Seyfullah Keyf

Polymer-modified bitumen using ethylene terpolymers

Abstract Polymer modified bitumen (PMB) is used in various construction applications, especially in motorways. The aim of this study is to improve features of 60/70 penetration grade, modified bitumen used on highways. Increasing the sensitivity to temperature and oxidation resistance are very important points for the modified bitumen. This condition was provided by reacting the carboxylic acid groups in asphaltene with the reactive ethylene terpolymer to form ester. Reactive ethylene terpolymer (RETP) and ethylene terpolymer (ETP) manufactured by DuPont USA were used as additives in this study. Infrared Spectrophotometer (IR) graphics and optical pictures of the modified bitumen have been examined. It has been observed that the softening point has increased on the other hand, the penetration and ductility values have decreased according to the test results.

Determination of Lead in Drinking and Wastewater by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

ABSTRACT This work describes the optimization of hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of lead at trace concentrations. The parameters affecting the production, transport, and atomization of plumbane in a closed vessel were optimized. The concentrations of reagents affecting the generation of the lead hydride were also optimized to obtain high hydride generation efficiency. The atomization temperature, reaction period, pump speed, pump period, and flow rates of reducing agent and carrier gas were varied to maximize the sensitivity for lead. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the analysis of certified reference materials. The method provided a linear dynamic range for lead from 2.0 to 40 µg/L with a limit of detection of 0.56 µg/L.

Conducting Polymer Composites of Polythiophene and Polyacrylamide

ABSTRACT A conducting composite of polythiophene (PTh) with polyacrylamide (PAA) as the insulating matrix was prepared via electrochemical methods. The change in the conductivity of composites was analyzed as a function of the percent composition of the insulating component. The characterization of the composite was done by FTIR, SEM, and TGA studies. Conductivity and solubility studies together with spectroscopic methods reveal that a chemical interaction between the polymers exists.

Molecular characterization of silver–stearate nanoparticles (AgStNPs): A hydrophobic and antimicrobial material against foodborne pathogens

In this study, silver-stearate nanoparticles (AgStNPs) have been produced from silver nitrate solutions by replacing the nitrate by stearate ions and then reducing by thermal treatment. AgStNPs were characterized by particle size, zeta-potential, ATR-FTIR, contact angle and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) analyses. The mean particle size and zeta potential of AgStNPs were determined to be 69.22±7.30nm and +8.02±0.88mV. ATR-FTIR analysis showed characteristic IR bands of stearate, revealing the two strong peaks at 2848 and 2915cm-1 associated to symmetric (νs(CH2)) and asymmetric (νas(CH2)) stretching vibrations of methylene groups, respectively. On the other hand, the scissoring and rocking modes of methylene group were observed at 1470 and 718cm-1, respectively. Nanomorphological characterization by SEM revealed a layered morphology of AgStNPs. Contact angle measurements demonstrated that a contact angle of water drop on glass coated with AgStNPs was found to be 108.76°, which proved the strong hydrophobic properties of AgStNPs. AgStNPs seemed to be very effective in inhibiting foodborne pathogens (Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans). The results suggest the use of AgStNPs as a coating material to reduce biofilm or biofouling formation in terms of achieving appropriate food contact surfaces and higher hygiene/easier sanitation due to their strong hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties.

The Modification of Bitumen with Synthetic Reactive Ethylene Terpolymer and Ethylene Terpolymer

Abstract The aim of this study is to improve features of 60/70 penetration grade modified bitumen used on highways. A new asphalt compound has been formed by an additive to decrease sensitivity to temperature and to increase resistance of bitumen. As additives, synthetic reactive ethylene terpolymer (SRETP) and ethylene terpolymer (ETP), which were recommended by DuPont, have been added in bitumen and made some trials. Infrared (IR) graphics and optical pictures of the modified bitumen have been examined and after analysis of the tests, a clear increasing at softening point but decreasing in penetration and ductility values have been observed as a result.

