

Roč. 57, č. 3 (2013), s. 243-250 ISSN 0862-5468 Institutional support: RVO:61388980 Keywords : organoclays * mineralogy * porphyrine * CEC Subject RIV: CA - Inorganic Chemistry Impact factor: 0.434, year: 2013

Quantitative analysis of phases by x-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry in Cuban phosphorite ores

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Casanova Gomez, Abdel; Martinez Montalvo, Asor; Cilano Campos, Guillermo; Arostegui Aguirre, Miladys; Ferreiro Fernandez, Adalyz; Alonso Perez, Jose A.

2016-01-01

Phases analysis is performed by instrumental techniques X - ray diffraction and Thermal Analysis in two groups of samples of Cuban minerals carriers'phosphorus, candidates to reference materials. To this end, the variant of structural refinement of the diffraction pattern in the form of adjustment profile is applied, using the Full prof program of Juan Rodriguez-Carvajal. This analysis is the first step to develop the standard specification of these resources and classify them as phosphate rock and / or phospharite from their mass content. The statistical evaluation of the uncertainty of the quantitative analysis (standard deviation) was carried out in ten replicate samples of phosphate rock and eight of phosphate from the field Trinidad de Guedes. The qualitative phase analysis reflected the following phase composition: carbonate fluoroapatite (CFA), Calcite, Quartz and Halloysite (present only in the clayey granular phosphorite ore; FGA). By the method of setting pattern powder diffraction profile, the quantitative phase composition is reported in the sample FGA: 87 (2) % of CFA, 4 (1) % of Calcite, 1% Quartz, and 8 (3) % Halloysite. For granular limestone ore (FGC), the following contents were obtained: 87 (3) % Calcite, 8 (3) % of CFA and 5 (1) % Quartz: The obtained values are corroborated by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG) through the calculation of the mass content of the thermally active phases (Calcite and CFA) in the range (27-10000 0 C), confirming the validity of the results of XRD. (Author)

Advances in Organic and Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Polymeric Supports for Catalytic Applications

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Anna Maria Pia Salvo

2016-09-01

Full Text Available In this review, the most recent advances (2014–2016 on the synthesis of new polymer-supported catalysts are reported, focusing the attention on the synthetic strategies developed for their preparation. The polymer-supported catalysts examined will be organic-based polymers and organic-inorganic hybrids and will include, among others, polystyrenes, poly-ionic liquids, chiral ionic polymers, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, as well as silica and halloysite-based catalysts. Selected examples will show the synthesis and application in the field of organocatalysis and metal-based catalysis both for non-asymmetric and asymmetric transformations.

Facile Fabrication of Uniform Polyaniline Nanotubes with Tubular Aluminosilicates as Templates

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Zhang Long

2008-01-01

Full Text Available AbstractThe uniform polyaniline (PANI nanotubes, with inner diameter, outer diameter, and tubular thickness of 40, 60, and 10 nm, respectively, were prepared successfully by using natural tubular aluminosilicates as templates. The halloysite nanotubes were coated with PANI via the in situ chemical oxidation polymerization. Then the templates were etched with HCl/HF solution. The PANI nanotubes were characterized using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The conductivity of the PANI nanotubes was found to be 1.752 × 10−5(Ω·cm−1.

Caulins brasileiros: alguns aspectos da geologia e da mineralogia Brazilian kaolins: some aspects of the geology and mineralogy

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Ian Richard Wilson

1998-08-01

, kaolin derived from pegmatite, from granitic rocks, from volcanic rocks and kaolin derived from anorthosite. The sedimentary clays are mainly found in the Amazon basin and those adjacent to the Jari River are being exploited commercially for export as a paper coating clay. Amazon kaolin is characterised by high iron and titania (lattice-held with low levels of alkali and exhibiting euhedral kaolinite crystals. The South-eastern pegmatite, when not iron stained, are extremely low in iron and titania and a mixture of kaolinite 7Å/10Å-halloysite occurs in all deposits. The North-eastern pegmatite produces kaolin constituted only by euhedral kaolinites with an absence of halloysite. Kaolin from granites generally has higher iron levels when compared with pegmatite and deposits constituted only by kaolinite are rare, a mixture of kaolinite/7Å-halloysite being common. Both the pegmatite and granite derived kaolin are utilised as a paper filler and in general ceramics. Volcanic rocks on alteration produce a fine siliceous clay with titania levels higher than other types and are generally mixtures of kaolinite-7Å. Volcanic derived clays are utilized locally in ceramics. Kaolins derived from anorthosite are similar in iron and titania levels to those from granitic kaolins. Assemblages of kaolinite and small quantities of 7Å-halloysite are found. These clays are used in both whiteware ceramics and paper filler.

Argilas especiais: o que são, caracterização e propriedades Special clays: what they are, characterization and properties

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Antonio C. Vieira Coelho

2007-02-01

Full Text Available Special clays are a group of clays different from the large volume of clay mineral products named "Industrial Clays": kaolins, ball clays, refractory clays, bentonites, fuller's earths, common clays. Two groups of special clays exist: rare, as in the case of hectorite and sepiolite and restricted areas, as in the case of white bentonite, halloysite and palygorskite (attapulgite. A review is given of the most important producers of the special clays and their properties in the Western World, as well as a discussion of the occurrence of these types of clays in Brazil.

Structural and mechanical behaviour of LLDPE/HNT nanocomposite films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Čermák, M.; Kadlec, P. [Department of Technologies and Measurement, Faculty of Electrical Engineering University of West Bohemia, Univerzitni 8, Pilsen 306 14 (Czech Republic); Šutta, P. [New Technologies - Research Centre University of West Bohemia, Univerzitni 8, Pilsen 306 14 (Czech Republic); Polanský, R. [Regional Innovative Centre for Electrical Engineering University of West Bohemia, Univerzitni 8, Pilsen 306 14 (Czech Republic)

2016-03-09

The paper briefly describes structural and mechanical influences of Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) in different level of fulfilment (0, 1, 3, 7 wt%) in the LLDPE commonly used in the cable industry. The influence of HNT on the polymer has been observed and evaluated through the average crystallite size and the micro- deformation by X-Ray diffractometry and the imaging of SEM. Despite the certain inter-phase tension between the polymer and HNT, the influence on the mechanical and combustion behaviour was observed. Measurement showed a higher content of agglomerates in the sample with 7 wt% HNT fulfilment.

Carbon fiber polymer-matrix structural composites tailored for multifunctionality by filler incorporation

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Seungjin

This dissertation provides multifunctional carbon fiber polymer-matrix structural composites for vibration damping, thermal conduction and thermoelectricity. Specifically, (i) it has strengthened and stiffened carbon fiber polymer-matrix structural composites by the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes, carbon nanotubes and silicon carbide whiskers, (ii) it has improved mechanical energy dissipation using carbon fiber polymer-matrix structural composites with filler incorporation, (iii) it has increased the through-thickness thermal conductivity of carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite by curing pressure increase and filler incorporation, and (iv) it has enhanced the thermoelectric behavior of carbon fiber polymer-matrix structural composites. Low-cost natural halloysite nanotubes (0.1 microm diameter) were effective for strengthening and stiffening continuous fiber polymer-matrix composites, as shown for crossply carbon fiber (5 microm diameter, ˜59 vol.%) epoxy-matrix composites under flexure, giving 17% increase in strength, 11% increase in modulus and 21% decrease in ductility. They were less effective than expensive multiwalled carbon nanotubes (0.02 microm diameter), which gave 25% increase in strength, 11% increase in modulus and 14% decrease in ductility. However, they were more effective than expensive silicon carbide whiskers (1 microm diameter), which gave 15% increase in strength, 9% increase in modulus and 20% decrease in ductility. Each filler, at ˜2 vol.%, was incorporated in the composite at every interlaminar interface by fiber prepreg surface modification. The flexural strength increase due to halloysite nanotubes incorporation related to the interlaminar shear strength increase. The measured values of the composite modulus agreed roughly with the calculated values based on the Rule of Mixtures. Continuous carbon fiber composites with enhanced vibration damping under flexure are provided by incorporation of fillers between the laminae

Durability and Mechanical Performance of PMMA/Stone Sludge Nanocomposites for Acrylic Solid Surface Applications

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Samah EL-Bashir

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Acrylic solid surface sheets were prepared by mixing different kinds of stone sludge fillers (SSF in Poly (methyl methacrylate (PMMA nanocomposites. PMMA nanocomposite syrups were made using free radical polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA, then two kinds of nanofillers were added, namely, hydrophilic nanosilica and clay Halloysite nanotubules (HNTs. Acrylic solid surface sheets were manufactured by mixing the syrups with SSFs. The morphology of the produced sheets was studied using optical, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM that revealed the uniform distribution of stone sludge in the polymeric matrix. The study of the physical properties showed promising mechanical performance and durability of PMMA/SSF nanocomposites for acrylic solid surface applications.

Transmission electron microscopy observations on phase transformations during aluminium/mullite composites formation by gas pressure infiltration

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pawlyta, M., E-mail: miroslawa.pawlyta@polsl.pl [Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Konarskiego 18A, 44-100 Gliwice (Poland); Tomiczek, B.; Dobrzański, L.A.; Kujawa, M. [Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Konarskiego 18A, 44-100 Gliwice (Poland); Bierska-Piech, B. [Silesian Centre for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzów (Poland)

2016-04-15

The porous ceramic preforms were manufactured using the powder metallurgy technique. First, the start-up material (halloysite with the addition of carbon fibres as the pore-forming agent) was slowly heated to 800 °C and then sintered at 1300 °C. Degradation of the carbon fibres enabled the open canals to form. At the end of the sintering process, the porous ceramic material consisting mainly of two phases (mullite and cristobalite) was formed, without any residual carbon content. During infiltration, the liquid metal filled the empty spaces (pores) effectively and formed the three-dimensional network of metal in the ceramic. The cristobalite was almost entirely decomposed. In the areas of its previous occurrence, there are new pores, only in the ceramic grains. The mullite, which was formed from halloysite during annealing, crystallized in the Pbam orthorhombic space group, with the (3Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}·2SiO{sub 2}) stoichiometric composition. The mullite structure does not change during the infiltration. The composite components are tightly connected. A transition zone between the ceramics and the metal, having the thickness of about 200 nm, was formed. The nanocrystalline zone, identified as γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, was formed by diffusing the product of the cristobalite decomposition into the aluminium alloy matrix. There is an additional, new phase, identified as (Mg,Si)Al{sub 2}O{sub 4} in the outer parts of the transition zone. - Highlights: • Phase changes after the infiltration of aluminium into porous mullite preforms were observed by TEM. • TEM observations confirm that during infiltration cristobalite was decomposed and the structure of mullite did not change. • Between the ceramic and the metal, a transition zone comprising a layer of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and (Mg,Si)Al{sub 2}O{sub 4} was formed.

Antibacterial and antibiofouling clay nanotube–silicone composite

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Boyer CJ

2018-04-01

Full Text Available CJ Boyer,1 J Ambrose Jr,2 S Das,1 A Humayun,1 D Chappidi,1 R Giorno,3 DK Mills2,3 1Molecular Science and Nanotechnology, College of Engineering & Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA; 2Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA; 3School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA Introduction: Invasive medical devices are used in treating millions of patients each day. Bacterial adherence to their surface is an early step in biofilm formation that may lead to infection, health complications, longer hospital stays, and death. Prevention of bacterial adherence and biofilm development continues to be a major healthcare challenge. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to improve the anti-microbial properties of medical devices. Materials and Methods: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS was doped with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs, and the PDMS-HNT composite surfaces were coated with PDMS-b-polyethylene oxide (PEO and antibacterials. The composite material properties were examined using SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, tensile testing, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The antibacterial potential of the PDMS-HNT composites was compared to commercial urinary catheters using cultures of E. coli and S. aureus. Fibrinogen adsorption studies were also performed on the PDMS-HNT-PEO composites. Results: HNT addition increased drug load during solvent swelling without reducing material strength. The hydrophilic properties provided by PEO were maintained after HNT addition, and the composites displayed protein-repelling properties. Additionally, composites showed superiority over commercial catheters at inhibiting bacterial growth. Conclusion: PDMS-HNT composites showed superiority regarding their efficacy at inhibiting bacterial growth, in comparison to commercial antibacterial catheters. Our data suggest that

Technological properties of kaolin from Para

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hildebrando, E.; Martin-Cortes, G.R.; Esper, F.J.; Wiebeck, H.; Alves Junior, P.; Valenzuela-Diaz, F.R.

2011-01-01

The NE of the State of Para, is notable for its large reserves of kaolin for paper. Kaolin is a mineral composed of hydrated aluminum silicates such as kaolinite and halloysite. The exploitation of these reserves to generate products with higher commercial value, especially in the industries of adsorbents and catalysts, is what motivates the continuous study of technological properties of the Amazon kaolin's. Thus, this paper presents a technological characterization of a sample of kaolin from Para State by X-ray diffraction, SEM - scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The results of preliminary tests indicate that the sample consists for the most part by kaolinite present in low concentrations of quartz and anatase. (author)

Technological properties of kaolin from Para; Propriedades tecnologicas do caulin do Para

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hildebrando, E.; Martin-Cortes, G.R.; Esper, F.J.; Wiebeck, H.; Alves Junior, P.; Valenzuela-Diaz, F.R., E-mail: germac@usp.br [Universidade de Sao Paulo (PMT/EP/USP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil). Escola Politecnica. Departamento de Engenharia Metalurgica e de Materiais

2011-07-01

The NE of the State of Para, is notable for its large reserves of kaolin for paper. Kaolin is a mineral composed of hydrated aluminum silicates such as kaolinite and halloysite. The exploitation of these reserves to generate products with higher commercial value, especially in the industries of adsorbents and catalysts, is what motivates the continuous study of technological properties of the Amazon kaolin's. Thus, this paper presents a technological characterization of a sample of kaolin from Para State by X-ray diffraction, SEM - scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The results of preliminary tests indicate that the sample consists for the most part by kaolinite present in low concentrations of quartz and anatase. (author)

Thermo Gravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis of Clay of Western Rajasthan (india)

Science.gov (United States)

Shekhawat, M. S.

The paper presents the study of thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis of blended clay. Western part of Rajasthan (India) is rich resource of Ball clays and it is mainly used by porcelain, sanitary ware, and tile industry. The quality and grade of clay available in the region vary from one deposit to other. To upgrade the fired colour and strength properties, different variety of clays may be blended together. The paper compares the results of thermal analysis one of blended clay B2 with reference clay of Ukraine which is imported by industries owners. The result revealed that the blended clay is having mineral kaolinite while the Ukrainian clay is Halloysite.

The effectiveness of various biofiltration substrates in removing bacteria, endotoxins, and dust from ventilation system exhaust from a chicken hatchery.

Science.gov (United States)

Tymczyna, L; Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska, A; Drabik, A

2007-10-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various organic and organic-mineral biofilter media in purifying ventilation exhaust from a chicken hatchery room. Three different substrates were tested. Efficiency levels for the removal of dust, gram-negative bacteria, and bacterial endotoxin were recorded. The microbiological properties of the substrates were also studied. All of the biofilter substrates were highly effective in removing gram-negative bacteria, moderately effective in reducing dust levels, and only slightly effective in removing endotoxin. The substrate that was most efficient in retaining bioaerosols was the organic-mineral medium containing 20% halloysite, 40% compost, and 40% peat, which generally had at least satisfactory efficiency values for removing all of the contaminants tested.

A novel three-dimensional scaffold for regenerative endodontics: materials and biological characterizations.

Science.gov (United States)

Bottino, Marco C; Yassen, Ghaeth H; Platt, Jeffrey A; Labban, Nawaf; Windsor, L Jack; Spolnik, Kenneth J; Bressiani, Ana H A

2015-11-01

An electrospun nanocomposite fibrous material holds promise as a scaffold, as well as a drug-delivery device to aid in root maturogenesis and the regeneration of the pulp-dentine complex. A novel three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite scaffold composed of polydioxanone (PDS II®) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was designed and fabricated by electrospinning. Morphology, structure, mechanical properties and cell compatibility studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of HNTs incorporation (0.5-10 wt% relative to PDS w/w). Overall, a 3D porous network was seen in the different fabricated electrospun scaffolds, regardless of the HNT content. The incorporation of HNTs at 10 wt% led to a significant (p endodontics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Intensity and duration of chemical weathering: An example from soil clays of the southeastern Koolau Mountains, Oahu, Hawaii

Science.gov (United States)

Johnsson, Mark J.; Ellen, Stephen D.; McKittrick, Mary Anne

1993-01-01

Orographic precipitation on the southern flank of the southeastern Koolau Mountains produces a pronounced precipitation gradient. The corresponding gradient in the intensity of the chemical weathering environment provides an opportunity to address the effects of varying chemical weathering intensity on the composition of clay-size weathering products in soils developed on basalt. In addition, little-modified remnants of the constructional surface of the Koolau Volcano, isolated by stream dissection, remain as facets on the southern ends of the parallel ridges of the study area. By comparing clay mineralogy of soils developed on these older geomorphic surfaces with those developed on the younger sharp-crested ridges and steep side slopes, the effects of weathering duration on clay mineralogy can also be addressed.Soil clays in this part of the Koolau Mountains are mineralogically complex; principal phases include smectite, kaolinite, and halloysite, but pure end member phases are uncommon. Rather, most phases contain some amount of mixed layering. Smectite may contain small (Volcano are markedly more leached than those from younger landscapes in the same precipitation regime. Although smectite may be present, kaolinite is the dominant phase, and accumulations of Fe and Ti occur in the uppermost soil levels. Enrichment of Zr and Ti in these soils, as compared to concentrations in the original basaltic parent material, indicates that as much as 75% of the parent material has been lost. Thus weathering duration may affect soil clay composition in the same way as weathering intensity.Because smectite and halloysite are expandable clay minerals, their presence in soils may decrease slope stability and influence the nature of slope processes. Soil avalanches occur on steep slopes throughout the study area, whereas slow-moving landslides appear to be restricted to gentler slopes in drier parts of the study area where smectite is abundant. The clay mineralogy of soils thus

Perbandingan Karakteristik Lempung Kasongan dan Godean Sebagai Bahan Baku Industri Gerabah Kasongan

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tri Winarno

2016-07-01

clay in Bangunjiwo consists of kaolinite and halloysite, while clay in Godean consists of kaolinite, halloysite and smectite. The pottery products made from those clays show different characteristics. The clay from Godean does not show bright red colour as the Kasongan clay. So the clay from Godean can not be used as the alternative raw material for the Kasongan pottery industry.

Long-term controls of soil organic carbon with depth and time: a case study from the Cowlitz River Chronosequence, WA USA

Science.gov (United States)

Lawrence, Corey R.; Harden, Jennifer W.; Xu, Xiaomei; Schulz, Marjorie S.; Trumbore, Susan E.

2015-01-01

Over timescales of soil development (millennia), the capacity of soils to stabilize soil organic carbon (SOC) is linked to soil development through changes in soil mineralogy and other soil properties. In this study, an extensive dataset of soil profile chemistry and mineralogy is compiled from the Cowlitz River Chronosequence (CRC), WA USA. The CRC soils range in age from 0.25 to 1200 kyr, spanning a developmental gradient encompassing clear changes in soil mineralogy, chemistry, and surface area. Comparison of these and other metrics of soil development with SOC properties reveal several relationships that may be diagnostic of the long-term coupling of soil development and C cycling. Specifically, SOC content was significantly correlated with sodium pyrophosphate extractable metals emphasizing the relevance of organo-metal complexes in volcanic soils. The depth distributions of organo-metals and other secondary weathering products, including the kaolin and short-range order (SRO) minerals, support the so-called “binary composition” of volcanic soils. The formation of organo-metal complexes limits the accumulation of secondary minerals in shallow soils, whereas in deep soils with lower SOC content, secondary minerals accumulate. In the CRC soils, secondary minerals formed in deep soils (below 50 cm) including smectite, allophane, Fe-oxides and dominated by the kaolin mineral halloysite. The abundance of halloysite was significantly correlated with bulk soil surface area and 14C content (a proxy for the mean age of SOC), implying enhanced stability of C in deep soils. Allophane, an SRO mineral commonly associated with SOC storage, was not correlated with SOC content or 14C values in CRC soils. We propose conceptual framework to describe these observations based on a general understanding of pedogenesis in volcanic soils, where SOC cycling is coupled with soil development through the formation of and fate of organo-metal or other mobile weathering products

Efficacy of a novel biofilter in hatchery sanitation: II. Removal of odorogenous pollutants.

