Poly Methyl Methacrylate Matrix Research Articles

Polymethyl methacrylate–ovalbumin @ graphene oxide drug carrier system for high anti-proliferative cancer drug delivery

High permeable drug delivery mechanism is indispensable for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. Protein-polymeric carriers have enhanced the permeability and therapeutic of bioactive compounds. Here, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as polymer and egg white protein of ovalbumin (OVA) from a natural source of quail egg was developed for the highly permeable biocompatible drug delivery system. A significant anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded on this drug delivery system. Graphene oxide (GO)-functionalized OVA–PMMA drug delivery system has increased the surface for an accumulation of drug. The drug-loading capacity and controlled release of the drug were investigated through the dialysis technique with various physiological pH environments. The effect of DOX and GO on the morphology of OVA–PMMA matrix was studied with the help of FT-IR and XRD patterns. Dynamic light scattering study gives the data about the particle size of this OVA–PMMA–GO and OVA–PMMA–GO–DOX. These data matched with the image obtained from SEM and TEM instruments. Cytotoxicity effect and cellular uptaking of DOX-loaded OVA–PMMA and OVA–PMMA–GO were investigated on gastric cancer cell line and normal cell line. All these characterizations of this study reveal that the drug is successfully loaded on this new drug carrier and controlled release was achieved.

A novel approach to prepare one-pot Fe/PPy nanocomposite and evaluation of its microwave, magnetic, and optical performance

The aim of this study was preparation of Fe/Fe2O3/Fe3O4 (Fe)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite using reductive method and investigation of its microwave absorbing properties using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) medium. Firstly, PPy was prepared by an oxidative polymerization method with Fe3+ as a doping agent. Next, the Fe/PPy nanocomposite was formed by in situ reduction of Fe2+ and remained Fe3+ with adding sodium borohydride in the solution under an inert nitrogen atmosphere. Finally, PPy and Fe/PPy nanostructures were separately suspended within the PMMA matrix to examine their microwave absorbing characteristics. The prepared PPy and Fe/PPy nanostructures were studied using the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) analysis presented a 1.79 eV band gap for the Fe/PPy nanocomposite based on the Kubelka–Munk theory. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed that magnetic properties were reinforced in the Fe/PPy nanocomposite. According to the results obtained by vector network analyzer (VNA), the maximum reflection loss of Fe/PPy/PMMA nanocomposite was −76.02 dB at 8.96 GHz with a thickness of 3.2 mm, absorbing all of the x-band frequency more than 12.72 dB with a thickness of 2.8 mm. Interestingly, the Fe/PPy/PMMA nanocomposite demonstrated a bandwidth >3.4 GHz more than 10 dB from 2.2 to 3.2 mm at the x-band frequency.

Effect of carbon nanotube length on the piezoresistive response of poly (methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were systematically fragmented using high density ultrasonic energy and used as fillers of a poly (methyl methacrylate) matrix (PMMA). MWCNT fragmentation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Dedicated MWCNT length measurements yielded a log-normal statistical distribution, with mean value of 1.33 μm for the as-received MWCNTs and 0.66 μm for the fragmented MWCNTs. Higher electrical percolation threshold and lower electrical conductivity were obtained for MWCNT/PMMA composites (0.01–1 wt.% MWCNT concentration) using the fragmented MWCNTs. Higher electro-mechanical (piezoresistive) sensitivity under tensile tests was measured for PMMA nanocomposites with fragmented MWCNTs, which was explained by a competition of mechanisms related to the MWCNT length.