Development of an analytical method for the determination of valsartan in commercial drug and sewage sludge samples by HPLC and evaluation of its stability under simulated gastric conditions

ABSTRACT An analytical method was developed for determination of valsartan in commercial drug and sewage sludge samples by HPLC–UV using a single wavelength (250 nm). The effect of different environmental storage conditions on the stability of valsartan was examined for a period of 85 days, after which no degradation was observed. The post oral administration stability of the valsartan was also investigated by testing valsartan under simulated gastric conditions. Results obtained showed that the structure of valsartan was conserved over 3.5-h period. The calibration plot of the study was linear over a wide concentration range with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were found to be 0.014 and 0.046 µ g mL−1, respectively. The percentage recovery of valsartan from sewage sludge was found to be 99.8%. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Sensitive Determination of Sertraline in Commercial Drugs and Its Stability Check in Simulated Gastric Juice

A sensitive analytical method was developed for the determination of sertraline in commercial drug samples by using GC-MS. The selected-ion monitoring mode was used at the most sensitive m/z 274 to obtain a lower detection limit. LOD/LOQ values were obtained as 1.6/5.4 ng/mL for sertraline under the optimum conditions. The calibration plot was linear between 5.0 and 2000 ng/mL with the correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The validated method was successfully applied to three different brands of drug samples for both qualitative and quantitative measurement of sertraline. In this experiment, four replicate extractions were performed for each brand, and the results were compared to the values written on the labels of the drug brands. Spiking experiments were also performed to check the effect of the matrixes on the determination, and it was observed that there was no shift in the retention time of the analyte. In addition, simulated gastric juice experiments were performed to check the stability of sertraline in the stomach for 240 min, and it was observed that there was no change in the structure of the analyte.

The modification of bitumen with styrene–butadiene–styrene, ethylene vinyl acetate and varying the amount of reactive ethylene terpolymer

In this article, 50/70 penetration grade TUPRAS bitumen was modified. Reactive elastomeric terpolymer (Elvaloy RET; DuPont Company), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) polymers were used in bitumen modification. Set hours of the tests were applied to samples taken from the obtained modified bitumen mixture. Varying amount of reactive ethylene terpolymer with weight ratios of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5% were introduced to the mixture of raw bitumen with 1.0% SBS and 1.0% EVA. Penetration, penetration index, softening point, ductility and elastic recovery tests were performed with these modified bitumen and raw bitumen. The samples of raw bitumen and modified bitumens of 2.0% Elvaloy RET, 1.0% SBS and 1.0% EVA were investigated by means of IR spectroscopy. The raw bitumen was modified with SBS, EVA and RET, and it was determined that penetration and ductility values were decreased while penetration index, softening point and elastic recovery were increased. The purpose of this study is to research the improving properties of 50/70 penetration grade–modified bitumen used in highways of Turkey. The most important characteristics (such as softening point, penetration and % elastic recovery) of new polymer-modified bitumen (NPMB) containing 2.5% EVA, 1% RET and 1% SBS were compared with eight different types of polymer-modified bitumens in Turkey (TPMB). NPMB provided all required parameters (softening point, penetration and % elastic recovery) for five different types of TPMBs (TPMB 70-16, TPMB 70-22, TPMB 76-16, TPMB 76-22 and TPMB 82-16).

Development of an Analytical Method for the Determination of Amoxicillin in Commercial Drugs and Wastewater Samples, and Assessing its Stability in Simulated Gastric Digestion

A highly sensitive analytical HPLC-UV method was developed for the determination of amoxicillin in drugs and wastewater samples at a single wavelength (230 nm). In order to substantially predict the in vivo behavior of amoxicillin, drug samples were subjected to simulated gastric conditions. The calibration plot of the method was linear from 0.050 to 500 mg L-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were found to be 16 and 54 μg L-1, respectively. The percentage recovery of amoxicillin in wastewater was found to be 97.0 ± 1.6%. The method was successfully applied for the qualitative and quantitative determination of amoxicillin in drug samples including tablets and suspensions.