Howard University – TechConnect Briefs

Spectral Characterization of Tin Dioxide for Gas-Sensing Applications

Alghamdi H., Concepcion B., Baliga S., Misra P., Howard University, US

Thin films and powder samples of tetragonal tin dioxide (SnO2) on UV quartz and silicon wafers, created through radio frequency (RF) sputtering in an oxygen/argon mixed atmosphere, have been prepared and characterized spectroscopically. These thin [...]

Raman Spectroscopic Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes & Tungsten Oxide of Relevance to Energy Storage and Gas Sensing Applications

Misra P., Casimir D., Garcia-Sanchez R., Baliga S., Howard University, US

The characterization of graphitic and metal oxide nanomaterials through the use of Resonant Raman Spectroscopy at multiple laser excitations is the primary aim of this research. Raman spectroscopic techniques can help characterize the vibrational phonon [...]

pH Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles Fabricated by Dispersion Polymerization as a Platform for the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs

Puri R., Berhe S., Akala E., Howard University, US

In diseased conditions such as tumors, pH is slightly more acidic than in the blood. The endocytic pathway of cells begin near the physiological pH of 7.4, but it drops to a lower pH of [...]

The Development of Stealth Poly-Ɛ-Caprolactone Nanoparticles For the Delivery of Bioactive Agents

Ogunwuyi O., Akala E., Howard University, US

Polyesters have gained a lot of prominence because of their use in drug delivery. They are the most widely used polymers in biomedical applications because they are biocompatible, non-immunogenic, non-toxic and are approved for use [...]

Chemically Functionalized Clay Epoxy Nanocomposites for Aerospace Applications

Balakrishnan S., Raghavan D., Howard University, US

Reinforcement of polymeric resin with nanoclay platelets has resulted in lightweight materials with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. The selection of clay as reinforcing material is extremely appealing because of cost, high thermal inertness, and [...]

Next Generation Aerospace Composites Through Nanotechnology

Yebassa D., Balakrishnan S., Raghavan D., Howard University, US

Polymeric nanocomposites are a relatively new class of materials obtained by dispersing inorganic layered silicates in polymer matrix. Generally well-dispersed exfoliated morphology of clay platelets in nanocomposite is sought with the expectation that this would [...]

Optimizing Processing Conditions to Influence the Morphology of Nanocomposite

Raghavan D., Balakrishnan S., Gebrekristios Y., Howard University, US

In recent years, the area of nanocomposites has received considerable attention with the expectation that nanotechnology can lead to lighter, better materials for engineering applications. For example, the attractiveness of polymer-clay nanocomposites resides in the [...]