aFly ash-based calcium silicate (FACS), which has a large surface area (121 m 2 /g) and porous structure, has the potential to be used as a filler for the production of high-bulk paper. In theory, paper with a higher bulk has a lower strength. This work explores the possibility of improving paper strength without compromising its bulk through co-flocculation of cellulosic fines and FACS. To investigate the effect of co-flocculation on paper properties, composites made with various ratios of fines to FACS were studied. Results showed that paper bulk and tensile strength increased with increasing ratio of fines to FACS, up to 0.3 at 17% filler content. To further confirm these findings, the structures of composites were studied with a light microscope and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Images showed that the composite formed at the ratio of 0.3 exhibited a larger size and looser structure than other composites, which can be attributed to the improvement of the paper's strength and bulk. Schemes for the composite formation process and its interactions with fibers were also proposed.
Given the adverse health effects of antimony (Sb), there is an increased focus on developing methods to remove this toxic metal from contaminated water bodies. To effectively remove Sb(V), a new nanostructured Fe–Cu–Al trimetal oxide was fabricated using co-precipitation method at ambient temperature. The Fe–Cu–Al trimetal oxide was very effective at removing Sb(V) from water; it had a maximal adsorption capacity of 169.1 mg/g at pH 7.0, a capacity that was competitive with most other reported adsorbents. The obtained amorphous oxide had a high pH point of zero charge (pHpzc = 8.8) and good adsorption Sb(V) efficiency over a wide pH range (4.0–8.0). Sb(V) uptake was achieved mainly through an ion-exchange reaction between Sb(V) ions and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the oxide. Given its good removal performance, high selectivity, and simple synthesis, this novel Fe–Cu–Al trimetal oxide offers a promising alternate for removing antimony contamination from aquatic environments.
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