Science.gov (United States)

Tymczyna, Leszek; Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska, Anna; Drabik, Agata; Skórska, Czesława; Sitkowska, Jolanta; Cholewa, Grazyna; Dutkiewicz, Jacek

2007-01-01

The present research assessed the treatment efficiency of odorogenous pollutants in air from a hatchery hall vented on organic and organic-mineral beds of an enclosed-container biofilter. In this study, the following media were used: organic medium containing compost and peat (OM); organic-mineral medium containing bentonite, compost and peat (BM); organic-mineral medium containing halloysite, compost and peat (HM). The concentration of odorogenous gaseous pollutants (sulfur compounds and amines) in the hatching room air and in the air after biotreatment were determined by gas chromatography. In the hatchery hall among the typical odorogenous pollutants, there were determined 2 amines: 2-butanamine and 2-pentanamine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon disulfide, sulfides and mercaptans. Ethyl mercaptan showed the highest levels as its mean concentration in the hatchery hall air exceeded 60 microg/m3 and in single samples even 800 microg/m3. A mean concentration of 2-butanamine and sulfur dioxide in the examined air also appeared to be relatively high--21.405 microg/m3 and 15.279 microg/m3, respectively. In each filter material, the air treatment process ran in a different mode. As the comparison reveals, the mean reduction of odorogenous contaminants recorded in the hall and subjected to biotreatment was satisfying as it surpassed 60% for most established pollutants. These high removal values were confirmed statistically only for single compounds. However, a low removal level was reported for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. No reduction was recorded in the bentonite supplemented medium (BM) for sulfur dioxide and methyl mercaptan. In the organic medium (OM) no concentration fall was noted for dipropyl sulfide either. In all the media investigated, the highest removal rate (100%), not confirmed statistically, was observed for carbon disulfide. Very good results were obtained in the medium with a bentonite additive (BM) for both identified amines, whose

Fractionation of rare earths elements in weathering profiles on phonolites in area of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Formoso, M.L.L.; Valeton, J.; Retzmann, R.

1989-01-01

Niobium and rare earth elements are associated with alkaline intrusions, especially in sequences containing carbonatites. During deep ferralitic weathering on the Lower Tertiary peneplanation plain REE are mobilized and depleted as well in the lower saprolite as in the upper ferralite, except Cerium which shows a positive anormaly. Triangular diagrams of Ce, Nd, La represent a relative enrichment of La, whereas comparing Ce, La and Nb, the increase of Niobium is strongest with rising weathering. After intersection of the landscape into inselbergs and lowering of the aquifers a later period of mobilization and migration of the REE together with manganese, aluminium and silica took place in descending direction. Their absolute enrichment by precipitation is concentrated in fissure fillings and porespaces in the lowermost part of the profiles. Main minerals are lithiophorite and halloysite. (author) [pt

Origen de arcillas alumínicas en horizontes de alteración de materiales graníticos del borde sur de la sierra de Guadarrama

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Martín Patino, M. T.

1988-08-01

Full Text Available Three weathering profiles of granitic rocks and two arkoses in the NW of Madrid Province have been studied. Rocks are granodiorites and adamellites with albites showing variable degrees of sericitization, and no-weathered potassic feldspars. Clay fraction in the weathered horizons from these rocks displays high content in beidellite, and minor amounts of illite and 7 Ǻ-halloysite. On the other hand, beidellite, illite and well crystallized kaolinite are clay minerals in the arkosic rocks. Microfabric characteristics from SEM studies show abundant weathered albites with clean surfaces and formation of beidellite in all areas of the samples. Moreover, spatial relations between albite and beidellite are not observed. In pedochemical weathering of albite, sodium from this mineral should be exchanged with protons from soil solution with very quick kinetics. This initial alkalinization produces an increase in the silica solubility released from albite network. In these environments, a continued contact between weathering solution and albite causes a silica and alumina enrichment and beidellite or 7 Ǻ-halloysite precipitation. Microclimatic variations in weathering environment may cause fluctuations in silica and alumina activities with resultant pH changes. So, when silica activities are high, beidellite neoformation is favoured; on the contrary, 7 Ǻ-halloysite is precipitated.Se han estudiado tres perfiles de alteración de rocas graníticas y dos muestras de arcosas en la zona NO de la provincia de Madrid. Las rocas, clasificadas como granodioritas y adamellitas, presentan albitas con sericitización variable, y escasos feldespatos potásicos muy poco alterados. La fracción arcilla de los horizontes de alteración de estas rocas presenta un alto contenido en beidellita, así como porcentajes menores de ilita y haloisita-7Ǻ. Por otra parte, los minerales de la arcilla presentes en las arcosas son ilita, beidellita y caolinita bien

Infrared detection of the mineralogical aspects that influence the processing of calcined kaolin

Science.gov (United States)

Groenheide, Stefan; Guatame-Garcia, Adriana; Buxton, Mike; van der Werff, Harald

2017-04-01

identification of tourmaline, biotite and hematite as the Fe-bearing mineralogy. Tourmaline was found mainly in veins and sometimes as phenocrysts; biotite was rather scarce, which suggest the advanced alteration degree of the deposit; hematite was present as coating and concentrated along quartz veins. Most of the mineral associations were represented by kaolinite, halloysite, muscovite, illite and montmorillonite. The ground mass was mostly kaolinite, although transition zones from kaolinite to halloysite and kaolinite to mica and montmorillonite were detected. Regarding the kaolinite crystallinity, the pure kaolinite graded from high to very high crystallinity. For the mineral mixtures of kaolinite with montmorillonite or halloysite, the crystallinity could not be determined with confidence. These findings raise the possibility of using hyperspectral imaging as a tool for assisting selective mining, by identifying the areas in the deposit with the highest kaolin quality, thus reducing the amount of waste. In scenarios where selective mining is not possible, the spectral characterisation might provide robust mineralogical information about the content of the ore that can support the decision-making process in higher levels of the kaolin value chain.

Geochemical exploration for phosphate in the State of Acre

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa, M.L. da; Melo Costa, W.A. de; Santos, A.J.M. dos

1989-01-01

The geochemical prospecting conducted for phosphates in Acre which could explain the good fertility of the region was charged to discover this material. The phosphates are strictly built of all the bone structures and coprolites of the several fragments of vertebrate fossils, which are widespread in the region. The phosphatic fossils are bedded in the Solimoes Formation, especially its basal to intermediary conglomeratic bed. The fossils are constituted of low crystallinity apatite, and their matrix sediments include quartz, feldspars, smectite, halloysite and calcite. The P 2 O 5 content reaches up to 5% in the sediments and up to 32% in the fragments. The fossils are enriched in U 3 O 8 and rare earth elements. There is no perspect of classic or mineral deposits but the geological knowlwdge will permit the improvement of the use of the soils in Acre. (author) [pt

Clay mineral facies and lateritization in basalts of the southeastern Parana Basin, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, M.T.G. de; Formoso, M.L.L.; Trescases, J.J.; Meunier, A.

1998-01-01

Seventeen samples from two lateritic profiles, each with five facies, were studied. These profiles occur on the old planation surface of the plateau basalts of the southern part of ParanáBasin, Brazil. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe, Mössbauer spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra were used to obtain information about the nature and chemical composition of each weathering facies. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and analyses of clay minerals were performed to detect microcrystalline environmental changes. Both profiles have two major parts: a loose red-clay latosol separated from an underlying mottled clay and an alterite facies; a stone line may or may not be present between the latosol and the underlying units. In both profiles the latosol consists principally of kaolinite, hematite and goethite. Two alterite facies, shaped by differential weathering, are also present in the lower profile: a halloysite–nontronite clayey matrix with a well developed fissure system occurs in the argillaceous alterite and a network of Al–goethite aggregates is typical of the highly porous cortex of the boulder alterite that is found in the stone line and below it. Gibbsite has crystallized in the large pores of porphyritic boulder alterite but is absent in the small pores of the subaphyric boulder alterite. Clay minerals observed in fissures include halloysite associated with goethite and manganese oxides. The basalt has hydrothermal green-clays (mixed layers and trioctahedral smectites) that formed between primary plagioclase, pyroxene and Ti–magnetite crystals while fresh corestones of the boulder alterite have cryptocrystalline iron-rich material. The study of these profiles shows one principal evolutionary trend for clay minerals. This trend is from smectite and mixed layers that form green clays in altered bedrock at the base of the profile to an intermediate association of nontronite and halloysite in the argillaceous

Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of weathering profiles developed on mylonites in the Fodjomekwet-Fotouni section of the Cameroon Shear Zone (CSZ), West Cameroon

Science.gov (United States)

Tematio, P.; Tchaptchet, W. T.; Nguetnkam, J. P.; Mbog, M. B.; Yongue Fouateu, R.

2017-07-01

The mineralogical and geochemical investigation of mylonitic weathering profiles in Fodjomekwet-Fotouni was done to better trace the occurrence of minerals and chemical elements in this area. Four representative soil profiles were identified in two geomorphological units (upland and lowland) differentiating three weathering products (organo-mineral, mineral and weathered materials). Weathering of these mylonites led to some minerals association such as vermiculite, kaolinite, goethite, smectite, halloysite, phlogopite and gibbsite. The minerals in a decreasing order of abundance are: quartz (24.2%-54.8%); kaolinite (8.4%-36.0%); phlogopite (5.5%-21.9%); goethite (7.8%-16.1%); vermiculite (6.7%-15.7%); smectite (10.2%-11.9%); gibbsite (9.0%-11.8%) and halloysite (5.6%-11.5%) respectively. Patterns of chemical elements allow highlighting three behaviors (enriched elements, depleted elements and elements with complex behavior), depending on the landscape position of the profiles. In the upland weathering products, K, Cr and REEs are enriched; Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Rb, S and Sr are depleted while Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Ba, Co, Cu, Ga, Mo, Nb, Ni, Pb, Sc, V, Y, Zn and Zr portray a complex behavior. Contrarily, the lowland weathering profiles enriched elements are Fe, Ti, Co, Cr, Cu, V, Zr, Pr, Sm, Tb, Dy, Er and Yb; while depleted elements are Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Ba, Ga, S, Sr, Y, Zn, La, Ce and Nd; and Si, Al, Mo, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sc evidenced complex behaviors. In all the studied weathering products, the REEs fractionation was also noticeable with a landscape-position dependency, showing light REEs (LREEs) enrichment in the upland areas and heavy REEs (HREEs) in lowland areas. SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 are positively correlated with most of the traces and REEs (Co, Cu, Nb, Ni, Mo, Pb, Sc, V, Zn, Zr, La, Ce, Sm, Tb, Dy, Er, Yb), pointing to the fact that they may be incorporated into newly formed clay minerals and oxides. Ba, Cr, Ga, Rb, S, Sr, Y, Pr and Nd behave like alkalis and

Development of high performance electroless Ni-P-HNT composite coatings

Science.gov (United States)

Ranganatha, S.; Venkatesha, T. V.; Vathsala, K.

2012-12-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) of the dimension 50 nm × 1-3 μm (diameter × length) are utililized to fabricate the alloy composite by employing electroless/autocatalytic deposition technique. Electroless Ni-P-HNT binary alloy composite coatings are prepared successfully on low carbon steel. These nanotubes were made to get inserted/incorporated into nickel matrix and corresponding composites are examined for their electrochemical, mechanical and tribological performances and compared with that of plain Ni-P. The coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques to analyze surface nature and composition correspondingly. Small amount of incorporated HNTs made Ni-P deposits appreciable enhancement and betterment in corrosion resistance, hardness and friction resistance. This drastic improvement in the properties reflects the effect of addition of HNTs into Ni-P matrix leading to the development of high performance Ni-P-HNT composite coatings.

Preparation of high performance NBR/HNTs nanocomposites using an electron transferring interaction method

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Shuyan; Zhou, Yanxue; Zhang, Peng; Cai, Zhuodi; Li, Yangping; Fan, Hongbo

2017-12-01

Interfacial interaction is one of the key factors to improve comprehensive properties of polymer/inorganic filler nanocomposites. In this work, a new interfacial interaction called electron transferring interaction is reported in the nitrile-butadiene rubber/halloysite nanotubes (NBR/HNTs) nanocomposites. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in-situ controlling temperature Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have confirmed that electrons of electron-rich -CN groups in NBR can transfer to the electron-deficiency aluminum atoms of HNTs, which packs a part of NBR molecules onto the surface of HNTs to form bound rubber and stabilize the homogeneous dispersion of HNTs with few agglomeration as revealed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) performances, even at high HNTs addition, resulting in high light transmittance. The tensile strength of NBR/30wt%HNTs nanocomposites is about 291% higher than pure NBR, without sacrificing the elongation at break.

Barrier properties of PE, PP and EVA (nano)composites - The influence of filler type and concentration

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Merinska, D.; Kalendova, A. [Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Nam. T. G. Masaryka 275, 762 72 Zlin, Czech Republic and Centre of Polymer Systems, University Institute, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Nad Ovcirnou 3685, 760 0 (Czech Republic); Tesarikova, A. [Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Nam. T. G. Masaryka 275, 762 72 Zlin (Czech Republic)

2014-05-15

Nanocomposite materials with layered clay used as nanofiller and polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and copolymer ethylene and vinyl acetate matrix (EVA, the content of VA component 19 wt. %) were prepared by compounding the individual components in Brabender kneader. The MMT Na+ and four types of commercial products such as Nanofil N 5 and N3000, Cloisite 93A and 30B were used as nanofillers. Next to the clays microprecipitated CaHCO{sub 3}, nanosilica and Halloysite tubes were used. The quantity of all the above-mentioned (nano)fillers was 1, 3 and 5 wt. % in relation to the content of montmorillonite. The aim was to evaluate the influence of (nano)filler type and concentration on nanocomposite barrier properties. The morphology of nanocomposite samples was examined by means of XRD analysis illustrated by transmission electronic microscopy TEM. Furthermore, permeability for O{sub 2} and CO{sub 2} were observed.

In-situ preparation of NaA zeolite/chitosan porous hybrid beads for removal of ammonium from aqueous solution.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Kai; Zhang, Xiang; Chao, Cong; Zhang, Bing; Liu, Jindun

2014-07-17

Inorganic/organic hybrid materials play important roles in removal of contaminants from wastewater. Herein, we used the natural materials of halloysite and chitosan to prepare a new adsorbent of NaA zeolite/chitosan porous hybrid beads by in-situ hydrothermal synthesis method. SEM indicated that the porous hybrid beads were composed of 6-8 μm sized cubic NaA zeolite particles congregated together with chitosan. The adsorption behavior of NH4(+) from aqueous solution onto hybrid beads was investigated at different conditions. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. A maximum adsorption capacity of 47.62 mg/g at 298 K was achieved according to Langmuir model. The regenerated or reused experiments indicated that the adsorption capacity of the hybrid beads could maintain in 90% above after 10 successive adsorption-desorption cycles. The high adsorption and reusable ability implied potential application of the hybrid beads for removing NH4(+) pollutants from wastewater. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physico-chemistry and geochemistry of Balengou clay deposit (West Cameroon) with inference to an argillic hydrothermal alteration

Science.gov (United States)

Tassongwa, Bernard; Eba, François; Njoya, Dayirou; Tchakounté, Jacqueline Numbem; Jeudong, Narcisse; Nkoumbou, Charles; Njopwouo, Daniel

2017-09-01

Field description and sampling along two pits, granulometry, Atterberg limits, mineralogical (XRD, FTIR, DSC & TGA) and geochemical analyses of the Balengou clays help to determine their characteristics and the genesis of the deposit. The mineralogical composition is comprised of halloysite-kaolinite, quartz, montmorillonite, hematite, anatase, feldspar, zircon, chromite, and apatite. Gibbsite and illite occur at the shallow and deep depth, respectively. Dikes of sand-poor clays contain also cristobalite and tridymite. Pairs of elements Rb-Ba, Rb-Sr, Nb-Ta, Ta-Zr, TiO2-Zr display good positive correlations (R2 > 0.85). REE patterns are highly fractionated (LaN up to 3312, LaN/YbN: 19-10) and are marked by deep Ce and Eu negative anomalies. Immobile element canonical ratios indicate that the protoliths were commendite/pantelerite, rhyolite and dacite, or their plutonic equivalents. Mineralogical and geochemical features lead to the suggestion that the clays derived from an advanced argillic hydrothermal alteration.

The Study of Abundance of Soil Minerals on Micro Toposequen of Karst Gunungsewu Pegunungan Selatan

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Djoko Mulyanto

2008-05-01

Full Text Available Landform of Gunungsewu karst topography dominated by positive forms consists of hills and negative forms of dolines. On the micro toposequen of karst, most of dolines dominated by red soils which hue 2.5 YR – 5 YR, whereas on hills by soils which hue 5 YR – 7.5 YR. The aim of research was to study of soil minerals status on karst micro toposequent. Results showed that soil minerals of sand fraction on dolines dominated by quartz, opaque, and iron concretion, whereas on hills dominated by labradorite, and mafic minerals. Clay minerals on doline dominated by kaolinite whereas on hills by halloysite. The high concentration of kaolinite, quartz, opaque and iron concretions of soils on dolines appropriate with degree of soil weathering which in a line with decreasing of soil pH, silt/ clay ratio, and hue of soils on dolines redder than hue of soils on hills. The origin of soil parent material suggested come from volcanic materials.

Characterization of clays used in red ceramic in Sergipe State, Brazil; Caracterizacao das argilas utilizadas na producao de ceramica vermelha no estado de Sergipe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prado, C.M. de O.; Junior, F.S., E-mail: carolina.mangieri@itps.se.gov.br [Instituto Tecnologico e de Pesquisas do Estado de Sergipe (ITPS), SE (Brazil); Nascimento, J.M. do; Barreto, C.A. [Companhia de Desenvolvimento Industrial do Estado de Sergipe (CODISE), SE (Brazil); Bertolino, L.C.; Franca, S.C.A. [Centro de Tecnologia Mineral (CETEM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Alves, J. do P.H. [Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), SE (Brazil)

2012-07-01

Clays materials from Sergipe State were characterized by X-ray diffractometry and fluorescence, particle size and plasticity. Predominant minerals in twenty two samples were kaolinite, halloysite and quartz. Chemical composition ranges were: SiO{sub 2} 49,5-77,1; Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} 10,4-28,3; Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} 1,0-10,2; TiO{sub 2} 0,4-1,2; P{sub 2}O{sub 5} 0,04-0,2; CaO 0,03-7,9; MgO 0,1-3,2; Na{sub 2}O 0,04-2,3; K{sub 2}O 0,7-3,8 found predominantly in the silt fraction. Plasticity ranged from 19,9 to 30,1%. Results allowed clay materials deposits to be arranged in categories such as: melting sources, quartz sources and those with higher iron oxides concentrations. These categories can be used for selecting clays for ceramic production. (author)

Fabrication of γ-MPS-Modified HNT-PMMA Nanocomposites by Ultrasound-Assisted Miniemulsion Polymerization

Science.gov (United States)

Buruga, Kezia; Kalathi, Jagannathan T.

2018-04-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) to improve their interaction with the polymer, and the modified HNTs (MHNTs) were subsequently used for the synthesis of MHNT-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites by miniemulsion polymerization assisted by ultrasound. Reduced agglomeration of HNTs due to modification with γ-MPS was evident from scanning electron microscopy analysis. Modification of HNTs and exfoliation of MHNTs in the polymer nanocomposite were confirmed by the presence of their respective characteristic peaks in Fourier-transform infrared spectra and x-ray diffraction patterns. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed that the surface of the MHNTs differed significantly from that of unmodified HNTs. MHNT-PMMA nanocomposite exhibited significantly higher glass-transition temperature (T g) compared with neat PMMA or unmodified HNT-PMMA nanocomposite. Hence, such modification of HNTs along with miniemulsion polymerization assisted by ultrasound is a promising approach to achieve better dispersion of HNTs in the polymer and to obtain nanocomposites with enhanced properties.

Surface characteristics of kaolinite and other selected 2-layer silicate minerals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miller, J.D.; Nalaskowski, J.; Abdul, B.; Du, H. [Utah Univ., Salt Lake City, UT (United States). Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering

2007-10-15

The wetting of mineral phases by bitumens plays an important role in efficient bitumen recovery. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the electrokinetic behaviour and interfacial water features of 2-layer silicate minerals. The study compared the planar structures of antigorite and kaolinite with equivalent tubular structures of halloysite and chrysolite. Equivalency of pH dependency of zeta potential was determined using electrophoretic mobility measurements. The atomic mismatch between tetrahydral and octahydral sheets in a bilayer was examined in order to determine electrokinetic behaviour. Results of the study indicated that the silica tetrahydral surface was not wetted by water, but by structural imperfections. Polarity reversal within a tetrahedral octahedral layer and an out-of-order layer within the stack were then considered to explain both the wetting characteristics and electrokinetic behaviour. It was concluded that further research is needed to explain why the hexagonal rings structure for the silica tetrahydral face of kaolinite is wetted by water. 55 refs., 2 tabs., 12 figs.

