• Membrane Journal
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.371-383
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• 2021

Anion exchange membranes have been used for water electrolysis, which can produce hydrogen, and fuel cells, which can generate electrical energy using hydrogen fuel. Anion exchange membranes operate based on hydroxide ion (OH^-) conduction under alkaline conditions. However, since the anion exchange membrane shows relatively low ion conductivity and alkaline stability, there is still a limit to its commercialization in water electrolysis and fuel cells. To address these issues, it is important to develop novel anion exchange membrane materials by rationally designing a polymer structure. In particular, the polymer structure and synthetic method need to be controlled. By doing so, for polymers, the physical properties, ionic conductivity, and alkaline stability can be maintained. Among many anion exchange membranes, poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) is commercially available and easily accessible. In addition, the PPO has relatively high mechanical and chemical stability compared to other polymers. In this review, we introduce the recent development strategy and characteristics of PPO-based polymer materials used in anion exchange membranes.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.81-88
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• 2013

Wet-spun silk fibers have attracted the attention of many researchers because of 1) the unique properties of silk as a biomaterial, including good biocompatibility and cyto-compatability and 2) the various methods available to control the structure and properties of the fiber. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have typically been used as a reinforcing material for natural and synthetic polymers. In this study, CNF-embedded silk fibroin (SF) nanocomposite fibers were prepared for the first time. The effects of CNF content on the rheology of the dope solution and the characteristics of wet-spun CNF/SF composite fibers were also examined. A 5% SF formic acid solution that contained no CNFs showed nearly Newtonian fluid behavior, with slight shear thinning. However, after the addition of 1% CNFs, the viscosity of the dope solution increased significantly, and apparent shear thinning was observed. The maximum draw ratio of the CNF/SF composite fibers decreased as the CNF content increased. Interestingly, the crystallinity index for the silk in the CNF/SF fibers was sequentially reduced as the CNF content was increased. This phenomenon may be due to the fact that the CNFs prevent ${\beta}$-sheet crystallization of the SF by elimination of formic acid from the dope solution during the coagulation process. The CNF/SF composite fibers displayed a relatively smooth surface with stripes, at low magnification (${\times}500$). However, a rugged nanoscale surface was observed at high magnification (${\times}10,000$), and the surface roughness increased with the CNF content.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.711-716
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• 1999

This research explored the feasibility of preparing and utilizing a prefonned polymeric solution of Al(III) for coagulation in water treatment. Slow base(NaOH) injection into supersaturated aluminum chloride and aluminum sulfate solutions did produce high yields of Al polymers useful to water treatment applications. The method of characterization analysis was based on timed spectrophotometer with ferron as a color developing reagent. The hydrolytic Al species were divided into $monomeric(Al_a),\;polymeric(Al_b),\;and\;precipitate(Al_c)$ from the difference in reaction kinetics. The analysis of PACl's characteristics showed that the quantity of polymeric Al produced at value of$ r(OH_{added}/AI)=2.2$ was $83\%$ of the total aluminum in solution, as showing maximum contents and precipitated Al was dramatically increased when r was increased above 2.35. In addition, the characteristics of polyaluminum sulfate (PAS) showed that polymeric Al contained at r = 0.75 was $18\%$ of the total aluminum in solution. The synthesized PACI and PAS were stable during storing period, as indicating negligible aging effect. The effect of sulfate ion on PACI was dependent on the concentration of sulfate ion. That is, polymeric species decrease and precipitate species increase as sulfate ion concentration increased. It can be concluded that the sulfate cause the formation of $Al(OH)_{3(S)}$ at low pH. However, The effect of calcium ion was negligible for distribution of Al species.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.489-495
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• 2006

In recent years, there has been an interest to use Moringa oleifera as the natural coagulant due to cost, associated health and environmental concerns of synthetic organic polymers and inorganic chemicals. However, it is known that M. oleifera as the natural coagulant is highly biodegradable and has a very short shelf life. This research was carried out to investigate the effects of storage temperature, packaging methods, and freeze-drying on the preservation of M. oleifera seeds powders. Non freeze-dried M. oleifera was prepared into different packaging namely open container, closed container and vacuum packing, whilst, freeze-dried M. oleifera was stored in closed container and vacuum packing. Each of the packaging was stored at room temperature ($30\;to\;32^{\circ}C$) and refrigerator ($4^{\circ}C$). The turbidity removal efficiencies of stored M. oleifera were examined using jar test at monthly interval for 12 months. The results indicated that non freeze-dried M. oleifera kept in the refrigerator ($4^{\circ}C$) would preserve its coagulation efficiency. In addition, closed container and vacuum packing were found to be more appropriate for the preservation of non freeze-dried M. oleifera, compared to open container. Freeze-dried M. oleifera retained its high coagulation efficiency regardless the storage temperature and packaging method for up to 11 months. Besides, higher increment in zeta potential values for water coagulated with freeze-dried M. oleifera indicated the higher frequency of charge neutralization and better coagulation efficiency of freeze-dried M. oleifera, compared to non freeze-dried seeds. As a coagulant, M. oleifera did not affect the pH of the water after treatment.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.384-392
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• 2021

Growing pollution due to industrialization leads to difficulties in survival of mankind. Generation of clean water from wastewater by membrane separation process is emerging cost efficient technology. Membrane prepared from renewable resources are in lots of demand to reduce burden on synthetic polymers which is one of the source of environmental pollution. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is very pure and distinct form of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). Nanopapers prepared from CNF are used ad ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane for different applications. High crystallinity of BC gives rise to excellent mechanical property, an essential criterion for wastewater treatment membrane. In this review, BC based membrane for application in dye, oil, heavy metal and chemical removal from wastewater is discussed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.156-161
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• 2011

