Discernment of synergism in pyrolysis of biomass blends using thermogravimetric analysis.

This study reports pyrolysis kinetics of biomass blends using isoconversional methods, viz. Friedman, FWO and KAS. Blends of three biomasses, viz.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis and characterization of magnetite nanoparticles and poly(methyl methacrylate)/magnetite nanocomposites.

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/magnetite (PMMA/FeO) nanocomposites were prepared with a two-step technique involving sonication. FeO nanoparticles were synthesized by ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation, and then PMMA/FeO (1-5 wt%) nanocomposites were synthesized via ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization. Best physical properties of the nanocomposites for different FeO loadings were: tensile strength (2 wt%) = 40.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of poly(MMA-co-BA)/ZnO nanocomposites with enhanced physical properties.

The present study reports synthesis and characterization of poly(MMA-co-BA)/ZnO nanocomposites using ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was copolymerized with butyl acrylate (BA), for enhanced ductility of copolymer matrix, in presence of nanoscale ZnO particles. Ultrasound generated strong micro-turbulence in reaction mixture, which resulted in higher encapsulation and uniform dispersion of ZnO (in native form - without surface modification) in polymer matrix, as compared to mechanical stirring.

Microbial production, ultrasound-assisted extraction and characterization of biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from terrestrial (P. hysterophorus) and aquatic (E. crassipes) invasive weeds.

This study reports synthesis of biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) polymer from two invasive weeds, viz. P. hysterophorus and E.

Enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization.

This study reports synthesis and characterization of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B (organo-modified montmorillonite clay) nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization. Copolymers have been synthesized with MMA:BA monomer ratio of 4:1, and varying clay loading (1-5wt% monomer). The poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites have been characterized for their thermal and mechanical properties.