This study developed compatible polymer composites based on a blend of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), modified with 1% maleic-anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer. Five formulations were prepared with HDPE/PP ratios of 100/0, 94/6, 89/11, 84/16, and 79/21, each containing 1 wt% (1% by weight) PP-g-MAH. The blends were comprehensively evaluated through morphological, mechanical, thermal, wettability, and bacteriological analyses to determine their suitability for sanitary water-pipe applications. Among all formulations, composite A2 (89% HDPE/10% PP/1% PP-g-MAH) demonstrated the most balanced and superior performance. It achieved a hardness of approximately 70 Shore D and an impact resistance close to 3.3 kJ/m2, while exhibiting enhanced thermal stability with a decomposition onset near 440 °C. Surface characterization revealed a smooth, homogeneous morphology and increased hydrophobicity, which contributed directly to its improved antibacterial behavior. Notably, A2 showed nearly a 30% reduction in E. coli adhesion compared to the control sample A0, confirming its hygienic advantages in potablewater environments. Overall, the synergistic effect of optimized polymer ratios and effective compatibilization produced a composite with high rigidity, excellent toughness, low thermal expansion, and reduced biofilm formation. These combined properties establish A2 as a highly promising and practical material for the fabrication of durable, thermally stable, and hygienically safe drinking water distribution pipes.
Background: Bowel preparation prior to
colonic surgery usually includes antibiotic
therapy together with mechanical bowel
preparation which may cause discomfort to the
patients, prolonged hospitalization and water
& electrolyte imbalance.
Objective: to assess whether elective colon
and rectal surgery may be safely performed
without preoperative mechanical bowel
preparation.
Method: the study includes all patients who
had elective large bowel resection at Medical
City – Baghdad Teaching Hospital between
Feb, 2007 to Jan, 2010. Emergency operations
were not included. The patients were randomly
assigned to the 2 study groups (with or without
mechanical bowel preparation.
Results: A to
In this work, a method for the simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of zinc which was precipitated into deionized water that is in a commercial distribution systems PVC pipe, is proposed using UV-VIS Spectrophotometer. The method based on the reaction between the analytes Zn2+ and 2-carboxy-2-hyroxy-5-sulfoformazylbenze (Zincon) at an absorption maximum of 620nm at pH 9-10. This ligand is selective reagent. Since the complex is colored (blue), its stoichiometry can be established using visible spectrometry to measure the absorbance of solutions of known composition. The stoichiometry of the complex was determined by Job’s method and molar ratio method and found to be 1:2 (M: L). A series of synthetic solution containing different
... Show MoreRates of zinc consumption during cathodic protection of a copper pipeline carrying saline water were measured by the loss in weight technique. The study of sacrificial anode cathodic protection of short copper tube using zinc strip extended axially in the pipe revealed that : (i) The increase of zinc consumption with time of exposure (1-3 h's) at different flow rates (turbulent flow) (300-600 l/hr) while the temperature , solution concentration and the pH were fixed at 20ºC, 3.5%wt NaCl, and pH=8 respectively in absence and presence of bacteria.(ii)Increase of zinc consumption with flow rates (300-600 l/hr) at different temperatures (10-40ºC) while solution concentration and time of exposure were fixed at 3.5 %wt NaCl and 3hr's respective
... Show MoreFlexible pipes, such as GRP pipes, serve as effective underground infrastructure especially as sewer pipeline. This study is an attempt for understanding the effects of bedding types on the behavior of large diameter GRP flexible sewer pipes using three dimensional finite element approaches. Theoretical and numerical analyses were performed using both BS EN 1295-1 approach and finite element method (ABAQUS software). The effects of different parameters are studied such as, depth of backfill, bedding compaction, and backfill compaction. Due to compaction, an increase in the bedding compaction modulus (E’1) results in a reduction of both stresses and displacements of the pipe, especially, for well compacted ba
... Show MoreRates of zinc consumption during cathodic protection of a copper pipeline carrying saline water were measured by the loss in weight technique. The study of sacrificial anode cathodic protection of short copper tube using zinc strip extended axially in the pipe revealed that : (i) The increase of zinc consumption with time of exposure (1-3 h's) at different flow rates (turbulent flow) (300-600 l/hr) while the temperature , solution concentration and the pH were fixed at 20ºC, 3.5%wt NaCl, and pH=8 respectively in absence and presence of bacteria.(ii)Increase of zinc consumption with flow rates (300-600 l/hr) at different temperatures (10-40ºC) while solution concentration and time of exposure were fixed at 3.5 %wt NaCl and 3hr's respect
... Show MoreBackground: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most commonly used material in denture fabrication. The material is far from ideal in fulfilling the mechanical requirements, like low impact and transverse strength, poor thermal conductivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition a composite of surface treated Nano Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) filler and plasma treated polypropylene fiber (PP) on some properties of denture base material. Materials and methods: One hundred fifty prepared specimens were divided into 5 groups according to the tests, each group consisted of 30 specimens and these were subdivided into 3 groups (unreinforced heat cured acrylic resin as control group),reinforced acrylic resin with( 0.5%wt Nan
... Show MoreBackground: Poly-ether-ether-ketone(PEEK) has been introduced to many dental fields. Recently it was tested as a retainer wire‎ following orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of changing the bonding spot size and location on the performance of PEEK retainer wires. Methods: A biomechanical study involving four three-dimensional finite element models was performed. The basic model was with a 0.8 mm cylindrical cross-section PEEK wire, bonded at the center of the lingual surface of the mandibular incisors with 4 mm in diameter composite spots. Two other models were designed with 3 mm and 5 mm composite sizes. The last model was created with the composite bonding spot of the canine away from the center
... Show MoreBackground: Poly-ether-ether-ketone(PEEK) has been introduced to many dental fields. Recently it was tested as a retainer wire‎ following orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of changing the bonding spot size and location on the performance of PEEK retainer wires. Methods: A biomechanical study involving four three-dimensional finite element models was performed. The basic model was with a 0.8 mm cylindrical cross-section PEEK wire, bonded at the center of the lingual surface of the mandibular incisors with 4 mm in diameter composite spots. Two other models were designed with 3 mm and 5 mm composite sizes. The last model was created with the composite bonding spot of the canine away from the center of t
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