Structural, optical and electromagnetic properties of aluminum-clay nanocomposites

Aluminum pillared and exchanged bentonite particles were synthesized by the ion exchange method. The characteristics of the particles were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), reflectance spectrophotometer (RS) and electromagnetic transition instrument (ETI). FTIR spectra showed a successful incorporation of Al complexes into the clay interlayer. The TGA result demonstrated an improvement in thermal stability of the Al-pillared clay compared with the untreated particles. SEM and EDX results showed the presence of aluminum aggregates on the surface of clay. It was also found that Al ions affect electromagnetic properties of the clay particles.     

Biohydrolysis of nylon 6,6 fiber with different proteolytic enzymes

In recent years, the textile industry must go towards sustainable technologies and developing environmentally safer methods for textiles processing. One way is the processing with enzymatic system, rather than conventional chemical methods. The aim of this work was to investigate the changes induced on nylon 6,6 fiber by enzymatic system using different proteolytic enzymes. Technical measurements were studied including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal, dyeability, and fastness properties. For this purpose, nylon 6,6 fabrics were first treated separately with different concentrations of four protease enzymes. The dyeing process was then carried out on the treated fabrics with two reactive and acid dyes. The intensity of major peaks in FTIR spectra of the protease treated samples is in favor of chemical changes of the polypeptide functional groups in fabric. Thermal studies also show significant decrease in thermal degradation temperature of the treated polymer. Reactive and acid dyes showed higher dyebath exhaustion on the enzyme treated samples compared to raw material. The results of color measurements showed that the more concentration of enzyme used, the darker the color of dyed sample is. Interesting results were obtained in the studied topic.     

Preparation of polybutylene terephthalate/silica nanocomposites by melt compounding: Evaluation of surface properties

Influence of nanosilica on surface properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) was investigated by the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement (CAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). FTIR results indicated that surface groups of silica have some interfacial interactions and bonding with carboxyl or hydroxyl end groups of PBT chains. AFM and SEM figures of the resultant nanocomposites illustrated increased surface roughness compared to pure PBT. Optical properties of nanocomposite films were finally determined by the aid of reflectance spectrophotometer.     

Optical and electromagnetic characteristics of clay�Ciron oxide nanocomposites

Fe-pillared bentonite clay-based nanoadsorbent was synthesized by the thermal aging technique. The characteristics of the nanocomposite were detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), reflectance spectrophotometer (RS), and electromagnetic transition instrument (ETI). The TGA result demonstrated that the Fe particles generated on the clay surface can significantly improve the thermal stability of clay particles. The SEM and EDX results showed the presence of chemical elements of Fe, Al, and Si on the surface of clay. In this research, the successful synthesis of Fe-pillared clay nanocomposite can be concluded from the FTIR spectra.     

Deposition of silver nanoparticles on carbon nanotube by chemical reduction method: Evaluation of surface,thermal and optical properties

Silver was stabilized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by chemical-reduction technique using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a reducing agent. The influence of silver on the performance of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was investigated by employing Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (RAS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). FTIR as well as RS methods evidenced the synthesis procedure using chemical reduction method was successful. Performing TGA of the samples under oxygen atmosphere demonstrated that the silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) generated on MWCNTs surface can decrease the thermal stability of the particles by the catalytic oxidation of CNTs. In contrary, the thermal stability of the MWCNTs has improved under nitrogen atmosphere. EDX results showed the presence of Ag, Au and Co on the surface of deposited sample. The synthesised silver multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ag–MWCNTs) were found to have higher UV reflection activity compared with untreated particles. The Ag–CNTs can be used in producing anti-UV composites.     

Influence of atmospheric-air plasma on the coating of a nonionic lubricating agent on polyester fiber

This research work involves the plasma treatment of polyethylene terephthalate fiber to improve the performance of a nonionic lubricating agent. To do this, a polyester fabric was pre-scoured with a detergent, treated with atmospheric-air plasma and then coated with a nonionic emulsion. Chemical and physical properties of the samples were investigated by the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, bending lengths, wrinkle recovery angles, fiber friction coefficient analysis, moisture absorbency, scanning electron microscopy and reflectance spectroscopy. The study on the chemical properties of the fibers revealed that the plasma pretreatment modifies the surface of the fibers and increases the reactivity of the substrate toward nonionic emulsion. The physical properties of the textiles indicated that the combination of plasma and emulsion treatments on polyester can improve crease resistance, drapeability and water repellency due to a uniform coating of the emulsion on the surface of the textiles.     

Effect of Colloidal Dispersion of Clay on Some Properties of Wool Fiber

This work was carried out to characterize the changes induced on wool fiber by clay treatment. Technical measurements were studied including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal degradation analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), moisture regain measurement (MRM), and tensile strength test (TST). The intensity of major peaks in FTIR spectra of the clay treated sample is in favor of chemical changes of the polypeptide functional groups. DSC results indicated that clay treatment of wool enhances heat and thermal barrier properties of fiber. TGA results stated lower thermal degradation of clay treated wool compared with untreated one. One of the main advantages of clay application on wool could be its positive effect on the moisture absorption of wool.     

Surface characterization of polyethylene terephthalate/silica nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) based nanocomposites containing hydrophilic (i.e. Aerosil 200 or Aerosil TT 600) or hydrophobic (i.e. Aerosil R 972) nano-silica were prepared by melt compounding. Influence of nano-silica type on surface properties of the resultant nanocomposites was investigated by the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement (CAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). The possible interaction between nano-silica particles and PET functional groups at bulk and surface were elucidated by transmission FTIR and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, respectively. AFM studies of the resultant nanocomposites showed increased surface roughness compared to pure PET. Contact angle measurements of the resultant PET composites demonstrated that the wettability of such composites depends on surface treatment of the particular nano-silica particles used. SEM images illustrated that hydrophilic nano-silica particles tended to migrate to the surface of the PET matrix.     

Atmospheric air-plasma treatment of polyester fiber to improve the performance of nanoemulsion silicone

Influence of atmospheric air plasma treatment on performance of nanoemulsion silicone softener on polyethylene terephthalate fibers was investigated by the use of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), bending lengths (BL), wrinkle recovery angles (WRA), fiber friction coefficient analysis (FFCA), moisture absorbency (MA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). Results indicated that the plasma pretreatment modifies the surface of fibers and increases the reactivity of substrate toward nanoemulsion silicone. Moisture regain and microscopic tests showed that the combination of plasma and silicone treatments on polyethylene terephthalate can decrease moisture absorption due to uniform coating of silicone emulsion on surface of fibers.