• Membrane Journal
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.75-89
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• 2002

The effect of addition of inorganic salts in polyethersulfone (PES) polymer solution on the membrane formation and ultrafiltartion performance was studied through the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of casting solution. To control the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of casting solution, various inorganic salts $[CaC1_2, LiCl, LiClO_4, ZnC1_2 $and Mg(ClO_4)_2]$ were added in the PES/NMP solution. Variation of membrane morphology and performance of the resulting membranes with change of the salt type and content added in tasting solution were discussed using viscosity, coagulation value, light transmittance measurement, overall membrane porosity, ultrafiltration experiment and cross-sectional SEM image. For all kind of inorganic salts, according as increase of the salt content in casting solution, viscosity is increased, coagulation value becomes lower, top layer thickness below the skin surface is increased, bovine serum albumin(BSA) rejection decreased and pure water flux is increased except $CaC1_2$ and LiCl. In case of $CaC1_2$ and LiCl, it is found that when the salt content is increased, the formation of macrovoids is suppressed and the precipitation rate becomes slow while instantaneous demixing of precipitation type is maintained. However, in case of $LiClO_4$ and $Mg(ClO_4)_2,$ it is found that precipitation rate becomes faster.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.209-222
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• 2024

The Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is widely used for underground tunnel construction for its advantages, such as eliminating the need for additional facilities compared to the slurry shield TBM, which requires Slurry Treatment Plant (STP). During EPB shield TBM excavation, a soil conditioning technique is employed to enhance the physical properties of the excavated soil by injecting additives, thus broadening the range of applicable ground conditions to EPB shield TBMs. This study explored the use of xanthan gum, a type of biopolymer, as an alternative to the commonly used polymer additive. Biopolymers, derived from biological sources, are fully biodegradable. In contrast to traditional polymers such as polyacrylic acid, which contain environmentally harmful components, xanthan gum is gaining attention as an eco-friendly material due to its minimal toxicity and environmental impact. Test conditions with similar workability were established through slump tests, and the rheological characteristics were assessed using a laboratory pressurized vane shear test apparatus. The experiments demonstrated that, despite exhibiting similar workability, the peak strength in the flow curve decreased with increasing the content of xanthan gum. Consequently, a correlation between the xanthan gum content and peak strength was established. Replacing the traditional polymers with xanthan gum could enable stable EPB shield TBM operation by reducing equipment load, in addition to offering environmental benefits.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.303-308
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• 2024

Currently, lithium secondary batteries have been used as medium- or large-sized energy sources such as electric vehicles and energy storage system (ESS) due to their high energy and eco-friendly characteristics. Currently commercialized lithium secondary batteries do not fully meet the demands for high energy density and safety. Many studies on solid electrolytes are being conducted to satisfy these requirements. In order to commercialize a solid electrolyte, it is important to supplement the low ion conductivity and high interface resistance with an electrode compared to the organic liquid electrolyte. Therefore, in this study, oligo(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT)) is added to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), which is a polymer matrix with ion conductivity and sticky characteristics, to decrease the interfacial resistance with the same type of polythiophene (PTh)-based electrode. In addition, the addition of porous silicon dioxide (SiO₂) filler improves lithium salt dissociation ability and increases ionic conductivity. And the electrochemical stability of the solid electrolyte, which has been lowered due to additives, is improved by introducing a cross-linked structure using boric acid (BA).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1339-1346
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• 2018

In Korea, edible mushrooms are produced largely on commercial artificial media, so the annual production of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), as a by-product of the mushroom industry, is estimated at over 200 million tons. This SMS is assumed to contain abundant fungal mycelia and pre-fruiting bodies, as well as various nutritive and bioactive compounds that are presently discarded. This study examined the physico-chemical, nutritional, and enzymatic characteristics of uninoculated sterilized medium (USM) and SMS of shiitake mushrooms with the aim of developing a high-value added product from SMS. The contents of crude protein, crude lipid, and ash were higher after the third SMS harvest ($SMS-A-3^{rd}$) than in USM or $SMS-A-1^{st}$. The contents of Ca, Mg, and P in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$ were 2.95, 2.35, and 2.1-fold higher compared than in USM. No As or Cd was detected in USM or SMS. The pH, Brix, and acidity were 4.6, 20.0, and 1.4, respectively in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$, but 5.6, 6.0, and 0.0, respectively, in USM. These results suggest a highly active production of soluble components and organic acids in $SMS-A-3^{rd}$. The distinct color differences noted for USM, $SMS-A-1^{st}$, and $SMS-A-3^{rd}$ could be used as a mycelial growth indicator. Enzyme activity assays using the APIZYM system showed that SMS is a potent source of hydrolysis-related enzymes, especially esterase (C4) and ${\beta}$-glucuronidase. Our results suggested that the SMS of shiitake has a high potential for use in environmental, agricultural, and stock-breeding industries, for example, as active ingredients for sewage treatment, waste-polymer degradation, and feed additives.