Objectives: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity at standard temperature and pressure. THF has been used as a solvent and a precursor for various syntheses of polymers. However, THF is known to irritate to the eyes, skin and mucus membranes. Overexposure by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may produce nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory irritation and possible skin burns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate of the worker exposure and characteristics of workers in the workplaces that use or manufacture THF. Methods: Sixteen factories in Korea, which manufacture or use THF, were selected for this study and a total of 130 air samples including 104 time-weighted average (TWA) samples and 26 short-term exposure limit (STEL) samples, were collected. Air samples were collected with charcoal tube (100mg/50mg) and analyzed by gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector(GC/FID). Results: The TWA concentration of THF was 16.05ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 2.32ppm (GM) at PVC stabilizer, 1.03ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.63ppm (GM) at Polytetramethylene ether glycol(PTMEG), 0.42ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 0.13ppm (GM) at Glue and 0.12ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins. Two out of sampes for PS script printing exceeded 50ppm as 8-hour exposure limit of MOEL. The short term exposure to THF was 54.77ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 17.10ppm (GM) at PTMEG, 13.76ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 2.86ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.87ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins and 0.13ppm (GM) Glue. We found that the highest exposure process for both the TWA and STEL samples was PS script process. Two samples exceeded 100ppm as short term exposure limit of Ministry of Employment and Labor(MOEL). Conclusions: Characteristic of STEL concentration for THF is considerably different from TWA concentration in workplaces because workers could exposure high concentration of THF in a moment when they work irregularly schedule. So exposure controls for momentary works have to be prepared, and considered the skin absorption and inhale of THF.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.629-635
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• 2012

Two novel conjugated copolymers utilizing 4,7-dithien-2-yl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DTBT) coupled with cyano (-CN) substituted vinylene, as the electron deficient moeity, have been synthesized and evaluated in bulk heterojunction solar cell. The electron deficient moeity was coupled with carbazole and fluorene unit by Knoevenagel condition to provide poly(bis-2,7-((Z)-1-cyano-2-(5-(7-(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4-yl)-2-thienyl)ethenyl)-alt-9-(1-octylnonyl)-9H-carbazol-2-yl-2-butenenitrile) (PCVCNDTBT) and poly(bis-2,7-((Z)-1-cyano-2-(5-(7-(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4-yl)-2-thienyl)ethenyl)-alt-9,9-dihexyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl) (PFVCNDTBT). The optical band gaps of PCVCNDTBT (1.74 eV) and PFVCNDTBT (1.80 eV) are lower than those of PCDTBT (1.88 eV) and PFVDTBT (2.13 eV), which is advantageous to provide better coverage of the solar spectrum in the longer wavelength region. The high $V_{oc}$ value of the PSC of PCVCNDTBT (~0.91 V) is attributed to its lower HOMO energy level ( 5.6 eV) as compared to PCDTBT ( 5.5 eV). Bulk heterojunction solar cells based on the blends of the polymers with [6,6]phenyl-$C_{61}$-butyric acid methyl ester ($PC_{61}BM$) gave power conversion efficiencies of 0.76% for PCVCNDTBT under AM 1.5, 100 mW/$cm^2$.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.34-41
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• 2000

Recently many scientists have tried to synthesize biodegradable polymers due to durable and non-biodegradable products of conventional synthetic plastics when these were wasted in nature. So to reuse the wastepapers for biodegradable polymer resources, ONP (old newsprint), OCC (old corrugated containerbpard) were carried out by the pretreatment of chlorinite, hypochlorite and oxygen-alkali treatment conditions. For manufacturing of biodegradable polymer with wastepaper, this study performed to investigate change of chemical components and optimal pretreatment condition. The summarized results in this study were as follows: Lignin content in ONP and OCC was was higher than in MOW and ash content was the highest in MOW. More amount of ash components were reduced by wet defiberation than by dry defiberation. Wet defiberation fiber are better than dry defiberated fiber in chemical pretreatment condition for wastepapers, and the best result was obtained in the condition of sodium chlorite at $70^{\circ}C$, because it has high delignification ratio, ${\alpha}$-cellulose contents and degree of polymerization in this treatment condition. Oxygen-alkali treatment condition is the worst method because of low yield, low degree of polymerization in this pretreatments.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.313-317
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• 2005

Synthetic gene carriers such as poly-cationic polymers easily form complexes with plasmid DNA which contains negative charge. Chitosan is a polysaccharide that demonstrates much potential as a gene delivery system. The ability of depolymerized chitosan to condense DNA was determined using electrophoresis. Dynamic laser scattering and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the size and the morphology of the chitosan/DNA complex. Parameters such as chitosan molecular weight and charge density influenced the complex size and the DNA amount condensed with chitosan. The cell viabilities in the presence of chitosan ranged between 84-108% of the control in all experiments. Gene expression efficacy using chitosan/DNA complex was enhanced in 293 cells relative to that using naked DNA, although it was lower than that using lipofecamine. Transfection efficacy using low molecular weight chitosan (Mw=8,517) was higher than those of the control and the other chitosan (MW=4,078). The low molecular weight chitosan (MW=8,517) with a high charge density (18.32 mV) fulfilled the requirements for a suitable model gene delivery system with respect to the condensing ability of DNA, complex formation, and transfection efficacy.