Research Article
Characterization of Some Local Clay Minerals and Fabrication into Ceramic Floor-Tiles
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
83-89
Received:
26 August 2024
Accepted:
19 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
Abstract: Clay minerals deposits, which include, kaolin, ball-clay, fireclay and zircon, were investigated and used in fabrication of ceramic floor tiles. X-ray diffractometer (XRD-6100, Japan), was used to examine the various compositions and structures of the clay samples. 2000 grams of 0.005 mm grain size of each sample were homogeneously mixed into dough, compressed in metallic mould of 12 mm × 36 mm dimension, and allowed to dry for about 5 hours. Kiln draught oven, at 1200°C was set for glazing and firing of the moulded tiles, to ensure glossy appearance, smoothness and improved strength. XRD test showed higher content of alumina (Al2O3) and Silicon (iv) oxide (SiO2) in all the clay samples. The percentage composition of Critobalite, Diphosphorus trioxide (P2O3), Potassium Oxide (K2O) and Sodium Oxide (Na2O), were reasons for their excellent workability, improved mechanical and rheological properties of ceramics floor-tiles. Water absorption, chemical resistance, shrinkage properties of the different ceramic tiles were compare to some commercial products. This investigation had shown that locally available clay minerals could be fully integrated into ceramic industries to reduce cost of ceramic importation and create job opportunities for youths.
Abstract: Clay minerals deposits, which include, kaolin, ball-clay, fireclay and zircon, were investigated and used in fabrication of ceramic floor tiles. X-ray diffractometer (XRD-6100, Japan), was used to examine the various compositions and structures of the clay samples. 2000 grams of 0.005 mm grain size of each sample were homogeneously mixed into dough...
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Research Article
Hydrophilic Polyacrylamide Gels Modified with Poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
90-96
Received:
29 September 2024
Accepted:
28 October 2024
Published:
20 November 2024
Abstract: In modern medicine, there is a need to create biologically active polymer materials for the controlled release of drugs with improved characteristics compared to existing materials. Hydrogels are an ideal basis for creating such materials due to their high water content, excellent biocompatibility, and soft consistency, which is similar to that of body tissues. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and investigate hydrogels modified with poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for their potential use as drug carriers. A series of polyacrylamide gels (PAAGs) were synthesized, modified with PVP at concentrations of 0.3 wt.%, 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% relative to the weight of acrylamide. The synthesis was performed through free radical polymerization of acrylamide, N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide, and PVP in a sodium phosphate buffer solution (pH 8.0–8.5) in the presence of an oxidation-reduction initiation system (ammonium persulfate and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine). The structural characteristics, water absorption, rheological, and sorption properties of these hydrogels were analyzed. IR spectroscopic analysis revealed that the incorporation of PVP into the PAAG structure leads to alterations in the hydrogen bonding of NH groups within the polymer matrix and changes in the skeletal chain, associated with varying contents of CH, CH2, CH3 groups. Rheological studies demonstrated that PVP-modified hydrogels exhibit a reduction in viscosity by 22.4-35.3% compared to unmodified PAAGs, depending on the PVP content. Despite this decrease in viscosity, the structural stability remained sufficient for the hydrophilic matrix to function effectively in drug immobilization. The water absorption studies indicated absorption values ranging from 761.9 to 1059.8%. Sorption properties were assessed using the drug dacarbazine, revealing that increasing the PVP content in the hydrogel to 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% enhanced the sorption capacity of PAAGs by 21.1% and 27.1%, respectively. Thus, the synthesized hydrogel materials exhibit sorption capacity for dacarbazine and demonstrate high water absorption values, indicating that they are promising materials for use as drug carriers in medical practice; thus, they require further medical and biological research.
Abstract: In modern medicine, there is a need to create biologically active polymer materials for the controlled release of drugs with improved characteristics compared to existing materials. Hydrogels are an ideal basis for creating such materials due to their high water content, excellent biocompatibility, and soft consistency, which is similar to that of ...
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,
Azubuike Jeremiah Okolo
