Graphitic nanofillers in PMMA nanocomposites—An investigation of particle size and dispersion and their influence on nanocomposite properties

Mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of graphite/PMMA composites have been evaluated as functions of particle size and dispersion of the graphitic nanofiller components via the use of three different graphitic nanofillers: “as received graphite” (ARG), “expanded graphite,” (EG) and “graphite nanoplatelets” (GNPs) EG, a graphitic materials with much lower density than ARG, was prepared from ARG flakes via an acid intercalation and thermal expansion. Subsequent sonication of EG in a liquid yielded GNPs as thin stacks of graphitic platelets with thicknesses of ～10 nm. Solution‐based processing was used to prepare PMMA composites with these three fillers. Dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal analysis, and electrical impedance measurements were carried out on the resulting composites, demonstrating that reduced particle size, high surface area, and increased surface roughness can significantly alter the graphite/polymer interface and enhance the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the polymer matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2097–2112, 2007     

Electric field assisted annealing effects on microstructure and ionic conductivity in ceria/YSZ oxide heterostructures

The effect of electric field assisted annealing on the microstructure, composition and ionic conductivity properties in CeO₂/YSZ oxide heterostructures have been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Amorphization–recrystallization steps were performed with and without external electric field of strength 10?MV/cm along three different orientations: in-plane (YZ), normal (X) and 45° resultant (XY) with respect to the oxide heterointerfaces. The microstructural and compositional differences at the interfaces and in the interior of the oxide heterolayers were evaluated and were found to show a clear correlation with the orientations of the applied field. In particular, the XY configuration displayed a compressive lattice strain of ～9% along with a reduced oxygen vacancy concentration when compared to the others. Ionic density profiles suggest pronounced segregation (～60% higher compared to the average value in the interior) of yttrium ions closer to the YSZ/CeO₂ interface for the XY configuration. Other configurations exhibit minimal to no such variations. These microstructural differences are found to affect the number of mobile charge carriers and the activation barriers associated with ionic migration through the oxide lattice and consequently, influence the ionic conductivity.     

Optimal estimation in random coefficient regression models

In linear regression models with random coefficients, the score function usually involves unknown nuisance parameters in the form of weights. Conditioning with respect to the sufficient statistics for the nuisance parameter, when the parameter of interest is held fixed, eliminates the nuisance parameters and is expected to give reasonably good estimating functions. The present paper adopts this approach to the problem of estimation of average slope in random coefficient regression models. Four sampling situations are discussed. Some asymptotic results are also obtained for a model where neither the regressors nor the random regression coefficients replicate. Simulation studies for normal as well as non-normal models show that the performance of the suggested estimating functions is quite satisfactory.     

A self-assembled tetrapeptide that acts as a “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ ion

The tetrapeptide (Bz-$\mathrm{\Delta }$Phe(p-NPh₂)-l-DOPA(protected)-l-Phe-l-Phe-OMe was designed to incorporate seven phenyl rings so that it’s conformation, self-assembly and application in Hg²⁺ ions sensing could be studied. Peptide molecules adopted an overlapping β-turn of type III/III conformation in crystals. The peptide showed a highly selective turn-on response towards mercuric ion over other metal ions with a 10-fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity. This intensity change coupled with the selectivity of the peptide towards mercury allowed us to demonstrate simple colorimetric dip sensing of Hg²⁺ ions. The technique provides a highly selective and effective way to detect Hg²⁺ ions. The peptide also self-assembled into nanospheres with diameter ranges from 100 to 500?nm. Mercuric ion coordination enabled these peptide nanospheres to aggregate into well-defined nanoparticles. The enhanced fluorescence upon Hg²⁺ addition demonstrates that peptide scaffolds can be exploited in the development of different selective sensors.     

In electrospray ionization source hydrogen/deuterium exchange LC-MS and LC-MS/MS for characterization of metabolites

A new method is described for performing hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange in an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The use of liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI source and deuterium oxide (D2O) as the sheath liquid allows H/D exchange experiments to be performed on-line. This directly provides information for determining the number and position of exchangeable hydrogens, aiding in the elucidation of the structures of drug metabolites. To demonstrate the utility of this method, LC-mass spectrometry (MS) and LC-MS/MS experiments were performed using either H2O or D2O as sheath liquid on a matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitor (PD 0200126) and its metabolites. Examination of the mass shift of the deuteriated molecule from that of the protonated molecule allowed the number of exchangeable protons to be determined. Interpretation of the production-spectra helped to determine the location of the exchanged protons and assisted in the assignment of the site(s) of modification for each metabolite.     

Experimental analysis of tamarind seed powder-based flash powder composition for eco-friendly firecrackers

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In this work, considering the various practical concerns during storage, processing, handling and emission of flash powder used for making firecracker,...     

Preparation of 4(3H)-quinazolinones from aryldiazonium salt,nitriles and 2-aminobenzoate via a cascade annulation

One-pot synthesis of 3-aryl-4(3H)-quinazolinones has been realized through a cascade annulation. Reaction of aryldiazonium salt with a nitrile provides in situ generation of a reactive nitrilium ion, which is attacked by the amino group of 2-aminobenzoate followed by cyclization to deliver the desired product. This strategy offers a convenient and easy access to a wide range of functionalized quinazolinone.