New Thermo-Reflective Coatings for Applications as a Layer of Heat Insulating Materials.

This paper presents new thermo-reflective coatings with different properties. Basic, anti-corrosion and self-extinguishing coatings were analyzed. The coatings were obtained with a thickness varying from 1 to 3 mm. The coatings were subjected to detailed tests assessing their physical-mechanical properties, i.e., tensile strength, abrasion, pull-off test, water absorption, vapor permeability and thermal properties, i.e., the thermal performance of the reflective coatings, thermal transmittance, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, as well as thermomechanical analysis and thermal conductivity. In addition, the possibility of using such coatings in a wide range of temperatures and during application to various materials used as a substrate, i.e., concrete, metal and rigid polyurethane foam, was tested. The thermal analysis of coatings revealed that materials are stable to temperatures above 200 °C, there are no thermal transitions in the negative temperature region and shrinking in low temperatures is minimal (less than 0.5%). From the data obtained within the framework of this study, it can be concluded that anticorrosive, basic and self-extinguishing coatings are eligible for thermo-insulation applications in temperatures up to 200 °C.

Nanosilver against fungi. Silver nanoparticles as an effective biocidal factor.

The work presents a method of obtaining an aqueous raspberry extract as well as its physicochemical and analytical characteristics. The paper also contains a description of the method of preparation of nanosilver suspensions based on this extract. The raspberry extract served as a source of phenolic compounds which acted as both reducing and stabilizing agents. Suspensions of silver nanoparticles were obtained with the use of chemical reduction method. The silver ions concentration, pH value and temperature of samples incubation were independent variables. The next step of the research was to measure the antifungal activity of the received silver nanoparticles as well as to perform a mycological efficacy resistance analysis of the tested preparations in relation to different concentrations of nanostructured silver. Tests were conducted in compliance with the Eucast guidelines. The results of microbiological study of (the samples') biocidal effect against Cladosporium cladosporoides and Aspergillus niger are described. It was found that using nanosilver suspension at the concentration of 50 ppm inhibited the growth of Cladosporium cladosporoides and Aspergillus niger by 90% and 70%, respectively.