The vinyl phytic acid (GPA) was prepared using biophytic acid (PA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), in which double bonds were introduced into the phytic acid molecule to increase the active groups in the phytic acid molecule. Furthermore, itaconic acid (IA) containing two unsaturated double bonds and GPA was polymerized in situ and crosslinked on the surface of cotton fabrics, and flame retardant and crease-proofed fabrics were obtained. The effects of GPA, IA, and the initiator on the flame-retardant and crease-proofing properties of the fabrics were analyzed by a single-factor and double-dip double-nip experiment. A flame-retardant and wrinkle-resistant fabric was obtained when the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) were 28% and 270°, respectively. During combustion, the thermal properties of the fabrics changed; typically, the extrapolated initial temperature (Te) decreased, and moisture release increased. After burning, the fabrics had good shape retention, and the carbon residue content increased to 48%, which effectively inhibited or slowed down the combustion and heat release of the textiles. However, the whiteness, mechanical properties, and washability of the products need to be further improved.Keywords:flame-retardant and crease-proofing finishing;phytic acid;cotton textiles
Realizing environmental compatibility and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) are crucial in the research of organic photovoltaics towards practical application. Applying environmentally friendly bio-materials into the modification of cathode interlayer (CIL) is a feasible approach to move towards both targets. In this research, three edible bio-acids, ursolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, are employed to modify the PDIN CIL of the organic solar cells (OSCs) with non-fullerene acceptors. Among these edible bio-acid modifiers, ursolic acid shows its excellent performance in improving interfacial contact and suppressing charge recombination. It helps to obtain a good interfacial contact and facilitates the electron extraction. As a result, the photovoltaic performance is significantly improved. The average PCE are increased from 17.58% of the control devices to 18.35% of the PDIN + Ursolic Acid based devices, with a maximum PCE of 18.54%. It is the champion efficiency among the reported applications of bio-derived materials for the CILs. This study demonstrates the successful application of edible bio-acid, which offers an effective and green approach for the CIL modification to realize highly efficient OSCs.
Mengmeng Yao,Yiqin Yang,Junlong Song,Yan Yu,Yongcan Jin
In order to valorize lignin from spent liquor of pulping mills, a novel catalyzing system for wood furfurylation which composed of lignin-derived acids (LDAs, i.e. lignosulfonic acid and sulfomethylated lignin acid) and buffer sodium borate was developed, and was applied to Chinese fir furfurylation for improved dimensional stability and mechanical properties. LDAs were prepared by protonating of sulfomethylated lignin and lignosulfonate through cation exchange resin. The catalyzing system was optimized by the storage duration of FA formulas with respective catalyzing system at room temperature and the curing time at elevated temperature. Then, three formulas were selected out to treat Chinese fir and their performance was evaluated by weight percentage gain, dimensional stability, and compressive strength. The results showed that LDAs, especially sulfomethylated lignin acid, penetrated into cell walls and catalyzed furfurylation reaction quite well. The best performance achieved in this study by Formula III was with weight percentage gain of 66.4%, equilibrium moisture content 12.9%, anti-swelling efficiency 61.9% and 70.6% for the conditions of high humidity and water-soaking, respectively; its parallel-to-grain compressive strength was improved by 45.4%. It hints lignin-derived acids combined with borate would be a promising catalyst system for wood furfurylation since it valorizes both the waste lignin and low-valued wood.