Ronilson V. Barbosa

Physical and chemical characterization of natural and modified nanoclays and their ecotoxicity on a freshwater algae species (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii): Characterization and toxicity of nanoclays to algal species

Nanoclays represent a class of natural and modified nanomaterials that have received attention from industrial and environmental fields. Studies that assess the physicochemical properties of nanoclays and compare the effects of natural and modified nanoclays are scarce. We assessed the physicochemical characteristics of a natural nanoclay (Na+ montmorillonite) and 2 modified nanoclays (Cloisite® 30B and Novaclay™) in the dry powder state and in solution, and their potential toxic effects on algal population growth (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). All 3 nanoclays exhibited properties that are thought to cause toxic effects on organisms, but the properties varied among the nanoclays. Cloisite 30B had a low particle stability and a chemical composition that are thought to induce a greater toxic effect on organisms than either Novaclay or natural nanoclay. In contrast, Novaclay and natural nanoclay had a particle shape (nanoplate) in solution that is thought to induce a greater toxic effect on organisms than the type of particle shape (spherical) that Cloisite 30B has in solution. Cloisite 30B suppressed population growth of C. reinhardtii, an effect that increased with dosage. Neither Novaclay nor natural nanoclay affected algal population growth across a broad array of concentrations. The results show that modified nanoclays differ in their impact on algae, and careful thought must be given to their usage because some will have negative consequences if released into aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2860-2870.

Síntese do Eval- g -norbixina: Aplicação como um Pigmento em Polímeros

The contamination by heavy metals present in polymer additives and pigments, is a serious health risks. Thus new methods have been implemented to the use of organic and biodegradable pigments. In this work, a technique was developed by grafting of norbixin in poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) for use as a pigment on polymer materials. From the results obtained by HPLC, it was observed that the alkaline extraction led the hydrolysis of bixin into norbixin. The analysis by FT-IR and DSC have identified the EVAL and the graft of norbixin. This technique showed to be an easy alternative, viable and attractive for the production of new pigments compared to traditionally used techniques described in the literature.

Characterization of Sodium Bentonites: Effect of Treatment with Ammonium Salt-Free Organic Surfactant

Bentonites, which the main clay mineral is montmorillonite, are commercially attractive because of its abundance in nature. The clays can be modified by ion exchange reactions of ions contained in the interlayer region with cationic surfactants that include ammonium or phosphonium salts. The clays origin and the type of surfactants (modifiers) are the main factors in the alteration of physical and chemical properties of these materials. This study aims to characterize and compare the results of natural bentonites commercially available and the effect of treatments with quaternary ammonium salt and an organic compound free of ammonium salt. The FTIR and XRD results indicate the process of organophilization of clays after treatment with the surfactants. These treatments have altered the average particle size, suggesting the formation of agglomerates, which was showed in the SEM images. The results of surface area and particle size data indicated the presence of larger particles. Although the two surfactants have shown similarities in the investigated properties, the organoclays free of ammonium salt are more promising in terms of its use as well as for their preparation and

Montmorillonite Silver Nanoparticles for Applications in Polymeric Materials

This work presents the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with montmorillonite to produce a nanomaterial with bactericidal properties. The modified montmorillonite was characterized through the techniques of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The FTIR and Raman spectrum’s showed specific bands of involving stretching silver. In the XRD analyses was observed the occurrence of the following crystallographic planes (111), (200) e (220) silver related. The nanocomposites of polyethylene with AgNPs did not show loss in mechanical properties, this fact was important and indicate that the nanomaterial can be inserted in this polymer matrix with considerable technological interest.