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Nanofluids (NFs) of fascinating multifunctional properties are the advanced materials highly admired in emerging soft device technologies. In this innovative research, we explored the detailed optical, dielectric, and rheological properties of silver ions conducting green NFs. These NFs comprise ethylene glycol (EG) as viscous base fluid, suspension of a fixed amount (0.02 wt%) aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles for high performance thermal conductor, and addition of silver nitrate (AgNO3) salt as the ionic component of varying amounts ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 wt% are prepared and investigated. The detailed analysis of 200–800 nm wavelength range ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorbance spectra of these EG–Al2O3/AgNO3 based NFs demonstrated their significant photosensitivity character in the visible region, radiations shielding performance in the UV region, and trio energy band gaps in a wide semiconducting range from 2.4 to 4.9 eV which are found adequately tunable with the AgNO3 concentrations. The high static dielectric permittivity (εs ≈ 40) of these polar NFs, at 298.15 K, showed a marginal change with the variation in AgNO3 concentrations confirming a little alteration in the parallel aligned dipole ordering of hydrogen bonded EG molecular network beside the ion-molecules-nanoparticle interactions and formation of ion-dipole complexes (coordinative interaction). The electrical conductivity of EG–Al2O3 NF increased by three orders of magnitude i.e., from 10−6 to 10−3 S/cm, at the initial addition of 0.2 wt% AgNO3 in it and then, exhibited almost a linear increase with further increasing the salt concentrations up to 2.0 wt% realizes them promising ionic nanofluids. Rheological investigations on these NF samples, at 298.15 K, validate their Newtonian behaviour with a high dynamic viscosity of 14 mPa s. These experimental findings highlight the multifunctional characteristics of EG–Al2O3/AgNO3 nanofluids which could be utilized in heat transfer, solar energy harvesting/storage, and the development of next-generation iontronic and optoelectronic devices and silver ion conducting biomedical sensors.

Water soluble coconut extract (WSCE) was reported as a suitable matrix for probiotic delivery as yogurt alternatives. The study aimed to evaluate the roles of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) derivatives in enhancing the properties of WSCE-based yogurt alternatives. BSG flour (BSGF) and 3 different protein extracts (BSGPs) including protein control (BSGP-C), protamex treatment (BSGP-P), and protamex combined with flavourzyme treatment (BSGP-PF) were incorporated in WSCE-based yogurt alternatives. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that BSGPs prepared with protease treatment generated less dense fat distribution and more homogenous globules compared to that in WSCE control yogurt. It also resulted in a softer, denser and more homogenous matrix. The modification in microstructural properties was aligned with differences in several functional groups including ⍺-glycosidic bond and hydroxyl groups from polysaccharides, aliphatic ethers and acid functional groups as well as aromatic hydrocarbons of lignin, amide I, acetyl groups and amide III. BSGF and BSGPs increased the mechanical properties, viscosity and modified flow behaviour properties demonstrating its ability in maintaining textural and gel formation. After 14 days of storage, maintenance in flow behaviour, syneresis and mechanical properties was identified. Furthermore, BSG derivatives enhanced lactic acid production up to 3 folds. In conclusion, BSG derivatives maintained the microstructure and gel formation, improved the properties of WSCE-based yogurt alternatives and preserved its behaviour during 14 days of storage.

The evolution of sustainable binders for various construction applications has resulted in the development of various geopolymer binders using various materials as aluminosilicate precursors. Geopolymer binders can be utilized as an alternative to Portland cement in the production of various materials such as mortar and concrete. In this study, geopolymer binders were synthesized using metakaolin (MK) and meta-halloysite (MH) as the aluminosilicate precursors and activated with an alkali solution having a silica modulus of 1.3 and 1.5. The resulting geopolymer binders were assessed in terms of the mechanical, permeability and durability properties. The findings from this study showed that the use of MH as the precursor resulted in better performance compared to when MK was used due to its higher reactivity and fineness. It was also found out that the use of a silica modulus of 1.5 is favourable to the hardened properties of the geopolymer binders. Geopolymer binders synthesized with MH and an activator with a silica modulus of 1.5 exhibited an increase in compressive and flexural strength of approximately 9 MPa and 1 MPa, respectively compared to when a silica modulus of 1.3 was used. Also, the corresponding porosity and water absorption is 14.5% and 10.9%, respectively lower.

