Uniform antibacterial cylindrical nanoparticles for enhancing the strength of nanocomposite hydrogels

Crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) was employed for the preparation of monodisperse cationic cylindrical nanoparticles with controllable sizes, which were subsequently explored for their effect on antibacterial activity and the mechanical properties of nanocomposite hydrogels. Poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly[2-(tert-butylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PCL-b-PMMA-b-PTA) triblock copolymers were synthesized using combined ring-opening and RAFT polymerizations, and then self-assembled into polycationic cylindrical micelles with controllable lengths by epitaxial growth. The polycationic cylinders exhibited intrinsic cell-type-dependent antibacterial capabilities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria under physiological conditions, without quaternization or loading of any additional antibiotics. Furthermore, when the cylinders were combined into anionic alginate hydrogel networks, the mechanical response of the hydrogel composite was tunable and enhanced up to 51%, suggesting that cationic polymer fibers with controlled lengths are promising mimics of the fibrous structures in natural extracellular matrix to support scaffolds. Overall, this polymer fiber/hydrogel nanocomposite shows potential as an injectable antibacterial biomaterial, with possible application in implant materials as bacteriostatic agents or bactericides against various infections.     

EMI shielding performance of electroless coated iron nanoparticles on graphite in low-density polyethylene composite for X-band applications

In the proposed work, an investigation of shielding effectiveness (SE) for varying compositions of Graphene, Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and Iron nanoparticles coated on Graphite (Fe@Graphite) was conducted in X-band (8.2 GHz–12.4 GHz). All these are mixed in an LDPE matrix. The nanomaterial was subjected to chemical characterization, i.e., Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The shielding observed is dominantly due to absorption. The lattice structure which facilitates the shielding due to absorption was the hexagonal graphite structure on whose surface iron nanoparticles were embedded and used as the magnetic filler. At the same time, Graphene and MWCNT act as electrically conducting fillers. The Total shielding effectiveness(SE_T) was maximum for LDPE, MWCNT, Graphene, and Fe@Graphite, in the ratio of 50: 5: 25: 20 by weight %, and is 49 dB at 9.65 GHz for a sample thickness of 3 mm.     

基于聚合诱导自组装制备二氧化硅/聚合物纳米复合材料

纳米二氧化硅(SiO₂)颗粒以其高硬度、高比表面积、高稳定、价格合理等优势被广泛应用于复合材料的制备中,获得的SiO₂/聚合物复合材料通常具有优良的机械性能、很好的热稳定性以及增强的光学和电性能。近年来,随着聚合诱导自组装(PISA)的提出与发展,研究者们基于PISA发展了多种制备不同形貌聚合物纳米粒子的简便方法,为制备SiO₂/聚合物复合材料提供了新的思路。作者调研了近十年来基于PISA制备SiO₂/聚合物复合材料的相关研究,按照SiO₂与聚合物的结合作用和复合机理的不同,创新性地将SiO₂/聚合物复合材料的制备分为物理包封法、化学接枝法、超分子作用法和原位生长法。本综述重点论述复合材料的合成方法、主要性能及用途,同时分析各种复合方法的优缺点并对制备方法的未来发展做出展望,以期为相关领域科研工作者提供更清晰的脉络和更丰富的启示。     

Surface engineering of nanoparticles for highly efficient UV‐shielding composites

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) with high energy can not only hurt human skin but also accelerate the degradation of organic matter. Hence, the preparation of polymer‐based UV‐shielding nanocomposites has attracted substantial attention due to the low cost, easy processing and wide applications. Notably, the highly efficient UV‐shielding polymer nanocomposites are still hindered by the agglomeration of inorganic anti‐UV nanoparticles (Nps) in polymer matrix and the narrow absorption range of UV‐shielding agents. To overcome the aforementioned bottlenecks, surface engineering of anti‐UV Nps including organic modification and inorganic hybridization has been extensively employed to enhance the UV‐shielding efficiency of composites. Herein, to deliver the readers a comprehensive understanding of the surface engineering of anti‐UV Nps, we systematically summarize the recent advances in surface organic modification and inorganic hybridization related to anti‐UV Nps. The UV‐shielding mechanism and the factors affecting UV‐shielding efficiency of polymer nanocomposites are also discussed. Finally, perspectives on remaining challenges and future development of highly efficient UV‐shielding composites are outlined.     

Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes of Sodium Alginate and Montmorillonite Clay

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NPEs) were synthesized using sodium alginate (Alg) and either sodium (SCa-3-Na⁺)- or lithium (SCa-3-Li⁺)-modified montmorillonite clays. The samples were characterized by structural, optical, and electrical properties. SCa-3-Na⁺ and SCa-3-Li⁺ clays’ X-ray structural analyses revealed peaks at 2θ = 7.2° and 6.7° that corresponded to the interlamellar distances of 12.3 and 12.8 Å, respectively. Alg-based NPEs X-ray diffractograms showed exfoliated structures for samples with low clay percentages. The increase of clay content promoted the formation of intercalated structures. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy revealed that Alg-based NPEs with 5 wt% of SCa-3-Na⁺ clay presented the highest conductivity of 1.96 × 10⁻² S/cm², and Alg with 10 wt% of SCa-3-Li⁺ showed conductivity of 1.30 × 10⁻² S/cm², both measured at 70 °C. From UV-Vis spectroscopy, it was possible to infer that increasing concentration of clay promoted a decrease of the samples’ transmittance and, consequently, an increase of their reflectance.     

Adding Value in Production of Multifunctional Polylactide (PLA)–ZnO Nanocomposite Films through Alternative Manufacturing Methods

Due to the added value conferred by zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller, e.g., UV protection, antibacterial action, gas-barrier properties, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)–ZnO nanocomposites show increased interest for utilization as films, textile fibers, and injection molding items. The study highlights the beneficial effects of premixing ZnO in PLA under given conditions and its use as masterbatch (MB), a very promising alternative manufacturing technique. This approach allows reducing the residence time at high processing temperature of the thermo-sensitive PLA matrix in contact of ZnO nanoparticles known for their aptitude to promote degradation effects onto the polyester chains. Various PLA–ZnO MBs containing high contents of silane-treated ZnO nanoparticles (up to 40 wt.% nanofiller specifically treated with triethoxycaprylylsilane) were produced by melt-compounding using twin-screw extruders. Subsequently, the selected MBs were melt blended with pristine PLA to produce nanocomposite films containing 1–3 wt.% ZnO. By comparison to the more traditional multi-step process, the MB approach allowed the production of nanocomposites (films) having improved processing and enhanced properties: PLA chains displaying higher molecular weights, improved thermal stability, fine nanofiller distribution, and thermo-mechanical characteristic features, while the UV protection was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy measurements. The MB alternative is viewed as a promising flexible technique able to open new perspectives to produce more competitive multifunctional PLA–ZnO nanocomposites.     

Co3O4−CeO2 Nanocomposites for Low-Temperature CO Oxidation

In an effort to combine the favorable catalytic properties of Co₃O₄ and CeO₂, nanocomposites with different phase distribution and Co₃O₄ loading were prepared and employed for CO oxidation. Synthesizing Co₃O₄-modified CeO₂ via three different sol-gel based routes, each with 10.4 wt % Co₃O₄ loading, yielded three different nanocomposite morphologies: CeO₂-supported Co₃O₄ layers, intermixed oxides, and homogeneously dispersed Co. The reactivity of the resulting surface oxygen species towards CO were examined by temperature programmed reduction (CO-TPR) and flow reactor kinetic tests. The first morphology exhibited the best performance due to its active Co₃O₄ surface layer, reducing the light-off temperature of CeO₂ by about 200 °C. In contrast, intermixed oxides and Co-doped CeO₂ suffered from lower dispersion and organic residues, respectively. The performance of Co₃O₄-CeO₂ nanocomposites was optimized by varying the Co₃O₄ loading, characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N₂ sorption (BET). The 16–65 wt % Co₃O₄−CeO₂ catalysts approached the conversion of 1 wt % Pt/CeO₂, rendering them interesting candidates for low-temperature CO oxidation.     

