Functionalization of cotton fiber by partial etherification and self-assembly of polyoxometalate encapsulated in Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework.

A combination of a Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM), [CuPW11O39](5-), with a Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework (MOF-199/HKUST-1; where BTC is benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate), was successfully self-assembled on a cellulose substrate (cotton) with a room-temperature process. Cotton fibers were functionalized by partial etherification. Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework and polyoxometalate encapsulated in Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework were self-assembled on the carboxymethylate ion sites initiated with copper nitrate using ethanol and water as solvents.

Effect of plasma etching on destructive adsorption properties of polypropylene fibers containing magnesium oxide nanoparticles.

Dermal absorption of pesticides poses a danger for agricultural workers. Use of personal protection equipment (PPE) is required to provide protection; some of the current PPE involves impermeable barriers. In these barrier materials, the same mechanism that prevents the penetration of toxic chemicals also blocks the passage of water vapor and air from flowing through the material, making the garments uncomfortable.

Fungal growth inhibition of regenerated cellulose nanofibrous membranes containing Quillaja saponin.

Antifungal properties were introduced in nonwoven regenerated cellulose (RC) nanofibrous membrane using Quillaja saponin. To generate cellulose membranes, deacetylation of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibrous membranes was performed using 0.05 M NaOH and ethanol for membranes both loaded and unloaded with Quillaja saponin.

Identification of degraded products of aldicarb due to the catalytic behavior of titanium dioxide/polyacrylonitrile nanofiber.

Photocatalytic properties of fibers containing TiO2 nanoparticles were explored for use as a self-decontaminating material using degradation of the pesticide aldicarb as the model toxin. During the analysis of the aldicarb treated sample by liquid chromatography (LC) with diode array detector (DAD), an unidentified peak was found at relative retention time (RT) 3.9 min when compared to aldicarb and major metabolites, aldicarb sulfoxide, and aldicarb sulfone.

Distribution of pesticide residues within homes in central New York State.

Residues for 17 pesticides were analyzed in 41 households in central New York State that represented farm, rural, and urban houses. Samples were taken in both summer and winter of 2000-2001 from the same households from four locations; family room carpet; adjacent smooth floor; flat tabletop surface; and settled dust collected in a Petri dish on a tabletop. Pesticide residues were analyzed to identity factors that influence both the transport into and the redistribution of pesticides in the indoor environment.

Statistical model of pesticide penetration through woven work clothing fabrics.

Statistical models estimating the level of protection and thermal comfort performance of woven fabrics were developed using simple fabric and liquid parameters. Eighteen woven fabrics were evaluated against three pesticide mixtures of atrazine and pendimethalin at different concentrations. Using three mixtures that represent a range of both surface tension and viscosity, percentages of pesticide penetration are measured, along with fabric thickness, fabric cover factor, yarn twist factor, yarn packing factor, solid volume fraction, wicking height, and air permeability.

Kinetic transport of pesticide from contaminated fabric through a model skin.

Most protective clothing research for workers exposed to pesticides has focused on the primary dermal exposure that results from direct contact with the pesticide and on the penetration, versus repellency, of protective materials. The role of absorption and retention in the function of traditional clothing materials to limit pesticide exposure has received less attention. This project investigates the transfer of pesticides from contaminated work clothing in the dry state to human skin with the goal of furthering our understanding of the role of absorption and retention in the function of traditional clothing materials.

Analytical method development for 18 pesticides in house dust and settled residues using SEC, SPE, TMS methylation, and GC-MS.

An analytical method is developed to analyze eighteen pesticides in carpet dust and also dust that has settled on surfaces in order to determine the potential exposure of children to pesticide residues. For nonacid pesticides, the extract after centrifugation and filtration is cleaned up using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and then analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS). The best solvent for extraction is ethyl acetate-cyclohexane (3:1).

Pesticide deposition on coveralls during vineyard applications.

Deposition of pesticide on the clothing of the applicator was studied in a commercial vineyard using two different application technologies. A typical air-assisted sprayer with centrifugal fans delivered a concentrated spray. A tunnel or hooded sprayer was used at two carrier rates-high volume, low concentration versus low volume, high concentration-to apply Dithane M-45, an agricultural fungicide, at 3,375 g/ha on a light to medium density canopy.

Reduction in human exposure to pesticide using traditional work clothing fabrics with chemical finishing: carboxymethylation and starch.

Franz diffusion experiments with human skin combined with work-clothing fabric have shown that skin exposure to pesticides is reduced by the presence of traditional nonbarrier textiles. This study was undertaken to obtain further information about the reduction in exposure using traditional work-clothing fabrics that had chemical finishing to increase the sorption properties. The effects of a renewable starch finish and chemical modification by carboxymethylation on cotton fabrics on the pesticide (methyl parathion) retention, transfer, and decontamination by laundering were investigated.

Starch as a renewable finish to improve the pesticide-protective properties of conventional workclothes.

Because many pesticide handlers persist in wearing and reusing conventional workclothes, a renewable functional finish that enhances the pesticide-protective qualities of fabrics would be useful. This study investigated the ability of starch to act as a pesticide trap, preventing transfer and increasing removal by laundering, and the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose on release of pesticide in laundry. The retention and distribution of methyl parathion (MeP) on 65% polyester/35% cotton fabric was studied with four finishes: starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as nondurable finishes; durable press resin (DP) and durable press/carboxymethyl cellulose (DP/CMC) as durable finishes.

Aggregation of acridine orange: crystal structure of acridine orange tetrachlorozincate 2C17H19N3-2HCl-ZnCl2-CH3COOH.

The crystal structure of the biological stain, "acridine orange," has been determined. This compound, when crystallized from ethanol, is shown to be a zinc chloride double salt of acridine orange, containing, in addition, acetic acid of crystallization. These additional components are residuals from the method of preparation of acridine orange.