The type of aluminosilicate precursor used in the synthesis of geopolymer binders plays a huge role in the resulting performance. Thus, it is critical to understand the properties of precursors and how they influence the corresponding performance of geopolymer binders. In this study, metakaolin and meta halloysite are used as the aluminosilicate precursor in the synthesis of geopolymer binders. These precursors are obtained locally in order to propel the sustainable development and application of geopolymers. The precursors were characterized and the corresponding influence on the reactivity, rheology and setting times of geopolymers was investigated. In addition to the influence of precursor type on the properties of the geopolymers, the effect of two silica moduli (i.e. 1.3 and 1.5) was also evaluated. The results from this study indicated that increasing the activator silica modulus from 1.3 to 1.5 extended the setting times and increased the stress strain of the geopolymer binders. Characterization of the precursors indicated that metakaolin has a higher amorphous content compared to that of meta halloysite. However, the finer particles of meta halloysite embodied it with the ability to participate in a faster geopolymerization and result in more formation of activation products.

The energy demand for space cooling has more than tripled for the past thirty years and was responsible for emissions of about 1 Gt CO2 annually. The ever-increasing energy demand for cooling has posed a demanding question on improving the energy efficiency of cooling processes. On the other hand, with the growing global demand on LNG, cold energy released from LNG terminals has been growing to a historical high at 6.6 × 1014 kJ in 2017. Thus, there is a strong need to search for a suitable phase change material (PCM) best utilizing the cold energy released from the production sectors for storage and transport to the needed sectors. Among all the PCMs, semiclathrate hydrates (SCHs) with a suitable phase change temperature (5–27 °C) and high latent heat (190–220 kJ/kg) stand out as one promising candidate (a) to store and transport the cold energy and (b) to improve the energy efficiency of the cooling processes synergistically. In this review, we focus on reviewing SCHs as a cold energy storage and transport PCM covering both its fundamental properties (thermophysical properties, kinetics of formation and dissociation, rheological and transport properties, and safety and economic aspects) and its novel applications in several cooling processes. Prospects and challenges are also delineated on commercializing SCHs as a key technology enabler for the cold energy industry. There is strong confidence that possible disruptive SCH-based cooling technologies could be developed in the near future for energy efficiency improvement and environmental sustainability.

This investigation centers on the synthesis of a polysaccharide-protein blend produced by an isolated native strain (99.12 % phylogenetic affinity with Bacillus arachidis SY8(T)). The primary objective was to investigate the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) under diverse stress conditions, encompassing exposure to heavy metal ions, salt, and toxic agents. Additionally, the impact of environmental parameters, namely pH, inoculation percentage, and time, on the production was investigated. Subsequently, the study examined the biosorption potential of the EPS produced for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Mn(II). The EPS obtained was thoroughly characterized via various tests. Rheological evaluations of an EPS solution (2 wt%) confirmed its pseudo-plastic and non-Newtonian fluid properties, while TGA analysis demonstrated its thermal stability up to 600 °C. Additional analyses, including GPC, FTIR, and H-NMR, provide further insights into the produced EPS. The best conditions for EPS production are determined: 5 % NaCl salt, serving as an effective stress inducer, and 37 °C, pH 6, with a 5 % inoculation, over 96 h. EPS demonstrates remarkable removal efficiencies of 99.9, 99.4 and 78.9 % for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Mn(II), respectively. These findings highlight the potential of EPS as an effective agent for removing heavy metal ions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the present work, nano-hybrids based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bearing immobilized, either through covalent linkage and physical absorption, commercial anti-oxidant molecules have been formulated and used as nanofillers in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), aiming at preparing multifunctional nanocomposites. The effective immobilization of the anti-oxidant molecules has been probed by spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses. The study of the morphology and the rheological behaviour of the nanocomposites show that the immobilization of anti-oxidant molecules onto the CNTs surface is beneficial for the state of the polymer/nanoparticles interfacial region. Additionally, the study of the nanocomposites thermo-oxidative behaviour reveals that the nano-hybrids are able to exert a remarkable anti-oxidant action which is related to the strong interactions established between the anti-oxidant molecules and the CNTs, resulting in the formation of structural defects onto the CNTs surface and in the consequent amplification of the intrinsic CNTs radical scavenging activity.

