• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.31-42
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• 2007

To investigate the pyrolytic and anatomical characteristics of Korean softwood, Pinus densi-flora, Pinus rigida and Larix leptolepis, and hardwood, Acer palntatum, Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Quercus variabilis, chemical components analysis, TG-DTA (Thermogravimetric Analysis & Differential Thermal Analysis), MBA (Methylene Blue Adsorption) test and SEM observation were carried out. For TG-DTA, samples were carbonized up to $800^{\circ}C$ at the heating rate of $10^{\circ}C$/min under $N_2$ flows 1 l/min using thermogravimetric analyzer. Chemical component analysis of all samples resulted in typical contents of major wood component. In TG-DTA results, softwood showed higher char yield than hardwood, and lignin displayed the highest char yield among the major wood components. All samples showed typical TGA, DTG and DTA curves for wood pyrolysis except a few differences between softwood and hardwood. Content of lignin influenced its pyrolysis characteristics, while molecular structure of lignin affected not only the weight loss but also the yield of char. In MBA test results, MBA of softwoods was higher than that of hardwoods. Char of Pinus densiflora showed the highest MBA, but its degree was lower than activated carbon or fine charcoal about 23 and 4 times, respectively. SEM observation showed carbonization process preserves wood structure and retain the micro-structure of wood fibers.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1032-1041
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• 2010

The comparative influence of two nanoparticles [viz., superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and nanobarium titanate (NBT)] upon the in vitro and in situ low-density polyethylene (LDPE) biodegradation efficiency of a potential polymer-degrading microbial consortium was studied. Supplementation of 0.01% concentration (w/v) of the nanoparticles in minimal broth significantly increased the bacterial growth, along with early onset of the exponential phase. Under in vitro conditions, ${\lambda}$-max shifts were quicker with nanoparticles and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) illustrated significant changes in CH/$CH_2$ vibrations, along with introduction of hydroxyl residues in the polymer backbone. Moreover, simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) reported multiple-step decomposition of LDPE degraded in the presence of nanoparticles. These findings were supported by scanning electron micrographs (SEM), which revealed greater dissolution of the film surface in the presence of nanoparticles. Furthermore, progressive degradation of the film was greatly enhanced when it was incubated under soil conditions for 3 months with the nanoparticles. The study highlights the significance of bacteria-nanoparticle interactions, which can dramatically influence key metabolic processes like biodegradation. The authors also propose the exploration of nanoparticles to influence various other microbial processes for commercial viabilities.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.908-916
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• 2010

Fullerene-60 nanoparticles were used for studying their effect on the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) biodegradation efficiency of two potential polymer-degrading consortia comprising three bacterial strains each. At a concentration of 0.01% (w/v) in minimal broth lacking dextrose, fullerene did not have any negative influence upon the consortia growth. However, fullerene was found to be detrimental for bacterial growth at higher concentrations (viz., 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%). Although addition of 0.01% fullerene into the biodegradation assays containing 5mg/ml LDPE subsided growth curves significantly, subsequent analysis of the degraded products revealed an enhanced biodegradation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed breakage and formation of chemical bonds along with the introduction of ${\nu}C$-O frequencies into the hydrocarbon backbone of LDPE. Moreover, simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) revealed a higher number of decomposition steps along with a 1,000-fold decrease in the heat of reactions (${\Delta}H$) in fullerene-assisted biodegraded LDPE, suggesting the probable formation of multiple macromolecular byproducts. This is the first report whereby fullerene-60, which is otherwise considered toxic, has helped to accelerate the polymer biodegradation process of bacterial consortia.

• The Journal of Natural Sciences
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• v.1
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• pp.47-59
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• 1987

The thermal decomposition mechanism of BaTiO($$C_2$$O_4$)_2$ $4H_2$O has been investigated employing TG, DTG, and DTA techniques. The intermediate compounds and the gaseous products of decomposition were examined by IR spectrometer and X-ray analyser. The decomposition proceeds through five steps. The first step which is the dehydration of the tetrahydrate is followed by the decomposition of oxalate groups. During the second decomposition, half a mole of carbon monoxide is evolved. The oxalate groups are completely destroyed in the range $260~460^{\circ}C$, resulting in the formation of a carbonate which retains free carbon dioxide in the matrix . the final decomposition of the carbonate takes place between $650~750^{\circ}C$ and yields $BaTiO_3$.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.3295-3305
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• 2011

