Chemical and Materials Sciences: Research Findings Vol. 6

Volatile Organic Compounds Released from Spruce Wood during Thermal Loading

Katarína Trojanová — 2025-12-24

Volatile organic products (VOCs) are irritants and toxic to humans and the environment. They are a result of the thermal degradation of wood. This paper focuses on the effect of different wood treatments on the formation of VOCs. Experiments were conducted on untreated (REF), thermally treated (TTW), and flame-retardant-treated spruce wood at temperatures of 150 °C, 200 °C, and 250 °C. VOCs were collected at the same time and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). At the temperature of 250 °C, the number of VOCs was increased significantly. Typical VOCs included furfural, furfuryl alcohol, and α-pinene. 54 compounds were identified in REF samples, which is the highest number; only 3 compounds (aliphatic hydrocarbons) were identified in TTW samples. Therefore, the treatment of wood affects the number and quality of VOCs. Analysis of VOCs is important to understand the process of burning and the toxic properties of compounds produced.

Unveiling the Bioactive Potential of Ipomoea biloba: An Integrated Approach to Phytochemistry and Bioactivity

Geetha Rani Kumar — 2025-12-24

Ipomoea biloba (Convolvulaceae) is a water-loving creeping plant and is esteemed in traditional medicine for its different types of therapeutic applications in various diseases like asthma, rheumatism, and burns. Despite it has been used historical use, a comprehensive scientific validation of its bioactivity is essential. This chapter explores the detailed systematic investigation of the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activity of the potential of a methanol extract of Ipomoea biloba leaves (MEIB). The Methanol was used as an extraction solvent to accomplish a wide different ranging recovery of phytoconstituents because of its well-balanced polarity. The preliminary phytochemical profiling of MEIB confirmed the presence of a variety of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of MEIB was assessed using standard assays, revealing significant, dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity comparable to ascorbic acid, thereby underscoring its potential to ameliorate oxidative stress. Furthermore, the cytotoxic efficacy of MEIB was assessed against the human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line. The extract demonstrated a potent and dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, suggesting notable anticancer properties. This cytotoxic activity may be mechanistically linked to the presence of phytoestrogenic compounds, like estradiol precursors, known to interact with estrogen receptors in the cytoplasm of target cells. The collective study findings from this robust position Ipomoea biloba as a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds. The findings not only validate its ethnomedicinal uses but also highlight its significant potential as a source for the development of natural antioxidant and anticancer agents. Further research is needed to isolate, characterise, and confirm the specific molecules responsible for these observed biological activities.

Bagasse to Bio-nanotech: Eco-friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Saccharum officinarum with Promising Anti-aging Potential

F. Janeeta Priya — 2025-12-24

Background: Nanotechnology, a rapidly evolving field, deals with the manipulation of materials at the atomic and molecular levels within the size range of 1 to 100 nanometres. Nanotechnology finds applications across numerous scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. Saccharum officinarum is a lignocellulose material rich in cellulose and fibre, widely used in paper, packaging, textile, and construction industries.

Aim: The present study aims to synthesise eco-friendly and cost-effective silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Saccharum officinarum stem and to evaluate their potential anti-ageing activity for cosmetic and biomedical applications.

Methodology: This experimental study focuses on the green synthesis, characterisation, and biological evaluation of silver nanoparticles using plant-based reducing agents derived from Saccharum officinarum stem extract. The study was conducted in the PG and Research Department of Chemistry, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Trichy. The aqueous extract of Saccharum officinarum stem (bagasse) was prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening, which confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, polyphenols, and glycosides. These biomolecules served as natural reducing and stabilising agents during the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The formation of AgNPs was visually indicated by a colour change from pale yellow to dark brown. Characterisation was carried out using UV–Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) to confirm nanoparticle formation, morphology, and elemental composition.

Results: The UV–Visible spectrum showed a distinct absorption peak at 477 nm, confirming the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed well-dispersed, uniformly distributed nanoparticles with smooth morphology, while EDAX confirmed the elemental purity of silver. The synthesised AgNPs exhibited notable anti-ageing potential, likely due to the synergistic antioxidant effects of phytochemicals present in the Saccharum officinarum extract.