Antimicrobial Membranes of Bio-Based PA 11 and HNTs Filled with Lysozyme Obtained by an Electrospinning Process

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Valeria Bugatti

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Bio-based membranes were obtained using Polyamide 11 (PA11 from renewable sources and a nano-hybrid composed of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs filled with lysozyme (50 wt % of lysozyme, as a natural antimicrobial molecule. Composites were prepared using an electrospinning process, varying the nano-hybrid loading (i.e., 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 wt %. The morphology of the membranes was investigated through SEM analysis and there was found to be a narrow average fiber diameter (0.3–0.5 μm. The mechanical properties were analyzed and correlated to the nano-hybrid content. Controlled release of lysozyme was followed using UV spectrophotometry and the release kinetics were found to be dependent on HNTs–lysozyme loading. The experimental results were analyzed by a modified Gallagher–Corrigan model. The application of the produced membranes, as bio-based pads, for extending the shelf life of chicken slices has been tested and evaluated.

Paleoproterozoic volcanic centers of the São Félix do Xingu region, Amazonian craton, Brazil: Hydrothermal alteration and metallogenetic potential

Science.gov (United States)

da Cruz, Raquel Souza; Fernandes, Carlos Marcello Dias; Villas, Raimundo Netuno Nobre; Juliani, Caetano; Monteiro, Lena Virgínia Soares; Lagler, Bruno; Misas, Carlos Mario Echeverri

2016-06-01

Geological, petrographic, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies revealed hydrothermalized lithotypes evidenced by overprinted zones of potassic, propylitic, sericitic, and intermediate argillic alterations types, with pervasive and fracture-controlled styles, in Paleoproterozoic volcano-plutonic units of the São Félix do Xingu region, Amazonian craton, northern Brazil. The Sobreiro Formation presents propylitic (epidote + chlorite + carbonate + clinozoisite + sericite + quartz ± albite ± hematite ± pyrite), sericitic (sericite + quartz + carbonate), and potassic (potassic feldspar + hematite) alterations. The prehnite-pumpellyite pair that is common in geothermal fields also occurs in this unit. The Santa Rosa Formation shows mainly potassic (biotite + microcline ± magnetite), sericitic (sericite + quartz + carbonate ± chlorite ± gold), and intermediate argillic (montmorillonite + kaolinite/halloysite + illite) alterations. These findings strongly suggest the involvement of magma-sourced and meteoric fluids and draw attention to the metallogenetic potential of these volcanic units for Paleoproterozoic epithermal and rare and base metal porphyry-type mineralizations, similar to those already identified in other portions of the Amazonian craton.

Effect of halloysite on structure and properties of melt-drawn PCL/PLA microfibrillar composites

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kelnar, Ivan; Kratochvíl, Jaroslav; Fortelný, Ivan; Kaprálková, Ludmila; Zhigunov, Alexander; Khunová, V.; Nevoralová, Martina

2016-01-01

Roč. 10, č. 5 (2016), s. 381-393 ISSN 1788-618X R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA13-15255S Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : mechanical properties * poly(epsilon-caprolactone) * poly(lactic acid) Subject RIV: JI - Composite Material s Impact factor: 2.983, year: 2016

Enhanced antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles/halloysite nanotubes/graphene nanocomposites with sandwich-like structure.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Liang; Zhang, Yatao; Zhang, Bing; Liu, Jindun

2014-04-11

A sandwich-like antibacterial reagent (Ag/HNTs/rGO) was constructed through the direct growth of silver nanoparticles on the surface graphene-based HNTs nanosheets. Herein, various nanomaterials were combined by adhesion effect of DOPA after self-polymerization. Ag/HNTs/rGO possess enhanced antibacterial ability against E. coli and S. aureus compared with individual silver nanoparticles, rGO nanosheets or their nanocomposites.

Synthesis and characterization of β-Sialon powders from Si, halloysite clay and AlN powders

Science.gov (United States)

Yin, Li; Jones, Mark Ian

2017-07-01

Two β-Sialons, with z-values of 1 and 4, respectively, were successfully synthesized by silicothermal reduction and nitridation method under 0.4 MPa nitrogen pressure. The effect of firing temperatures on the phase transformations and morphologies of β-Sialons were analyzed by XRD and SEM. For β-Sialons (z = 1), the product was finally composed of targeted β-Sialon (z = 1) and secondary phase α-Si3N4; for z = 4, β-Sialon (z = 4) was the main phase, and 15R-Sialon and α-Al2O3 co-existed as secondary phases. A higher firing temperature is more beneficial for the phase transformations and crystal growth of β-Sialons, however, the most suitable firing temperature was 1400∘C.

Optical and mechanical properties of UV-weathered biodegradable PHBV/PBAT nanocomposite films containing halloysite nanotubes

Science.gov (United States)

Scarfato, P.; Avallone, E.; Acierno, D.; Russo, P.

2014-05-01

Recently, the increasing use of plastics, stringent environmental issues and the awareness of the progressive reduction of available petrochemical resources have ever more guided the research interest towards the investigation and development of innovative materials intrinsically biodegradable or derived from renewable sources, and generally known as bio-based polymers. Amongst the biobased and biodegradable polymers, many investigations were reported in literature about a family of polyesters known as poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs), one of whose most prevalent is poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). In this context, here we report the results of a photo-degradation study performed on biodegradable blown film samples based on a commercial grade PHBV/PBAT formulation. The films, subjected to photo-oxidative weathering in a climatic chamber under UV exposure, were systematically analysed in order to check the chemico-physical changes induced by the aging protocol, taking the as-produced films as the reference materials.

Natural gels: crystal-chemistry of short range ordered components in Al, Fe, and Si systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ildefonse, Ph.; Calas, G.

1997-01-01

In this review, the most important inorganic natural gels are presented: opal, aluminosilicate (allophanes) and hydrous iron oxides and silicates. It is demonstrated that natural gels are ordered at the atomic scale. In allophanes, Al is distributed between octahedral and tetrahedral sites. The amount of Al increases as Al/Si ratio decreases. Si-rich allophane have a local structure around Al and Si very different of that is known in kaolinite or halloysite. Transformation of Si-rich allophanes to crystallized minerals implies dissolution-recrystallization processes. On the contrary, in iron silicate with Fe/Si = 0.72, Si and Fe environments are close to those found in nontronite. The gel transformation to Fe-smectite may occur by long range ordering during ageing. In ferric silicate gels, the similarity of local structure around Fe in poorly ordered precursors and what is known in crystallized minerals suggests a solid transformation during ageing. This difference between iron and aluminium is mainly due to the ability of Al to enter both tetrahedral and octahedral sites, while the affinity of iron for octahedral sites is higher at low temperature

Synthesis of HNTs@PEDOT composites via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization and their application in electrode materials

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Fang; Zhang, Xianhong; Ma, Yuhong; Yang, Wantai

2018-01-01

The hybrid composite of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was synthesized by a two-step process. First, poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (PSSNa) was grafted onto HNTs via surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Then with the HNTs-g-PSS as a template and the grafted PSS chains as the counterion dopant, PEDOT was precipitated onto the template via in situ oxidization polymerization of EDOT to form HNTs@PEDOT hybrid composites. The conductivity of HNTs@PEDOT can reach up to 9.35 S/cm with the content of 40% HNTs-g-PSS, which increased almost 78 times than that of pure PEDOT (about 0.12 S/cm) prepared at the similar condition. Further treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH) as external dopant, the conductivity of HNTs@PEDOT increased to 24.3 S/cm. The electrochemical properties of the composites were investigated with cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with three-electrode cell configuration. The results showed that the capacitance of HNTs@PEDOT composite increased 55% than that of pure PEDOT.

Plasma regeneration of mineral adsorbents for the precipitation of formaldehyde from exhaust gases of biogas engines; Plasmaregeneration mineralischer Adsorbentien zur Formaldehydabscheidung aus Abgasen von Biogas-Motoren

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mueller, Siegfried; Saulich, Katja [Leibniz-Institut fuer Plasmaforschung und Technologie, Greifswald (Germany); Schomburg, Joachim [DURTEC, Neubrandenburg (Germany)

2013-10-01

Formaldehyde.is a harmful ambient air pollutant which can be produced by incomplete combustion processes, e.g. in power plants or combustion engines. Adsorbents are widely applied in the area of cleaning as well as enrichment of gas components. In this study, we designed a bench-scale experiment to investigate a gas pollution treatment technique, which integrated the adsorption process and the plasma treatment for formaldehyde removal from gas streams. The mineral granulate used consisted of 80% halloysite and showed a good adsorption capacity for formaldehyde. In the discharge step, the adsorbed formaldehyde molecules were decomposed to CO{sub 2}, CO and hydrocarbons. For the further optimization of the method the influence of the power and the pulse break ratio of sustaining voltage were tested. Further the decomposition performance on adsorbed formaldehyde molecules was studied depending on space-time, a 10% oxygen fraction of the carrier gas, and the influence of temperature. It was shown that with the chosen plasma method the absorber material could be loaded repeatedly and subsequently regenerated at a low input discharge power. (orig.)

Amylose–halloysite–TiO{sub 2} composites: Preparation, characterization and photodegradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zheng, Pengwu; Du, Yuanyuan [School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 330013 Nanchang, Jiangxi (China); Chang, Peter R. [Bioproducts and Bioprocesses National Science Program, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 Canada (Canada); Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9 (Canada); Ma, Xiaofei, E-mail: maxiaofei@tju.edu.cn [Chemistry Department, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China)

2015-02-28

Highlights: • The amylose–HNT–TiO{sub 2} with high dispersion of TiO{sub 2} was fabricated. • The amylose–HNT–TiO{sub 2} was characterized. • The photodegradation of MB and 4-NP was investigated. - Abstract: A supramolecular structure was initially formed between amylose and halloysite (HNT) simply by using a mechanical force. Subsequently, amylose acted as a template for the growth of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. The thus-prepared amylose–HNT–TiO{sub 2} composite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyses, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In comparison to its counterpart HNT-TiO{sub 2} composite, the amylose–HNT–TiO{sub 2} composite exhibited better dispersion, a larger specific surface area, and photocatalytic activity that was more effective for the photodegradation/removal of methylene blue (MB) and the persistent organic pollutant 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) under UV irradiation. After four successive UV irradiation treatments, amylose–HNT–TiO{sub 2} removed about 90% of 4-NP or MB.

Systematic variations in sinter mineralogy, microtexture and diagenesis in modern siliceous hot springs: Clues for interpreting depositional conditions in ancient deposits

Science.gov (United States)

Mills, V. W.; Farmer, J. D.; Ruff, S. W.; Nunez, J.; Jahnke, L. L.

2011-12-01

glycolization methods, with XRPD. Results indicate that all of the acidic sinters we studied showed more extensive early diagenetic ordering of silica phases (opal-A to cristobalite and quartz) than the comparable microfacies of alkaline-neutral sinters. Clay analyses showed no evidence for smectitic (expansive) clays, but kaolin family clays (dickite, kaolinite and halloysite) were present in both acidic and alkaline sinters. The microfacies distribution observed for clays suggests: 1) dickite being more abundant in higher temperature (near-vent) microfacies, 2) kaolinite dominating mid-temperature outflow channels, slope and upper distal apron microfacies, and 3) halloysite being restricted to lower distal apron-marsh microfacies transitions. Future work will expand clay analyses to apply near-IR spectroscopy to a broader range of samples to assess the consistency with patterns suggested from XRPD.

Influence of surface modification of halloysite nanotubes on their dispersion in epoxy matrix: Mesoscopic DPD simulation

Science.gov (United States)

Komarov, P.; Markina, A.; Ivanov, V.

2016-06-01

The problems of constructing of a meso-scale model of composites based on polymers and aluminosilicate nanotubes for prediction of the filler's spatial distribution at early stages of material formation have been considered. As a test system for the polymer matrix, the mixture of 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate as epoxy resin monomers and 4-methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride as curing agent has been used. It is shown that the structure of a mixture of uncured epoxy resin and nanotubes is (mainly) determined by the surface functionalization of nanotubes. The results indicate that only nanotubes with maximum functionalization can preserve a uniform distribution in space.

3-D computational model of poly (lactic acid)/halloysite nanocomposites: Predicting elastic properties and stress analysis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

De Silva, R. T.; Pasbakhsh, Pooria; Goh, K. L.

2014-01-01

of nanotubes with fixed aspect ratio and the proposed alternative real-structure based model takes the experimentally observed variations of HNTs sizes, impurities and aspect ratios into account. The requirements of the 3-D HNTs nanocomposite models have been explored by testing idealized, real structure based...

Sustainable shape memory polymers based on epoxidized natural rubber cured by zinc ferulate via oxa-Michael reaction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xuhui Zhang

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Although various shape memory polymers (SMPs or diverse applications have been widely reported, the SMPs based on rubbers have been rarely realized due to the low triggering temperature of rubbers. In another aspect, the SMPs based on sustainable substances are highly desired for the growing shortage in fossil resources. In the present study, we accordingly developed the sustainable SMPs with tunable triggering temperature, based on natural rubber (NR and ferulic acid (FA as the raw materials. Specifically, the SMPs are based on a crosslinked network of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR crosslinked by in situ formed zinc ferulate (ZDF via oxa-Michael reaction. The excellent shape memory effect (SME is found in these SMPs, as evidenced by the high fixity/recovery ratio and the tunable triggering temperature. With the incorporation of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs, the stress and recovery rate of the SMPs are found to be tunable, which widens the application of this kind of SMPs. The combination of adoption of sustainable raw materials, and the excellent and tunable SME makes these SMPs potentially useful in many applications, such as various actuators and heat-shrinkable package materials.

Correlation between thermal behavior of clays and their chemical and mineralogical composition: a review

Science.gov (United States)

Dwi Yanti, Evi; Pratiwi, I.

2018-02-01

Clay's abundance has been widely used as industrial raw materials, especially ceramic and tile industries. Utilization of these minerals needs a thermal process for producing ceramic products. Two studies conducted by Septawander et al. and Chin C et al., showed the relationship between thermal behavior of clays and their chemical and mineralogical composition. Clays are characterized by XRD analysis and thermal analysis, ranging from 1100°C to 1200°C room temperature. Specimen of raw materials of clay which is used for the thermal treatment is taken from different geological conditions and formation. In raw material, Quartz is almost present in all samples. Halloysite, montmorillonite, and feldspar are present in Tanjung Morawa raw clay. KC and MC similar kaolinite and illite are present in the samples. The research illustrates the interrelationships of clay minerals and chemical composition with their heat behavior. As the temperature of combustion increases, the sample reduces a significant weight. The minerals which have undergone a transformation phase became mullite, cristobalite or illite and quartz. Under SEM analysis, the microstructures of the samples showed irregularity in shape; changes occurred due the increase of heat.

Studies on Fragrance Delivery from Inorganic Nanocontainers: Encapsulation, Release and Modeling Studies

Science.gov (United States)

Ghodke, Shailesh Adinath; Sonawane, Shirish Hari; Bhanvase, Bharat Apparao; Mishra, Satyendra; Joshi, Kalpana Shrikant

2015-04-01

The present work deals with encapsulation of fragrance molecule in inorganic nanocontainers substrate and investigation of its prolonged release at different pH condition. The nanocontainers used were aluminosilicate clay (Halloysite) having cylindrical shape with outside diameter in the range of 30-50 nm, 15 nm lumen and length equal to 800 ± 300 nm. Rosewater absolute was used as a sample fragrance for loading in nanocontainer and delivery purpose. The fragrance loaded nanocontainers were coated with a thin layer of polyelectrolyte i.e. Polyacrylic Acid (PAA). The structural characteristics of prepared nanocontainers were determined by using Fourier Transform Intra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and UV spectroscopy analysis. Release of fragrance molecules in the aqueous medium was monitored for 24 h. The fragrance release was found to be responsive as the amount of fragrance release increases with increase in pH value from 3 to 7. Fragrance release has been studied by using various permeation kinetic models such as zero order, first order, Hixson-Crowell, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas and Hopfenberg models. Korsemyer-Peppas shows the best fit (R2 = 0.9544) compared to other kinetic model for the release of fragrance from nanocontainers.

Development of Eco-friendly Soy Protein Isolate Films with High Mechanical Properties through HNTs, PVA, and PTGE Synergism Effect

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xiaorong; Song, Ruyuan; Zhang, Wei; Qi, Chusheng; Zhang, Shifeng; Li, Jianzhang

2017-03-01

This study was to develop novel soy protein isolate-based films for packaging using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA), and 1,2,3-propanetriol-diglycidyl-ether (PTGE). The structural, crystallinity, opacity, micromorphology, and thermal stability of the resultant SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film were analyzed by the Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film illustrated that HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the SPI matrix and the thermal stability of the film was enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile strength (TS) of the SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film was increased by 329.3% and the elongation at the break (EB) remained unchanged. The water absorption (WA) and the moisture content (MC) were decreased by 5.1% and 10.4%, respectively, compared to the unmodified film. The results highlighted the synergistic effects of SPI, HNTs, PVA, and PTGE on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of SPI films, which showed excellent strength and flexibility. In short, SPI films prepared from HNTs, PVA, and PTGE showed considerable potential as packaging materials.

Assembling strategy to synthesize palladium modified kaolin nanocomposites with different morphologies

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiaoyu; Ouyang, Jing; Zhou, Yonghua; Yang, Huaming

2015-09-01

Nanocomposites of aluminosilicate minerals, kaolins (kaolinite and halloysite) with natural different morphologies assembling with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through strong electrostatic adsorption and chemical bonding after surface modification with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). Meanwhile, the influence of different morphologies supports on catalytic hydrogenation properties was explored. The surface concentration of amino groups on the kaolins was related to the morphology and surface nature. Electronmicroscopy revealed that the monodisperse Pd nanoparticles were uniformly deposited onto the surface of kaolins, ranging in diameter from 0.5 nm to 5.5 nm. The functional groups could not only improve the dispersion of kaolins with different morphologies in solution, but also enhance the interaction between Pd precursors and kaolins, thus preventing small Pd nanoparticles from agglomerating and leading to high activity for the catalytic hydrogenation of styrene. Pd-FK@APTES was more active compared to other samples. Selecting the kaolin morphology with a different surface nature allows the selective surface modification of a larger fraction of the reactive facets on which the active sites can be enriched and tuned. This desirable surface coordination of catalytically active atoms could substantially improve catalytic activity.

Reinforcing effect of plasma modified halloysite nanotubes in a carbon black filled natural rubber-butadien rubber matrix

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Poikelispaa, Minna; Das, Amit; Dierkes, Wilma K.; Vuorinen, Jyrki

2011-01-01

Rubber composites are generally produced by the direct incorporation of fillers like carbon black and/or silica into the rubber matrix. The incorporation of different types of nanofillers is the subject of recent research with the aim of preparing composites with special compositions and properties.

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites based on natural nanotubes: effect of magnetically modified halloysite on the behaviour of polycaprolactone

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Khunová, V.; Šafařík, Ivo; Škrátek, M.; Kelnar, Ivan; Tomanová, K.

2016-01-01

Roč. 51, č. 3 (2016), s. 435-444 ISSN 0009-8558 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA13-15255S Institutional support: RVO:60077344 ; RVO:61389013 Keywords : magnetically modified HNTs * biodegradable polymer nanocomposites * polycaprolactone Subject RIV: CD - Macromolecular Chemistry ; JI - Composite Materials (UMCH-V) Impact factor: 1.052, year: 2016

Synergistic Effects of Nucleating Agents and Plasticizers on the Crystallization Behavior of Poly(lactic acid

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xuetao Shi

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The synergistic effect of nucleating agents and plasticizers on the thermal and mechanical performance of PLA nanocomposites was investigated with the objective of increasing the crystallinity and balancing the stiffness and toughness of PLA mechanical properties. Calcium carbonate, halloysite nanotubes, talc and LAK (sulfates were compared with each other as heterogeneous nucleating agents. Both the DSC isothermal and non-isothermal studies indicated that talc and LAK were the more effective nucleating agents among the selected fillers. Poly(D-lactic acid (PDLA acted also as a nucleating agent due to the formation of the PLA stereocomplex. The half crystallization time was reduced by the addition of talc to about 2 min from 37.5 min of pure PLA by the isothermal crystallization study. The dynamic mechanical thermal study (DMTA indicated that nanofillers acted as both reinforcement fillers and nucleating agents in relation to the higher storage modulus. The plasticized PLA studied by DMTA indicated a decreasing glass transition temperature with the increasing of the PEG content. The addition of nanofiller increased the Young’s modulus. PEG had the plasticization effect of increasing the break deformation, while sharply decreasing the stiffness and strength of PLA. The synergistic effect of nanofillers and plasticizer achieved the balance between stiffness and toughness with well-controlled crystallization.

