With the aim of controlling the surface hydrophobicity and water adhesion, nanofibrous surfaces were prepared by electropolymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxypyrrole (EDOP) and 3,4‐propylenedioxypyrrole (ProDOP) derivatives having various alkyl chains (C3 to C17) grafted to a 3,4‐alkylenedioxy bridge. Depending on whether an EDOP or a ProDOP was used, and the length of the alkyl chain, the surface properties of the resulting polymer were very different. The formation of nanofibrous surfaces was much more favored for ProDOP derivatives. The alkyl chain length has also a huge influence on the formation of nanofibers, and alkyl chains of intermediate length (C9 and C11) gave the best results. Apparent contact angles (θw) of up to 150° were obtained, and the water adhesion properties were highly variable. This work is important for many applications in which the control of interaction forces with a medium is required, such as in oil–water separation membranes or water‐harvesting systems.
In Senegal, as in the sub-Saharan zone, tree and shrub species are generally introduced into the fields and thus constitute an integral part of agricultural, forestry, and pastoral production systems called agroforestry systems. With a view to better management of these systems, this study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of these agrarian systems in Lower Casamance. To this end, surveys of woody vegetation were conducted in seven (07) of the 14 market garden blocks in the commune of Thionck-Essyl. On the basis of a survey rate of 25% in relation to the surface area, 15 square plots of 2500 m 2 each were installed. The woody flora of these agroforestry systems included 31 species divided into 25 genera belonging to 14 botanical families. The basal area, the cover rate, and the observed density of woody plants are respectively 6 m 2 •ha −1 ; 46% and 67% individuals ha −1 . The most frequent species in these agroforestry systems are Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (85%), Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (71%) and Mangifera indica L. (71%). The dominant height class is [2 -4 m] with 23% of the woody stand in these agroforestry systems. The horizontal structure is characterized by a good representation of individuals with a diameter between 5 and 15 cm (31%). This study constitutes the basis of information necessary for more rational management of these agrarian systems so important in the life of the populations of the commune of Thionck-Essyl.
The front cover shows nanofibrous surfaces prepared by electropolymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxypyrrole (EDOP) and 3,4‐propylenedioxypyrrole (ProDOP) derivatives in which an alkyl chain is grafted to the 3,4‐alkylenedioxy bridge. Depending on whether an EDOP or a ProDOP monomer was used, and the length of the alkyl chain, the surface properties of the resulting polymer were very different. Details are given in the Full Paper by T. Darmanin and co‐workers on page 968 in Issue 11, 2018 (DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201800279).
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.