Montmorillonite incorporated polymethylmethacrylate matrix containing lithium trifluoromethanesulphonate (LTF) salt: thermally stable polymer nanocomposite electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries application

High and low content of montmorillonite incorporated polymethylmethacrylate matrix in the presence of lithiumtriflate salt was investigated and studied. All samples were synthesized using the solution cast technique method. Different techniques (X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, DSC, TG, and SEM) were used for structure characterization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses confirmed the complete dissolution of lithiumtriflate salt and intercalation of montmorillonite within the polymethylmethacrylate matrix. The different contents of montmorillonite showed different behaviors in both of structure and properties. The sample containing the low content of 5 wt% montmorillonite showed the highest AC- conductivity value (σAc = 2.09 × 10−6 Ω−1.cm−1, at room temperature) with a big difference to the other ones. The same sample also showed a good thermal stability (Td = 378 °C). Electrochemical stability of the same sample was also studied. All results were collected and discussed.

Creation and Investigation of Mechanoluminescent Coatings based on Polymethylmethacrylate and Phosphor Powder SrAl2O4: (Eu2+,Dy3+)

Deformation luminescence of a composite obtained on basis of the polymer material polymethylmethacrylate and fine-dispersed powder of SrAl2O4:(Eu2+, Dy3+) phosphor is investigated. The luminescent (sensory) layer responsive to mechanical action is formed in the surface layer of the polymethylmethacrylate that is transparent in the visible spectrum. The kinetics of deformation luminescence and the photoluminescence spectra of the SrAl2O4:(Eu2+, Dy3+) phosphor microparticles in the polymethylmethacrylate matrix have been studied. Photoluminescence was excited by the nanosecond pulses of the laser with the wavelength λ=355 nm. The shock action on the sensitive luminescent layer was realized by a hammering device and an impulse of an acoustic wave generated by a nanosecond laser pulse. It has been shown that the produced mechanoluminescent layer is highly sensitive to short acoustic and mechanical shock (normal and tangential) actions and can be used in registration and visualization of mechanical actions.

Electrospinning Construction of Flexible Composite Nanoribbons with Color-Tunable Fluorescence

Herein, we describe the innovative one-dimensional nanomaterials, electrospun composite nanoribbons (width 10.119 ± 0.186 μm) containing complexes of Eu(TTA)3(TPPO)2 and Tb(BA)3phen in a matrix of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the final products. The novel luminescent composite nanoribbons exhibit green, orange and red fluorescence emission peaks at 490, 545, 592, and 615 nm, which are ascribed to the 5D4 → 7F6 (490 nm) and 5D4 → 7F5 (545 nm) energy transitions of Tb3+ ions, and the 5D0 → 7F1 (592 nm), 5D0 → 7F2 (615 nm) transitions of Eu3+ ions, respectively. It is observed that the doping percentage and the chosen excitation wavelength could be used to tune the emission color of the samples. The color-tunable luminescent composite nanoribbons have potential applications in the fields of display panels, lasers and bioimaging.

Synthesis and investigation of thermal properties of PMMA-maleimide-functionalized reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites

Reduced graphene oxide (RGEO) and N-[4-(chlorocarbonyl)phenyl]maleimide-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (MFRGEO) were used as nanofillers for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix nanocomposites to enhance thermal stability. Methyl methacrylate containing nanofiller of four different weight percent (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) was polymerized using ultrasonic radiation-assisted bulk polymerization. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed the absence of chemical interaction between the filler and the matrix phase. Morphology of nanocomposites studied using scanning electron microscope confirmed the assistance aided by ultrasonication in the uniform dispersion of nanofiller in the PMMA matrix. Thermogravimetric (TG) study revealed the presence of MFRGEO enhanced the thermal stability of PMMA by shifting the entire degradation to higher temperature. The thermal stability of PMMA nanocomposite was improved by as much as 40°C at just 0.8 wt% loading of MFRGEO. Differential TG study also supported the role of maleimide functionalization on RGEO in the enhancement of thermal stability of PMMA by means of retarding the degradation rate of unsaturated chain ends in the PMMA matrix. Unlike MFRGEO, RGEO failed to enhance the thermal stability of PMMA.