Conclusion: The study successfully demonstrates a sustainable and green approach for synthesising silver nanoparticles using Saccharum officinarum stem extract. The biosynthesised AgNPs exhibit promising anti-ageing properties, making them suitable for incorporation into cosmetic formulations such as anti-ageing creams and skin treatments. This eco-friendly method aligns with green chemistry principles and holds potential for future applications in nanomedicine and cosmeceutical industries.

Synthesis and Leaching of Zirconium-rich Alkali-resistant Glasses Containing Heavy Metals Present in Fly Ashes Incineration

K.M. Mbemba — 2025-12-24

Glasses containing zirconium are used to produce glass fibres due to their alkali-resistant nature. The presence of zirconium slows the deterioration of the glasses. This study developed a process for producing alkali-resistant zirconium-containing glasses for use as a heavy metal retention matrix contained in fly ashes. These alkali-resistant zirconium-containing glasses were synthesised to undergo leaching tests. To synthesize these alkali-resistant glasses, 5 glass compositions were developed: two alkali-resistant model glasses type CEMFIL, V1 (with zirconium and without heavy metals) and V2 (with zirconium and heavy metals) and three glasses of fly ashes V3 (without zirconium and with heavy metals), V4 (with 30 % of V3, zirconium and heavy metals) and V5 (with 60% of V3, zirconium and heavy metals). V4 and V5 were obtained using V3 as raw material and supplementing with SiO₂, ZrO₂ and Na₂O to give them alkali-resistant properties. Chemical composition of the various glasses was determined by a micro-analyser with an ion probe or electron microprobe of brand CAMECA SX50 with a potential difference of about 10 kV at Paris VI University. Differential thermal analyses, structural analyses, as well as the observation of the surface of the glasses were carried out at the CNRS/CEMHTI laboratory in Orléans. Differential thermal analysis showed a glass transition temperature Tg of 656°C for V1, 616°C for V2, 615°C for V3, 641°C for V4 and 664°C for V5. Extremely small peaks of alumina have been observed on the V1, V2 and V3 glasses and peaks of ZrO₂ only on the V5 glass. Surface analysis of glasses showed that they were essentially homogeneous, although we noted the presence of some heterogeneities: V1 and V2 with small crystals of ZrO₂, V3 had a slight crystallisation of Fe chromite spinel (CrO₄), and V5 contained large crystals rich in zirconium. Glasses leaching in basic medium led to the development of hydrated film on the glass surface characterised by hydrogen enrichment and sodium depletion irrespective of the glass. After static leaching tests in a basic medium, SEM and electron microprobe analyses revealed that all glasses were covered with a weathering film. These weathering films were enriched in zirconium (V1, V2, V4, and V5) and depleted in Na. Glasses V4 and V5 had the most zirconium-enriched alteration films and also appeared to be the least affected.

Evaluating Bioactive Compounds in Medicinal Plants: A Case Study of Trichilia monadelpha (Meliaceae)

P. D. Clark — 2025-12-24

Oxidative stress contributes to numerous degenerative diseases, making plant-derived antioxidants increasingly valuable for therapeutic applications. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Trichilia monadelpha leaf extracts, a West African tree with reported medicinal properties. Leaves were extracted using maceration with n-hexane and methanol solvents, yielding 2.4% and 3.2% respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed that the methanolic extract contained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids, while the n-hexane extract contained alkaloids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Antioxidant activity was assessed at four concentrations (0.25–2.0 mg/mL) using DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, with vitamin C as the standard. The methanolic extract showed clear, concentration-dependent antioxidant activity across all assays. Its DPPH IC₅₀ value was 2.584 mg/L compared with 1.907 mg/L for vitamin C, and similar dose-dependent trends were observed in the reducing and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, although with lower potency than the standard. Pearson’s correlation indicated a stronger association between phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in the methanolic extract (r = 0.951). The n-hexane extract displayed minimal activity (r = 0.560).

T. monadelpha leaves, especially the methanolic extract, contain bioactive constituents with measurable antioxidant effects, supporting their traditional use and highlighting the need for further isolation and characterisation of the active compounds.