Red seaweeds are exploited for their hydrocolloids, but other fractions are usually overlooked. In a novel approach, this study aimed to evaluate cold-water (CWE), ethanolic (EE), and alkaline (SE) extractions, alone and in sequence, to simultaneously: i) decrease the hydrocolloid extraction waste (valorizing bioactive side-streams and/or increasing extraction yield); and ii) increase the hydrocolloids' texturizing properties. It is the first time these extractions' synergetic and/or antagonistic effects will be accessed. For Porphyra dioica, a combination of CWE and EE was optimal: a positive influence on the melting temperature (increasing 5 °C to 74 °C) and sulphate content (a 3-fold reduction to 5 %) was observed, compared to a direct porphyran extraction. The same was observed for Gracilaria vermiculophyla, recovering two additional bioactive fractions without impacting the hydrocolloid's extraction (agar with 220 g/cm 2 gelling strength and 14 % yield was obtained). The sequential use of CWE, EE, and SE was the most beneficial in Gelidium corneum processing: it enhanced agar's texturizing capacity (reaching 1150 g/cm 2 , a 1.5-fold increase when compared to a direct extraction), without affecting its 22 % yield or over 88 % purity. Ultimately, these findings clarified the effects of cascading biorefinery approaches from red seaweeds and their pertinence., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Sodium caseinate (SC) is widely used as a biological macromolecular emulsifier in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. However, the SC-stabilized emulsions were unstable. High-acyl gellan gum (HA) is an anionic macromolecular polysaccharide that improves emulsion stability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HA addition on the stability and rheological properties of SC-stabilized emulsions. Study results revealed that HA concentrations >0.1 % could increase Turbiscan stability, reduce the volume average particle size, and increase the zeta-potential absolute value of the SC-stabilized emulsions. In addition, HA increased the triple-phase contact angle of SC, transformed SC-stabilized emulsions into non-Newtonian fluids, and effectively inhibited the movement of emulsion droplets. The effect of 0.125 % HA concentration was the most effective, allowing SC-stabilized emulsions to maintain good kinetic stability over a 30-d period. NaCl destabilized SC-stabilized emulsions but had no significant effect on HA-SC emulsions. In summary, HA concentration had a significant effect on the stability of SC-stabilized emulsions. HA altered the rheological properties and reduced creaming and coalescence by forming a three-dimensional network structure, increasing the electrostatic repulsion of the emulsion and the adsorption capacity of SC at the oil-water interface, and thereby improving the stability of SC-stabilized emulsions during storage and in the presence of NaCl., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

