PH – TechConnect Briefs

Quantum Chemical Methods to Elucidate the Mechanism of a Diastereoselective Insertion-Addition Reaction of a Chiral Titanium (IV)-Schiff Base-Benzyl Complex with Hydroxyketones

Ramos B., Castriciones E.V., University of the Philippines, PH

We present our preliminary results on the quantum chemical studies carried out to elucidate the diastereoselective insertion-addition reaction of a chiral titanium(IV)-Schiff base-benzyl complex (I) with hydroxyketones (II) to form the diastereoselective insertion product (III) [...]

Biochar from waste banana peels as growth promoter for holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Tan N., So R.C., Ateneo de Manila University, PH

Biochars are porous materials prepared by combustion of biomass under the presence of low oxygen levels. Its application as soil fertilizer has been shown to have positive effects on the plants by increasing the fertility [...]

Binding Studies of Histamine-imprinted Polymers Prepared using Photochemical Polymerization for facile incorporation to sensing device

Romano E.F., So R.C., Holdsworth C., Ateneo de Manila University, PH

Accurate determination of histamine (HTM) levels in food or in samples from biological origin (e.g., tissues, urine) is important for monitoring HTM-related food poisoning or pathophysiological conditions. In this study, the imprinted polymers were accessed [...]

In-vitro and In-vivo Screenings of Electrospun Polycaprolactone-Carrageenan Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Basilia B.A., Robles A.P., Ledda K.A., Dagbay K.B., Mapua Institute of Technology, PH

Nanofiber scaffolds are potential materials in three-dimensional cell-culture media. Among the most common and attractive polymer used for this application is polycaprolactone (PCL). PCL is non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic aliphatic polyester. It is completely [...]

The Effect of Inclusion of Nanoparticles on the Rheological and Morphological Properties of Triblock Copolymer Gels

Paglicawan M.A., Kim J.K., Industrial Technology Development Institute, PH

Numerous studies reported over the past decade have sought to establish fundamental relationships between morphology and property development in triblock copolymer gels as explicit functions of copolymer molecular weight, copolymer concentration, solution concentration, solvent quality, [...]

Biphenyl-functionalized Ethane-silica Hybrid Materials with Ordered Hexagonal Mesoporous Structure

Virtudazo R., Magdaluyo Jr E., dela Cruz L., Castriciones E., Mendoza H., University of the Philippines, PH

A biphenyl-containing hybrid organic-inorganic mesoporous materials have been synthesized and characteized. The synthesis was done via surfactant-templated polymerization of 4,4’-bis(triethoxysilyl)biphenyl and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane under basic condition. The composition, structure and morphology of the mesoporous materials were [...]

Synthesis and Characterization of Recycled Polycarbonate/Organo-montmorillonite Nanocomposites

Basilia B.A., Casano A.I.Y., Gan J.W., Mapua Institute of Technology, PH

This study aims to synthesize and investigate the electrical, chemical and thermo-mechanical properties of recycled polycarbonate/organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites. Polycarbonate from post-consumer wastes was recovered by mechanical abrasion process and chemical stripping. Formulations of 1-10% organo-montmorillonite (o-mmt) [...]

A Fluid Dynamics Model for a Plasma Ion Acceleration System

Domingo F.S., Ramos H.J., University of the Philippines, PH

We present preliminary results of some simulations for a plasma ion acceleration system, which we plan to construct. This system tires to model the complex interactions between the multiple species of ions (about 5) used [...]