PMMA/graphite nanosheets composite and its conducting properties

Graphite nanosheets (NanoG) were prepared by treating the expanded graphite with sonication in aqueous alcohol solution. Nanocomposites of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with NanoG were prepared via an in situ polymerization of MMA in the presence of NanoG with the aid of sonication. The nanocomposites were then dispersed with chloroform (CHCl₃) and casted on glass slides to form conducting films. The percolation threshold of PMMA/NanoG conducting films at room temperature was as low as 0.31 vol%, much lower than that of the composites filled with conventional graphite particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area diffraction (SAD) and etc. were used to characterize the structure of the graphite nanosheets and the nanocomposites. Results showed that the high-aspect-ratio structure of graphite nanosheets played an important role in forming conducting network in PMMA matrix. The conducting behavior of the composite was interpreted by percolation theory.     

Renewable manganous hexacyanoferrate-modified graphite organosilicate composite electrode and its electrocatalytic oxidation of L-cysteine

Manganous hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) supported on graphite powder was dispersed into methyltrimethoxysilane-derived gels to yield a conductive composite, which was used as electrode material to construct a renewable three-dimensional MnHCF-modifed electrode. MnHCF acts as a catalyst, graphite powder ensures conductivity by percolation, the silicate provides a rigid porous backbone, and the methyl groups endow hydrophobicity and thus limit the wetting section of the modified electrode. Cyclic voltammetry was exploited to investigate the dependence of electrochemical behavior on supporting electrolytes containing various cations. The chemically modified electrode can electrocatalytically oxidize L-cysteine, and exhibits a distinct advantage of polishing in the event of surface fouling, as well as simple preparation, good chemical and mechanical stability, and good repeatability of surface renewal. Electronic Publication     

Experimental and modeling analysis of mechanical-electrical behaviors of polypropylene composites filled with graphite and MWCNT fillers

The incorporation of carbon fillers can improve the thermal and electrical conductivities of polymer composites but will also have a significant effect on the flexural and tensile behavior. In this paper, two types of carbon fillers were added to polypropylene - carbon nanotubes and synthetic graphite. The influences of these filler materials on the tensile, flexural and fracture toughness characteristics were measured and the electrical conductivity of composites was also investigated. It was observed that the fillers lead to a remarkable increase in the flexural and tensile modulus of polypropylene composites. The maximum flexural and tensile strengths slightly increased with the addition of graphite, however, they were significantly increased in the case of carbon nanotubes because MWCNTs possess exceptional stiffness and strength and their length to diameter ratio is extremely high when compared with graphite. Electrical conductivity of polypropylene composites was evaluated. Noteworthy, composites based on synthetic graphite show a percolation process at one order of magnitude concentration higher than MWCNT filled polypropylene. Fracture toughness results open a wide range of applications for PP-MWCNT composites. Several prediction models were inspected in this research and it was concluded that inverse rule of mixtures model showed the most accurate predictions of the tensile modulus for composites made of polypropylene.     

A simple route to incorporate redox mediator into carbon nanotubes/Nafion composite film and its application to determine NADH at low potential

Several new sugar glasses were investigated for their potential in solid-matrix luminescence. Both solid-matrix fluorescence (SMF) and solid-matrix phosphorescence (SMP) properties were obtained, and two heterocyclic aromatic amines were employed as model compounds. In addition to glucose glasses, which were investigated previously, fructose, ribose, xylose, galactose, maltose, and glucose with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were studied. Detailed experimental conditions were obtained for each sugar-glass system. In addition, NaI was investigated as a heavy-atom salt in the sugar-glass systems to enhance the SMP of the heterocyclic aromatic amines. The SMF intensity was the strongest in maltose and glucose with PAA for 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and in maltose for 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC). The largest SMP signals for PhIP with and without NaI were acquired in glucose with PAA. For AαC with NaI, the strongest SMP signal was obtained in maltose. Limits of detection were obtained for PhIP in the several sugar-glass systems, and the lowest limit of detection was 0.04 pmol/mg of PhIP in maltose with NaI present. An extensive study was carried out using both SMF and SMP to determine if neutral and/or protonated species of PhIP and AαC were in the sugar-glass systems. General guidelines such as glass transition temperature and solubility are discussed for selecting a sugar glass as a solid matrix.     

