They were characterized for their mechanical properties and morphologies and compared with composites of the conventional filler carbon black (c-black). The biopolymers exhibited an interesting trend and imparted strength to NR that was quite comparable to c-black. Up to 30 phr of the fillers could be successfully incorporated; this led to enhancements in the mechanical strength. The properties were found to vary with the type and ratio of filler, namely, starch, cellulose, and chitin. The optimum mechanical strength of the biocomposites was observed at 10 phr. The results were interpreted on

the basis of the morphology by scanning electron microscopy, which revealed strong fillerpolymer interactions. The moisture-uptake characteristics of the composites were studied. It was found that addition of biofillers did not lead to a significant increase INCB028050 in the moisture absorption. Furthermore, as the adhesion between the polymer matrix check details and fillers increased, the water uptake decreased. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012″
“The aim of this study was to examine the antioxidant activities and phenolic components of the crude extracts of 10 Desmodium species from Taiwan. In this study, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical monocation scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power of the 10 Desmodium species were evaluated for their antioxidant

activities. The results showed that, of all the samples, Desmodium sequax was the most active in ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and reducing power assays. The total polyphenol, total flavonoid and total flavonol contents of the crude extract were calculated. The correlation coefficient (R(2)) values of TEAC with phenolic compounds indicated strong positive correlations, except for total flavonoid content. Furthermore, HPLC chromatographic fingerprints were established, and

chlorogenic acid and vitexin in D. sequax were quantified. Chlorogenic acid was confirmed to express strong antioxidant activities in ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and reducing power assays. The present study indicated the antioxidant activities of the 10 Desmodium species were related to their phenolic components. D. sequax is a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and chlorogenic acid may be an important factor in the selleck antioxidant activity of this plant.”
“The optical properties, especially the colors, of transition metal nitrides (TiN and ZrN) are studied using first-principles method. Full ab-initio procedure of color-prediction including plasma frequency is presented. The dielectric functions and reflectivity of the compounds are calculated including both intraband and interband transitions. The color of the compounds is then produced by calculating the red-green-blue color codes through the convolution of color matching functions and the calculated reflectivity. Calculated colors and screened plasma frequency for the materials are in good agreement with measurement.