Tailoring the Thermal Conductivity of Rubber Nanocomposites by Inorganic Systems: Opportunities and Challenges for Their Application in Tires Formulation

The development of effective thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites for heat management represents a tricky point for several modern technologies, ranging from electronic devices to the tire industry. Since rubber materials generally exhibit poor thermal transfer, the addition of high loadings of different carbon-based or inorganic thermally conductive fillers is mandatory to achieve satisfactory heat dissipation performance. However, this dramatically alters the mechanical behavior of the final materials, representing a real limitation to their application. Moreover, upon fillers’ incorporation into the polymer matrix, interfacial thermal resistance arises due to differences between the phonon spectra and scattering at the hybrid interface between the phases. Thus, a suitable filler functionalization is required to avoid discontinuities in the thermal transfer. In this challenging scenario, the present review aims at summarizing the most recent efforts to improve the thermal conductivity of rubber nanocomposites by exploiting, in particular, inorganic and hybrid filler systems, focusing on those that may guarantee a viable transfer of lab-scale formulations to technological applicable solutions. The intrinsic relationship among the filler’s loading, structure, morphology, and interfacial features and the heat transfer in the rubber matrix will be explored in depth, with the ambition of providing some methodological tools for a more profitable design of thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites, especially those for the formulation of tires.     

Assessment of nanoparticle loading and dispersion in polymeric materials using optical wavefront correlation

Small concentrations (≤5 wt. %) of nanoparticles in polymeric materials can potentially result in improvements in material properties and functionality. However, poor or non-uniform particle dispersion resulting in clustering (agglomeration) in polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) limits the potential for property enhancement. Achieving good dispersion is considered essential for large-scale production and commercialization of PNCs. New and effective measurement techniques capable of quantitatively characterizing particle loading and dispersion would significantly contribute towards understanding and optimizing the material performance of PNCs and, consequently, play a pivotal role in product development. This paper presents the results of a study using a static light scattering technique, optical wavefront correlation (OWC), for discriminating between different particle loadings and levels of dispersion. The technique has been applied to a range of PNCs, including epoxy resins reinforced with nanoclay platelets or silica microspheres, and zinc oxide and lithium aluminate reinforced polypropylene.     

Small‐Sized Tungsten Nitride Particles Strongly Anchored on Carbon Nanotubes and their Use as Supports for Pt for Methanol Electro‐oxidation

The anchoring of small‐sized WN (tungsten nitride) nanoparticles (NPs) with good dispersion on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offers an effective means of obtaining promising materials for use in electrocatalysis. Herein, an effective method based on grinding treatment followed by a nitridation process is proposed to realize this goal. In the synthesis, a solution containing H₄[SiO₄(W₃O₉)₄] (SiW₁₂) and CNTs modified with polyethylenimine (PEI‐CNTs) was ground to dryness. Small‐sized WN NPs were anchored onto the CNTs with good dispersion after calcination under NH₃. Under hydrothermal assembly conditions (absence of grinding), WN particles of larger size and with inferior dispersion were obtained, demonstrating the important role of the grinding process. The benefit of the small‐sized WN has been demonstrated by using WN/CNTs as a support for Pt to catalyze the methanol electro‐oxidation reaction. The mass activity of Pt‐WN/CNTs‐G‐70 (where G denotes the grinding treatment, and 70 is the loading amount (%) of WN in the WN/CNTs) was evaluated as about 817 mA mg^?1_Pt, better that those of commercial Pt/C (340 mA mg^?1_Pt) and Pt/CNTs (162 mA mg^?1_Pt). The Pt‐WN/CNTs‐G also displayed good CO tolerance. In contrast, Pt‐WN/CNTs prepared without the grinding process displayed an activity of 344 mA mg^?1_Pt, verifying the key role of grinding treatment in the preparation of WN/CNTs with good co‐catalytic effect.