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Deacidification refers to chemical treatments meant to slow down the acid hydrolysis and embrittlement of books and paper documents that had been printed on acidic paper. From the early 1800s up to about 1990, papermakers used aluminum sulfate, an acidic compound, in most printing papers. Certain deacidification methods use non-aqueous media to distribute alkaline mineral particles such as MgO within the pages of the treated books. Evidence is considered here as to whether or not the proximity of alkaline particles within such documents is sufficient to neutralize the acidic species present. Because much evidence suggests incomplete neutralization, a second focus concerns what to do next in cases where books already have been treated with a non-aqueous dispersion system. Based on the literature, the neutralization of acidic species within such paper can be completed by partial moistening, by high humidity and pressure, by water condensation, as well as by optional treatments to enhance paper strength and a final drying step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the 3D four petaled flower-like, cube-like and rod-like m-BiVO 4 samples and four corners star-like m-BiVO 4 /BiOBr heterojunctions with various exposed (040) facets were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. The microstructure and the crystalline structure of as-prepared m-BiVO 4 and m-BiVO 4 /BiOBr heterojunctions influenced by molar ratio of Br:V had been investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, N 2 absorption–desorption, XPS, PL and DRS. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of the prepared m-BiVO 4 and m-BiVO 4 /BiOBr heterojunctions were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) contained wastewater under visible light irradiation. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency can be achieved for the m-BiVO 4 /BiOBr heterojunctions with Br:V molar ratio of 3:1, which was attributed to the predominately exposed (040) facets of m-BiVO 4 and high exposing proportion of (001) facets of BiOBr, the highest BET, the lowest Eg and the worst recombination rate of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of BiOCl photocatalysts with different drying temperatures were prepared by a soft chemical method. The effects of drying temperatures on the crystalline phase, morphology, surface area and optical property of as-prepared samples were investigated in detail by XRD, SEM, N 2 absorption–desorption and DRS. Moreover, their photocatalytic activities on the degradation of rhodamine B were evaluated under visible light irradiation. It was found that the sample dried at 120 °C had the best photocatalytic activity, which was mainly attributed to the highest exposing proportion of {001} facets correspond to BiOCl, largest BET and minimum bandgap. The degradation mechanism was explored that superoxide radicals were mainly contributed to the degradation of chromophore, however, holes and hydroxyl were mainly contributed to the photo degradation. Moreover, holes and hydroxyl dominated the degradation of RhB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differently sized Cu2O nanoparticles have been assembled photocatalytically on the surface of self-organized highly oriented TiO2 nanotubes obtained by anodization of a Ti sheet in fluoride- containing electrolytes. X-ray diffraction analysis identifies an anatase structure and fine preferential orientation of 〈101〉 planes. The UV-vis absorption edge of the TiO2 nanotube arrays shift to lower energy after Cu2O loading. The composite array electrode exhibits a higher photovoltage response than the TiO2 powders directly deposited on a Ti sheet The highest photoconversion efficiencies observed for the Cu2O-Ioaded electrode are 17.2% and 0.82% under UV light and visible light irradiation, respectively. Especially, the composite array electrode shows a higher efficiency than the nonloaded one for the photoelectrocatalytic decomposition of 4-chlorophenol. The improved photoeletrocatalytic activity of the TiO2/Cu2O composite array electrode is attributed to the synergistic effect of Cu2O nanoparticles and TiO2 nanotube arrays. The Cu2O nanoparticles could enhance the efficiency of photon harvesting and reduce the chances of electron-hole recombination by sending the electrons to the conduction band of TiO2 nanotubes. The accumulated electrons in the conduction band of TiO2 nanotubes would reduce oxygen to form peroxides for enhanced advanced oxidation. The byproducts were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing concern regarding environmental problems arising from the widespread use of petroleum-based plastic materials for packaging. Many efforts have been made to develop sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials to replace plastic products. The current review summarizes recent research progress in developing cellulose packaging materials to replace plastics used for cushioning and barrier packaging functions based on pulp fibers, cellulose nanofibers, and regenerated cellulose films to benefit from their renewability, sustainability and biodegradability. The cushioning packaging materials include molded pulp products and bio-based foams. Advanced cellulose films and paper can be good barriers for oxygen and carbon dioxide gases, as well as for water vapor. Several cellulose fiber-based packaging products have been commercialized in areas that used to be occupied solely by plastic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of optical brightening agents (OBAs), also known as fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), has long been of interest in the production of uncoated fine paper, particularly in uncoated fine paper grades containing high-yield pulp (HYP). The increasing levels of whiteness and also the increasing HYP substitution in fine papers has made OBA efficiency an important issue. This paper summarizes recent research findings in understanding and enhancing OBA efficiency in fine papers containing HYP, with focus on the main factors affecting OBA efficiency in both wet end and size press application. These factors include the base sheet brightness and whiteness of the pulp, UV competitors, OBA retention, quenching effects, and OBA migration at the size press. Some new technologies to improve OBA efficiency are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increased interest in using high-yield pulps (HYP) in uncoated and coated wood-free paper, there is a need to evaluate the effects of HYP under the conditions similar to commercial paper machine operations. Such tests were carried out by means of a Dynamic Sheet Former (DSF) sheet with white water recirculation, considering the high fines content of HYP and the usually high filler content in fine papers. In this study, we evaluated the use of a DSF that is equipped with a white water recirculation tank for making oriented sheets under various conditions. The effects of different factors such as operational variables, use of retention aids, and recirculation of white water were examined and clarified in terms of retention of fines and fillers as well as their impact on paper properties. The effect of HYP content on filler retention was also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]