Mesocomposites Based on the Polymethylmethacrylate Matrix

This article describes the formation of a composite coating in a polymer matrix on an aluminum alloy. It is a PMMA coating (polymethylmethacrylate) with the addition of TiO2 particles. Working with these particles requires not only safety but also a suitable preparation process to obtain particles of suitable size, their subsequent homogeneous distribution in the coating (particles of this size are influenced by electrostatically attractive forces and have a strong tendency to aggravate). The first part describes the material used, sample preparation and coating process, surface roughness measurement, SEM and EDS analysis of selected samples. The aim of the research is to find out whether it is possible to use dipping and brushing techniques when coating Al-Si alloys with polymeric materials. Consequently, what can be achieved is the roughness of the surface of the coated part compared to the uncoated surface (at different particle concentrations in the spin) and the distribution of TiO2 particles on the surface of the sample.

Eu3+/Tb3+ Co-Doped Cerium Oxide Transparent Nanocomposite for Color-Tunable Emission

Eu[Formula: see text]/Tb[Formula: see text] co-doped nanocomposite containing CeO2 nanocrystals was successfully prepared by an in situ sol–gel polymerization approach. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the homogeneous precipitation of CeO2 nanocrystals among the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix. The thermal stability and UV-shielding capability of the obtained nanocomposite were improved with increase of CeO2 content. The tuning of the emissive color from green and yellow to red can be easily achieved by varying the dopant species and concentration. These results suggested that the obtained nanocomposite could be potentially applicable in transparent solid-state luminescent devices.

Development of novel highly conductive 3D printable hybrid polymer-graphene composites

This paper focuses on developing hybrid composites of conductive polymers with graphene which have been shown to form a synergistic relationship between the components by lowering the percolation threshold and therefore achieving significant electrical conductivity at relatively low filler loadings. A variety of analytical techniques have been used to determine the factors contributing towards the electrical conductivity performance in these composites and the results of which have been used to construct a production method based on the solution casting process. The key factors identified have included the polarity of the primary polymer, the level of homogeneity of the dispersion of the conductive filler materials and the crystallinity of the resulting composite which in this case is increased by the addition of sucrose. Optimising for these factors the production method has been able to manufacture samples with an electrical conductivity of up to 14.2 S.cm−1 at a filler loading of 10 wt.% graphene and 10 wt.% conductive polymer in the base polymethyl methacrylate matrix. These have been investigated for application in 3D printing as an alternative to wiring or expensive printable conductive inks, and successful samples have been produced with an electrical conductivity of 11.3 S.cm−1.

Electrospun ZnO Nanoparticles Doped Core–Sheath Nanofibers: Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties

Coaxial electrospinning technique was used to fabricate the core–sheath composite nanofibers of ZnO nanoparticle (Nps) (10%, 20% w/w) doped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (as sheath) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (as core). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra were confirmed the weak forces arise between ZnO Nps, PMMA and PVA matrixes. The hexagonal (wurtzite) structure of ZnO Nps with ~ 30.8 nm of diameter was confirmed from the X-ray diffraction pattern. The morphology and microstructure of core–sheath composite nanofibers were confirmed from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is clearly seen from the TEM images that the PMMA encapsulate the PVA core. Core–sheath composite nanofibers were assessed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) bacteria through quantitative, disk diffusion and viable cell count methods. It was found that ZnO Nps doped core–sheath nanofibers were effectively inhibit the growth of gram positive bacteria, B. subtilis.

Visual determination of malachite green in sea fish samples

Polymethylmethacrylate matrix has been developed as an analytical device for visual and spectrophotometric determination of malachite green. Based on the studied effects of different pH levels, temperature, contact time and diverse ions, optimum analysis conditions have been established. For malachite green, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.5–30 mg·L−1 in the samples with the detection limit of 1 mg·kg−1. The proposed simple method makes it possible to determine malachite green visually in the concentration range 8–30 mg·L−1 using a colour scale. The method has been implemented for determination of malachite green in various sea fish samples.

