Highly active olefin metathesis catalysts were prepared by thermal spreading MoO3 and/or MoO2(acac)2 on MWW zeolites (MCM-22, delaminated MCM-56) and on two-dimensional MFI (all in NH4 + form). The catalysts' activities were tested in the metathesis of neat 1-octene (as an example of a longer chain olefin) at 40 °C. Catalysts with 6 wt % or 5 wt % of Mo were used. The acidic character of the supports had an important effect on both the catalyst activity and selectivity. The catalyst activity increases in the order 6MoO3/HZSM-5(25) (Si/Al = 25) << 6MoO2(acac)2/MCM-22(70) < 6MoO3/2D-MFI(26) < 6MoO3/MCM-56(13) < 6MoO3/MCM-22(28) reflecting both the enhancing effect of the supports' acidity and accessibility of the catalytic species on the surface. On the other hand the supports' acidity decreases the selectivity to the main metathesis product C14 due to an acid-catalyzed double bond isomerization (followed by cross metathesis) and oligomerization. 6MoO3/2D-MFI(26) with a lower concentration of the acidic centres resulting in catalysts of moderate activity but with the highest selectivity.

• Klíčová slova
• 1-octene, metathesis, molybdenum oxide, thermal spreading, zeolites,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

New hybrid sol-gel coatings based on tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and phytic acid (PA) were designed and applied to cotton; the flame-retardant properties of the treated fabrics were thoroughly investigated by means of flame-spread and forced-combustion tests. The first goal was to identify the TEOS:PA weight ratio that allowed the achievement of the best flame-retardant properties, with the lowest final dry add-on on the fabrics. Therefore, different TEOS:PA sols were prepared and applied to cotton, and the resulting coated fabrics were thoroughly investigated. In particular, solid-state NMR spectroscopy was exploited for assessing the condensation degree during the sol-gel process, even for evaluating the occurrence of possible reactions between phytic acid and the cellulosic substrate or the alkoxy precursor. It was found that a total dry add-on of 16 wt. % together with 70:30 TEOS:PA weight ratio provided cotton with self-extinction, as clearly indicated by flame-spread tests. This formulation was further investigated in forced-combustion tests: a significant reduction of heat release rate (HRR), of the peak of HRR, and of total heat release (THR) was found, together with a remarkable increase of the residues after the test. Unfortunately, the treated fabrics were not resistant to washing cycles, as they significantly lost their flame-retardant properties, consequently to the partial removal of the deposited hybrid coatings.

• Klíčová slova
• cotton, durability, flame retardancy, phytic acid, solid state NMR spectroscopy, sol–gel processes, thermal stability,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The rate of Biomedical waste generation increases exponentially during infectious diseases, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which burst in December 2019 and spread worldwide in a very short time, causing over 6 M casualties worldwide till May 2022. As per the WHO guidelines, the facemask has been used by every person to prevent the infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and discarded as biomedical waste. In the present work, a 3-ply facemask was chosen to be treated using the solvent, which was extracted from the different types of waste plastics through the thermal-catalytic pyrolysis process using a novel catalyst. The facemask was dispersed in the solvent in a heating process, followed by dissolution and precipitation of the facemask in the solvent and by filtration of the solid facemask residue out of the solvent. The effect of peak temperature, heating rate, and type of solvent is observed experimentally, and it found that the facemask was dissolved completely with a clear supernate in the solvent extracted from the (polypropylene + poly-ethylene) plastic also saved energy, while the solvent from ABS plastic was not capable to dissolute the facemask. The potential of the presented approach on the global level is also examined.

• Klíčová slova
• Biomedical waste, COVID-19, Energy saving, Facemask, Pyrolysis,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The current pandemic resulted in a rapidly increasing demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) initially leading to severe shortages of these items. Hence, during an unexpected and fast virus spread, the possibility of reusing highly efficient protective equipment could provide a viable solution for keeping both healthcare professionals and the general public equipped and protected. This requires an efficient decontamination technique that preserves functionality of the sensitive materials used for PPE production. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a decontamination technique with documented efficiency against select bacterial and fungal pathogens combined with low damage to exposed materials. We have investigated NTP for decontamination of high-efficiency P3 R filters from viral respiratory pathogens in comparison to other commonly used techniques. We show that NTP treatment completely inactivates SARS-CoV-2 and three other common human respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Rhinovirus and Adenovirus, revealing an efficiency comparable to 90°C dry heat or UVC light. Unlike some of the tested techniques (e.g., autoclaving), NTP neither influenced the filtering efficiency nor the microstructure of the filter. We demonstrate that NTP is a powerful and economic technology for efficient decontamination of protective filters and other sensitive materials from different respiratory pathogens.