Sorption behavior of bensulfuron-methyl on andisols and ultisols volcanic ash-derived soils: Contribution of humic fractions and mineral-organic complexes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Espinoza, Jeannette; Fuentes, Edwar [Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile, Olivos 1007, Casilla 233, Santiago (Chile); Baez, Maria E., E-mail: mbaez@ciq.uchile.c [Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile, Olivos 1007, Casilla 233, Santiago (Chile)

2009-12-15

Bensulfuron-methyl sorption was studied in Andisol and Ultisol soils in view of their characteristic physical and chemical properties, presenting acidic pH and variable charge. Humic and fulvic acids (HA and FA) and humin (HUM) contributions were established. Sorption was studied by using two synthetic sorbents, an aluminum-silicate with iron oxide coverage and the same sorbent coated with humic acid. Freundlich model described Bensulfuron-methyl behavior in all sorbents (R{sup 2} 0.969-0.998). K{sub f} for soils (8.3-20.7 mug{sup 1-1/n} mL{sup 1/n} g{sup -1}) were higher than those reported in the literature. Organic matter, halloysite or kaolinite, and specific surface area contributed to the global process. The highest K{sub f} for HA, FA and HUM were 539.5, 82.9, and 98.7 mug{sup 1-1/n} mL{sup 1/n} g{sup -1}. Model sorbents described the participation of variable charge materials with high adsorption capacity. The constant capacitance model was used to assess effects of Bensulfuron-methyl adsorption on the distribution of SOH, SOH{sub 2}{sup +} and SO{sup -} sites of sorbents. - Organic matter, phyllosilicates, variable charge minerals and organo-mineral complexes contribute to bensulfuron-methyl sorption on volcanic ash-derived soils.

Nanostructured Surfaces to Target and Kill Circulating Tumor Cells While Repelling Leukocytes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Michael J. Mitchell

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Hematogenous metastasis, the process of cancer cell migration from a primary to distal location via the bloodstream, typically leads to a poor patient prognosis. Selectin proteins hold promise in delivering drug-containing nanocarriers to circulating tumor cells (CTCs in the bloodstream, due to their rapid, force-dependent binding kinetics. However, it is challenging to deliver such nanocarriers while avoiding toxic effects on healthy blood cells, as many possess ligands that adhesively interact with selectins. Herein, we describe a nanostructured surface to capture flowing cancer cells, while preventing human neutrophil adhesion. Microtube surfaces with immobilized halloysite nanotubes (HNTs and E-selectin functionalized liposomal doxorubicin (ES-PEG L-DXR significantly increased the number of breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells captured from flow, yet also significantly reduced the number of captured neutrophils. Neutrophils firmly adhered and projected pseudopods on surfaces coated only with liposomes, while neutrophils adherent to HNT-liposome surfaces maintained a round morphology. Perfusion of both MCF7 cells and neutrophils resulted in primarily cancer cell adhesion to the HNT-liposome surface, and induced significant cancer cell death. This work demonstrates that nanostructured surfaces consisting of HNTs and ES-PEG L-DXR can increase CTC recruitment for chemotherapeutic delivery, while also preventing healthy cell adhesion and uptake of therapeutic intended for CTCs.

Stripe-like Clay Nanotubes Patterns in Glass Capillary Tubes for Capture of Tumor Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Mingxian; He, Rui; Yang, Jing; Zhao, Wei; Zhou, Changren

2016-03-01

Here, we used capillary tubes to evaporate an aqueous dispersion of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in a controlled manner to prepare a patterned surface with ordered alignment of the nanotubes . Sodium polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) was added to improve the surface charges of the tubes. An increased negative charge of HNTs is realized by PSS coating (from -26.1 mV to -52.2 mV). When the HNTs aqueous dispersion concentration is higher than 10%, liquid crystal phenomenon of the dispersion is found. A typical shear flow behavior and decreased viscosity upon shear is found when HNTs dispersions with concentrations higher than 10%. Upon drying the HNTs aqueous dispersion in capillary tubes, a regular pattern is formed in the wall of the tube. The width and spacing of the bands increase with HNTs dispersion concentration and decrease with the drying temperature for a given initial concentration. Morphology results show that an ordered alignment of HNTs is found especially for the sample of 10%. The patterned surface can be used as a model for preparing PDMS molding with regular micro-/nanostructure. Also, the HNTs rough surfaces can provide much higher tumor cell capture efficiency compared to blank glass surfaces. The HNTs ordered surfaces provide promising application for biomedical areas such as biosensors.

Short Range-Ordered Minerals: Insight into Aqueous Alteration Processes on Mars

Science.gov (United States)

Ming, Douglas W.; Morris, R. V.; Golden, D. C.

2011-01-01

Short range-ordered (SRO) aluminosilicates (e.g., allophane) and nanophase ferric oxides (npOx) are common SRO minerals derived during aqueous alteration of basaltic materials. NpOx refers to poorly crystalline or amorphous alteration products that can be any combination of superparamagnetic hematite and/or goethite, akaganeite, schwertmannite, ferrihydrite, iddingsite, and nanometer-sized ferric oxide particles that pigment palagonitic tephra. Nearly 30 years ago, SRO phases were suggested as alteration phases on Mars based on similar spectral properties for altered basaltic tephra on the slopes of Mauna Kea in Hawaii and Martian bright regions measured by Earth-based telescopes. Detailed characterization of altered basaltic tephra on Mauna Kea have identified a variety of alteration phases including allophane, npOx, hisingerite, jarosite, alunite, hematite, goethite, ferrihydrite, halloysite, kaolinite, smectite, and zeolites. The presence of npOx and other Fe-bearing minerals (jarosite, hematite, goethite) was confirmed by the M ssbauer Spectrometer onboard the Mars Exploration Rovers. Although the presence of allophane has not been definitely identified on Mars robotic missions, chemical analysis by the Spirit and Opportunity rovers and thermal infrared spectral orbital measurements suggest the presence of allophane or allophane-like phases on Mars. SRO phases form under a variety of environmental conditions on Earth ranging from cold and arid to warm and humid, including hydrothermal conditions. The formation of SRO aluminosilicates such as allophane (and crystalline halloysite) from basaltic material is controlled by several key factors including activity of water, extent of leaching, Si activity in solution, and available Al. Generally, a low leaching index (e.g., wet-dry cycles) and slightly acidic to alkaline conditions are necessary. NpOx generally form under aqueous oxidative weathering conditions, although thermal oxidative alteration may occasional be

Experimental hydrothermal dissolution of forsterite, enstatite, diopside, and labradorite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ponader, H.B.

1989-01-01

Natural hydrothermal water/rock interactions such as those which occur during mineral dissolution and serpentinization were experimentally duplicated using a flow-through apparatus. Labradorite, forsterite, enstatite, diopside, and lherzolite powders were reached with flowing aqueous fluids ({approximately} 10 ml/day) at 300 C and 300 bars for up to 58 days in order to quantify mineral stabilities and dissolution rates, and to characterize dissolution textures and mechanisms. The principal methods for characterization of the solids included surface sensitive spectroscopies (SAM and SPS), SEM, and XRD; reacted fluids were analyzed for major element chemistry and pH. Chapters 1 and 2 investigate labradorite dissolution by deionized water. The labradorite powder dissolved extensively while boehmite and halloysite precipitated. The SAM results show that, in general, the reacted surfaces are enriched in Al and depleted in Si, Na, and Ca. Chapter 3 describes the experiments that reacted deionized water with diopside, enstatite, forsterite, and lherzolite, from which lizardite {plus minus} chrysotile {plus minus} Fe-oxides precipitated. The reacted diopside and enstatite surfaces appeared highly corroded; their crystal structures, in part, control the mechanisms by which they dissolve. The stabilities of the minerals decrease in the order: lherzolite > diopside > enstatite > forsterite. At near neutral pH, the degree to which total surface areas influence dissolution rates appears greater that the effect of mineral composition and interaction of the primary minerals within the lherzolite.

On prilled Nanotubes-in-Microgel Oral Systems for protein delivery.

Science.gov (United States)

de Kruif, Jan Kendall; Ledergerber, Gisela; Garofalo, Carla; Fasler-Kan, Elizaveta; Kuentz, Martin

2016-04-01

Newly discovered active macromolecules are highly promising for therapy, but poor bioavailability hinders their oral use. Microencapsulation approaches, such as protein prilling into microspheres, may enable protection from gastrointestinal (GI) enzymatic degradation. This would increase bioavailability mainly for local delivery to GI lumen or mucosa. This work's purpose was to design a novel architecture, namely a Nanotubes-in-Microgel Oral System, by prilling for protein delivery. Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were selected as orally acceptable clay particles and their lumen was enlarged by alkaline etching. This chemical modification increased the luminal volume to a mean of 216.3 μL g(-1) (+40.8%). After loading albumin as model drug, the HNT were entrapped in microgels by prilling. The formation of Nanoparticles-in-Microsphere Oral System (NiMOS) yielded entrapment efficiencies up to 63.2%. NiMOS shape was spherical to toroidal, with a diameter smaller than 320 μm. Release profiles depended largely on the employed system and HNT type. Protein stability was determined throughout prilling and after in vitro enzymatic degradation. Prilling did not harm protein structure, and NiMOS demonstrated higher enzymatic protection than pure nanotubes or microgels, since up to 82% of BSA remained unscathed after in vitro digestion. Therefore, prilled NiMOS was shown to be a promising and flexible multi-compartment system for oral (local) macromolecular delivery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electroactive Ionic Soft Actuators with Monolithically Integrated Gold Nanocomposite Electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Yunsong; Santaniello, Tommaso; Bettini, Luca Giacomo; Minnai, Chloé; Bellacicca, Andrea; Porotti, Riccardo; Denti, Ilaria; Faraone, Gabriele; Merlini, Marco; Lenardi, Cristina; Milani, Paolo

2017-06-01

Electroactive ionic gel/metal nanocomposites are produced by implanting supersonically accelerated neutral gold nanoparticles into a novel chemically crosslinked ion conductive soft polymer. The ionic gel consists of chemically crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) and polyacrylonitrile networks, blended with halloysite nanoclays and imidazolium-based ionic liquid. The material exhibits mechanical properties similar to that of elastomers (Young's modulus ≈ 0.35 MPa) together with high ionic conductivity. The fabrication of thin (≈100 nm thick) nanostructured compliant electrodes by means of supersonic cluster beam implantation (SCBI) does not significantly alter the mechanical properties of the soft polymer and provides controlled electrical properties and large surface area for ions storage. SCBI is cost effective and suitable for the scaleup manufacturing of electroactive soft actuators. This study reports the high-strain electromechanical actuation performance of the novel ionic gel/metal nanocomposites in a low-voltage regime (from 0.1 to 5 V), with long-term stability up to 76 000 cycles with no electrode delamination or deterioration. The observed behavior is due to both the intrinsic features of the ionic gel (elasticity and ionic transport capability) and the electrical and morphological features of the electrodes, providing low specific resistance (<100 Ω cm -2 ), high electrochemical capacitance (≈mF g -1 ), and minimal mechanical stress at the polymer/metal composite interface upon deformation. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Performance evaluation of nanoclay enriched anti-microbial hydrogels for biomedical applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sonali Karnik

2016-02-01

Full Text Available A major factor contributing to the failure of orthopedic and orthodontic implants is post-surgical infection. Coating metallic implant surfaces with anti-microbial agents has shown promise but does not always prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms. Furthermore, breakdown of these coatings within the human body can cause release of the anti-microbial drugs in an uncontrolled or unpredictable fashion. In this study, we used a calcium alginate and calcium phosphate cement (CPC hydrogel composite as the base material and enriched these hydrogels with the anti-microbial drug, gentamicin sulfate, loaded within a halloysite nanotubes (HNTs. Our results demonstrate a sustained and extended release of gentamicin from hydrogels enriched with the gentamicin-loaded HNTs. When tested against the gram-negative bacteria, the hydrogel/nanoclay composites showed a pronounced zone of inhibition suggesting that anti-microbial doped nanoclay enriched hydrogels can prevent the growth of bacteria. The release of gentamicin sulfate for a period of five days from the nanoclay-enriched hydrogels would supply anti-microbial agents in a sustained and controlled manner and assist in preventing microbial growth and biofilm formation on the titanium implant surface. A pilot study, using mouse osteoblasts, confirmed that the nanoclay enriched surfaces are also cell supportive as osteoblasts readily, proliferated and produced a type I collagen and proteoglycan matrix.

Andisols from Tondano Area, North Sulawesi: Properties and Classification

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hikmatullah

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Three pedons of Andisol (TN-1, TN-2 and TN-3 developed from young volcanic materials of the Lokon, Soputan, and Lengkoan volcanoes respectively in the Tondano area, North Sulawesi, were studied in the field, and 18 soil samples were analysed in the laboratory for physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties, and they were classified according to Keys to Soil Taxonomy 2003. The results indicated that all the pedons meet the requirements of the andic soil properties, and thus classified into Andisol order. Pedon TN-1 meets bulk density 85%, and (Alo + 0.5Feo content extracted by ammonium oxalate > 2.0%, while pedons TN-2 and TN-3 meet the requirements of P retention > 25%, (Alo + 0.5Feo content > 0.4%, volcanic glass content > 5%, and value of [%(Alo+0.5Feo x 15.625 + (% volcanic glass] is > 36.25. Composition of sand mineral fraction indicate that pedon TN-1 and TN-3 show andesitic to basaltic volcanic materials, whereas pedon TN-2 with high olivin content belongs to basaltic volcanic materials. Clay minerals of all the pedons was dominated by hydrated-halloysite with few of disordered-kaolinite, which indicated a little weathering of the pedons. The pedons were classified at family level as Typic Hapludand, medial, amorphic, isothermic (TN-1, Humic Udivitrand, ashy, amorphic, isothermic (TN-2, and Alfic Hapludand, medial, glassy, isothermic (TN-3.

Automated mineralogical logging of coal and coal measure core

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stephen Fraser; Joan Esterle; Colin Ward; Ruth Henwood; Peter Mason; Jon Huntington; Phil Connor; Reneta Sliwa; Dave Coward; Lew Whitbourn [CSIRO Exploration & Mining (Australia)

2006-06-15

A mineralogical core logging system based on spectral reflectance (HyLogger{trademark}) has been used to detect and quantify mineralogies in coal and coal measure sediments. The HyLogger{trademark} system, as tested, operates in the visible-to-shortwave infrared spectral region, where iron oxides, sulphates, hydroxyl-bearing and carbonate minerals have characteristic spectral responses. Specialized software assists with mineral identification and data display. Three Phases of activity were undertaken. In Phase I, carbonates (siderite, ankerite, calcite) and clays (halloysite, dickite) were successfully detected and mapped in coal. Repeat measurements taken from one of the cores after three months demonstrated the reproducibility of the spectral approach, with some spectral differences being attributed to variations in moisture content and oxidation. Also, investigated was HyLogger{trademark} ability to create a 'brightness-profile' on coal materials, and these results were encouraging. In Phase II, geotechnically significant smectitic clays (montmorillonite) were detected and mapped in cores of clastic roof and floor materials. Such knowledge would be useful for mine planning and design purposes. In Phase III, our attempts at determining whether phosphorus-bearing minerals such as apatite could be spectrally detected were less than conclusive. A spectral index could only be created for apatite, and the relationships between the spectrally-derived apatite-index, the XRD results and the analytically-derived phosphorus measurements were ambiguous.

Surface-Engineered Nanocontainers Based on Molecular Self-Assembly and Their Release of Methenamine

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Minghui Zhang

2018-02-01

Full Text Available The mixing of polymers and nanoparticles is opening pathways for engineering flexible composites that exhibit advantageous functional properties. To fabricate controllable assembling nanocomposites for efficiently encapsulating methenamine and releasing them on demand, we functionalized the surface of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs selectively with polymerizable gemini surfactant which has peculiar aggregation behavior, aiming at endowing the nanomaterials with self-assembly and stimulative responsiveness characteristics. The micromorphology, grafted components and functional groups were identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS. The created nanocomposites presented various characteristics of methenamine release with differences in the surface composition. It is particularly worth mentioning that the controlled release was more efficient with the increase of geminized monomer proportion, which is reasonably attributed to the fact that the amphiphilic geminized moieties with positive charge and obvious hydrophobic interactions interact with the outer and inner surface in different ways through fabricating polymeric shell as release stoppers at nanotube ends and forming polymer brush into the nanotube lumen for guest immobilization. Meanwhile, the nanocomposites present temperature and salinity responsive characteristics for the release of methenamine. The combination of HNTs with conjugated functional polymers will open pathways for engineering flexible composites which are promising for application in controlled release fields.

Polyethylenimine-assisted seed-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman scattering studies

Science.gov (United States)

Philip, Anish; Ankudze, Bright; Pakkanen, Tuula T.

2018-06-01

Large-sized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized with a new polyethylenimine - assisted seed - mediated method for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies. The size and polydispersity of gold nanoparticles are controlled in the growth step with the amounts of polyethylenimine (PEI) and seeds. Influence of three silicon oxide supports having different surface morphologies, namely halloysite (Hal) nanotubes, glass plates and inverse opal films of SiO2, on the performance of gold nanoparticles in Raman scattering of a 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) analyte was investigated. Electrostatic interaction between positively charged polyethylenimine-capped AuNPs and negatively charged surfaces of silicon oxide supports was utilized in fabrication of the SERS substrates using deposition and infiltration methods. The Au-photonic crystal of the three SERS substrate groups is the most active one as it showed the highest analytical enhancement factor (AEF) and the lowest detection limit of 1x10-8 M for 4-ATP. Coupling of the optical properties of photonic crystals with the plasmonic properties of AuNPs provided Au-photonic crystals with the high SERS activity. The AuNPs clusters formed both in the photonic crystal and on the glass plate are capable of forming more hot spots as compared to sparsely distributed AuNPs on Hal nanotubes and thereby increasing the SERS enhancement.

Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Acid-Sulfate Alteration of Basaltic Material on Mauna Kea Volcano, Hawaii: Jarosite and Hydrated Halloysite

Science.gov (United States)

Graff, Trevor G.; Morris, R. V.; Archilles C. N.; Agresti, D. G.; Ming, D. W.; Hamilton, J. C.; Mertzman, S. A.; Smith, J.

2012-01-01

Sulfates have been identified on the martian surface during robotic surface exploration and by orbital remote sensing. Measurements at Meridiani Planum (MP) by the Alpha-Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Mossbauer (MB) instruments on the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity document the presence of a ubiquitous sulfate-rich outcrop (20-40% SO3) that has jarosite as an anhydrous Fe3+-sulfate [1- 3]. The presence of jarosite implies a highly acidic (pH <3) formation environment [4]. Jarosite and other sulfate minerals, including kieserite, gypsum, and alunite have also been identified in several locations in orbital remote sensing data from the MEx OMEGA and MRO CRISM instruments [e.g. 5-8]. Acid sulfate weathering of basaltic materials is an obvious pathway for formation of sulfate-bearing phases on Mars [e.g. 4, 9, 10]. In order to constrain acid-sulfate pathways on Mars, we are studying the mineralogical and chemical manifestations of acid-sulfate alteration of basaltic compositions in terrestrial environments. We have previously shown that acidsulfate alteration of tephra under hydrothermal conditions on the Puu Poliahu cone (summit region of Mauna Kea volcano, Hawaii) resulted in jarosite and alunite as sulfate-bearing alteration products [11-14]. Other, more soluble, sulfates may have formed, but were leached away by rain and melting snow. Acidsulfate processes on Puu Poliahu also formed hematite spherules similar (except in size) to the hematite spherules observed at MP as an alteration product [14]. Phyllosilicates, usually smectite }minor kaolinite are also present as alteration products [13]. We discuss here an occurrence of acid-sulfate alteration on Mauna Kea Volcano (Hawaii). We report VNIR spectra (0.35-2.5 microns ASD spectrometer), Mossbauer spectra (MER-like ESPI backscatter spectrometer), powder XRD (PANalytical), and major element chemical compositions (XRF with LOI and Fe redox) for comparison to similar data acquired or to be acquired by MRO-CRISM and MEx OMEGA, MERMB, MSL-CheMin, and MER and MSL APXS, respectively.

