This paper reports the synthesis and use of a novel metal-organic framework (MOF), named Zr-BADS, within the thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for reverse osmosis (RO) applications. Two types of zirconium-based MOFs, Zr-BADS-1 and Zr-BADS-2, were synthesized via a solvothermal method using bicinchoninic acid disodium salt as a linker and either dimethylformamide or ethanol as solvent, respectively. TFN membranes were prepared by embedding these MOFs within the polyamide thin film supported by a polysulfone support sheet. The specific surface area of Zr-BADS-1 and Zr-BADS-2 was determined to be 396.1 and 278.6 m2/g, respectively, indicating significant surface area conducive to water permeation. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed a uniform distribution of Zr-BADS nanoparticles (NPs) with particle sizes ≤ 100 nm within the TFN membranes. TEM images confirmed the dense packing of NPs within the membranes, influencing their texture and enhancing performance. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of characteristic peaks corresponding to MOFs within the TFN membranes, with changes observed at higher loading ratios. The observed contact angle decreased with increasing MOF loadings, indicating an enhancement in the hydrophilicity. Zr-BADS-1 NPs increased water flux at its optimal loading of 0.3%, and the flux raised to 5.4 L/m2 h bar. Salt rejection slightly decreased at low concentrations but improved at higher loading ratios, indicating the interplay between porosity and charge effects. Zr-BADS-1 outperformed other MOFs in salt rejection and water flux, suggesting it is a remarkable RO membrane filler. This study demonstrates the potential of Zr-BADS MOFs for future membrane applications in the environment.
A novel demountable shear connector for precast steel-concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents bolts from slipping within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes the typical construction tolerance issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly. Therefore, it can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow including the following: (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (
... Show MoreBCl3 is toxic gas and its detection is of great importance. Thus, here, B3LYP, M06-2X, and B97D density functionals are utilized for probing the effect of decorating Zn, Cd, and Au on the sensing performance of an AlP nano-sheet (AlPNS) in detecting the BCl3. We predict that the interaction of pure AlPNS with BCl3 is physisorption, and the sensing response (SR) of AlPNS is approximately 9.2. The adsorption energy of BCl3 changes from −4.1 to −18.8, −19.1, and −19.5 kcal/mol by decorating the Zn, Cd, and Au metals into the AlPNS surface, respectively. Also, the corresponding SR meaningfully rises to 40.4, 59.0, and 80.9, indicating that by increasing the atomic number of metals, the sensitivity of metal decorated AlPNS (metal@AlPNS)
... Show MoreBackground: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the push out bond strength (PBS) of root canal fillings using four different obturation techniques (single cone (SC), cold lateral compaction (CLC), continuous wave (CW), and carrier based gutta percha (CBG)). Materials and Methods: Forty mandibular premolar decoronated and instrumented with rotary ProTaper to F3 then teeth were divided randomly into 4 groups of 10 teeth for each as follow: group (I) single- cone obturation with matched-taper gutta-percha, group (II) cold lateral compaction technique, group (III) continuous wave of obturation technique, and group( IV) carrier based gutta-percha technique. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) sealer was used as a root canal sealer for the
... Show MoreThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel concrete-encased column (CE) using small circular steel tubes filled with cementitious grouting material (GFST) as the primary reinforcement instead of traditional steel bars. The research involved three different types of reinforcement: conventional steel bars, concrete-filled steel tubes with 30% of the reinforcement ratio of steel bars, and concrete-filled steel tubes with the same reinforcement ratio as steel bars. Twenty-four circular concrete columns were tested and categorized into six groups based on the type of reinforcement employed. Each group comprised four columns, with one subjected to concentric axial load, two subjected to eccentric axial load (with eccentrici
... Show MoreBackground: Fast dissolving oral drug delivery system is solid dosage form which disintegrates or dissolves within second when placed in the mouth without need of water or chewing. In present investigation, an attempt has been made to develop oral fast dissolving film of calcium channel blocker lacidipine. Method: Five formulas were prepared by solvent casting method using HPMC (METOLOSE)® as a film forming polymer and evaluated for their physical characteristics such as thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, drug content, disintegration time and in vitro drug release. The compatibility of the drug in the formulation was confirmed by FTIR and DSC studies. Result and Conclusion: The optimized formula F1 showed minimum in vitr
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