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Background: This study was performed to determine antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) compared to voriconazole on clinical and standard strains of Aspergillus fumigatus.
Materials and Methods: Inhibitory potency of nano-Ag was determined using microtiter broth dilution method. Susceptibility tests were performed against A. fumigatus isolated from BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) of patients who suffered from respiratory problems and compared with the strain (ATCC: 204305) by broth dilution antifungal susceptibility test of filamentous fungi approved by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38-A. In addition, cytotoxicity effect of silver nanoparticles was studied on epithelial cell line by MTT assay.
Results: From 60 BAL samples the following strains were isolated; A. flavus (n=21), A. niger (n=3), and A. fumigatus (n=1). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC₉₀) values of nano-Ag were 0.25 and 0.5 μg.mL^-1 for standard strain and clinical isolates respectively. The  Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values of nano-Ag were 0.5 and 1 μg.mL^-1for standard strain and clinical isolates respectively. MIC90 values of voriconazole were 0.125 and 0.25 μg.mL^-1 for standard strain and clinical isolate respectively. The MFC values of voriconazole were 0.25 and 0 μg.mL^-1 for standard strain and clinical isolates respectively. Silver nanoparticles exhibited low cytotoxicity in 0.25 μg.mL^-1 concentration.
Conclusion: Our results showed high antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles against Aspergillus isolates. Furthermore, the availability of a wide form of nano-Ag structures can be considered as novel agents to decrease fungal burden in medical application.

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One of the miniaturization of heat transfer equipment is enhancing the convective heat transfer coefficient. The main aim of this study is design and producing a kind of nanofluid based on water and ethylene glycol. Graphene was synthesized via electrochemical method and its successful production was confirmed with XRD, FTIR spectrum and, SEM and TEM images. By using different amount of graphene i.e. 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.5%, water/ethylene glycol/graphene nanofluid was produced. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as surfactant to improve graphene stability in the base fluid. The designed experimental setup was composed of spiral tube with constant wall temperature and equipped with flow meter and pressure and temperature indicators. Nusselt number and pressure drop were measured for pure water and compared with those obtained from theoretical relations and it was found that the setup works properly. Convective heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and heat transfer rate were investigated for water/ethylene glycol (60/40 wt.%) and nanofluid with different amount of graphene using experimental setup. The results showed that by adding 1 wt.% graphene into the based fluid the convective heat transfer coefficient increased about 50% while pressure drop was also increased about 50%. Overall, the findings of this research work support the potential of water/ethylene glycol/graphene nanofluid for using in heating/cooling equipment.
 

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In this study, sonochemical synthesis was used to prepare nanostructured HZSM-5 catalysts. The three most effective ultrasound related variables including ultrasound power, irradiation time, and sonication temperature were investigated. The combined effect of these variables on relative crystallinity and mean crystal size of HZSM-5 nanocatalysts was studied using a central composite design. Higher crystallinity and lower crystal size were obtained by increasing ultrasound power, irradiation time, and sonication temperature while there was an optimum range for mentioned variables. The maximum relative crystallinity and minimum mean crystal size were obtained as 55.51% and 62.37 nm, respectively, under the optimal conditions of ultrasound power (231 W), irradiation time (21.18 min), and sonication temperature (42.68 °C). The results confirmed that sonochemical method considerably increased crysatllinity and reduced crystal size of HZSM-5 nanocatalysts at lower time. Hydrothermal method produced catalyst with full crystallinity and mean crystal size of 893 nm with 120 min aging and 48 h crystallization in autoclave while sonicated HZSM-5 catalyst with 21 min sonication and 4 h crystallization has 55.51% crystllinity and 62.37 nm mean crystal size. On the other hand, no HZSM-5 phase was formed in hydrothermal method with 120 min aging and 4 h crystallization in autoclave. These results strongly suggests that a catalyst with smaller crystal size, higher crystallinity and BET surface area at lower crystallization time can be obtained by using ultrasound instead of aging step in HZSM-5 synthesis

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Dehydrogenation of alkane to alkene is a key process in petrochemical industry. Propylene has intermediate role to production many industrial polymers. In this research applying oxidative dehydrogenation method for propylene production and CO2 used as oxidant. By use of XRD, Raman, TEM, BET and EDX techniques the results have been analyzed. In XRD and Raman tests anatase phase and Titania nanotubes have been distinguished. TEM confirmed TiNTs with pure structure. Vanadium catalyst with 5% of vanadia synthesized by impregnation method. Adding silicon in support increased thermal stability of catalyst. Raman and XRD method confirmed good distribution of active phase on supports. VSiTi catalyst have 28.31% conversion and 51% selectivity in 550 oC. Improvement in yield of propylene production would be in result of higher surface area and good distribution of vanadia over modified Titania nanotubes.  