Selective separation of lambdacyhalothrin by porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization.

Science.gov (United States)

Hang, Hui; Li, Chunxiang; Pan, Jianming; Li, Linzi; Dai, Jiangdong; Dai, Xiaohui; Yu, Ping; Feng, Yonghai

2013-10-01

Porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (PM-MIPs) were prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization. The reaction was carried out in an oil/water emulsion using magnetic halloysite nanotubes as the stabilizer instead of a toxic surfactant. In the oil phase, the imprinting process was conducted by radical polymerization of functional and cross-linked monomers, and porogen chloroform generated steam under the high reaction temperature, which resulted in some pores decorated with easily accessible molecular binding sites within the as-made PM-MIPs. The characterization demonstrated that the PM-MIPs were porous and magnetic inorganic-polymer composite microparticles with magnetic sensitivity (M(s) = 0.7448 emu/g), thermal stability (below 473 K) and magnetic stability (over the pH range of 2.0-8.0). The PM-MIPs were used as a sorbent for the selective binding of lambdacyhalothrin (LC) and rapidly separated under an external magnetic field. The Freundlich isotherm model gave a good fit to the experimental data. The adsorption kinetics of the PM-MIPs was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating that the chemical process could be the rate-limiting step in the adsorption of LC. The selective recognition experiments exhibited the outstanding selective adsorption effect of the PM-MIPs for target LC. Moreover, the PM-MIPs regeneration without significant loss in adsorption capacity was demonstrated by at least four repeated cycles. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of clayey dump materials from Troyanovo-2 mine, East Maritza Basin (Bulgaria)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Milakovska, Z.; Goettlicher, J.; Gasharova, B.; Pohlmann-Lortz, M.

2005-01-01

Eleven samples of macroscopic different types of surface dump materials (black, gray-green and ochreous clays and clay mixtures) which were heaped during different stages of open-pit coal mining were studied. Montmorillonite ((Na,Ca) 0.33 (Al,Mg) 2 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2 ), illite (K(Al, Mg, Fe) 2 AlSi 3 O 10 (OH) 2 ), calcite (CaCO 3 ), halloysite (Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 ), and less frequently kaolinite (Si 4 Al 4 O 10 (OH) 8 ) and quartz (SiO 2 ) are the main primary minerals identified. Primary sulfide minerals determined are pyrite (FeS 2 ) (detected in three samples) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS) - in two samples. Gypsum (CaSO 4 x2H 2 O) is the most widespread secondary mineral followed by goethite (FeOOH) and hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ). Na-rich jarosite (ideal: NaFe 3 (SO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6 ) was identified in two samples, lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) - only in one. One sample is free of secondary minerals. The mineralogical study shows that oxidation processes of the surface dump materials are not finished yet and pyrite is still present in samples stored 20 years ago. Main factors contributing to the slow rate of oxidation process are clay minerals, low sulfide content (prerequisite for a low oxidation potential), and calcite that contributes to the acidity neutralising potential of the clayey materials. (authors)

Synthesis of Co/N-HNTs composites and investigation on its catalytic activity for H{sub 2} generation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Dongcui; Cheng, Zhilin; Nan, Zhaodong, E-mail: zdnan@yzu.edu.cn

2016-11-01

Co/N-HNTs composites were synthesized via a one-pot solvothermal method, where amine functional halloysite nanotubes (N-HNTs) were used as support materials. Effects of sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT), an anionic surfactant, on morphology and dispersibility of Co particles anchored at the N-HNTs were studied. The dispersibility of the Co particles was promoted with the increase of the AOT concentration. The as-obtained composite was used as a catalyst to generate H{sub 2} gas by hydrolysis of NaBH{sub 4} solution. The catalytic activity of the composite was significantly enhanced than the pure Co and Co/graphene composite at the same experimental conditions reported by our laboratory, and the catalyst was conveniently separated from the solution by a magnet. The catalytic activity was enhanced when the dispersibility of the Co particles was improved at the surface of the N-HNTs and the Co content contained in the composite was lowed. At the same time, the Co particles anchored at the inner surface of the N-HNTs resulted in higher catalytic activity, where the Co particles may bond with nitrogen atoms. The activation energy for the hydrolysis of NaBH{sub 4} was calculated to be about 15.42 kJ mol{sup −1}. The catalyst can be continuously used for four times with about the same catalytic activity. - Highlights: • Co/N-HNTs composites are synthesized. • The dispersibility and morphology of the Co particles anchored at the N-HNTs are modified by AOT. • The composite shows higher catalytic activity for production H{sub 2} gas.

Synthesis of Co/N-HNTs composites and investigation on its catalytic activity for H2 generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao, Dongcui; Cheng, Zhilin; Nan, Zhaodong

2016-01-01

Co/N-HNTs composites were synthesized via a one-pot solvothermal method, where amine functional halloysite nanotubes (N-HNTs) were used as support materials. Effects of sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT), an anionic surfactant, on morphology and dispersibility of Co particles anchored at the N-HNTs were studied. The dispersibility of the Co particles was promoted with the increase of the AOT concentration. The as-obtained composite was used as a catalyst to generate H 2 gas by hydrolysis of NaBH 4 solution. The catalytic activity of the composite was significantly enhanced than the pure Co and Co/graphene composite at the same experimental conditions reported by our laboratory, and the catalyst was conveniently separated from the solution by a magnet. The catalytic activity was enhanced when the dispersibility of the Co particles was improved at the surface of the N-HNTs and the Co content contained in the composite was lowed. At the same time, the Co particles anchored at the inner surface of the N-HNTs resulted in higher catalytic activity, where the Co particles may bond with nitrogen atoms. The activation energy for the hydrolysis of NaBH 4 was calculated to be about 15.42 kJ mol −1 . The catalyst can be continuously used for four times with about the same catalytic activity. - Highlights: • Co/N-HNTs composites are synthesized. • The dispersibility and morphology of the Co particles anchored at the N-HNTs are modified by AOT. • The composite shows higher catalytic activity for production H 2 gas.

Tropical Volcanic Soils From Flores Island, Indonesia

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Hikmatullah

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Soils that are developed intropical region with volcanic parent materials have many unique properties, and high potential for agricultural use.The purpose of this study is to characterize the soils developed on volcanic materials from Flores Island, Indonesia,and to examine if the soils meet the requirements for andic soil properties. Selected five soils profiles developed fromandesitic volcanic materials from Flores Island were studied to determine their properties. They were compared intheir physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics according to their parent material, and climatic characteristicdifferent. The soils were developed under humid tropical climate with ustic to udic soil moisture regimes withdifferent annual rainfall. The soils developed from volcanic ash parent materials in Flores Island showed differentproperties compared to the soils derived from volcanic tuff, even though they were developed from the sameintermediary volcanic materials. The silica contents, clay mineralogy and sand fractions, were shown as the differences.The different in climatic conditions developed similar properties such as deep solum, dark color, medium texture, andvery friable soil consistency. The soils have high organic materials, slightly acid to acid, low to medium cationexchange capacity (CEC. The soils in western region have higher clay content and showing more developed than ofthe eastern region. All the profiles meet the requirements for andic soil properties, and classified as Andisols order.The composition of sand mineral was dominated by hornblende, augite, and hypersthenes with high weatherablemineral reserves, while the clay fraction was dominated by disordered kaolinite, and hydrated halloysite. The soilswere classified into subgroup as Thaptic Hapludands, Typic Hapludands, and Dystric Haplustands

Antimicrobial Carvacrol-Containing Polypropylene Films: Composition, Structure and Function

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Max Krepker

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Significant research has been directed toward the incorporation of bioactive plant extracts or essential oils (EOs into polymers to endow the latter with antimicrobial functionality. EOs offer a unique combination of having broad antimicrobial activity from a natural source, generally recognized as safe (GRAS recognition in the US, and a volatile nature. However, their volatility also presents a major challenge in their incorporation into polymers by conventional high-temperature-processing techniques. Herein, antimicrobial polypropylene (PP cast films were produced by incorporating carvacrol (a model EO or carvacrol, loaded into halloysite nanotubes (HNTs, via melt compounding. We studied the composition-structure-property relationships in these systems, focusing on the effect of carvacrol on the composition of the films, the PP crystalline phase and its morphology and the films’ mechanical and antimicrobial properties. For the first time, molecular dynamics simulations were applied to reveal the complex interactions between the components of these carvacrol-containing systems. We show that strong molecular interactions between PP and carvacrol minimize the loss of this highly-volatile EO during high-temperature polymer processing, enabling semi-industrial scale production. The resulting films exhibit outstanding antimicrobial properties against model microorganisms (Escherichia coli and Alternaria alternata. The PP/(HNTs-carvacrol nanocomposite films, containing the carvacrol-loaded HNTs, display a higher level of crystalline order, superior mechanical properties and prolonged release of carvacrol, in comparison to PP/carvacrol blends. These properties are ascribed to the role of HNTs in these nanocomposites and their effect on the PP matrix and retained carvacrol content.

Characterization of Zeolite in Zeolite-Geopolymer Hybrid Bulk Materials Derived from Kaolinitic Clays

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Hayami Takeda

2013-05-01

Full Text Available Zeolite-geopolymer hybrid materials have been formed when kaolin was used as a starting material. Their characteristics are of interest because they can have a wide pore size distribution with micro- and meso-pores due to the zeolite and geopolymer, respectively. In this study, Zeolite-geopolymer hybrid bulk materials were fabricated using four kinds of kaolinitic clays (a halloysite and three kinds of kaolinite. The kaolinitic clays were first calcined at 700 °C for 3 h to transform into the amorphous aluminosilicate phases. Alkali-activation treatment of the metakaolin yielded bulk materials with different amounts and types of zeolite and different compressive strength. This study investigated the effects of the initial kaolinitic clays on the amount and types of zeolite in the resultant geopolymers as well as the strength of the bulk materials. The kaolinitic clays and their metakaolin were characterized by XRD analysis, chemical composition, crystallite size, 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR analysis, and specific surface area measurements. The correlation between the amount of zeolite formed and the compressive strength of the resultant hybrid bulk materials, previously reported by other researchers was not positively observed. In the studied systems, the effects of Si/Al and crystalline size were observed. When the atomic ratio of Si/Al in the starting kaolinitic clays increased, the compressive strength of the hybrid bulk materials increased. The crystallite size of the zeolite in the hybrid bulk materials increased with decreasing compressive strength of the hybrid bulk materials.

Mineralogical analysis of clays in hardsetting soil horizons, by X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction using Rietveld method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prandel, L.V.; Saab, S.C.; Brinatti, A.M.; Giarola, N.F.B.; Leite, W.C.; Cassaro, F.A.M.

2014-01-01

Diffraction and spectroscopic techniques have been shown to be suitable for obtaining physical and mineralogical properties in polycrystalline soil samples, and also in their precursor compounds. For instance, the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy allows obtaining the elemental composition of an investigated sample, while the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique permits obtaining qualitative and quantitative composition of the soil minerals through the Rietveld method (RM). In this study Yellow Latosol (Oxisol), Yellow Argisol (Ultisol) and Gray Argisol (Ultisol) soil samples, classified as “hardsetting soils”, extracted from areas located at Northeast and Southeast of Brazilian coast were investigated. The soils and their fractions were analyzed in an EDX-700 and an XRD-6000 (Cu K α radiation). XRF results indicate high percentages of Si and Al, and small percentage of Fe and Ti in the investigated samples. The DRX data and RM indicate that there was a predominance of kaolinite and halloysite minerals (kaolin group minerals) in the clay fractions, which are presumably responsible for the formation of kaolinitic plasma in these soils. Also, the obtained results showed that the XRF, XRD techniques and RM were very helpful for investigating the mineralogical composition of a hardsetting soil. - Highlights: ► Elemental composition of soil samples through X-Ray fluorescence. ► Mineralogical quantification through X-ray diffraction and Rietveld method. ► Oxisol and Ultisol, Brazil ‘Barreiras’ formation. ► High amounts of Si and Al oxides and low amounts of Fe and Ti oxides. ► Predominance of kaolinite in the clay fraction

Indikasi mineralisasi epitermal emas bersulfi da rendah, di Wilayah Kecamatan Bonjol, Kabupaten Pasaman, Sumatera Barat

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Hamdan Z. Abidin

2014-06-01

Full Text Available http://dx.doi.org/10.17014/ijog.vol2no1.20075Bonjol gold prospect, known as Old Dutch Gold mine, consists of several ore bodies (Malintang, Balimbing, Lubang Sempit, Lubang Belanda and Lubang Perak. The deposit hosts within the altered volcanic rocks known as Gunung Amas Formation of Early Miocene age (9.3 ± 0.4 - 11.9 ±1.0 Ma. This formation consists of various rock types such as rhyolitic tuff, volcanic breccia, dacitic tuffs and rhyolites. These rocks are moderate to strongly alter. Mineralogy of the deposit consists of gold and silver with minor pyrite, sphalerite and galena. Besides this, hematite, jarosite and manganese are also present as supergene minerals. Ore minerals are found within quartz veins ranging from few centimetres to tens of metres thick. The veins are characterized by crustiform, comb, vuggy, botroyidal, layering and bladed. Quartz is a dominant mineral as hydrothermal alteration in addition to illite, dickite, monmorillonite, kaolinite, chlorite, smectite, natrolite, nontronite, calcite, halloysite, palygorskite, muscovite, sepiolite, analcime, heulandite, clino-chlor, zircon, zoisite, laumontite, alunite, biotite and erionite. The presence of these secondary minerals could be classifi ed into prophylitic, argillic and advanced argillic types. Analytical result of gold–bearing quartz vein indicates higher content of gold (0.3% and silver (400 ppm. In contrast, the content of sulphide minerals (Cu, Pb, and Zn is very low (< 100 ppm. Combined geology, mineralogy, textures and alteration minerals, it is concluded that gold deposit in the area shows an indication of a low sulphidation epithermal type within Gunung Amas Formation.  

Impact of Nanoclays on the Biodegradation of Poly(Lactic Acid Nanocomposites

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Edgar Castro-Aguirre

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Poly(lactic acid (PLA, a well-known biodegradable and compostable polymer, was used in this study as a model system to determine if the addition of nanoclays affects its biodegradation in simulated composting conditions and whether the nanoclays impact the microbial population in a compost environment. Three different nanoclays were studied due to their different surface characteristics but similar chemistry: organo-modified montmorillonite (OMMT, Halloysite nanotubes (HNT, and Laponite® RD (LRD. Additionally, the organo-modifier of MMT, methyl, tallow, bis-2-hydroxyethyl, quaternary ammonium (QAC, was studied. PLA and PLA bio-nanocomposite (BNC films were produced, characterized, and used for biodegradation evaluation with an in-house built direct measurement respirometer (DMR following the analysis of evolved CO2 approach. A biofilm formation essay and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate microbial attachment on the surface of PLA and BNCs. The results obtained from four different biodegradation tests with PLA and its BNCs showed a significantly higher mineralization of the films containing nanoclay in comparison to the pristine PLA during the first three to four weeks of testing, mainly attributed to the reduction in the PLA lag time. The effect of the nanoclays on the initial molecular weight during processing played a crucial role in the evolution of CO2. PLA-LRD5 had the greatest microbial attachment on the surface as confirmed by the biofilm test and the SEM micrographs, while PLA-QAC0.4 had the lowest biofilm formation that may be attributed to the inhibitory effect also found during the biodegradation test when the QAC was tested by itself.

Mineralogy and geotechnical characteristics of some pottery clay

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Mujib Olamide ADEAGBO

2016-12-01

Full Text Available The physical properties of soils, which are tremendously influenced by the active clay minerals in soil, are of great importance in geotechnical engineering. This paper investigates the clay-sized particles of the Igbara-Odo pottery clay, and compares results obtained with available data on the bulk sample, to determine their correlation and underline the dependence of the geotechnical properties of the bulk clay material on the clay-sized particles. The bulk clay sample consists of 52% sand-size particles, 21% silt and 27% clay. Analysis of the clay-sized particles and the bulk materials shows: specific gravity of 2.07 and 2.66, liquid limit of 91.0% and 33.0%, plastic limit of 27.5% and 14.3%, plasticity index of 63.5% and 18.7% and a linear shrinkage of 7.9% and 5.4%, for both clay-sized particles and bulk clay respectively. The activity value of the clay material (0.64 suggests the presence of Kaolinite and Ilite; and these were confirmed with X-Ray diffraction on the bulk sample and clay-sized particles. X-Ray diffraction patterns shows distinctive peaks which highlight the dominance of Kaolinite (with 8 peaks in the pottery clay sample for both clay-sized particles and bulk material; while traces of other clay minerals like Illite and Halloysite and rock minerals like Mica, Feldspar and Chrysotile were also found. These results suggest that the clay possesses high viability in the manufacturing of ceramics, refractory bricks, paper, fertilizer and paint. The clay material can be used as a subgrade in road construction, since it possesses low swelling characteristics.

Mineralogia de um latossolo vermelho distrófico submetido a diferentes manejos por 24 anos Mineralogy of a red latosol under different management systems for twenty-four years

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Daniele Gonçalves

2008-12-01

Full Text Available Atualmente, procuram-se sistemas de manejo que preservem ou melhorem as qualidades do solo, tanto mineralógicas como orgânicas, priorizando maior produtividade. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar qualitativamente, por meio das técnicas de fluorescência de raios X, difração de raios X e infravermelho com transformada de Fourier, os efeitos provocados pela utilização dos manejos: plantio convencional, preparo mínimo e plantio direto, por 24 anos, na mineralogia de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico de Ponta Grossa, PR. Não foram observadas mudanças significativas na mineralogia do Latossolo estudado, por meio das técnicas utilizadas, quanto aos diferentes manejos durante os anos de sua aplicação. Pôde-se verificar, qualitativamente, a presença dos minerais gibbsita, caulinita, haloisita, montmorilonita, hematita, rutilo, anatásio, goethita e quartzo.The search for management systems that preserve or improve soil qualities, the mineralogical as well as the organic composition, with a view to higher yields, is becoming more and more intense. The objective this study was to qualitatively verify the mineralogical effects of different management types: conventional , minimum and no-tillage for 24 years on a Red Latosol in Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil, by the following techniques: X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared. No significant changes in the mineralogy of the Red Latosol were observed by the techniques applied, as a result of the different management types. It was however possible to qualitatively verify the presence of the following minerals: gibbsite, kaolinite, halloysite, montmorillonite, hematite, rutile, anatase, goethite and quartz.

Mechanical resilience and cementitious processes in Imperial Roman architectural mortar.

Science.gov (United States)

Jackson, Marie D; Landis, Eric N; Brune, Philip F; Vitti, Massimo; Chen, Heng; Li, Qinfei; Kunz, Martin; Wenk, Hans-Rudolf; Monteiro, Paulo J M; Ingraffea, Anthony R

2014-12-30

The pyroclastic aggregate concrete of Trajan's Markets (110 CE), now Museo Fori Imperiali in Rome, has absorbed energy from seismic ground shaking and long-term foundation settlement for nearly two millenia while remaining largely intact at the structural scale. The scientific basis of this exceptional service record is explored through computed tomography of fracture surfaces and synchroton X-ray microdiffraction analyses of a reproduction of the standardized hydrated lime-volcanic ash mortar that binds decimeter-sized tuff and brick aggregate in the conglomeratic concrete. The mortar reproduction gains fracture toughness over 180 d through progressive coalescence of calcium-aluminum-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) cementing binder with Ca/(Si+Al) ≈ 0.8-0.9 and crystallization of strätlingite and siliceous hydrogarnet (katoite) at ≥ 90 d, after pozzolanic consumption of hydrated lime was complete. Platey strätlingite crystals toughen interfacial zones along scoria perimeters and impede macroscale propagation of crack segments. In the 1,900-y-old mortar, C-A-S-H has low Ca/(Si+Al) ≈ 0.45-0.75. Dense clusters of 2- to 30-µm strätlingite plates further reinforce interfacial zones, the weakest link of modern cement-based concrete, and the cementitious matrix. These crystals formed during long-term autogeneous reaction of dissolved calcite from lime and the alkali-rich scoriae groundmass, clay mineral (halloysite), and zeolite (phillipsite and chabazite) surface textures from the Pozzolane Rosse pyroclastic flow, erupted from the nearby Alban Hills volcano. The clast-supported conglomeratic fabric of the concrete presents further resistance to fracture propagation at the structural scale.