Utilisation of GG-g-PMMA/bentonite Superabsorbent Composite for the Effective Removal of Eriochrome Black-T Dye by the Process of Adsorption

Kartika Rathore — 2025-12-24

Release of dyeing effluents into water is one of the major factors contributing to water pollution. Eriochrome black T (EBT) is a synthetic dye which causes serious water pollution and affects humans due to its carcinogenic nature. This chapter emphasises the removal of EBT by the utilisation of GG-g-PMMA/bentonite composite by the process of adsorption. The adsorption experiments were carried out batch-wise in acidic as well as alkaline media. The concentration of dye was determined using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The various reaction parameters, such as pH, dye concentration, time till adsorption was carried out and adsorbent dose, were thoroughly studied to optimise the conditions for the removal of dye using the composite. The results obtained indicate that the prepared composite showed the maximum percentage removal of 89 % at 6 pH value. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were employed to evaluate the adsorption property of the composite. The results obtained show that the adsorption of dye on the surface of the composite follows Langmuir adsorption. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations were applied for the kinetic study. The findings indicate that pseudo second order kinetic reaction clearly explains the data obtained on the basis of the correlation coefficient.

Fabrication of Novel Guar Gum-g-poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Superabsorbent Nanocomposite, Its Characterisation, Swelling Properties and Investigation of Reaction Parameters

Kartika Rathore — 2025-12-24

Superabsorbent polymers are high-performance synthetic polymers having outstanding water-absorbing capacity. This chapter emphasises the fabrication of novel biopolymer-based superabsorbent nanocomposite using guar gum (GG) and methylmethacrylate (MMA) by free radical graft copolymerisation reaction with boric acid as a cross-linking agent and hydrogen peroxide as an initiator in a complete aqueous solution. The fabricated superabsorbent nanocomposite has excellent water absorption capacity. Absorbency of the superabsorbent composite was measured by the free swelling method and calculated in terms of percentage swelling. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was carried out to confirm the grafting of methyl methacrylate onto guar gum. The morphological study of the composite was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) confirms the stability of the nanocomposite. The composite was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study its crystalline nature. The water absorption capacity of the superabsorbent was measured in distilled water by the free swelling method as a function of percentage swelling and found to be 3000%. The effect of reaction parameters such as guar gum concentration, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, cross-linker concentration and temperature was investigated. The percentage swelling of the superabsorbent composite was studied at various pH values between 2.0 and 13.0. The swelling behaviour of the composite was also examined in saline solutions. The swelling behaviour of the composite was also examined in saline solutions. The result shows that swelling capacity is decreased by increasing the ionic strength of the swelling medium. This behaviour is because of the charge screening effect for monovalent cations as well as ionic crosslinking for multivalent cations. The prepared superabsorbent composite can be used in various applications like agriculture, horticulture, removal of toxic dyes, oil spill cleaning, etc.

Effect of Iron Decorated Polypyrrole Composites for DC Conductivity and EMI Shielding Applications

B M Basavaraja Patel — 2025-12-24

Conducting polymers and their nanocomposites have become very popular materials for various technological applications like nanoelectronic devices, materials science, engineering, energy conversion, energy storage, environmental management, biomedical sectors, sensors and thermal management, as these materials have exhibited very attractive electrical properties. Iron decorated polypyrrole (Fe-Ppy) was synthesised by in situ polymerisation, varying the concentration of oxidising agent (FeCl₃) and green tea extract. The synthesised Fe-Ppy composite samples have been characterised by XRD, FTIR, SEM and TEM and confirmed. The DC conductivity of the composite samples was measured in the temperature range 303-378 K. The results revealed that the conductivity slightly increases with an increase in temperature. Fe (0.31M)-Ppy-10ml green tea extracted sample exhibited the highest conductivity (-0.5 S/m), and Fe (1.23M)-Ppy-40ml green tea extract exhibits the lowest conductivity (-5.5 S/m) among synthesised composite samples. And as the conductivity of samples increased, the EMI Shielding effectiveness between 2 GHz and 3 GHz decreased, as compared to the other composites. Activation energy found to increase up to Fe-(0.92M)-Ppy 30ml sample, and it was maximum for Fe (1.54M)-Ppy 50ml sample. Polymeric nanocomposite materials could find applications as dielectric materials in capacitors and as a better base insulation material for Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). They can be used as conductive in situ precoat materials for the metallization of PCB patterns. Particularly, Fe/Ppy is a good conducting polymer composite for sensors, solar cells, ultra-capacitors, and electrochromic displays, etc.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose/ Poly (Acrylamide-co-Vinyl Imidazole) Based Self-healing and pH-sensitive Hydrogel: Synthesis, Characterization and Functional Insights (Part-I)