One of the major ceramic engobe constituents is the clayey material. This material contributes suitable properties to the engobe suspension for correct application and yields an unfired layer with adequate mechanical strength and bonding to the body. A series of tests was conducted in the present study to determine how the type and proportion of clayey material affected engobe suspension properties (rheological behaviour) and resulting unfired engobe layer properties (compactness, bonding and surface drying time). The tested clayey materials were of the type normally used for engobe preparation: white clay, kaolin and bentonite. It was found that all the studied engobe characteristics varied considerably on modifying the type of clayey material. The arising variations were shown to be due to changes in engobe plasticity and unfired layer packing on changing the type of clayey material.Uno de los componentes principales de los engobes cerámicos es el material arcilloso, el cual confiere las propiedades adecuadas para llevar a cabo la correcta aplicación de la suspensión de engobe y permitir la obtención de una capa cruda con la apropiada resistencia mecánica y adherencia al soporte. En el presente trabajo se han realizado una serie de ensayos con el objeto de determinar cómo afecta el tipo y porcentaje de material arcilloso a las propiedades de las suspensiones de engobe (comportamiento reológico) y de las capas crudas obtenidas a partir de ellas (compacidad, adherencia y tiempo de secado superficial). Los materiales arcillosos ensayados han sido los utilizados habitualmente en la preparación de los engobes: arcilla blanca, caolín y bentonita. El análisis de los resultados obtenidos permite concluir que todas las características del engobe tenidas en cuenta varían considerablemente al modificar el tipo de material arcilloso. Se ha podido comprobar que dichas variaciones son debidas a cambios en el empaquetamiento de la capa cruda y en la plasticidad del engobe, que se producen al modificar el tipo de material arcilloso.

The present work aimed at investigating an extraction protocol based on consecutive steps of isoelectric point (pH ~ 4.25) mediated gum swelling and deproteinisation as an alternative method to produce flaxseed gum extracts of enhanced techno-functional characteristics. The osidic and proximate composition, structure conformation, flow behaviour, dynamic rheological and thermal properties of gums isolated from brown and golden flaxseeds were assessed. Gum extraction under near-to-isoelectric point conditions did not impair the extraction yield, residual protein and ash content, whilst it resulted in minor changes in the sugar composition of the flaxseed gum extracts. The deconvolution of the GPC/SEC chromatographs revealed the presence of four major polysaccharidic populations corresponding to arabinoxylans, rhamnogalacturonan-I and two AX-RG-I composite fractions. The latter appeared to minimise the intra- and interchain polymer non-covalent interactions (hydrogen bonding) leading to a better solvation affinity in water and lyotropic solvents. Golden flaxseed gums exerted higher molecular weight (M w  = 1.34-1.15 × 10 6  Da) and intrinsic viscosities (6.63-5.13 dL g -1 ) as well as better thickening and viscoelastic performance than the brown flaxseed gum exemplars. Golden flaxseed gums exhibited a better thermal stability compared to the brown flaxseed counterparts and therefore, they are suitable for product applications involving severe heat treatments., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The elaboration of chemically crosslinked hydrogels based on collagen (C), hyaluronanic acid (HA) and sericin (S) with different polymer ratios was investigated by in-situ rheology. This reaction was performed via amide or ester bond reaction activated by carbodiimide, in pure water. Prior to molecule crosslinking, the rheological behaviour of the biopolymers (alone or in mixture) was characterized in a semi-dilute concentration regime. Both flow and dynamic measurements showed that uncrosslinked collagen alone appears to be rather elastic with yield stress properties, whereas uncrosslinked HA alone appears to be rather shear thinning and viscoelastic in agreement with entangled polymer behaviour. Sericin exhibited Newtonian low viscosity behaviour according to its very low molar mass. Before crosslinking, HA exhibited viscoelastic behaviour at concentrations above the critical entangled concentration (C*) in the mixtures, thus HA shows promise as a matrix for future crosslinked networks, whereas sericin did not significantly modify the rheology. During the reaction, followed by rheology, the kinetics were slower for pure HA systems compared with the mixtures (i.e., with added collagen and/or to a lesser extent sericin). At the same time, the final network of hydrogels (i.e., the elastic modulus) was more structured in the mixture based systems. This result is explained by ester bonds (the only possibility for pure HA systems), which are less favourable and reactive than amide bonds (possible with sericin and collagen). The presence of collagen in the HA matrix reinforced the hydrogel network. SEM studies confirmed the structure of the hydrogels, and in vitro degradability was globally consistent with the effect of the selected enzyme according to the hydrogel composition. All the elaborated hydrogels were non-cytotoxic in vitro., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)