Mechanical resilience and cementitious processes in Imperial Roman architectural mortar

Science.gov (United States)

Landis, Eric N.; Brune, Philip F.; Vitti, Massimo; Chen, Heng; Li, Qinfei; Kunz, Martin; Wenk, Hans-Rudolf; Monteiro, Paulo J. M.; Ingraffea, Anthony R.

2014-01-01

The pyroclastic aggregate concrete of Trajan’s Markets (110 CE), now Museo Fori Imperiali in Rome, has absorbed energy from seismic ground shaking and long-term foundation settlement for nearly two millenia while remaining largely intact at the structural scale. The scientific basis of this exceptional service record is explored through computed tomography of fracture surfaces and synchroton X-ray microdiffraction analyses of a reproduction of the standardized hydrated lime–volcanic ash mortar that binds decimeter-sized tuff and brick aggregate in the conglomeratic concrete. The mortar reproduction gains fracture toughness over 180 d through progressive coalescence of calcium–aluminum-silicate–hydrate (C-A-S-H) cementing binder with Ca/(Si+Al) ≈ 0.8–0.9 and crystallization of strätlingite and siliceous hydrogarnet (katoite) at ≥90 d, after pozzolanic consumption of hydrated lime was complete. Platey strätlingite crystals toughen interfacial zones along scoria perimeters and impede macroscale propagation of crack segments. In the 1,900-y-old mortar, C-A-S-H has low Ca/(Si+Al) ≈ 0.45–0.75. Dense clusters of 2- to 30-µm strätlingite plates further reinforce interfacial zones, the weakest link of modern cement-based concrete, and the cementitious matrix. These crystals formed during long-term autogeneous reaction of dissolved calcite from lime and the alkali-rich scoriae groundmass, clay mineral (halloysite), and zeolite (phillipsite and chabazite) surface textures from the Pozzolane Rosse pyroclastic flow, erupted from the nearby Alban Hills volcano. The clast-supported conglomeratic fabric of the concrete presents further resistance to fracture propagation at the structural scale. PMID:25512521

Mapping advanced argillic alteration at Cuprite, Nevada, using imaging spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Swayze, Gregg A.; Clark, Roger N.; Goetz, Alexander F.H.; Livo, K. Eric; Breit, George N.; Kruse, Fred A.; Sutley, Stephen J.; Snee, Lawrence W.; Lowers, Heather A.; Post, James L.; Stoffregen, Roger E.; Ashley, Roger P.

2014-01-01

Mineral maps based on Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data were used to study late Miocene advanced argillic alteration at Cuprite, Nevada. Distributions of Fe-bearing minerals, clays, micas, sulfates, and carbonates were mapped using the Tetracorder spectral-shape matching system. The Al content of white micas increases toward altered areas and near intrusive rocks. Alunite composition varies from pure K to intimate mixtures of Na-K endmembers with subpixel occurrences of huangite, the Ca analogue of alunite. Intimately mixed Na-K alunite marks areas of relatively lower alteration temperature, whereas co-occurring Na-alunite and dickite may delineate relict hydrothermal conduits. The presence of dickite, halloysite, and well-ordered kaolinite, but absence of disordered kaolinite, is consistent with acidic conditions during hydrothermal alteration. Partial lichen cover on opal spectrally mimics chalcedony, limiting its detection to lichen-free areas. Pods of buddingtonite are remnants of initial quartz-adularia-smectite alteration. Thus, spectral maps provide a synoptic view of the surface mineralogy, and define a previously unrecognized early steam-heated hydrothermal event.Faulting and episodes of hydrothermal alteration at Cuprite were intimately linked to upper plate movements above the Silver Peak-Lone Mountain detachment and growth, collapse, and resurgence of the nearby Stonewall Mountain volcanic complex between 8 and 5 Ma. Isotopic dating indicates that hydrothermal activity started at least by 7.61 Ma and ended by about 6.2 Ma. Spectral and stable isotope data suggest that Cuprite is a late Miocene low-sulfidation adularia-sericite type hot spring deposit overprinted by late-stage, steam-heated advanced argillic alteration formed along the margin of the Stonewall Mountain caldera.

Molecular Treatment of Nano-Kaolinite Generations.

Science.gov (United States)

Táborosi, Attila; Szilagyi, Robert K; Zsirka, Balázs; Fónagy, Orsolya; Horváth, Erzsébet; Kristóf, János

2018-06-18

A procedure is developed for defining a compositionally and structurally realistic, atomic-scale description of exfoliated clay nanoparticles from the kaolinite family of phylloaluminosilicates. By use of coordination chemical principles, chemical environments within a nanoparticle can be separated into inner, outer, and peripheral spheres. The edges of the molecular models of nanoparticles were protonated in a validated manner to achieve charge neutrality. Structural optimizations using semiempirical methods (NDDO Hamiltonians and DFTB formalism) and ab initio density functionals with a saturated basis set revealed previously overlooked molecular origins of morphological changes as a result of exfoliation. While the use of semiempirical methods is desirable for the treatment of nanoparticles composed of tens of thousands of atoms, the structural accuracy is rather modest in comparison to DFT methods. We report a comparative survey of our infrared data for untreated crystalline and various exfoliated states of kaolinite and halloysite. Given the limited availability of experimental techniques for providing direct structural information about nano-kaolinite, the vibrational spectra can be considered as an essential tool for validating structural models. The comparison of experimental and calculated stretching and bending frequencies further justified the use of the preferred level of theory. Overall, an optimal molecular model of the defect-free, ideal nano-kaolinite can be composed with respect to stationary structure and curvature of the potential energy surface using the PW91/SVP level of theory with empirical dispersion correction (PW91+D) and polarizable continuum solvation model (PCM) without the need for a scaled quantum chemical force field. This validated theoretical approach is essential in order to follow the formation of exfoliated clays and their surface reactivity that is experimentally unattainable.

Preparation and characterization of a novel PVDF ultrafiltration membrane by blending with TiO_2-HNTs nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeng, Guangyong; He, Yi; Yu, Zongxue; Zhan, Yingqing; Ma, Lan; Zhang, Lei

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A novel TiO_2-HNTs/PVDF ultrafiltration membrane was prepared. • TiO_2 dispersed well in membrane matrix by loading on the surface of HNTs. • The hydrophilicity of membrane was improved with the addition of TiO_2-HNTs. • TiO_2-HNTs/PVDF membranes showed good antifouling performance. - Abstract: Novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by blending with different contents of titanium dioxide-halloysite nanotubes (TiO_2-HNTs) composites into the PVDF matrix. The effects of TiO_2-HNTs content on the membrane performances, such as hydrophilicity, rejection ratio and antifouling properties were investigated in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses showed that TiO_2 was loaded on the surface of HNTs successfully and homogeneously by sol-gel method. The morphologies and microstructure of the membranes were characterized by SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The contact angle (CA) tests indicated that the hydrophilicity of membranes was significantly increased with the addition of TiO_2-HNTs. The pure water flux of 3%TiO_2-HNTs/PVDF was increased by 264.8% and 35.6%, respectively, compared with pure PVDF membrane and 3%TiO_2/PVDF membrane, although the rejection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was slightly decreased. More importantly, TiO_2-HNTs/PVDF membrane exhibited an excellent anti-fouling performance, which was attributed to the hydrophobic contaminants being resisted by hydrophilic nanoparticles. It can be expected that this work may provide some references to solve the dispersion of nanoparticle in the membrane and improve the anti-fouling performance of membrane in the field of wastewater treatment.

THEMIS analysis of Olympus Mons' mineralogical makeup

Science.gov (United States)

Chase, N. D.

2016-12-01

Olympus Mons is the largest shield volcano in our known solar system. In previous studies, the composition of the basaltic lava flows on Olympus Mons was shown to be similar to the composition of those lava flows of Earth's shield volcanoes. It has been suggested that basalt located near volcanoes contained bacteria living below the surface of the Earth. In this pilot study, the effect of Olympus Mons' aspect (i.e. north- vs. south-facing slope) on its mineral composition was examined. Imagery from Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), onboard the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft, were used because Olympus Mons' size and surface roughness hinder rover exploration. After removing transmission errors and performing an atmospheric correction, the THEMIS images were ready to be analyzed via a mineral spectral library. Using Arizona State University's Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) derived mineral spectral library, the images were classified in ENVI. These classifications were verified using ASU's GIS tool, Java Mission-planning and Analysis for Remote Sensing (JMARS) and TES. Results show a significant amount of silicates located throughout the sampled areas of Olympus Mons. The results also show differences in the mineral composition and in the geological features on Olympus Mons' surface. The minerals vanadinite and halloysite were shown to be prevalent on the sampled southern portions of Olympus Mons, but were sparse on the sampled northern portions. Previous studies suggested that the mineral ilmenite, which this study found in high concentrations on the sampled northern portions of Olympus Mons, might serve as a food source for iron-oxidizing and iron-scavenging bacteria. Future research should focus on better understanding these concentrations on Olympus Mons to see if these minerals play a role in the potential bacterial presence on Olympus Mons.

Polymer-inorganic hybrid proton conductive membranes: Effect of the interfacial transfer pathways

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Pingping; Hao, Lie; Wu, Wenjia; Li, Yifan; Wang, Jingtao

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A series of hybrid membranes are prepared using fillers with different structures. • The fillers (0-D, 1-D, and 2-D) are sulfonated to ensure close surface component. • The effect of filler’s structure on microstructure of hydrid membrane is explored. • For single-kind filler series, 2-D filler has the strongest conduction promotion. • The synergy effect of different kinds of fillers is systematacially investigated. - Abstract: For hybrid membrane, the polymer-inorganic interface along filler surface can be facilely created to be distinctive and controllable pathway for mass transfer. Herein, three kinds of fillers are used as inorganic additives including zero-dimensional silica (0-D, SiO_2), one-dimensional halloysite nanotube (1-D, HNT), and two-dimensional graphene oxide (2-D, GO), which are functionalized by sulfonated polymer layer to ensure close surface component. Then the fillers are incorporated into two types of polymer matrixes (phase-separated sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) and non-phase-separated chitosan) to prepare three series of hybrid membranes with single-kind filler, double-kinds fillers, or triple-kinds fillers, respectively. The microstructures, physicochemical properties, and proton conduction properties (under hydrated and anhydrous conditions) of the membranes are extensively investigated. It is found that (i) for the single-kind filler-filled membranes, 2-D filler has the strongest promotion ability for proton conductivity of membrane due to the constructed wide and long-range pathways for proton transfer; (ii) while for the hybrid membranes with double-kinds fillers, instead of synergistic promotion effect, the fillers cause more tortuous transfer pathways within membranes and then decrease proton conductivity; (iii) the hybrid membranes with triple-kinds fillers exhibit similar behavior but a little higher conductivity than the membranes with double-kinds fillers.

Fabric and Geotechnical behavior of the volcanic clays of Xalapa, Mexico; Farbica y comportamiento geotecnico de las arcillas volcanicas de Xalapa, Mexico

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lenz, O.

2009-07-01

The City of Xalapa is nailed in the Eastern part of the Axis Mexican Neovolcanico and is laid the foundations, in its majority, clays of volcanic origin of the Quaternary. These ashes have a peculiar behavior when the micro climate around them varies, as shown in previous slides of the slope and embankments. On the other hand, these clays problems for their identification, as these soils are rich in halloysite and to a lesser extent by allophones. To understand the microstructure in natural state of the clay one studies the characteristics physical-chemistries of his components by the method of ionic chromatography and the chemical isolated particle composition is analysed with an transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a connected detector of dispersion of X-ray energy. On the other hand, the mineralogical composition is obtained from X-ray diffractometer of dust in argillaceous fraction. The morphology of particles is identified by means of the TEM. Limits liquid associated with the specific surface of particles, this last one determined by adsorption of N{sub 2}. The fabric of the clay in natural and artificial state (with different methods from compaction) in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) is compared. In accordance with the above-mentioned, it is studied the levels of the fabric, the morphology of the pores and the type of connections of the particles. In order to verify the hypothesis that the mechanical properties of the soil depend on the fabric of this artificial and natural samples prepared and geotechnical behavior is characterized to observe its answer and to compare it. Also it is observed as it influences the fabric in the deformation of this one under constant suction. The residual strength is investigated carefully and it is compared with that of the peak. (Author) 35 refs.

Preparation and characterization of a novel PVDF ultrafiltration membrane by blending with TiO{sub 2}-HNTs nanocomposites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zeng, Guangyong [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); He, Yi, E-mail: heyi@swpu.edu.cn [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); State Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Yu, Zongxue; Zhan, Yingqing; Ma, Lan [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Zhang, Lei, E-mail: zgc166929@sohu.com [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China)

2016-05-15

Highlights: • A novel TiO{sub 2}-HNTs/PVDF ultrafiltration membrane was prepared. • TiO{sub 2} dispersed well in membrane matrix by loading on the surface of HNTs. • The hydrophilicity of membrane was improved with the addition of TiO{sub 2}-HNTs. • TiO{sub 2}-HNTs/PVDF membranes showed good antifouling performance. - Abstract: Novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by blending with different contents of titanium dioxide-halloysite nanotubes (TiO{sub 2}-HNTs) composites into the PVDF matrix. The effects of TiO{sub 2}-HNTs content on the membrane performances, such as hydrophilicity, rejection ratio and antifouling properties were investigated in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses showed that TiO{sub 2} was loaded on the surface of HNTs successfully and homogeneously by sol-gel method. The morphologies and microstructure of the membranes were characterized by SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The contact angle (CA) tests indicated that the hydrophilicity of membranes was significantly increased with the addition of TiO{sub 2}-HNTs. The pure water flux of 3%TiO{sub 2}-HNTs/PVDF was increased by 264.8% and 35.6%, respectively, compared with pure PVDF membrane and 3%TiO{sub 2}/PVDF membrane, although the rejection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was slightly decreased. More importantly, TiO{sub 2}-HNTs/PVDF membrane exhibited an excellent anti-fouling performance, which was attributed to the hydrophobic contaminants being resisted by hydrophilic nanoparticles. It can be expected that this work may provide some references to solve the dispersion of nanoparticle in the membrane and improve the anti-fouling performance of membrane in the field of wastewater treatment.

Influence of nanoparticles on the properties of bionanocomposites from cassava starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paglicawan, Marissa A.; Emolaga, Carlo S.; Navarro, Ma. Teresa V.; Celorico, Josefina; Basilia, Blessie A.

2015-01-01

Plastics are widely used packaging materials for food and non-food products due to their desirable material properties and low cost. However, the merits of plastic products have been overshadowed by its non-degradable nature, thereby leading to waste disposal problems. Because of the environmental problem, many researchers are facing to minimize non-degradable to biodegradable materials. Starch is one of the most promising natural polymers because of its inherent biodegradability, overwhelming abundance and its renewability. One of the abundant starch is cassava. The Manihot exculenta Crantz, is known as camoteng-kahoy or balinghoy in the Philippines. The production of thermoplastic starch (also known as plasticized starch or TPS) basically involves three essential components, namely: starch, plasticizer and thermomechanical energy. However, this material has high water solubility and may lose their mechanical properties in humid conditions. One of the possible ways to overcome this problem is through nanocomposite in which consist of a polymer matrix reinforced with nano-dimensional particles. This research involves the processing of cassava starch into thermoplastic starch for packaging application that can be biodegraded in soil or compostable after its usage. Thermoplastic starchs from cassava starch and different nanomaterials were processed by melt-blending method in a twin-screw extruder. The four nanofillers - nanoclay (NC), halloysite nanotube (HNT), nanozeolite (NZ), and nanocalcium carbonate (NCC) were incorporated into the starch matrix in a 3 phr concentration. The resulting biocomposites were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, morphology, thermal properties, moisture absorption, and crystallinity. The newly developed technology based on cassava starch/nano-scale particles nanocomposites upgrade the hdydrophylic and mechanical properties of starch based films. Homogeneously dispersing nanometer size materials, with high length

Fabric and Geotechnical behavior of the volcanic clays of Xalapa, Mexico

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lenz, O.

2009-01-01

The City of Xalapa is nailed in the Eastern part of the Axis Mexican Neovolcanico and is laid the foundations, in its majority, clays of volcanic origin of the Quaternary. These ashes have a peculiar behavior when the micro climate around them varies, as shown in previous slides of the slope and embankments. On the other hand, these clays problems for their identification, as these soils are rich in halloysite and to a lesser extent by allophones. To understand the microstructure in natural state of the clay one studies the characteristics physical-chemistries of his components by the method of ionic chromatography and the chemical isolated particle composition is analysed with an transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a connected detector of dispersion of X-ray energy. On the other hand, the mineralogical composition is obtained from X-ray diffractometer of dust in argillaceous fraction. The morphology of particles is identified by means of the TEM. Limits liquid associated with the specific surface of particles, this last one determined by adsorption of N 2 . The fabric of the clay in natural and artificial state (with different methods from compaction) in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) is compared. In accordance with the above-mentioned, it is studied the levels of the fabric, the morphology of the pores and the type of connections of the particles. In order to verify the hypothesis that the mechanical properties of the soil depend on the fabric of this artificial and natural samples prepared and geotechnical behavior is characterized to observe its answer and to compare it. Also it is observed as it influences the fabric in the deformation of this one under constant suction. The residual strength is investigated carefully and it is compared with that of the peak. (Author) 35 refs

Insightful understanding of the role of clay topology on the stability of biomimetic hybrid chitosan-clay thin films and CO2-dried porous aerogel microspheres.