• Klíčová slova
• Adenovirus, Pseudomonas aerguinosa, Rhinovirus, cold plasma, human respiratory viruses, influenza A, particle filter, protective equipment,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The relationship between the physiological group of gelatinolytic bacteria and the abundance of heterotrophic bacteria in freshwater ecosystems was described, based on analysis of 1082 different freshwater samples collected in Croatia. Percentages of gelatinolytic bacteria among the population of heterotrophic bacteria showed a significant negative correlation with the abundance of heterotrophic bacteria. The relation between the physiological group (gelatinolytic bacteria) and heterotrophic bacteria can be considered to be an indicator of the pollution degree of freshwaters. A high relative content of gelatinolytic bacteria (> 76%) always indicates the colony-forming units of heterotrophic bacteria < 1000/mL, which corresponds to the high water quality; gelatinolytic bacteria < 11% indicate polluted waters. Isolated strains of aerobically grown gelatinolytic bacteria were Gram-negative rod-shaped or Gram-positive endospore-forming rod-shaped cells.

• MeSH
• Bacteria izolace a purifikace   metabolismus   MeSH
• gramnegativní aerobní tyčinky a koky izolace a purifikace   metabolismus   MeSH
• grampozitivní sporulující tyčinky izolace a purifikace   metabolismus   MeSH
• mikrobiologie vody * MeSH
• počet mikrobiálních kolonií MeSH
• sladká voda mikrobiologie   MeSH
• želatina metabolismus   MeSH
• znečištění vody analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Chorvatsko MeSH
• Názvy látek
• želatina MeSH

Epoxy resins are characterized by excellent properties such as chemical resistance, shape stability, hardness and heat resistance, but they present low flame resistance. In this work, the synthesized derivatives, namely hexacyclohexylamino-cyclotriphosphazene (HCACTP) and novel diaminotetracyclohexylamino-cyclotriphosphazene (DTCATP), were applied as curing agents for halogen-free flame retarding epoxy materials. The thermal properties and combustion behavior of the cured epoxy resins were investigated. The obtained results revealed that the application of both derivatives significantly increased flame resistance. The epoxy resins cured with HCACTP and DTCATP exhibited lower total heat release together with lower total smoke production compared to the epoxy materials based on conventional curing agents (dipropylenetriamine and ethylenediamine). Comparing both derivatives, the HCACTP-cured epoxy resin was found to provide a higher flame resistance. The designed novel class of epoxy materials may be used for the preparation of materials with improved flame resistance properties in terms of flame spreading and smoke inhibition.

• Klíčová slova
• cone calorimeter, curing agent, cyclotriphosphazene derivative, epoxy resin, flame resistance, synthesis, thermal degradation,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

We have investigated the application of Ar plasma for creation of nanostructured ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (PE) surface in order to enhance adhesion of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (L929). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the interface between plasma-treated and gold-coated PE on adhesion and spreading of cells. The surface properties of pristine samples and its modified counterparts were studied by different experimental techniques (gravimetry, goniometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrokinetic analysis), which were used for characterization of treated and sputtered layers, polarity and surface chemical structure, respectively. Further, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to study the surface morphology and roughness. Biological responses of cells seeded on PE samples were evaluated in terms of cell adhesion, spreading, morphology and proliferation. Detailed cell morphology and intercellular connections were followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As it was expected the thickness of a deposited gold film was an increasing function of the sputtering time. Despite the fact that plasma treatment proceeded in inert plasma, oxidized degradation products were formed on the PE surface which would contribute to increased hydrophilicity (wettability) of the plasma treated polymer. The XPS method showed a decrease in carbon concentration with increasing plasma treatment. Cell adhesion measured on the interface between plasma treated and gold coated PE was inversely proportional to the thickness of a gold layer on a sample.