PMMA／石墨导电复合材料的制备与表征

以可膨化石墨为原料,高温处理得到膨化石墨,再经过超声处理,得到纳米薄片石墨。将得到的纳米薄片石墨与甲基丙烯酸甲酯单体在超声作用下预聚,灌模,得到块状的聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)/石墨复合材料。用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、选区电子衍射SAD、红外、热重等分析仪器表征了纳米石墨薄片及PMMA/石墨复合材料。测试了复合材料的力学、电学性能,发现在室温下该复合材料的渗滤阀值为1.3%(wt),且保证石墨含量在1.4%(wt)时,即可保证复合材料具有良好的电学和力学性能。     

Preparation of Fe2O3-exfoliated graphite composite and its electrochemical properties investigated in alkaline solution

In the present work, a simple method of preparation of FeCl₄⁻- graphite intercalation compounds from HCl/FeCl₃ solution with the aid of chemical oxidant is presented. Based on X-ray diffraction measurements it was concluded, that stages 8, 6, and 5 FeCl₄⁻-graphite intercalation compounds were obtained. The compounds thus obtained were thermally treated to obtain Fe₂O₃-exfoliated graphite composites. The dispersion of Fe₂O₃ in the exfoliated graphite flakes was examined with the aid of the energy dispersive X-ray analysis combined with a scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical behavior of electrodes was investigated in 6 M KOH solution. Electrochemical investigations proved the formation of FeOOH on the surface of exfoliated graphite during the anodic process. Besides, electrochemical investigations showed that the lower limit potential strongly affects the redox behavior of the Fe₂O₃-EG electrode.     

Curved graphite and its mathematical transformations

Mathematical transformations for graphite with positive, negative and zero Gaussian curvatures are presented. When the Gaussian curvatureK is zero, we analyse a bending transformation from a planar sheet into a cone. The Bonnet, the Goursat and a mixed transformation are studied for graphitic structures with the same topologies as triply periodic minimal surfaces (K < 0). We have found that using the Kenmotsu equations for surfaces of constant mean curvature it is possible to invert spherical and cylindrical graphite. A bending transformation for surfaces of revolution is also studied; during this transformation the helical arrangement of cylinders changes. All these transformations can give an insight into kinematic processes of curved graphite and into new shapes.     

Hg(II) immobilized MWCNT graphite electrode for the anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead and cadmium

The preparation of Hg(II)-modified multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) by reaction of oxidized MWCNT with aqueous HgCl₂ was carried out. The Hg(II)-modified multi walled carbon nanotube (Hg(II)/MWCNT) dispersed in Nafion solution was used to coat the polished graphite electrode surface. The Hg(II)/MWCNT modified graphite electrode was held at a cathodic potential (−1.0 V) to reduce the coordinated Hg(II) to Hg forming nanodroplets of Hg. The modified electrode was characterized by FESEM/EDAX which provided useful insights on the morphology of the electrode. The SEM images showed droplets of Hg in the size of around 260 nm uniformly distributed on the MWCNT. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the Hg(II) binding with MWCNT. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry of ppb levels of cadmium and lead using the modified electrode yielded well-defined peaks with low background current under a short deposition time. Detection limit of 0.94 and 1.8 ng L⁻¹ were obtained following a 3 min deposition for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. Various experimental parameters were characterized and optimized. High reproducibility was observed from the RSD values for 20 repetitive measurements of Pb(II) and Cd(II) (1.7 and 1.9%, respectively). The determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in tap water and Pb(II) in human hair samples was carried out. The above method of fabrication of Hg(II)/MWCNT modified graphite electrode clearly suggests a safe route for preparing Hg immobilized electrode for stripping analysis.     

Electrochemistry of vanadium-doped tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2 attached to graphite/polyester composite electrodes

The electrochemistry of monoclinic and tetragonal vanadium-doped zirconias (VZrO₂), prepared from gel precursors with vanadium loadings ranging from 0.5 to 15 mol%, has been studied using abrasive-conditioned graphite/polyester composite electrodes immersed in aqueous HCl and HClO₄ solutions. Isolated vanadium centers form a solid solution in the zirconia lattice with a solubility limit close to 5 mol%. Above 5 mol%, finely dispersed V₂O₅ is formed. Vanadium centers located at the boundary sites of the zirconia lattice display successive one-electron transfer processes near to +0.25 and +0.10 V vs. SCE, whereas finely dispersed V₂O₅ yields three successive reduction processes at +0.46, +0.30, and +0.16 V vs. SCE. Electrochemical data indicate the presence of both V⁵⁺ and V⁴⁺ centers in the lattice of monoclinic and tetragonal zirconias, the V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ ratio decreasing as the vanadium loading increases. Electronic Publication     