Science.gov (United States)

Frindy, Sana; Primo, Ana; Qaiss, Abou El Kacem; Bouhfid, Rachid; Lahcini, Mohamed; Garcia, Hermenegildo; Bousmina, Mosto; El Kadib, Abdelkrim

2016-08-01

Three natural clay-based microstructures, namely layered montmorillonite (MMT), nanotubular halloysite (HNT) and micro-fibrillar sepiolite (SP) were used for the synthesis of hybrid chitosan-clay thin films and porous aerogel microspheres. At a first glance, a decrease in the viscosity of the three gel-forming solutions was noticed as a result of breaking the mutual polymeric chains interaction by the clay microstructure. Upon casting, chitosan-clay films displayed enhanced hydrophilicity in the order CSclay microstructure, an improvement in the mechanical properties of the chitosan-clay films has been substantiated with CS-SP reaching the highest value at 5% clay loading. While clay addition provides a way to resist the shrinkage occurring for native chitosan, the enhanced hydrophilicity associated to the water content affects the efficacy of the CO2 super-critical drying as the most hydrophilic CS-SP microspheres face the highest shrinkage, resulting in a lowest specific surface area compared to CS-HNT and CS-MMT. Chitosan-clay exhibits enhanced thermal properties with the degradation delayed in the order CSclay compared to native chitosan, evidencing the beneficial protective effect of the clay particulates for the biopolymer. However, under hydrothermal treatment, the presence of clay was found to be detrimental to the material stability as a significant shrinkage occurs in hybrid CS-clay microspheres, which is attributed again to their increased hydrophilicity compared to the native polymeric microspheres. In this framework, a peculiar behavior was observed for CS-MMT, with the microspheres standing both against contraction during CO2 gel drying and under hydrothermal conditions. The knowledge gained from this rational design will constitute a guideline toward the preparation of ultra-stable, practically-optimized food-packaging films and commercially scalable porous bio-based adsorbents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chitosan composite hydrogels reinforced with natural clay nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Biao; Liu, Mingxian; Zhou, Changren

2017-11-01

Here, chitosan composites hydrogels were prepared by addition of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in the chitosan KOH/LiOH/urea solution. The raw chitosan and chitosan/HNTs composite hydrogels were obtained by heat treatment at 60°C for 8h and then regeneration in ethanol solution. The viscosity of the composite solution is increased with HNTs content. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) shows that the hydrogen bonds interactions exist between the HNTs and the chitosan. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the crystal structure of HNT is not changed in the composite hydrogels. The compressive property test and storage modulus determination show that the mechanical properties and anti-deformation ability of the composite hydrogel significantly increase owing to the reinforcing effect of HNTs. The composites hydrogel with 66.7% HNTs can undergo 7 times compression cycles without breaking with compressive strength of 0.71MPa at 70% deformation, while pure chitosan hydrogel is broken after bearing 5 compression cycles with compressive strength of 0.14MPa and a maximum deformation of 59%. A porous structure with pore size of 100-500μm is found in the composite hydrogels by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the pore size and the swelling ratio in NaCl solution decrease by the addition of HNTs and the immersing of ethanol. Chitosan/HNTs composite hydrogels show low cytotoxicity towards MC3T3-E1 cells. Also, the composite hydrogels show a maximum drug entrapment efficiency of 45.7% for doxorubicin (DOX) which is much higher than that of pure chitosan hydrogel (27.5%). All the results illustrate that the chitosan/HNTs composite hydrogels show promising applications as biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of clay minerals in the preservation of organic matter in sediments of Qinghai Lake, NW China

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Bingsong; Dong, Hailiang; Jiang, Hongchen; Lv, Guo; Eberl, Dennis D.; Li, Shanying; Kim, Jinwook

2009-01-01

The role of saline lake sediments in preserving organic matter has long been recognized. In order to further understand the preservation mechanisms, the role of clay minerals was studied. Three sediment cores, 25, 57, and 500 cm long, were collected from Qinghai Lake, NW China, and dissected into multiple subsamples. Multiple techniques were employed, including density fractionation, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), total organic carbon (TOC) and carbon compound analyses, and surface area determination. The sediments were oxic near the water-sediment interface, but became anoxic at depth. The clay mineral content was as much as 36.8%, consisting mostly of illite, chlorite, and halloysite. The TEM observations revealed that organic matter occurred primarily as organic matter-clay mineral aggregates. The TOC and clay mineral abundances are greatest in the mid-density fraction, with a positive correlation between the TOC and mineral surface area. The TOC of the bulk sediments ranges from 1 to 3% with the non-hydrocarbon fraction being predominant, followed by bitumen, saturated hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbons, and chloroform-soluble bitumen. The bimodal distribution of carbon compounds of the saturated hydrocarbon fraction suggests that organic matter in the sediments was derived from two sources: terrestrial plants and microorganisms/algae. Depthrelated systematic changes in the distribution patterns of the carbon compounds suggest that the oxidizing conditions and microbial abundance near the water-sediment interface promote degradation of labile organic matter, probably in adsorbed form. The reducing conditions and small microbial biomass deeper in the sediments favor preservation of organic matter, because of the less labile nature of organic matter, probably occurring within clay mineral-organic matter aggregates that are inaccessible to microorganisms. These results have important implications for our

Novel copper doped Halloysite Nano Tube/silver-poly(pyrrole-co-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene dual layer coatings on low nickel stainless steel for anti-corrosion applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Palanisamy Karthikeyan

2018-03-01

Full Text Available The increase of the diverse and complicated applications of stainless steel in all fields of industry production and various research activities have induced immense efforts in research and fabrication to increase its efficiency and sophisticated to minimize its corrosion by using among others conducting polymer coatings. The present work discusses the corrosion resistant behavior of stainless steel with copolymer and composite dual layer coatings. The coated samples were analyzed by various analytical studies and the results are discussed. The dual layer composite coating Ag-p(Py-co-EDOT thus obtained was uniform in nature and highly adherent to the stainless steel surface, when compared to the monolayer coatings. An antibacterial effect of coating and the coatings against marine and pathogenic bacteria have also been studied. Keywords: Dual layer coatings, Electrochemical studies, Surface analysis, Antibacterial activity, Ion leachout test

Influence of clay mineralogy on clay based ceramic products

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radzali Othman; Tuan Besar Tuan Sarif; Zainal Arifin Ahmad; Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Noor; Abu Bakar Aramjat

1996-01-01

Clay-based ceramic products can either be produced directly from a suitable clay source without the need further addition or such products can be produced from a ceramic body formulated by additions of other raw materials such as feldspar and silica sand. In either case, the mineralogical make-up of the clay component plays a dominating role in the fabrication and properties of the ceramic product. This study was sparked off by a peculiar result observed in one of five local ball clay samples that were used to reformulate a ceramic body. Initial characterisation tests conducted on the clays indicated that these clays can be classified as kaolinitic. However, one of these clays produced a ceramic body that is distinctively different in terms of whiteness, smoothness and density as compared to the other four clays. Careful re-examination of other characterisation data, such as particle size distribution and chemical analysis, failed to offer any plausible explanation. Consequently, the mineralogical analysis by x-ray diffraction was repeated by paying meticulous attention to specimen preparation. Diffraction data for the clay with anomalous behaviour indicated the presence of a ∼ 10A peak that diminished when the same specimen was re-tested after heating in an oven at 12O degree C whilst the other four clays only exhibit the characteristic kaolinite (Al sub 2 O sub 3. 2SiO sub 2. 2H sub 2 0) and muscovite peaks at ∼ 7A and ∼ 10A before and after heat treatment. This suggests the presence of the mineral halloysite (A1 sub 2 0 sub 3. 2SiO sub 2.4H sub 2 0) in that particular clay. This difference in mineralogy can be attributed to account for the variations in physical properties of the final product. Consequently, this paper reviews in general the precautionary measures that must be adhered to during any mineralogical investigation of clay minerals or clay-based materials. The common pitfalls during specimen preparation, machine settings and interpretation of

Bi-Functionalized Clay Nanotubes for Anti-Cancer Therapy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

William R. Grimes

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Systemic toxicity is an undesired consequence of the majority of chemotherapeutic drugs. Multifunctional nanoparticles with combined diagnostic and therapeutic functions show great promise towards personalized nanomedicine. Halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs have shown potential as a drug delivery vehicle, and its surface can be modified and tailored as a targeted drug delivery system. In this short report, we modified the HNT surface by covalently bonding folic acid (FA and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC. The modification of HNTs with folic acid imparts the potential to target tumor cells selectively. The addition of FITC offers a method for quantifying the effectiveness of the FA tagged HNTs ability to target tumor cells. We documented cell uptake of our bi-functionalized HNT (bHNT through phase contrast and epi-fluorescent microscopy. bHNTs showed no signs of cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 150 µg/mL. The increase in cell death with increased bHNT concentration may be due to induced cytotoxicity resulting from intracellular bHNT accumulation that disrupts cellular function leading to cell death. With HNTs recognized as having the ability to serve as both a nanocontainer and nanocarrier, we envision our construct as a potential modular platform for potential use in cancer therapeutics. The HNT interior can be loaded with a variety of anti-cancer drugs (or other chemotherapeutics and serve as a “death cargo” designed to kill cancer cells while providing feedback imaging data on drug efficacy. The surface of the HNT can be modified with gold or silver nanoparticles and used in photothermal therapy by converting light to heat inside tumors. Our HNT-based drug delivery system has the potential to provide localized and targeted therapies that limit or reduce side effects, reduce patient costs and length of hospital stays, and improve quality of life. However, further research is needed to validate the potential of this new

A preliminary study of mineralogy and geochemistry of four coal samples from northern Iran

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goodarzi, F.; Sanei, H.; Stasiuk, L.D.; Reyes, J. [Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada-Calgary Division, Calgary, Alberta (Canada); Bagheri-Sadeghi, H. [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Azad University, Central Campus, Tehran (Iran)

2006-01-03

This study is related to four Jurassic-age bituminous coal (0.69-1.02 Ro%) samples collected from coal mines from the west, central and east of central, Alborz in northern Iran. Geological settings played key roles in determining the geochemistry and mineralogy of coals from the central Alborz region of northern Iran. The mineralogy of coals from the eastern part of the region is dominated by kaolinite; halloysite; and carbonates such as calcite, dolomite/ankerite, and siderite. The coals were deposited in a lacustrine environment. In the western part of the region, where the depositional setting was also lacustrine with volcanic input and tonstein deposition (glass shards present), the coal primarily contains kaolinite (68%) and fluorapatite (26%). In contrast, coal from the central part of the region, which was deposited in a terrestrial environment and on eroded limestone and dolomite rocks, is dominated by dolomite (98%) with little input by kaolinite. These coals have low sulphur (0.35-0.70 wt.%), which is mostly in the organic form (0.34-0.69 wt.%). Pyritic sulphur is detected only in one coal and in small quantities. The boron contents of these coals range from 9 to 33 mg/kg, indicating that deposition occurred in a fresh water environment. Coal with higher concentrations of Ba, Sr, and P contain fluorapatite and goyazite-gorceixite series [BaAl{sub 3} (PO{sub 4}){sub 2} (OH){sub 5}, H{sub 2}O] minerals, which indicates volcanoclastic input. Compared to world coal averages, these coals exhibit low concentrations of elements of environmental concern, such as As (1.3-5.9 mg/kg), Cd (<0.02-0.06 mg/kg), Hg (<0.01-0.07 mg/kg) Mo (<0.6-1.7 mg/kg), Pb (4.8-13 mg/kg), Th (0.5-21 mg/kg), Se (<0.2-0.8 mg/kg) and U (0.2-4.6 mg/kg). Two of the northern Iranian coals have concentrations of Cl (2560 and 3010 mg/kg) that are higher than world coal average. (author)

Organic petrology, mineralogy and depositional environment of the Kipra lignite seam, Maritza-West basin, Bulgaria

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kostova, Irena [Department of Geology and Palaeontology, Sofia University ' ' St. Kliment Ohridski' ' , 1000, Sofia (Bulgaria); Zdravkov, Alexander [Department of Economic Geology, University of Mining and Geology ' ' St. Ivan Rilski' ' , 1700, Sofia (Bulgaria)

2007-08-01

The aim of the present study is to provide additional information about the properties and depositional environment of the Kipra lignite seam, which was deposited during the regressive stage of development of the Maritza-West basin. Petrographical and mineralogical data, along with ash yields and sulphur contents of 24 samples from a seam profile, have been used to study the vertical variation of the depositional settings during peat accumulation and subsequent coalification. The Kipra lignite is characterized by high ash yields and sulphur contents. It formed in a rheotrophic, low-lying mire with alkaline pH value. Vegetation with low preservation potential dominated within the palaeomire. During peat formation, frequent changes of the water level controlled the depositional environment. During the deposition of units 1 and 2, high water energy caused the transportation of high amounts of inorganic material into the mire, resulting in the formation of weakly gelified mineral-rich lignite. The organic matter from units 3 and 4 is characterized by enhanced gelification, which probably reflects the decreasing energy of the system. Good positive correlation between sulphur contents and the GI values was established in units 4, indicating that the gelification of the tissues was probably mainly controlled by the bacterial activity. In contrast, the gelification of the samples from unit 3 of the Kipra seam was probably governed by the redox conditions. The organic matter deposited under relatively wet conditions, in which the thermal and oxidative destruction of the tissues, was limited. A variety of major, minor and accessory minerals are present in Maritza-West lignite. The mineral composition is dominated mainly by pyrite, gypsum and calcite, and to a lesser extent limonite, quartz, kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite, chlorite and plagioclase. Jarosite, hematite, halloysite, mica, K-feldspar, aragonite, siderite, and dolomite were also determined in very low

Nano clay-enhanced calcium phosphate cements and hydrogels for biomedical applications

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Jammalamadaka, Udayabhanu

Biomaterials are used as templates for drug delivery, scaffolds in tissue engineering, grafts in surgeries, and support for tissue regeneration. Novel biomaterial composites are needed to meet multifaceted requirements of compatibility, ease of fabrication and controlled drug delivery. Currently used biomaterials in orthopedics surgeries suffer limitations in toxicity and preventing infections. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) used as bone cement suffers from limitations of thermal necrosis and monomer toxicity calls for development of better cementing biomaterials. A biodegradable/bioresorbable cement with good mechanical properties is needed to address this short coming. Metal implants used in fixing fractures or total joint replacement needs improvements in preventing biofilm formation and better tissue integration. This research addressed the above mentioned research gaps by formulating novel biomaterial composites. Calcium phosphate cements are the alternative bone cements that are bioresorbable and promote tissue integration. These cements lack sufficient mechanical strengths to be used in load bearing sites. The addition of nanoparticles is hypothesized to improve the mechanical properties without inducing toxicity to the tissue. This hypothesis was tested by evaluating compression and flexural strengths in addition to cytocompatibility tests. Results indicate that addition of nano-clay particles (halloysites nanotubes) improved the compressive strength and osteoinductive properties of calcium phosphate cements. To address the research need of preventing implant failure due to infection and aseptic loosening, novel coatings are needed. Hydrogels are well establish for their ability to mimic in vivo environment, promote cell viability and as drug delivery vehicles. Use of composites of hydrogels and drug-loaded nanoparticles to prevent infection was evaluated. Cytocompatibility results indicate good cell viability. Antibacterial results show sustained release

Interestratificado caulinita-esmectita em um argissolo desenvolvido a partir de rocha sedimentar do Sul do Brasil Interlayered kaolinite-smectite minerals in an acrisol developed from sandstone parent material in Southern Brazil

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Edson Campanhola Bortoluzzi

2007-12-01

, indicando que ela é proveniente de herança do material de origem. A mineralogia deste solo indica estádio intermediário entre argilominerais de estrutura do tipo 2:1 e 1:1 no processo de intemperismo.Kaolinite is commonly found in fine fractions of tropical and subtropical Brazilian soils. Kaolinite can be verified by an X-ray diffractogram, made of a series of 00l peaks, at the distance of 0.715 nm. However, in some soils, major peaks can be found at about d = 0.720 nm, indicating halloysite or kaolinite-smectite (K-S interstratified minerals. The objectives of this study were to verify this hypothesis and subsequently discuss soil genesis. Parent material and soil samples from the horizons A1, A2, E and Bt were collected in a Red Yellow Acrisol, covered by native vegetation, on the Campus of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The clay fraction was separated by sedimentation, Ca2+ saturated and X-ray diffracted after the following treatments: control, air drying, (N; ethylene-glycol saturation (EG; heating to 300 and 550 °C; and, after formamide saturation. The raw X-ray diffractograms (XRD were modeled between 11 and 15 degrees 2 theta (using DecompRX. Two peaks were found in the XRD around this region. The first peak was sharp and intense at d = 0.717 nm, corresponding to kaolinite; the second, broader and less intense, was observed at d = 0.720 nm. The peak at d = 0.720 nm was sensitive to EG treatment; it varied from d = 0.720 nm to d = 0.730 nm and returned to about d = 0.720 nm after heating to 300 °C. This behaviour is typical of expansive layers. The presence of interstratified K-S minerals was inferred since halloysite clay was not identified by the formamide test. The XRD were analyzed and indicated interstratified K-S mineral at a proportion of 0.8_0.9 kaolinite layers and 0.1-0.2 smectite layers. Furthermore, the K-S covered about 90 % and kaolinite alone 10 % of the modelled peak, at d = 0.720 nm. K-S was also found in the bedrock

X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Fe-Substituted Allophane and Imogolite

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Baker, L. L.; Strawn, D. G.; Nickerson, R. D.; McDaniel, P.

2011-12-01

Martian rocks and sediments contain weathering products including clay minerals formed as a result of interaction between rocks and water, and these materials can act as important indicators of past surface conditions on Mars. Weathering of terrestrial volcanic rocks similar to those on Mars produces nano-sized, variably hydrated aluminosilicate and iron oxide minerals, including allophane, imogolite, halloysite, hisingerite, and ferrihydrite. The nanoaluminosilicates can contain isomorphically substituted Fe, which may affect their spectral and physical properties as well as their eventual recrystallization products. Detection and quantification of such minerals in natural environments on Earth is difficult due to their variable chemical composition and lack of long-range crystalline order. Their accurate detection and quantification on Mars requires a better understanding of how composition affects their spectral properties and evolution to more crystalline phases. Aluminosilicate nanoparticles of varying composition were synthesized with isomorphically substituted Fe at Fe:Al ratios of 1:100. Allophanes were synthesized with Al:Si ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:3. The substituted Fe was probed using Fe K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS). The XAFS spectrum contains information about the molecular environment surrounding the target atom, and is an ideal technique for studying poorly crystalline materials that are difficult to characterize using bulk methods such as XRD. The near-edge (XANES) and extended (EXAFS) portions of the XAFS spectrum were examined, and allophane backscattering paths were fit using coordinates for a modified nanoball model (1). XANES spectra rule out ferrihydrite in the synthetic samples, suggesting all Fe was incorporated into the aluminosilicate structure. The XAFS results suggest that Fe substituted into the allophane structure is present as Fe(III) in octahedral coordination in a well-ordered sheet. Some Fe

Provenance analysis and thermo-dynamic studies of multi-type Holocene duricrusts (1700 BC) in the Sua Salt Pan, NE Botswana

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Dill, Harald G.; Dohrmann, R.; Kaufhold, S.; Techmer, A.

2014-08-01

Multi-type duricrusts, composed of silcretes, calcretes, halcretes and sulcretes developed during the Holocene at the northern rim of the Sua Salt Pan, NE Botswana. They were investigated for their light (quartz/chalcedony, feldspar, analcime, clinoptilolite, calcite, kaolinite/halloysite, illite-smectite mixed-layers, halite) and heavy minerals (baryte, clinozoisite-epidote s.s.s., amphibole, corundum, tourmaline, ilmenite, rutile, sphene, kyanite, andalusite, staurolite, garnet, zircon, apatite, monazite, cassiterite, garnet, biotite) using petrographic microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and diffraction analyses, radio-carbon dating, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an EDX-system, cation exchange capacity and infrared spectroscopy. Detrital minerals predominantly derived from the erosion of rocks belonging to the Archaean Basement Complex, the Stormberg Volcanites and the Kalahari sediments. Of particular interest to exploration geologists, geikielite-enriched ilmenite fragments are a hint to kimberlitic pipes. Biodetritus was derived from invertebrates and from vertebrates (fish bones?). A man-made impact on the heavy mineral suite has to be invoked from small fragments of cassiterite fragments that derived from processing of sulfidic and pegmatitic Sn-bearing ore. In the salt-pan-derived duricrusts mainly the aeolian and to a lesser degree fluvial inputs were responsible for the concentration of clasts in these multi-type duricrusts. Moreover, their variegated mineralogy enables us to constrain the physical-chemical regime, prevalently as to the pH and the chemical composition of the major constituents. All duricrusts developed in a self-sufficient chemically closed system where quartz and feldspar provided the elements Si, Na, K, Ca, and Ba to produce the encrustations. The spatial and temporal trend in the Sua Salt Pan rim encrustations may be described as follows: (1) sulcrete-silcretes, (2) silcretes with kaolinite-group minerals towards more recent

Integration of micro nano and bio technologies with layer-by-layer self-assembly

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Kommireddy, Dinesh Shankar

In the past decade, layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoassembly has been used as a tool for immobilization and surface modification of materials with applications in biology and physical sciences. Often, in such applications, LbL assembly is integrated with various techniques to form functional surface coatings and immobilized matrices. In this work, integration of LbL with microfabrication and microfluidics, and tissue engineering are explored. In an effort to integrate microfabrication with LbL nanoassembly, microchannels were fabricated using soft-lithography and the surface of these channels was used for the immobilization of materials using LbL and laminar flow patterning. Synthesis of poly(dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride)/poly(styrene sulfonate) and poly(dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride)/bovine serum albumin microstrips is demonstrated with the laminar flow microfluidic reactor. Resulting micropatterns are 8-10 mum wide, separated with few micron gaps. The width of these microstrips as well as their position in the microchannel is controlled by varying the flow rate, time of interaction and concentration of the individual components, which is verified by numerical simulation. Spatially resolved pH sensitivity was observed by modifying the surface of the channel with a pH sensitive dye. In order to investigate the integration of LbL assembly with tissue engineering, glass substrates were coated with nanoparticle/polyelectrolyte layers, and two different cell types were used to test the applicability of these coatings for the surface modification of medical implants. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2), silicon dioxide, halloysite and montmorillonite nanoparticles were assembled with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. In-vitro cytotoxicity tests of the nanoparticle substrates on human dermal firbroblasts (HDFs) showed that the nanoparticle surfaces do not have toxic effects on the cells. HDFs retained their phenotype on the nanoparticle coatings, by synthesizing type

Characteristics of soils developed from alluvium and their potential for cocoa plant development in East Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