• Klíčová slova
• Atomic force microscopy, Gold sputtering, Mouse embryonic fibroblasts, Plasma treatment, Scanning electron microscopy, UHMWPE,
• MeSH
• biokompatibilní potahované materiály * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• myši MeSH
• plazmové plyny chemie   MeSH
• polyethyleny * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• testování materiálů * MeSH
• zlato * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• biokompatibilní potahované materiály * MeSH
• plazmové plyny MeSH
• polyethyleny * MeSH
• ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene MeSH Prohlížeč
• zlato * MeSH

Worldwide, Portland cement-based materials are the most commonly used construction materials. As the Portland cement industry negatively affects the environment due to the excessive emission of carbon dioxide and depletion of natural resources, new alternative materials are being searched. Therefore, the goal of the paper was to design and develop eco-friendly, low-cost, and sustainable magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC)-based building material with a low carbon footprint, which is characterized by reduced porosity, high mechanical resistance, and durability in terms of water damage. To make new material eco-efficient and functional, silica sand which was used in the composition of the control composite mixture was partially replaced with coal fly ash (FA), a byproduct of coal combustion. The chemical and mineralogical composition, morphology, and particle morphology of FA were characterized. For silica sand, FA, and MgO, specific density, loose bulk density, and particle size distribution were measured. Additionally, Blaine specific surface was for FA and MgO powder assessed. The workability of fresh mixtures was characterized by spread diameter. For the hardened MOC composites, basic structural, mechanical, hygric, and thermal properties were measured. Moreover, the phase composition of precipitated MOC phases and their thermal stability were investigated for MOC-FA pastes. The use of FA led to the great decrease in porosity and pore size compared to the control material with silica sand as only filler which was in agreement with the workability of fresh composite mixtures. The compressive strength increased with the replacement of silica sand with FA. On the contrary, the flexural strength slightly decreased with silica sand substitution ratio. It clearly proved the assumption of the filler function of FA, whereas its assumed reactivity with MOC cement components was not proven. The water transport and storage were significantly reduced by the use of FA in composites, which greatly improved their resistance against moisture damage. The heat transport and storage parameters were only slightly affected by FA incorporation in composite mixtures.

• Klíčová slova
• coal fly ash, hygric and thermal parameters, magnesium oxychloride cement, mechanical resistance, sand substitution, structural properties, thermal stability,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it a promising tool for surface decontamination. This study evaluated the ability of PAW generated from high voltage atmospheric cold plasma to remove Salmonella from common surfaces (stainless steel (SS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), concrete, and wood) found in poultry houses. PAW was generated by exposing distilled water to atmospheric cold plasma in 80% humid air at 90 kV and 60 Hz for 30 min. The resulting PAW contained 1120 ppm of nitrate and 1370 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, with a pH of 1.83. PAW was then applied to coupons of SS, PVC, wood, and concrete surfaces inoculated with 7-8 log10 CFU of cocktail of Salmonella spp. (S. Typhimurium, S. Newport, S. Montevideo, and S. Enteritidis). PAW effectively reduced Salmonella levels on SS and PVC surfaces to below the detection limit within 30 s. On wood surfaces, a longer treatment time of 7.5 min was required to achieve a maximum reduction of 2.63 log10 CFU, likely due to the porosity of the wood limiting PAW contact with the bacteria. On concrete surfaces, the reduction in Salmonella levels was only 0.98 log10 CFU. This was likely due to the greater surface roughness and high alkalinity, which neutralized the PAW species.

• Klíčová slova
• Cold plasma, Decontamination, Plasma-activated water, Poultry house, Salmonella spp,
• MeSH
• bydlení zvířat * MeSH
• dekontaminace * metody   MeSH
• dezinficiencia farmakologie   MeSH
• dřevo mikrobiologie   chemie   MeSH
• drůbež * mikrobiologie   MeSH
• konstrukční materiály mikrobiologie   MeSH
• nerezavějící ocel MeSH
• peroxid vodíku farmakologie   MeSH
• plazmové plyny * farmakologie   MeSH
• počet mikrobiálních kolonií MeSH
• polyvinylchlorid chemie   MeSH
• Salmonella * růst a vývoj   MeSH
• voda * chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dezinficiencia MeSH
• nerezavějící ocel MeSH
• peroxid vodíku MeSH
• plazmové plyny * MeSH
• polyvinylchlorid MeSH
• voda * MeSH

Distance methods extend the possibilities of investigating the quality of environment. Laser-radar location permits the control of spread of atmospheric pollution. The accuracy of measurements of the individual ingredients is superior to MAC. More complex information on the qualitative state of all natural media can be obtained from photographs taken from space, but quantitative evaluation of contamination on the basis of cosmic photographs still presents difficulties.

• MeSH
• environmentální zdraví * MeSH
• fotografování MeSH
• lasery MeSH
• metody MeSH
• radar MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší * MeSH
• znečištění vody * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• SSSR MeSH