Thermal behavior of poly (methyl methacrylate) was analyzed in the presence of tin (IV) chloride. Five different proportions - polymer to additive - were selected for casting films from common solvent. TG, DTG and DTA were employed to monitor thermal degradation of the systems. IR and py-GC-MS helped identify the decomposition products. The blends start degrading at a temperature lower than that of the neat polymer and higher than that of the pure additive. Complex formation between tin of additive and carbonyl oxygen (pendent groups of MMA units) was noticed in the films soon after the mixing of the components in the blends. The samples were also heated at three different temperatures to determine the composition of residues left after the expulsion of volatiles. The polymer, blends and additive exhibited a one step, two-step and three-step degradation, respectively. $T_0$ is highest for the polymer, lowest for the additive and is either $60^{\circ}C$ or $70^{\circ}C$ for the blends. The amount of residue increases down the series [moving from blend-1 (minimum additive concentration) to blend-5 (maximum additive concentration)]. For blend-1, it is 7% of the original mass whereas it is 16% for blend-5. $T_{max}$ also goes up as the concentration of additive in the blends is elevated. The complexation appears to be the cause of observed stabilization. Some new products of degradation were noted apart from those reported earlier. These included methanol, isobutyric acid, acid chloride, etc. Molecular-level mixing of the constituents and "positioning effect" of the additive may have brought about the formation of new compounds. Routes are proposed for the appearance of these substances. Horizontal burning tests were also conducted on polymer and blends and the results are discussed. Activation energies and reaction orders were calculated. Activation energy is highest for the polymer, i.e., 138.9 Kcal/mol while the range for blends is from 51 to 39 Kcal/mol. Stability zones are highlighted for the blends. The interaction between the blended parts seems to be chemical in nature.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2000

알루나이트는 포항지역의 제3기 연일층군의 이암 층내의 탄산염 결핵체 주변에서 할로이사이트와 함께 극미립 변질물 (1-2 $\mu\textrm{m}$)로서 산출된다. 알루나이트는 정육면체와 유사한 능면체 결정형을 이루고 침상 내지 단주상의 할로이사이트와 밀접한 공생관계를 이룬다. X-선회절 분석에 의해서 이 알루나이트는 a=6.9897(1) $\AA$, c=17.2327(4)$\AA$, V=728.75(3) $\AA$3의 격자상수값을 갖는 것으로 밝혀졌다. X-선형광된 이 알루나이트의 화학식은 (K0.94N0.06)(Al2.55Fe3+0.45)(SO4)2(OH)6 으로서, 나트로알루나이트 단성분을 6-7 mole%정도 함유하는 것으로 분석되었다. 또한 시차열분석 (TG-DTG-DTA)을 통해서 알루나이트의 승화성 성분들 (H2O와 SO3)의 존재와 함유 정도를 조사하였고, 고온X-선회절분석을 병행하여 이 광물의 OH기의 이탈 반응 (52$0^{\circ}C$)과 고온상으로의 전이 반응 ($600^{\circ}C$ 및 $700^{\circ}C$)을 감정 하였다. K/Ar 법으로 측정된 알루나이트의 생성 연대 ($0.342\pm$0.008 Ma)와 안정동위원소들의 분석 결과 ($\delta$18Oso4=-1.7, $\delta$DSMOW=-31, $\delta$34S=-10.8)는 이 알루미늄 황산염 광물이 연일충군의 융기 이후에 야기된 민물의 유입에 의한 표성기원의 변질작용의 결과로 생성되었음을 지시한다. 알루나이트+할로이사이트 공생군의 침전은 이암 내에서 조성된 강산성 (pH=2-3)의 알루미늄 황산염 용액이 탄산염 결핵체를 만나 반응하여 pH가 국지적으로 증가되어 (pH=4) 과포화되는 과정에 의해서 야기되었다. 컴퓨터를 이용한 Al3+의 포화지수에 관한 화학적 평형 모델링 실험 결과, 알루미늄 황산염 용액으로부터의 알루나이트와 할로이사이트의 침전은 pH=4 및 \ulcornerSO42-=10-4M 조건에서 K+과 Si(OH)4의 농도가 10-4M 이상 유지되어야 가능한 것으로 밝혀졌다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.477-482
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• 2008

A variety of bacterial strains were isolated from waste disposal sites of Uttaranchal, India, and some from artificially developed soil beds containing maleic anhydride, glucose, and small pieces of polyethylene. Primary screening of isolates was done based on their ability to utilize high- and low-density polyethylenes (HDPE/LDPE) as a primary carbon source. Thereafter, a consortium was developed using potential strains. Furthermore, a biodegradation assay was carried out in 500-ml flasks containing minimal broth (250ml) and HDPE/LDPE at 5mg/ml concentration. After incubation for two weeks, degraded samples were recovered through filtration and subsequent evaporation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) were used to analyze these samples. Results showed that consortium-treated HDPE (considered to be more inert relative to LDPE) was degraded to a greater extent (22.41% weight loss) in comparison with LDPE (21.70% weight loss), whereas, in the case of untreated samples, weight loss was more for LDPE than HDPE (4.5% and 2.5%, respectively) at $400^{\circ}C$. Therefore, this study suggests that polyethylene could be degraded by utilizing microbial consortia in an eco-friendly manner.