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Gold nanoparticles have received considerable attention in recent years because of their promising applications in diagnostic imaging, biosensors, biolabels, and drug and gene delivery systems. The chemical methods of nanoparticle synthesis are the most widely and traditionally used methods. Production of nanoparticles by chemical methods causes contamination from precursor chemicals due to the use of toxic solvents and generation of hazardous by-products. On the other hand, the physical methods have low yield and high cost. Hence, there is an increasing need to develop low cost, non-toxic, biocompatible and environmentally benign processes for synthesis of metallic nanoparticles where the biological approaches for synthesis of nanoparticles gain importance. In this study, we investigated the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using Streptomyces sp. ERI-3. Streptomycessp.ERI-3 was isolated from the soil of Ahar Copper Mine (Ahar, Iran) and its biomass was incubated at 28ºC on a rotary shaker (200 rpm) for 48 h. The nanoparticles were characterized by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).The nanoparticles exhibited maximum absorbance at 540 nm (special wavelength of gold nanoparticles) in UV-vis spectroscopy. The XRD spectrum of gold nanoparticles exhibited 2Ө values corresponding to the gold nanocrystals. The TEM micrographs revealed the extracellular and attached to cell surface formation of gold nanoparticles in the size range of 50-100 nm with spherical morphology.  

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Research Subject: Removal of industrial wastewater especially from textile and dyeing factories is always important actions to control of pollutions. Using of polymeric adsorbents is an important method for removal of dyes from industrial wastewater. In this research work, designing and fabrication of PVA-based adsorbent with proper potential for removal of green malachite from industrial wastewater has been reported.
Research Approach: For fabrication of adsorbent 4 wt.% PVA was gelled in the present of 10 wt.% glutaraldehyde as cross-linker and punched. The punched hydrogels were porous with freeze drying method. For improving the adsorption ability, graphene and TiO₂ were used. The adsorption of green malachite with prepare adsorbent was measured timely to determine the optimum percentage of nanoparticles. In addition, the effect of contact time and the presence of UV on the adsorption of pollution was investigated. Finally, the adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics study were investigated in different time.
Main Results: The results of adsorption of pollution with PVA/graphene adsorbent in different times showed that 0.5 wt.% is the optimum loading of graphene in the PVA matrix. This value was 3 wt.% for TiO₂. The adsorption percentage via optimum adsorbent in dark condition showed that one minute after addition of adsorbent the adsorption percent increased to 75% indicating the high capability of the adsorbent in adsorption of tested pollution. The porous structure was confirmed via SEM image. By comparing the correlation coefficient for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms it was found that Freundlich isotherm has better agreement with the findings of the current study. In other words, adsorption of green malachite with fabricated adsorbent was done multi layered. The thermodynamics studies showed that due to negative value of Gibbs energy the adsorption reaction of green malachite with fabricated absorbent is automatically.

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In biological methods, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycets and yeasts are used to produce metal nanoparticles. Fungi are extremely good candidates in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles because of their ability to secrete large amounts of enzymes. The aim of this study was the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Penicillium spp. isolated from the soil of plump and zinc mine in Zanjan city (Iran). After culturing, growth of colonies and isolation of Penicillium spp., 15 g of the fungal biomass was mixed into 1 mM silver solution for 72 h incubation. The production of silver nanoparticles was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction(XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. Among the sixteen kinds of isolated fungi, six species were recognized as Penicillium of which just the fungus Penicilliumbrevicompactum was found to be able to produce silver nanoparticles. The production of silver nanoparticles was preliminarily approved by observing  the color change of the reaction solution from colorless to yellowish brown. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by observing the characteristic peak at 406-425 nm. The presence of crystalline silver nanoparticles was confirmed by observing peaks in (111), (200), (220), (311) in the XRD  analysis. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that silver nanoparticles were produced in the size range of 50 -100 nm in spherical shape mainly extracellular at the surface of mycelium. The fungus was recognized to be Penicilliumbrevicompactumusing slide culture method, growth on Czapek yeast agar and Keratin-sucrose agar.

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is one of the most common improved oil recovery method in the world. High residual oil saturation at the end of this method is due to low macroscopic sweep efficiency and viscous fingering. It can be improved by the mobility control during polymer solution injection. In this study, by of silica/ the effect of it on IFT, viscosity, and was investigated. In addition, the performance of in high salinity water was studied by using nano particles. The zeta potential results show that the stability of polymer solution was enhanced in of nano particles in high salinity water condition. Also, the lowest IFT was obtained for contained 1 percent nano silica (18.34 ), and the most tendency to water wet conditions was provided for this concentration. In addition to, 1 percent nano silica/ has the best performance on formation water viscosity and improved the mobility ratio to 1.07, which it can increase the oil recovery.

