This present study proposed a successful one pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their optimisation for photocatalytic applications. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were selected as chemical reagents for the proposed study. The design of this experiment was based on the reagents’ amounts and the ultrasonic irradiations’ time. The results regarding scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs with pure hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure in all synthesised samples. Photocatalytic activity of the developed samples was evaluated against methylene blue dye solution. The rapid removal of methylene blue dye indicated the higher photocatalytic activity of the developed samples than untreated samples. Moreover, central composite design was utilised for statistical analysis regarding the obtained results. A mathematical model for the optimisation of input conditions was designed to predict the results at any given point. The role of crystallisation on the photocatalytic performance of developed samples was discussed in detail in this novel study.

The growing concerns over desertification have spurred research into technologies aimed at acquiring water from non-traditional sources such as dew, fog, and water vapor. Some of the most promising developments have focused on improving designs to collect water from fog. However, the absence of a shared framework to predict, measure and compare the water collection efficiencies of new prototypes is becoming a major obstacle to progress in the field. We address this problem by providing a general theory to design efficient fog collectors as well as a concrete experimental protocol to furnish our theory with all the necessary parameters to quantify the effective water collection efficiency. We show in particular that multi-layer collectors are required for high fog collection efficiency and that all efficient designs are found within a narrow range of mesh porosity. We support our conclusions with measurements on simple multi-layer harp collectors.

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Textile-based Scaffolds preparation has the attractive features to fulfill the stated and implied needs of the consumer but there are still challenges of stability, elongation, appreciable bio-compatibility, and stated hydrophilic behavior. To overcome these challenges, the authors tried to fabricate a scaffold by blending of two highly biocompatible polymers; polyvinyl alcohol and poly(1,4 cyclohexane isosorbide terephthalate) through co-electrospinning. The resultant scaffold by the stated innovative approach evaluated from different characterizations such as dimensional stability/morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, chemical interactions by that Fourier transmission infrared spectra, wetting behavior was analyzed by a static angle with a contact angle meter from drop method, elongation was examined by tensile strength tester and in-vitro assessment was done by MTT analysis. Based on verified results, it was concluded that PVA/PICT scaffold has a potential for dual nature of hydrophilicity & hydrophobicity and appreciable cell culture growth, stated dimensional stability and suitable elongation as per requirements of the nature of scaffold.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of spinning technologies and weave design on fabric mechanical and surface properties. For this purpose, ring spun (combed, carded) and open-end (OE) techniques were used to manufacture yarns of polyester cotton (50:50) which were used in the weft, and 100% cotton yarn in the warp. Plain, twill, and satin weave designs were selected to construct woven samples on a projectile loom. The variation in fabric tensile strength is obvious with respect to weave designs. Higher interlacing of yarn produces more crimp in the load bearing, which may cause lower breaking strength and fewer broad floats. The mechanical and surface properties of these fabric samples were investigated and statistical analysis was performed, which showed a significant effect of the spinning technique and weave design on these properties.