Poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is a polymer or hydrogel that is both thermosensitive and pH sensitive, with a low critical solution temperature (LCST) around 38 °C and a pH critical point of 2.5. Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) shows pH sensitivity with a critical point of 5.1. Grafting of stimuli‐sensitive polymers onto mechanically durable poly(propylene) (PP) substrates was used in this study. We have focused on the influence of temperature and pH on the response of binary graft films produced by gamma irradiation in one and two steps. An LCST‐type hydration transition in the grafts was observed by measuring swelling of the films and water contact angle at different temperatures and pH. An upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type behavior was also observed by swelling PP‐g‐DMAEMA and DMAEMA/4VP binary grafting onto PP films at pH 2.2.magnified image

Summary This paper reviews some of the most important aspects of microalgae as a potential source for biodiesel production. Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that can grow rapidly in a variety of environments because of their unicellular or multicellular structure depending on the species. They have the advantage of self‐reproduction using solar energy and converting it into chemical energy via photosynthesis. This process concludes a full cycle in a few days, obtaining higher lipid yields than terrestrial crops. This review shows several techniques and some methodologies used in the biodiesel production process from microalgae as well as the challenges that must be overcome for large‐scale process and in bio‐refineries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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The corrosion behaviour of pure Al, Cu, 1018 carbon steel and 304 type stainless steel in Canola biodiesel during 528 hours has been evaluated by using electrochemical techniques. Techniques include open circuit potentials (OCP), electrochemical noise (EN) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements at room temperature. These tests were complemented by scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and gas mass chromatography analysis. Results have shown that carbon steel had the highest corrosion rate whereas Cu had the lowest corrosion rate. EN measurements indicated that 304 type stainless steel was moderately susceptible to pitting corrosion, whereas the rest of the metals were susceptible to either mixed or uniform type of corrosion. This was due to the degradation of the biodiesel as observed in an increase in its density, viscosity, acidity and water content at the end of the test.

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