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E. Yatno

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Cocoa is one of plantation commodities that is quite important for the national economy. Land management for the development of this plant should pay attention to the characteristics of the soil. Three soil profiles formed from alluvium parent material in East Kolaka Regency were investigated to determine the mineralogical, physical, and chemical soil properties, as well as the potential of the land for the development of cocoa plant. The results showed that the mineral composition of the sand fraction was dominated by quartz, while the clay mineral fraction was composed of kaolinite, hydrate halloysite, interstratified of illite-vermiculite and smectite. The soils were characterized by poor drainage, low bulk density (0.78 to 0.95 g / cm3, moderate available water pores (10-15%, slow to fast permeability (0.10 to 14.05 cm / h, silty clay loam to silty clay texture of top soil, acidic soil reaction (pH 4.62 to 5.47, high organic C content (3.86 to 4.60% in the top soil and very low organic C content (<0.65% in the lower layer, moderate to high available P (14-38 mg / kg in the A horizon and very low to moderate (1-18 mg / kg in horizon B, moderate to high P2O5 (30-71 mg / 100g in horizon A and extremely low (1-11 mg / 100g in horizon B, very low to moderate K2O (3-28 mg / 100g , moderate to high exchangeable Ca (9.32 to 13.92 cmolc / kg in the upper and lower (0.70 to 5.04 cmolc / kg in the bottom layer, high exchangeable Mg content (2.83 to 8.95 cmolc / kg, high soil CEC (34.18 to 38.28 cmolc / kg in the upper layer and low to moderate (7.87 to 20.39 cmolc / kg in the bottom layer, moderate to high base saturation (44-68%, and very low to moderate Al saturation (0-17%. At the family level, the soil was classified as Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (EK 1 profile and Typic Endoaquepts (EK 2 and EK 3 profiles, finely loamy, mix, acid, isohypertermik. The land was marginally suitable (S3 for cocoa plant with the contraints of impeded drainage, acid soil

A micromorphological evaluation of pedogenesis on Isla Santa Cruz (Galápagos Estudio micromorfológico de la edafogénesis en la Isla Santa Cruz (Galápagos Avaliação micromorfológica da génese de solos da Ilha de Santa Cruz (Galápagos

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Georges Stoops

2013-07-01

Full Text Available Thin sections of about 200 horizons or layers, representing 60 soil profiles in the coastal area and on the windward slopes of Isla Santa Cruz (Galápagos Islands were analysed. Based on the fabric and the composition of the groundmass and the presence of pedofeatures in individual layers or horizons, clusters of similar material are made and 7 units and 3 subunits distinguished. Plotting these units on a survey map gives a good insight in the spatial distribution of soil materials, expressing different combinations of parent material and precipitation. In the coastal area and the lowest slopes, with a summer dry climate, respectively reddish and greyish and brown materials with a porphyric c/f related distribution pattern and striated b-fabrics, and often with fragmented illuvial clay coatings are observed. The coarse material contains mainly holocrystalline basalt fragments, unweathered in the coastal area, or basalt derived individual minerals. The micromass has a halloysitic-smectitic composition. On the higher slopes, with a permanent moist climate, materials have also a porphyric or fine monic c/f related distribution pattern, but the b-fabric is undifferentiated and no illuvial features are present, gibbsitic features sometimes occur and the micromass consists mainly of halloysite and gibbsite. Subunits are distinguished here according to the microstructure, and the quantity and type of coarse material. Mesocrystalline basalt, often vesicular, dominates over holocrystalline, pointing to the influence of scoria. Soils on the higher slopes are more strongly weathered than those on the drier lower slopes and the coastal area. In depressions in the higher areas, materials with a yellowish or brownish grey micromass with a striated b-fabric, and well developed limpid illuvial clay coatings and impregnative iron oxide nodules occur. The micromass has a halloysite-smectite composition. Contrary to existing hypotheses the reddish soils in the

Origin Of Black Shale (Marl) Formation Aided By Continuous Volcanism For 10Ma Including Oceanic Anoxic Event, OAE2 (93-93.5 Ma) In The Eagle Ford Formation In South Texas

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Chakrabarty, P.; Basu, A. R.

2017-12-01

We report LA-ICPMS U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes of zircons, petrography, major and trace elements and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of whole rock black shales(marls) from volcanic subsurface as well as surface exposure ash beds of the Eagle Ford and Boquillas Formations in South Texas. Zircons from the middle part of the 300ft long Eagle Ford cores yield ages of 93.2±1.66 Ma, 94.13±1.25 Ma and 93.7±1.9 Ma. These ages are consistent with the Cenomanian-Turonian (C-T) age of deposition in three contiguous cores with spatial separation of 140 miles. An approximate 10Ma duration of deposition of volcanic ash and marl, at a rate of 28ft/Ma for the Eagle Ford is suggested from the 85.76 to 95.5 Ma ages. These ages are from the Eagle Ford ash beds, below the Austin Chalk and above the Buda Limestone and cover the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 at the C-T boundary. Zircons from 7 ash beds in the surface exposures of the Boquillas Formation near Del Rio, yield ages between 84.63 Ma - 90.91 Ma, implying younger than C-T boundary ages for these samples. The mineralogy, major and trace elements of the ash beds suggest their source from nearby arc-derived calc-alkaline volcanism. The ɛHf(T) of the analyzed ash bed zircons yield values between 0 - +8 averaging at +3.5, clearly indicating a mantle component in the host magmas of the zircons. This initial range of ɛHf(T) is similar to arc-volcanism signatures such as the Quaternary andesitic volcanism in Central Mexico. Petrographic analyses of marls away from the visible tuff layer contain phenocrysts of biotite, alkali feldspar and andesitic rock fragments. The whole rock marl with high concentration of some transition metals (V, Zn, Ni, Pb, Mo) and relatively higher MgO and TiO2 contents indicate contemporaneous arc volcanic activity at the time of marl deposition. XRD of subsurface Eagle Ford bulk marl samples from different depths in 4 cores, show volcanogenic clays, such as montmorillonite, vermiculite, dickite and halloysite

Quantifying elemental compositions of primary minerals from granitic rocks and saprolite within the Santa Catalina Mountain Critical Zone Observatory

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Lybrand, R. A.; Rasmussen, C.

2011-12-01

strong indicator that the grain was transforming in situ to secondary weathering products. Other feldspar minerals in the sample appeared relatively un-weathered and were contained within perthite structural units where the plagioclase minerals were preserved as intergrowths of the orthoclase groundmasses. These results suggest differential plagioclase weathering pathways that may have resulted from variations in physical erosion rates or different geologic configurations of the feldspar minerals. Secondary mineral assemblages of the sample included kaolinite, dehydrated halloysite, illite, vermiculite, chlorite and gibbsite, indicating chemical alteration of both micas and feldspars. Current research is focused on additional electron microprobe analyses of surface and saprolite samples from other field areas along the gradient. The electron microprobe data aided in the constraint of chemical weathering processes as related to primary mineral composition.

Three-dimensional printing and nanotechnology for enhanced implantable materials

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Tappa, Karthik Kumar

hence is naturally osteoconductive. Due to its low mechanical strength, its use in implant fixation and bone repair is limited to nonload-bearing applications. Novel CPCs were formulated and were doped with drug loaded Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) to enhance their mechanical and anti-infective properties. In this study we also explored the use of customized biopolymer filaments and 3D printing technology to treat bone diseases such as osteomyelitis, osteosarcoma, and osteoporosis. Biopolymer filaments were successfully loaded with antibiotics, chemotherapeutics and hormones (female sex hormones). Using a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-based 3D printer, these customized filaments were fabricating into 3D scaffolds. Constructs with variable mechanical strengths and porosities were successfully designed and 3D printed. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface architecture of the scaffolds. Compression and flexural testing was conducted for testing the mechanical strength of the constructs. Bacterial and suitable cell culture studies were applied to test bioactivity of the constructs. From above experiments, this study showed that 3D printing technology can be used to fabricate bioactive biopolymers for personalized medicine and localized drug delivery.

The effects of climate and landscape position on chemical denudation and mineral transformation in the Santa Catalina mountain critical zone observatory

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lybrand, Rebecca; Rasmussen, Craig; Jardine, Angie; Troch, Peter; Chorover, Jon

2011-01-01

positions. The relative differences in depth between convergent and divergent landscape positions was greatest at the low and high elevation sites and is hypothesized to be a product of changes in physical erosion rates across the gradient. Quartz/Plagioclase (Q/P) ratios were used as a general proxy for bulk regolith chemical denudation. Q/P was generally higher in divergent landscape positions compared to the adjacent convergent hollows. Convergent landscape positions appear to be collecting solute-rich soil-waters from divergent positions thereby inhibiting chemical denudation. Clay mineral assemblage of the low elevation sites was dominated by smectite and partially dehydrated halloysite whereas vermiculite and kaolinite were predominant in the high elevation sites. The increased depth to paralithic contact, chemical denudation and mineral transformation are likely functions of greater water availability and increased primary productivity. Landscape position within a given ecosystem exerts strong control on chemical denudation as a result of the redistribution of water and solutes across the landscape surface. The combined data from this research demonstrates a strong interactive control of climate, landscape position and erosion on the development of soil and regolith.

The effects of climate and landscape position on chemical denudation and mineral transformation in the Santa Catalina mountain critical zone observatory

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lybrand, Rebecca, E-mail: rlybrand@email.arizona.edu [Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States); Rasmussen, Craig [Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States); Jardine, Angie; Troch, Peter [Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States); Chorover, Jon [Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States)

2011-06-15

positions. The relative differences in depth between convergent and divergent landscape positions was greatest at the low and high elevation sites and is hypothesized to be a product of changes in physical erosion rates across the gradient. Quartz/Plagioclase (Q/P) ratios were used as a general proxy for bulk regolith chemical denudation. Q/P was generally higher in divergent landscape positions compared to the adjacent convergent hollows. Convergent landscape positions appear to be collecting solute-rich soil-waters from divergent positions thereby inhibiting chemical denudation. Clay mineral assemblage of the low elevation sites was dominated by smectite and partially dehydrated halloysite whereas vermiculite and kaolinite were predominant in the high elevation sites. The increased depth to paralithic contact, chemical denudation and mineral transformation are likely functions of greater water availability and increased primary productivity. Landscape position within a given ecosystem exerts strong control on chemical denudation as a result of the redistribution of water and solutes across the landscape surface. The combined data from this research demonstrates a strong interactive control of climate, landscape position and erosion on the development of soil and regolith.

The Chlordecone crisis in the French West Indies : Its fate in soils and water

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Voltz, Marc; Cattan, Philippe; Saison, Carine; Berns, Anne E.; Colin, François; Crabit, Armand; Crevoisier, David; Fernandez-Bayo, Jesus; Levillain, Joseph; Pak, Lai-Ting; Samouelian, Anatja; Cabidoche, Yves-Marie

2013-04-01

In the French West Indies, chlordecone (CLD), an organochlorine pesticide, which is highly persistent in the environment, was applied in banana plantations from 1972 to 1993 against the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus. Pollution surveys conducted in 2001 by the French Department of Health revealed the presence of chlordecone in soils, rivers, springs over large areas in Guadeloupe and Martinique islands. Contamination of drinking water, food crops, aquatic species by CLD has been observed as well as its presence in blood of men, pregnant women and newborns. There is therefore a large social concern about the extent and evolution of CLD pollution in the French West Indies and its impact on human health and ecosystems. From 2008 to 2012 a multidisciplinary project CHLORDEXCO took place to study the CLD fate in water, soils and the contamination characteristics of aquatic species and food crops. Here, we summarize results obtained on the processes controlling the spatial and temporal patterns of soil and water contamination at the scale of the banana cropping area in Guadeloupe and of the Perou catchment. The main soils in the contaminated areas are andosols and nitisols and formed from the weathering of volcanic ashes. They have a high organic carbon content and high content of secondary minerals, allophane for andosols and halloysite for nitisols. An analysis of the spatial distribution of CLD in soil over 1045 field plots showed that the soil type had a strong impact. Andosols, with a high sorption capacity (Koc 20 000 L/kg), had the highest CLD concentrations and stocks, unlike Nitisols, which had 10-fold lower sorption capacities. A significant « farm effect », due to between-farm variations of application times and amounts, was also noticed. The observed stocks of CLD clearly correspond to the accumulation in soil of successive treatments and thereby confirm the high persistence of CLD in soil also observed in incubation studies in soil microcosms. Soil

Properties of volcanic soils in cold climate conditions

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Kuznetsova, Elena

2017-04-01

studies on weathering of volcanic ash and developing volcanic soils under cold climatic conditions were carried out, especially in areas with permafrost (Bäumler, 2003). Most of research on volcanic permafrost soils was done in Yukon (Canada), Kamchatka (Russia), and Antarctica, or on seasonal frost in mountain area in Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, and Ecuador. Soils of Iceland and Antarctica are used as terrestrial analogs to Martian soils (Gooding & Keil, 1978; Allen et al., 1981). The review of existing data demonstrates that there is a strong correlation between the thermal conductivity, the water-ice content, and the mineralogy of the weathered part of the volcanic ash, enhanced amount of amorphous clay minerals (allophane, palagonite) increase the proportion of unfrozen water and decrease thermal conductivity (Kuznetsova et al., 2012, 2013; Kuznetsova & Motenko, 2014), and amorphous silica does not alter to halloysite or other clay minerals even in ashes of Early Pleistocene age (Kamchatka) or Miocene and Pliocene deposits (Antarctica) due to cold temperatures. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the reconstruction of past climates and the influence of volcanic ash on permafrost aggradation and degradation, snow and ice ablation, and the development of glaciers.

Mineralogical characterization of a highly-weathered soil by the Rietveld Method Caracterização mineralógica de um solo altamente intemperizado pelo Método de Rietveld

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André Maurício Brinatti

2010-08-01

Full Text Available The mineralogical characterization through mineral quantification of Brazilian soils by X-ray diffraction data using the Rietveld Method is not common. A mineralogical quantification of an Acric Ferralsol from the Ponta Grossa region, state of Paraná, Brazil, was carried out using this Method with X-Ray Diffraction data to verify if this method was suitable for mineral quantification of a highly-weathered soil. The A, AB and B3 horizons were fractioned to separate the different particle sizes: clay, silt, fine sand (by Stokes Law and coarse sand fractions (by sieving, with the procedure free of chemical treatments. X-ray Fluorescence, Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, Infrared Spectroscopy and Mössbauer Spectroscopy were used in order to assist the mineral identification and quantification. The Rietveld Method enabled the quantification of the present minerals. In a general way, the quantitative mineralogical characterization by the Rietveld Method revealed that quartz, gibbsite, rutile, hematite, goethite, kaolinite and halloysite were present in the clay and silt fractions of all horizons. The silt fractions of the deeper horizons were different from the more superficial ones due to the presence of large amounts of quartz. The fine and the coarse sand fractions are constituted mainly by quartz. Therefore, a mineralogical quantification of the finer fraction (clay and silt by the Rietveld Method was successful.A caracterização mineralógica por meio da quantificação dos minerais presentes em solos brasileiros por difração de raios X usando o Método de Rietveld é, ainda, pouco comum. Neste trabalho foi realizada a quantificação mineralógica de um Latossolo Vermelho ácrico da região de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brasil, utilizando o Método de Rietveld com dados de Difração de Raios X e também verificado se o método foi adequado na quantificação mineral de um solo altamente intemperizado. Os horizontes A

Assessing the interactions of a natural antibacterial clay with model Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogens

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Londono, S. C.; Williams, L. B.

2013-12-01

The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and increasing accumulations of antibiotics in reclaimed water, drive the quest for new natural antimicrobials. We are studying the antibacterial mechanism(s) of clays that have shown an ability to destroy bacteria or significantly inhibit their growth. One possible mode of action is from soluble transition metal species, particularly reduced Fe, capable of generating deleterious oxygen radical species. Yet another possibility is related to membrane damage as a consequence of physical or electrostatic interaction between clay and bacteria. Both mechanisms could combine to produce cell death. This study addresses a natural antibacterial clay from the NW Amazon basin, South America (AMZ clay). Clay mineralogy is composed of disordered kaolinite (28.9%), halloysite (17.8%) illite (12%) and smectite (16.7%). Mean particle size is 1.6μm and total and specific surface area 278.82 and 51.23 m2/g respectively. The pH of a suspension (200mg/ml) is 4.1 and its Eh is 361mV after 24h of equilibration. The ionic strength of the water in equilibrium with the clay after 24 h. is 6 x10-4M. These conditions, affect the element solubility, speciation, and interactions between clay and bacteria. Standard microbiological methods were used to assess the viability of two model bacteria (Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis) after incubation with clay at 37 degC for 24 hrs. A threefold reduction in bacterial viability was observed upon treatment with AMZ clay. We separated the cells from the clay using Nycodenz gradient media and observed the mounts under the TEM and SEM. Results showed several membrane anomalies and structural changes that were not observed in the control cells. Additionally, clay minerals appeared in some places attached to cell walls. Experiments showed that exchanging AMZ clay with KCl caused loss of antibacterial property. Among the exchangeable -and potentially toxic- ions we measured Al+3, Cu+2, Zn+2, Ba+2 and Co+2

Active corrosion protection of AA2024 by sol-gel coatings with corrosion inhibitors =

Science.gov (United States)

Yasakau, Kiryl

industriais mostraram que estes novos revestimentos sao compativeis com os esquemas de pintura convencionais actualmente em uso. A estabilidade e o prazo de validade das formulacoes foram optimizados modificando a temperatura de armazenamento e a quantidade de agua usada durante a sintese. As formulacoes sol-gel foram dopadas com os inibidores seleccionados durante a primeira etapa e as propriedades anticorrosivas passivas e activas dos revestimentos obtidos foram estudadas numa terceira etapa do trabalho. Os resultados comprovam a influencia dos inibidores nas propriedades anticorrosivas dos revestimentos sol-gel. Em alguns casos a accao activa dos inibidores combinou-se com a proteccao passiva dada pelo revestimento mas noutros casos tera ocorrido interaccao quimica entre o inibidor e a matriz de sol-gel, de onde resultou a perda de propriedades protectoras do sistema combinado. Atendendo aos problemas provocados pela adicao directa dos inibidores na formulacao sol-gel procurou-se, numa quarta etapa, formas alternativas de incorporacao. Na primeira, produziu-se uma camada de titania nanoporosa na superficie da liga metalica que serviu de reservatorio para os inibidores. O revestimento sol-gel foi aplicado por cima da camada nanoporosa. Os inibidores armazenados nos poros actuam quando o substrato fica exposto ao ambiente agressivo. Numa segunda, os inibidores foram armazenados em nano-reservatorios de silica ou em nanoargilas (halloysite), os quais foram revestidos por polielectrolitos montados camada a camada. A terceira alternativa consistiu no uso de nano-fios de molibdato de cerio amorfo como inibidores anticorrosivos nanoparticulados. Os nano-reservatorios foram incorporados durante a sintese do sol-gel. Qualquer das abordagens permitiu eliminar o efeito negativo do inibidor sobre a estabilidade da matriz do sol-gel. Os revestimentos sol-gel desenvolvidos neste trabalho apresentaram proteccao anticorrosiva activa e capacidade de auto-reparacao. Os resultados obtidos

Genesis of petroduric and petrocalcic horizons in Latinamerica volcanic soils

Science.gov (United States)

Quantin, Paul

2010-05-01

Introduction. In Latinamerica, from Mexico to Chile, there are indurated volcanic soils horizons, named 'tepetate' in Mexico or cangahua in the Andes Mountains. Apart from original volcanic tuffs, these horizons were produced by pedogenesis: either through a former weathering of volcanic ash layers into fragic and later to petrocalcic horizons; or after a former soil formation through a second process of transformation from clayey volcanic soils to silicified petroduric horizons. This oral presentation will briefly deal with the formation of petroduric horizons in Mexico and petrocalcic horizon in Ecuador. Petroduric horizon genesis in Mexico. A soil climato-toposequence, near to Veracruz (Rossignol & Quantin, 1997), shows downwards an evolution from a ferralic Nitisol to a petroduric Durisol. A Durisol profile comports these successive horizons: at the top A and Eg, then columnar Btg-sim, laminar Bt-sim , prismatic Bsim, plinthite Cg, over andesite lava flow. Among its main features are especially recorded: clay mineralogy, microscopy and HRTEM. These data show: an increase in cristobalite at the expenses of 0.7 nm halloysite in Egsiltans, laminar Bt-sim, around or inside the columns or prisms of Btg-sim and Bsimhorizons. HRTEM (Elsass & al 2000) on ultra thin sections reveals an 'epigenesis' of clay sheets by amorphous silica, to form successively A-opal, Ct-opal and microcrystalline cristobalite. From these data and some groundwater chemical analyses, a scenario of duripan formation from a past clayey Nitisol is inferred: clay eluviation-illuviation process? alternate redoximorphy? clay degradation, Al leaching and Si accumulation, to form successively A-opal, Ct-opal and cristobalite. Petrocalcic horizon genesis in Ecuador. A soil climato-toposequence on pyroclastic flows, near to Bolivar in Ecuador (Quantin & Zebrowski, 1997), shows downwards the evolution from fragic-eutric-vitric Cambisols to petrocalcic-vitric Phaeozems, at the piedmont under semi