Electrophoretic deposition of polyacrylic acid and composite films containing nanotubes and oxide particles

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method has been developed for the deposition of thin films of polyacrylic acid (PAA). This method allowed the formation of uniform films of controlled thickness on conductive substrates. It was shown that PAA can be used as a common dispersing agent suitable for charging and EPD of various materials, such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes, halloysite nanotubes, MnO(2), NiO, TiO(2) and SiO(2). The feasibility of EPD of composite films containing the nanotubes and oxide particles in a PAA matrix has been demonstrated. The kinetics of deposition and deposition mechanisms were investigated and discussed. The films were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that film thickness and composition can be varied. Obtained results pave the way for the fabrication of PAA and composite films for biomedical, electrochemical and other applications.     

Watergas from plastic waste and its possible uses

Coal gasification technology should also be applicable to plastic waste. The resulting product is watergas or in general terms syngas which is used as a feedstock for several large chemical products. Based on theoretical considerations the study evaluates the costs related to syngas production from plastic waste and subsequent conversion to chemical raw products. Net waste disposal costs of 275 – 690 DM/ton are calculated depending upon the end product(s).     

二氧化钛纳米管/镍复合材料的可控制备及其微波电磁性能

二氧化钛纳米管可作为载体,经过磁性金属修饰,制备陶瓷基金属纳米复合材料.本文利用二氧化钛纳米管为载体,经过硅烷化改性,钯催化沉积金属镍,制备一种陶瓷基/镍纳米复合材料,并利用TEM,XRD,FTIR和XPS等方法表征该复合材料的结构特征.结果表明二氧化钛纳米管表面镍沉积均匀,镍晶粒度尺寸为9.7nm,具有衍射宽化特征.沉积镍后,纳米管端部呈开口特征,仍具有空腔结构.在外加电磁场作用下(8～12GHz),复合材料具有较高的磁导率和磁损耗,但具有很低的介电损耗.该复合材料具有长径比高、比重小、重量轻、镍含量少等特点.人们还可在二氧化钛纳米管外部沉积其他金属或合金(如铁、钴),调控复合材料的电磁性能,用于开发薄而轻的电磁活性复合材料.     

Preparation and morphological,electrical, and mechanical properties of polyimide‐grafted MWCNT/polyimide composite

Precursor of polyimide, polyamic acid has been prepared sucessfully. Acid‐modified carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was grafted with soluble polyimide then was added to the polyamic acid and heated to 300 °C to form polyimide/carbon nanotube composite via imidation. Morphology, mechanical properties and electrical resistivity of the MWCNT/polyimide composites have been studied. Transmission electron microscope microphotographs show that the diameter of soluble polyimide‐grafted MWCNT was increased from 30–60 nm to 200 nm, that is a thickness of 70–85 nm of the soluble polyimide was grafted on the MWCNT surface. PI‐g‐MWCNT was well dispersed in the polymer matrix. Percolation threshold of MWCNT/polyimide composites has been investigated. PI‐g‐MWCNT/PI composites exhibit lower electrical resistivity than that of the acid‐modified MWCNT/PI composites. The surface resistivity of 5.0 phr MWCNT/polyimide composites was 2.82 × 10⁸ Ω/cm² (PI‐g‐MWCNT) and 2.53 × 10⁹ Ω/cm² (acid‐modified MWCNT). The volume resistivity of 5.0 phr MWCNT/polyimide composites was 8.77 × 10⁶ Ω cm (PI‐g‐MWCNT) and 1.33 × 10¹³ Ω cm (acid‐modified MWCNT).Tensile strength and Young's modulus increased significantly with the increase of MWCNT content. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3349–3358, 2007     

