Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Biocontrol Agents to Prevent Peanut Aflatoxin Contamination.

Starch, alginate, and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) were combined to prepare a semi-interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel with temperature sensitivity. Calcium chloride was used as cross-linking agent, the non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus spores were successfully encapsulated as biocontrol agents by the method of ionic gelation. Characterization of the hydrogel was performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), and […]

Hybrid Composites Based on Polypropylene with Basalt/Hazelnut Shell Fillers: The Influence of Temperature, Thermal Aging, and Water Absorption on Mechanical Properties.

The aim of the research was to study the effects of adding natural fillers to a polypropylene (PP) matrix on mechanical and physical properties of hybrid composites. The 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight basalt fibers (BF) and ground hazelnut shells (HS) were added to the PP matrix. Composites were produced by making use of […]

Isolation and Characterization of Nanocellulose with a Novel Shape from Walnut (Juglans Regia L.) Shell Agricultural Waste.

Herein, walnut shell (WS) was utilized as the raw material for the production of purified cellulose. The production technique involves multiple treatments, including alkaline treatment and bleaching. Furthermore, two nanocellulose materials were derived from WS by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) oxidation and sulfuric acid hydrolysis, demonstrating the broad applicability and value of walnuts. The micromorphologies, crystalline structures, […]