Optical and dielectric properties of PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate))/carbon dots composites

The optical and the dielectric properties of an original nanocomposite based on the incorporation of carbon dots (C‐dots) in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) at several filler loading were studied. The optical characterization demonstrated the preservation of the excitation dependent intense emission of the C‐dots in the polymer, ascribed to the presence of organic fluorophores formed during the nanoparticle synthesis. The composite PMMA/C‐dots dielectric properties were investigated in the frequency range from 40 Hz to 1 MHz and over the temperature range from 200 to 400 K. The dielectric response was obtained using the complex permittivity or the modulus formalisms, depending on the concentration of filler in the polymer matrix. A relaxation phenomenon was induced by the incorporation of the C‐dots in the PMMA matrix. In addition, both the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity and electric modulus changed with the volume fraction of the C‐dots, suggesting that the presence of the fillers greatly affect the dielectric properties of the polymer matrix because of polarization phenomenon induced by the nanoparticles. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1312–E1319, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Morphological and Tribological Properties of PMMA/Halloysite Nanocomposites.

From an environmental and cost-effective perspective, a number of research challenges can be found for electronics, household, but especially in the automotive polymer parts industry. Reducing synthesis steps, parts coating and painting, or other solvent-assisted processes, have been identified as major constrains for the existing technologies. Therefore, simple polymer processing routes (mixing, extrusion, injection moulding) were used for obtaining PMMA/HNT nanocomposites. By these techniques, an automotive-grade polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was modified with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and an eco-friendly additive N,N′-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS) to improve nanomechanical properties involved in scratch resistance, mechanical properties (balance between tensile strength and impact resistance) without diminishing other properties. The relationship between morphological/structural (XRD, TEM, FTIR) and tribological (friction) properties of PMMA nanocomposites were investigated. A synergistic effect was found between HNT and EBS in the PMMA matrix. The synergy was attained by the phase distribution resulted from the selective interaction between partners and favourable processing conditions. Modification of HNT with EBS improved the dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix by increasing their interfacial compatibility through hydrogen bonding established by amide groups with aluminol groups. The increased interfacial adhesion further improved the nanocomposite scratch resistance. The PMMA/HNT-EBS nanocomposite had a lower coefficient of friction and lower scratch penetration depth than PMMA/HNT nanocomposite.

Improving the Optical, Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of PMMA: Mg1−xCuxO Based Polymer Nanocomposites

The aim of the presented work is to study the optical, mechanical and dielectric properties of Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) filled with Mg1−xCuxO, 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 synthesized in the form of casted films. Structures of the prepared powder and films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), where the recorded pattern reveals the existence of cubic phase structure for Mg1−xCuxO powder and films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed that Mg0.9Cu0.1O nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the PMMA. The morphology of the nanocomposite films was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Well dispersion of Mg1−xCuxO nanoparticles in the PMMA matrix and formation of some cluster were observed. The optical properties of the prepared nanocomposite films were performed by means of UV–Vis technique. The absorption coefficient, optical energy band gap, extinction coefficient and the refractive index of the casted films were calculated. The results showed a decrease in optical energy band gap, and an increase of absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient and refractive index with increasing the percentage ratio of Cu in PMMA matrix. There is an enhancement in mechanical properties. The microhardness increases as the Cu content increases up to x = 0.15 wt% after that it decreases. The tensile strength was measured and raised from 23.87 to 43.30 MPa with increasing the Cu content up to x = 0.10 after that it decreases. Finally, the permittivity (e′) and dielectric loss (e″) were decreased as the frequency increased but (e′) became nearly constant at higher frequency range. Moreover, e′ and tan δ increased as the Cu content increases. Also the AC conductivity was measured to study the conduction mechanism in the presented nanocomposite films. The calculated dc conductivity was increased as the Cu content in PMMA matrix increased.