石英微米晶粒电泳微柱的制备及其电泳分离

研究了内径2 mm石英管填充均匀石英微米晶粒的电泳微柱制备及其电泳分离的可行性.石英微米晶粒用水热法合成.含30%甲醇的1.5 mmol/L Na2HPO4为电泳缓冲液(pH 11.5),对无需衍生的色氨酸、苯丙氨酸和酪氨酸进行了微柱电泳分离和紫外吸收检测.检出限分别为0.038、 0.21和0.20 μmol/L; 色氨酸的分离效率为4.4 × 104塔板数/m,电泳微柱的样品容量达到35 μL, 且有较好的分离重现性.对未填充石英微粒, 填充平均粒度360 μm石英砂和长9 μm石英微米晶粒的电泳微柱的热效应进行了讨论.实验结果表明,在电泳微柱中填充石英微米晶粒可抑制大柱径电泳的热效应,增大样品容量,提高检测灵敏度.此微柱电泳技术可作为现场、实时和便携式电动流动全分析系统的高效分离手段,适合大体积和低浓度样品分析.     

Influence of thermal and UV treatment on the polypropylene/graphite composite

Electrically conductive polypropylene/graphite (PP/graphite) composites were prepared via blending granulated PP with maleic anhydride grafted PP and natural graphite. Electrical conductivity of prepared samples containing either 65, 70, or 75 wt% of graphite was measured and the most conductive sample containing 75 wt% of graphite was exposed to UV irradiation for 1 and 24 h or thermally treated at 170 °C for 1 h. The influence of thermal and UV exposure on the structural and electrical changes in such treated samples was studied. Local current measurements on the surface were made using scanning spreading resistance microscopy and morphology of the surface was studied by atomic force microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy were also used for the structural characterization. Properties of treated and untreated samples are compared and differences are discussed.     

Active fiber length distribution and its application to determine the critical fiber length

A new test and evaluation method has been developed to determine the critical fiber length characteristic of short fiber reinforced composites. From the so-called active ‘barbe’ (beard) length distribution calculated from the length distribution of the fibers in the composite and from the length distribution of the fibers protruding from the fracture surface, measurable characteristics have been derived, from which the critical fiber length can be determined. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the method, some measurements and calculations have been performed for injection molded glass fiber reinforced poly(ethylene-terephthalate) samples and the critical length determined has been compared with that obtained from droplet pull-out tests. It has been concluded that the new method provides an easily evaluated result, which is closer to reality than those obtained by other methods.     

Structure and properties of thin-film polyguanidine-based composite coatings deposited from the gas phase

Morphological features and structure of thin-film composite coatings containing polyhexamethylene-guanidines and polyurethanes and prepared from volatile products of electron-beam dispersion of these polymers were studied.     

The graphite furnace and its role in atomic spectroscopy

The diversity of applications of the graphite furnace is extraordinary, encompassing the fields of physics, thermochemistry, spectroscopy and analytical chemistry. In this respect, the graphite furnace has been used on a continuous basis as a research tool for nearly a century. Following its introduction as an atomization source for atomic absorption spectrometry by Lvov in 1959, its role in atomic spectrometry expanded considerably to encompass analytical applications in emision, fluorescence, absorption and mass spectrometry. In addition to its conspicuous use as an atomization source in these areas, it is frequently employed as a vaporizer when used in the format of combined and tandem sources with other instrumentation. The unique physico-chemical micro-environment which can be attained within the graphite furnace has also been used to advantage in a number of investigations, including the determination of gas- and solid-phase diffusion coefficients of high-temperature metal vapours, the heats of sublimation of refractory metals, fundamental optical constants and the measurement of the heats of desorption of adatoms from high-temperature surfaces. The range of such applications remains to be more fully explored. The attractive features of this source, viz., the high atomization/vaporization efficiency, comparatively long atomic vapour residence times, controllable chemical and thermal environment and its ability to handle high dissolved solids content samples (100%) serve to ensure its place in analytical atomic spectroscopy for years to come.     

A biosensor based on graphite epoxy composite electrode for aspartame and ethanol detection

A gelatin membrane with carboxyl esterase and alcohol oxidase was subsequently integrated onto the surface of a graphite epoxy composite electrode (GECE). The developed biosensors showed linearity in the range of 2.5–400 μM for aspartame and 2.5–25 μM for ethanol with response times of 170 and 70 s for each analyte, respectively. The resulting bienzyme biosensor was used for aspartame detection in diet coke samples and ethanol detection in beer and wine samples. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the developed biosensor is a selective, practical and economic tool for aspartame and ethanol detection in real samples.