Distribution Of Nanodiamonds Research Articles

Thermo-Mechanical Properties of P(HB-HV) Nanocomposites Reinforced by Nanodiamonds

Several studies of biodegradable polymers and copolymers have been carried for different applications in the biomedical area. This current study aims to develop a biocomposite to be used as an orthopedic device, using poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) P(HB-HV), a biodegradable copolymer, with 94%HB and 6%HV, as matrix; and nanodiamonds (ND) with primary grains of 4-6nm, as reinforcement. The nanodiamonds were previously encapsulated by P(HB-HV) and specimens were prepared using a hydraulic press and injection molding machine, in order to evaluate which method presents a better performance. Thermal and mechanical analyses were done to compare their behavior. The biocomposite and pure P(HB-HV) samples were analyzed by flexural testing, nanoidentation, DMA, XRD, TGA. The distribution of nanodiamonds on the specimen fracture surface were investigated by SEM. The SEM micrographs allowed us to concluded that the encapsulation of nanodiamonds by P(HB-HV) was successfully performed, promoting a better interface and distribution in the polymeric matrix. The presence of ND in the polymeric matrix decreased the P(HB-HV) crystallinity, inhibiting the crystallite growth. The mechanical properties obtained from flexural test, nanoidentation and DMA of the injection-molded specimens were superior to compression-molded, due to its homogeneous and continuous structure. In vitro analysis was performed to evaluate the samples cytoxicity.

Effect of pluronic P123 on the distribution of nanodiamond particles in water–organic liquid systems

The effect adsorption layers of nonionic surfactant (pluronic P123) have on the distribution of nanodiamonds (NDs) between aqueous and organic phases is studied with radioactive tracers using compounds labeled with tritium. The values of reversible and irreversible adsorptions of P123 on NDs are determined. It is shown that the distribution coefficients of NDs modified by irreversibly adsorbed layers of P123 are several times higher than those of raw nanodiamonds. This result is explained by the hydrophobization of an ND’s surface, as is shown by data obtained via interfacial tensiometry and wetting.