US – Page 212 – TechConnect Briefs

Alignment of Si3N4 nanorods in Polypropylene single fibers

Rangari V.K., Yousuf M., Jeelani S., Tuskegee University, US

We have successfully aligned the silicon nitride nanorods in polypropylene single filaments through melt extrusion process. Significant enhancement in tensile properties has been observed for 1wt% rod shaped Si3N4 particles. The tensile results clearly show [...]

An analytical method to quantify the release of silica nanoparticles from polymer nanocomposites exposed to UV radiation

Rabb S.A., Yu L.L., Nguyen T., National Institute of Standards and Technology, US

Silica nanoparticles are being utilized to enhance the mechanical performance of polymeric coatings used in automotive and construction industries. However, cumulative effects of UV radiation will degrade the polymeric molecules, resulting in a potential for [...]

Direct Evidence of Nanoparticle Release from Epoxy Nanocomposites Exposed to 295 nm-400 nm UV Radiation

Nguyen T., Pellegrin B., Stutzman P., Shapiro A., Byrd E., Gu X., Chin J., NIST, US

Nanoparticles are increasingly used for enhancing multiple properties of polymers in many industries including construction, automobile, and aerospace. However, recent research suggests that nanoparticles might have negative effects on the environments and health safety. Since [...]

Characterizing Nanoparticle Emissions from Burning Polymer Nanocomposites

Nyden M.R., Harris R.H., Kim Y-S, Davis R.D., Marsh N.D., Zammarano M., National Institute of Standards and Technology, US

At Nanotech 2009, we presented evidence that CNFs used as fire retardants in polyurethane foam (PUF), were destroyed in the flames and, therefore, were not released when CNF containing foams are burned under well-ventilated conditions. [...]

Role of Nanoparticles in Life Cycle of Nanocomposites

Gu X., Chen G., Zhao M., Watson S.S., Zhe D., Stutzman P.E., Nguyen T., Chin J.W., Martin J.W., NIST, US

This study is to investigate the role of ZnO nanoparticles in the life cycle of a waterborne polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite during UV exposure. The specimens were exposed to the NIST SPHERE (Simulated Photodegradation via High [...]

Surface Modification and Performance Analysis of Jute Based Nanophased Green Composite

Hossain M.K., Dewan M.W., Hosur M., Jeelani S., Rangari V., Tuskegee University, US

The surface modification of jute fibers was accomplished by performing subsequent chemical treatments such as detergent washing, dewaxing, alkali and acetic acid treatment. The morphology of the modified surface was examined using the scanning electron [...]

Thin-Film Deposition on Nanoparticles in Low-Pressure Plasma

Shahravan A., Matsoukas T., The Pennsylvania State University, US

To achieve the desirable optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties that are unattainable in the nanoparticles alone, Matsoukas group uses plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique, PECVD. Particles are introduced into two different reactors that [...]

Bio-Molecules Immobilization on Nanowire Electronic Devices

Maki G., Maki W., Mishra N., Fellegy M., Cameron E., Maki G., Maki W., University of Idaho, US

Nano-scale Field Effect Transistor based devices (nano-FETs) have shown great promise in bio-molecular detection. The advantages of using electronic nano-devices verses using conventional bio-detection methods are: direct detection without labeling, ultra-sensitivity without amplification and simple [...]

Atmospheric Plasma Surface Modification of Polytetrafluoroethylene Films for Metal Deposition

Stein B.E., Bujanda A.A., Strawhecker K.E., Pappas D.D., U.S. Army Research Laboratory, US

This work details the use of atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasmas to enhance the adhesion of thin metal coatings to PTFE films. Differences in energetic plasma species have a pronounced effect on resulting wettability. Increased [...]

Simple Fabrication of Hierarchical Structures on a Polymer Surface

Farshchian B., Hurst S.M., Ok J.T., Park S., Louisiana State University, US

In this study, inspired by multiscale structures found in nature like lotus leaf we will try to make multiscale structures on polymer surfaces to make their surface superhydrophobe. We introduce a novel and effective method [...]