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Superabsorbent hydrogel is a three-dimensional hydrophilic polymer that can absorb and store large amounts of water and aqueous solutions. Among various polymers, the chitosan as a biodegradable and non-toxic polymer has been widely used to fabricate superabsorbent hydrogels. In this research, a nanohydrogel composed of chitosan, acrylic acid and silver nanoparticles was synthesized by radical polymerization at 60 C^o. Swelling properties of chitosan/nanosilver/acrylic acid hydrogel were studied and then this hydrogel was treated under  ultrasonication. Finally, this hydrogel was coated on paper samples with 0, 1, 1.5 and 2 w % of hydrogel. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the functional groups and dynamic light scattering method (DLS) was applied to identify the size of hydrogel’s nano and microparticles The images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a hydrogel coating on paper and water stress tests revealed that adding 0% to 1.5 w% of nanohydrogels to the paper surface increased its water absorption from 64.3% to 95.5%. Other worthwhile fact was that that the addition of silver nanoparticles effectively facilitated the formation of a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and increased the water swelling in nanohydrogel from 130 ± 10 g / g to 232 ± 7 g / g.

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Research Subject: Poor mechanical strengths and lack of thermal stabilities of hydrogels confine their extensive practical applications in many areas. The growing scientific need for solving this problem and achievement to the hydrogels with improved properties has led to the design and production of the nanocomposite hydrogels.
Research Approach: The polymeric networks of nanocomposite hydrogels compared to the ordinary hydrogels have improved elasticity and rheological properties. Other points that increase the importance of structural studies of nanocomposite hydrogels are the high strength of these materials versus the application of external forces, as well as maintaining its structure against increasing of temperatures. In this regard, the type and amounts of nanomaterial, the preparation method and formation of hydrogel network have a significant role in improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of hydrogels, and, it must be noted that these parameters will depend on the application of nanocomposite hydrogels. This also highlights the need for the production of nanocomposite tailored hydrogels. Therefore, orientation of the range of nanomaterials, the preparation method and product identification, along with sufficient information on the application of these materials, might have an important role in ensuring the success of these materials, requiring comprehensive library research and studies on polymerization processes, morphology and rheology.
Main Results: In this review article, the scientific advances in the field of nanocomposite hydrogels, focusing on its types based on the type of nanoparticles, its properties, preparation methods, identification methods with a new perspective on rheology, thermal analysis and morphology is investigated. Finally, the applicability of these materials is collected in a comprehensive table in various fields such as tissue engineering, enhanced oil recovery, agriculture, and etc…

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Research subject: Due to the public's attention on the environmental issues as well as strict environmental regulations, the eco-friendly methods for nanoparticles have received considerable attention in the recent years.
Research approach: In the present study, a mixed oxide nanoparticles containing cerium and zirconium (Ce_x-Zr_1-xO₂) was fabricated the in supercritical water (SCW) medium. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Main results: The results of the analyses demonstrated that fine nanoparticles with mean size of 13±3 nm, with high crystallinity, and with appropriate size distribution and surface area were synthesized by SCW. Moreover, an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) as high as 1.25 mmol O₂/g was estimated for Ce_x-Zr_1-xO₂ nanoparticles through temperature programmed reduction in hydrogen (H₂-TPR). According to the obtained results, the Ce_x-Zr_1-xO₂ nanoparticles could be a suitable candidate for catalysts of oxidation processes as well as three-way catalyst for control of automotive exhaust gases.

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Research subject: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegnerative disorder with no treatment due to the blood brain barrier (BBB) existence. The cure for this disease is Dopamine a chemical molecule.
Research approach: This study investigates biodegradable naoparticles (NPs) carrying dopamine (DA) across the blood–brain barrier. Ion polymerization and solvent methods were used to achieve this goal. Particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release behavior, at pH 7 were examined.
Main results: The empty nanoparticles and drug-loaded nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape and fluffy exterior, with mono-modal size distribution and negative zeta-potentials of increasing average sizes 90 to 120 nm simultaneously. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra demonstrated the polymerization of nBCA monomers and encapsulation of DA inside poly (butylcyanoacrylate) (PBCA).Thermal characteristics of the copolymer were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Drug loading efficiency was around 25%.The in-vitro drug release profile of DA -loaded PBCA nanoparticles prepared from ion polymerization following solution techniques exhibited a gradual release; more than 20 ٪w/w of the drug was released after 51 h. The results showed that the DA–PBCA nanocapsules could be an effective carrier for hydrophilic agents. In this study, PBCA-NSPs were successfully generated as a delivery system for DA, providing a promising approach to improve the therapy of PDs.