Deepika Dubey — 2025-12-24

In recent years, hydrogels with self-healing properties have attracted significant attention from material scientists, likely due to their wide range of applications across diverse fields. These include wearable and flexible devices, electronic skin, biomedicine, tissue engineering, cell therapy, wound dressing, and more. This chapter describes the synthesis, characterisation, and self-healing properties of a hydrogel, composed of poly (acrylamide –co- vinyl-imidazole) and carboxymethyl, designated as ‘Solid Hydrogel Electrolyte’ (SHE). The SHE was prepared by carrying out free radical polymerisation of monomers AAm and VI in the presence of dissolved CMC in an aqueous medium using KPS as a thermal initiator. The SHE was characterised by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TGA analysis. The absorption bands at 1497 and 1544 cm^-1 were obtained due to N–C and C–C stretching vibration of the VI chain. The bands at 760 and 660 cm^-1 showed C–H ring bending vibration and C–N vibration of azole ring, respectively. The band at 1060 cm^-1 was due to CH-O-CH₂ stretching of CMC. The surface texture, as revealed by SEM analysis, was observed to be smooth. The XRD pattern contains a sharp peak at 20.43 degrees, attributed to the crystallinity of the polymer owing to the presence of galactose units that form a crystalline region due to the H-bonded arrangement of these units. In addition, a small shoulder between 35^o and 45^o suggests the amorphous nature of CMC also. The kinetic water uptake study, carried out in the medium of pH 1.0, 6.8 and 7.4, was best interpreted by the ‘Power function model’ which revealed the ‘swelling exponent’ (n) in the range of 0.5 to 0,.7, thus indicating a chain relaxation controlled swelling mechanism. The hydrogel electrolyte exhibited pH-dependent swelling behaviour with per cent equilibrium swelling (PES) of 5170, 1892 and 5163 in the swelling media of pH 1.0, 5.6 and 13.0, respectively. The SHE showed the self-healing property, which was confirmed by the “LED glowing” experiment. As compared to its original elongation of 200 %, the self-healed hydrogel exhibited an elongation of 157 %, thus showing restoration tendency.

Synthesis, Morphological Studies of Nanocellulose Fibers of Mango Wood

Prasannakumar J K — 2025-12-24

Agricultural biomasses are the prominent natural sources of cellulose currently available on the planet. When this was treated chemically, this acquires the properties such as toughness, good biocompatibility, and higher thermal stability. The purpose of this study is to transform agricultural biomass into value-added material through green synthesis, and hence, the nanocellulose is synthesised from Mango wood. In this study, Nanocellulose was extracted from Mango wood (Mangifera indica), a widely available agricultural biomass. The cellulose was alkali-treated, followed by bleaching to remove lignin and hemicellulose, pectins, and waxes. The green solvent, i.e., Ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) was used to dissolve cellulose to yield Nanocellulose through sonication and centrifugation. FT-IR, X-Ray Diffraction, SEM, TEM, and Thermo Gravimetry studies were used to examine the functionality, crystallinity, and morphology of synthesised nanocellulose. The functional groups and significant conversion of cellulose to nanocellulose are confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The crystallinity of the synthesised nanocellulose is illustrated by XRD. The surface architecture and size obtained are represented by SEM and TEM monographs. The TEM images depict that the synthesised nanocellulose has a dimension between 27.33 and 34.85 nm. The thermal studies evidenced that the synthesised nanocellulose shows superior thermal stability up to 473.8°C. As a result of high thermal resistance, this can be used in the manufacture of high-temperature-resistant materials. Due to their smaller size, these can be used to manufacture high-strength nanocomposites. The efficient conversion of agricultural waste into value-added material is achieved through a greener pathway. This study demonstrates the practical application of nanocellulose synthesised from agricultural biomass, providing a sustainable approach to solid waste management and reducing chemical usage in nanocellulose production in India.