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Povzetek: We present a novel % cutoff concept of colorimetric indication of relative humidity based on dye dissolution in condensed water in capillaries of selectively functionalized mesoporours host SiO2 material. Consistently high levels of indoor air humidity induces mold and algae growth which represent a potential risks for human health and have deteriorating effect on walls as well. Simple localized humidity detection of high humidity with naked eye especially at places with low air circulation, where growth of mold usually starts first, is therefore highly desirable. The reporting dye was integrated in the non-functionalized mesoporous silica matrix with different pore diameters and selective-functionalized mesoporous silica material. After exposure to the environment of different air humidities the dye dissolved in water causing color change of adsorbent. With the use of adsorbents with different mesopore diameters high ability to tune the value of relative humidity when complete capillary condensation occurred was achieved. Materials with pore diameters of 3.0%nm, 3.5%nm and 7.0%nm exhibit gradual color change when reaching relative humidity up to 55, 79 and 88 RH% respectively. After selective methylation of the material with 7.0%nm pore diameter, non-gradual cutoff color change was achieved. Sample exhibited color change at narrow range of relative humidity (cutoff color change). Due to selective functionalized outer surface the dye dissolution occur only in condensed water in pores and therefore provide colorimetric indication only in this range. Selectively modified silica material has a great potential for a straightforward detection of high humid environment.
Ključne besede: turn-on colorimetric probe, selective functionalization, mesoporous silica, relative humidity, capillary condensation
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.09.2023; Ogledov: 304; Prenosov: 223
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Povzetek: Full and partial restorations in dentistry must replicate the characteristics of the patient’s natural teeth. Materials must have good mechanical properties and be non-toxic and biocompatible. Microbes, which can form biofilms, are constantly in contact with restorations. In this study, we investigate how well Candida albicans adheres to a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin base with gold (Au) nanoparticles. We synthesized Au nanoparticles and characterized them. The average size of Au nanoparticles embedded in PMMA was 11 nm. The color difference ∆E between PMMA and PMMA/Au composites was 2.7 and was still esthetically acceptable to patients. PMMA/Au surfaces are rougher and more hydrophilic than pure PMMA surfaces, and the isoelectric point of both types of surfaces was 4.3. Above the isoelectric point, PMMA/Au surfaces are more negatively charged than PMMA surfaces. The added Au nanoparticles decreased the tensile strength, while the hardness did not change significantly. Adhesion measurements showed that PMMA surfaces modified with Au nanoparticles reduced the extent of microbial adhesion of Candida albicans.
Ključne besede: fungal adhesión, C. albicans, polymethyl methacrylate resin, Au, surface properties, composites
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2023; Ogledov: 367; Prenosov: 145
Celotno besedilo (2,90 MB)
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Povzetek: The demand for construction timber is continuously increasing, due to its favourable characteristics. However, the adequate protection of wood is key to its successful use, as it is flammable and susceptible to biodegradation. Given that thermal modification enhances the durability of wood, and mineralisation with CaCO3 considerably improves its fire properties, it is worth considering the combined effects of the two methods. European beech (Fagus sylvatica) was selected to determine the effects of a) thermal modification, b) mineralisation through the in-situ formation of CaCO3, and c) a combination of the two procedures, on resistance to decay fungi, reaction to fire and the mechanical properties of the wood. Microscopic analysis and comparisons of the samples before and after exposure to fungi were also conducted. Mineralised wood generally had a slightly alkaline pH value and higher equilibrium moisture content, while thermal modification lowered the equilibrium moisture content. The present study demonstrated the combined effect of thermal modification and mineralisation: the best response to fire as well as resistance to fungi was achieved when the two treatments were combined. Results from the Brinell hardness and three-point bending tests indicate that both modification procedures can slightly impair the mechanical properties of the wood.
Ključne besede: wood, protection, durability, mechanical properties
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.07.2023; Ogledov: 335; Prenosov: 251
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Povzetek: Cellulose acetate is used in many applications, including for cigarette filters. Unfortunately, unlike cellulose, its (bio)degradability is under question, yet it often ends up uncontrolled in the natural environment. The main purpose of this study is to compare the effects of weathering on two types of cigarette filter (classic filters and newer filters that have more recently arrived on the market) following their use and disposal in nature. Microplastics were prepared from polymer parts of used (classic and heated tobacco products—HTP) cigarettes and artificially aged. TG/DTA, FTIR, and SEM analyses were performed both before and after the aging process. Newer tobacco products contain an additional film made of a poly(lactic acid) polymer which, like cellulose acetate, burdens the environment and poses a risk to the ecosystem. Numerous studies have been conducted on the disposal and recycling of cigarette butts and cigarette butt extracts, revealing alarming data that have also influenced the decisions of the EU, who addressed the disposal of tobacco products in the EU Directive (EU) 2019/904. Despite this, there is still no systematic analysis in the literature evaluating the impact of weathering (i.e., accelerated aging) on the degradation of cellulose acetate in classic cigarettes compared with that in newer tobacco products that have recently appeared on the market. This is of particular interest given that the latter have been promoted as being healthier and environmentally friendly. The results show that in cellulose acetate cigarette filters the particle size decreased after accelerated aging. Also, the thermal analysis revealed differences in the behavior of the aged samples, while the FTIR spectra showed no shifts in the position of the peaks. Organic substances break down under UV light, which can be seen by measuring the color change. The PLA film was found to be more stable than cellulose acetate under the influence of UV light.
Ključne besede: cellulose acetate, cigarette filters, microplastics, artificial weathering, polymer degradation
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.06.2023; Ogledov: 364; Prenosov: 224
Celotno besedilo (5,78 MB)
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Povzetek: Various coatings have been developed and explored to protect bronze surfaces against the uncontrolled formation of different corrosion products when exposed to outdoor environments. In this research, the surfaces of artificially-formed oxidized bronze patinas (OB), consisting of Cu2O, were covered with either a single-component (fluoroacrylate, FA or methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane, MS) or multi-component (a mixture of FA and MS, FA-MS) fluoropolymer coating and investigated. Variations in the concentration of each component in the coating were studied. Electrochemical tests were performed to determine the corrosion protection efficiency, followed by detailed surface analyses of the OBs, both uncoated and covered with single and multi-component coatings. A variety of investigative methods were used, including focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The coating made from a combination of FA and MS resulted in a very high protection efficiency. Despite the increased hydrophilicity of the single MS component, however, it was shown to efficiently protect the oxidized bronze surface. The FA-MS systems showed high hydrophobicity, but no improvement was measured in the efficiency of the corrosion protection when it was compared to the coating that contained 10% MS. According to XPS and ToF-SIMS imaging, the FA component of the FA-MS coating was not present only on the uppermost surface of the coating but throughout the whole coating, which could affect its corrosion protection efficiency.
Ključne besede: bronze, Cu2O layer on bronze, fluoropolymer coating, protection efficiency, surface spectroscopy
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.05.2023; Ogledov: 345; Prenosov: 181
Celotno besedilo (8,49 MB)
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