 
 

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Abstract
Research subject: Nanocomposites are a new class of materials that have at least one of their major constituents, at least in one dimension, in the range of one to one hundred nanometers. Typically, nanocomposites have different and superior properties in terms of mechanical and physical properties than conventional composites.
Research approach: In this study, polyvinyl acetate was prepared by emulsion polymerization for polymer matrix. Then the diamond nanoparticles were modified with silane agent. Finally, polyvinyl acetate / diamond nanocomposite was prepared and analyzed with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt% of modified diamond nanoparticles. To determine the properties and structure of the nanocomposite, FTIR, TGA, RMS, FESEM, oxygen permeation analysis was used in the films produced and contact angle measurements.
Main results: FTIR Analysis revealed that the modification of the diamond nanoparticles with the silane agent was well performed. FESEM images show that homogeneous nanocomposites were created. Oxygen permeability in polyvinyl acetate / diamond nanocomposite film decreases with increasing percentage of modified nanoparticles in nanocomposite. This is a valuable property if this nanocomposite is used as a fruit preservative coating. Contact angle measurement of polyvinyl acetate / diamond nanocomposite showed that by increasing the amount of modified diamond nanoparticles from 0.5 to 2 wt %, the hydrophobicity of nanocomposite film increased. Therefore, by increasing the specific amount of nanoparticles to the polymer matrix, the polymer properties such as heat resistance and tensile strength are increased which increases the efficiency of the polymer.

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Abstract
Research Subject: In recent years, the use of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) in polymer nanocomposites has attracted considerable attention. Dispersion state of GnPs in the polymer matrix has a great importance which can affect microstructure and final properties of nanocomposite. Therefore, in the present work, the effect of compatibilizer on the dispersion state of GnPs and also on internal structure, orientation, and tensile properties of polypropylene (PP)/GnPs nanocomposite fibers are investigated.
Research Approach: PP/GnPs nanocomposite fibers containing 0.1% and 0.5% GnPs with and without maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) were melt spun. Dispersion state and location of GnPs in the nanocomposite fibers were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Fiber orientation and crystallinity were studied by polarized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Moreover, fracture behaviour of PP/GnPs nanocomposite fibers was investigated by cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of tensile fractured samples. Using Halpin-Tsai model, experimental tensile moduli of fibers were compared with the predicted values. 
Main Results: TEM images show that in the compatibilized PP/MA/GnPs nanocomposite fibers, GnPs aggregates decrease and their size also reduces, suggesting that GnPs dispersion improved. An increase in L_p of the compatibilized sample recorded from SAXS analysis indicates that the more GnPs are located in the intrafibrillar region. Based on polarized FTIR and DSC results, orientation and crystallinity of PP/G0.5 nanocomposite fiber are found to significantly increase after inclusion of PP-g-MA. Moreover, reinforcing effect of GnPs in PP/MA/GnPs nanocomposite fibers could be explained by better GnPs dispersion and changes in internal structure of fiber. Furthermore, the tensile fracture behavior of PP/GnPs nanocomposite fiber changes from ductile to brittle in the presence of PP-g-MA.

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With the instrumentation of Mass Spectrometry (MS) and advances carried out in bioinformatic tools and databases, along with birth of nanotechnology in 1990s, biology experienced a dramatic revolution and new perspectives were found in molecular biology and medicine, agriculture, environmental sciences and pharmatiuticals. The most important one is systematic look at the entire organism and solving biological problems at the level of entire system viewed as an integrated and interacting network of genes, proteins and biochemical reactions (Systems Biology). In addition, :union: of biology and nanotechnology result in creation of nanobiotechnology. This paper provides an easy-to-read guide to the concepts of some of the major topics in today’s biology. Topics discussed here, include fundamentals of proteomics and systematic descriptions of the various types of studies in proteomics. After a brief review on the physical principles of nanotechnology, the application of one of its products, known as quantum dot in biology and particularly, proteomics studies, were discussed. This account covers the general principles and applications of new emerging fields in biology.

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Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles are highly regarded in drug delivery due to bioavailability, better encapsulation, controlled release and low toxicity. Drug encapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles may improve the therapeutic effects of these compounds. Polymers are divided in two types: natural and synthetic. Chitosan, as a natural polymer, can have many applications in drug delivery due to good properies. The purpose of this study is to optimization of the production of chitosan nanoparticles for drug delivery. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared according to ionic gelation method and characterized. Prepared nanoparticle morphology investigated using SEM and particle size distribution, and surface charge and polydispersity index (PDI) were determined by Nanozeta Sizer. FTIR spectra of the lyophilized samples were recorded and proved the formation of nanoparticles. This study has shown that the particle size and zeta potential can be controlled by a change in the ratio of the weight and volume of chitosan and pH adjustment.

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One of the most promising strategies in cancer therapy is to induce apoptotic pathway. For this purpose, several constructed agonists of Death Receptor 5 (DR5) are in clinical development. Extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways of various cancer cells are primarily induced through the activation of the proapoptotic DR5. The extracellular domain of DR5 is comprised of several functional domains, among them the cysteine-rich domains (CRDs) play a critical role in TRAIL-DR5-mediated apoptosis. It has recently been shown that the binding of agonistic monoclonal antibody to another N-terminal domain of DR5 could mediate its activation and apoptosis induction. Variable domains derived from heavy chain antibodies (hcAb) called VHHs or nanobodies are robust, efficient and smallest antigen binding fragments. These unique features of VHHs make them potential therapeutic and diagnostic candidates. In the present study, using phage display technology, a library containing VHH genes was generated of an immunized camel with hapten-peptide 1ITQQDLAPQQRA12 and used to isolate the binders of this peptide. Through screening the phage library, three binders with high binding ability to desired epitope in the NTR region were obtained. Considering to the key role of this epitope in apoptosis inducing, these selected binders could be potential candidates to trigger apoptosis in various cancer cells.

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The aim of this study, in the first step, was to recover the protein content in wastewater of fish meal factories using chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles and chitosan-aluminum sulphate composition. In the second step, the extracted protein was assessed for its  essential amino acids profile.  Also, the  reduced amount of proteins in the waste water was evaluated by measuring different parameters such as turbidity, pH, COD. Finally, chitosan nanoparticles characteristics were investigated using atomic force microscopy. Results showed that turbidity, COD and soluble protein significantly decreased upon  adding different concentrations of chitosan, nanoparticle of chitosan and chitosan-alum (p<0.05). The maximum protein recovery was related to chitosan-alum composition and chitosan nanoparticles with no significant difference between these two treatments. Evaluation of recovered protein in term of amino acids profiles showed that there were essential amino acids such as histidine, lysine, methionine and phenylalanine in protein of fish meal wastewater.      

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Research subject: In this research we studied the anti-corrosion properties of epoxy coating containing anti-corrosion pigment zinc phosphate with hydrophobic nano silica with different percentage also for determine the optimal conditions for preparation of nanocomposite Taguchi experimental design method was used.
 
Research approach: Anti-corrosion properties of epoxy coating under the influence of very important factors such as the percentage of nano silica, anticorrosive pigment and pigment to resin ratio according to model L9 taguchi method was studied and analyzed. Anti-corrosion properties of epoxy coatings were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test (EIS) in 3/5% NaCl aqueous solution and salt fog test (salt spray). To investigate the distribution of nano silica particles in epoxy resin were analyzed by transmion electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that using from zinc phosphate and nano-silica was able to improve the corrosion resistances.
 
Main results:Results shows that addition of zinc phosphate and nano silica to epoxy resin caused a decrease in number of blisters and corrosion products after exposure to corrosion test based on the results in Nyquist and Bode plots, also the similarity in results was observed for the epoxy coating loaded according to the optimum conditions with 8% zinc phosphate, 3% nano silica and pigment to resin ratio of one according to salt spary. The significance levels of the experimental parameters, which indicate how the factors affect the compressive addition of zinc phosphate and nano silica to epoxy resin, were determined by using variance (Anova) method.

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The porosity of electrospun nanofibers web is a significant parameter affecting various areas of nanofibers applications. Thus, at first, the effect of most effective parameters, the concentration of polymer solution and flow rate, on the diameter of polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers, as a dissolving component, were investigated. Afterward, the hybrid web of polyamide 6/polyvinyl alcohol (PA/P) was prepared via a two-sided dual-nozzles electrospinning method. The morphology, diameter, pore size of nanofibers web and the effect of dissolving constituent were studied based on images of the scanning electron microscope. To measuring the porosity of nanofibrous webs, three practical and straightforward methods that have been proposed in the literature were utilized. It was observed that when one component was dissolved, the diameter of the resultant web was decreased, and the porosity has been reduced to about 70% based on the best selected method of porosity. Additionally, the average pore size of electrospun PA6 webs has been decreased about 30-58% relative to the original hybrid webs.