Photoluminescence of ZnS:Cu in a Polymethyl Methacrylate Matrix

The method of agents arising directly in the (poly)methyl methacrylate medium is used to synthesize ZnS:Cu quantum dots fixed in an optically transparent polymer matrix. The optical transmittance of the polymer composites in the visible spectral region reaches 92% (at the thickness 5 mm). The photoluminescence of the (poly)methyl methacrylate/ZnS:Cu composite is defined by defects in the crystal structure of ZnS and by the system of energy levels in the band gap of ZnS. The photoluminescence signal depends on the Cu-ion concentration, the reabsorption of radiation in ZnS and (poly)methyl methacrylate, and other factors.

Titanium Oxide (TiO₂)/Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Denture Base Nanocomposites: Mechanical, Viscoelastic and Antibacterial Behavior.

Currently, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most popular denture base material. Most fractures of dentures that occur during function are due to its insufficient mechanical strength. The major drawbacks of PMMA are insufficient ductility, strength, and viscoelastic behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a polymethylmethacrylate denture base material modified with TiO2 nanoparticles in terms of nanomechanical, creep-recovery, and relaxation. Additionally, the effects of addition TiO2 nanoparticles on the thermal and antimicrobial adhesion behaviors were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the effect of small amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles (1 wt. %, 2 wt. %, and 3 wt. %) on the degradation behavior of PMMA denture bases was insignificant. The nanomechanical test results of the PMMA and PMMA/TiO2 nanocomposites indicated that the hardness and modulus in the nanoscale range improved due to TiO2 addition. At a 1200-nm penetration depth, the modulus increased by 10%, 16%, and 29% and hardness increased by 18%, 24%, and 35% with the addition of 1 wt. %, 2 wt. %, and 3 wt. % TiO2, respectively. Furthermore, the creep-recovery and relaxation behaviors of PMMA were significantly improved due to the addition of TiO2. The creep strain decreased from 1.41% to 1.06%, 0.66%, and 0.49% with the addition of 1 wt. %, 2 wt. %, and 3 wt. % TiO2, respectively. The relaxation test results showed that the initial stress under 1% strain improved to 19.9, 21.2, and 22 MPa with the addition of 1 wt. %, 2 wt. %, and 3 wt. % TiO2, respectively. The improvement in the nanohardness, modulus, creep recovery, and relaxation behavior of PMMA due to the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles indicated the role of the nanoparticles in increasing the PMMA matrix stiffness by reducing its mobility and free volume. TiO2 nanoparticles also improved the antimicrobial behavior of PMMA by significantly reducing bacterial adherence with increasing TiO2 ratio.

Gel polymer electrolyte based on polymethyl methacrylate matrix composited with methacrylisobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane by phase inversion method

A kind of organic-inorganic nanocomposite of methacrylisobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MA-POSS) is synthesized and the nanocomposite as the modified filler is introduced into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix to prepare gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) membrane used in lithium ion battery (LIB) through phase inversion method combined with liquid electrolyte adsorption. The results reflect that compared to the solvent evaporation technique, the electrochemical performances of the GPE corresponding to the membrane prepared by phase inversion method are more outstanding. Besides, the membrane also shows good mechanical strength. Compared to the GPE based on pure PMMA matrix, the comprehensive performances of the modified GPE are also enhanced a lot and the GPE with the mass of 10% MA-POSS exhibits the most favorable properties. The excellent performances are shown as follows: the ionic conductivity reaches to 2.77 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature; the lithium ion transfer number is up to 0.40; the GPE is electrochemical stable below 5.5 V (vs. Li/Li+); the compatibility between GPE and lithium anode is satisfying and the ionic conductivity obeys the Arrhenius behavior.

Effect of polyaniline‐coated carbon nanotube and nanosilver hybrid nanoparticles on the dielectric properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites

The polyaniline (PANI)‐coated functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐CNTs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (PANI@f‐CNTs and PANI@AgNPs hybrid nanofillers) are synthesized by means of in situ polymerization of aniline monomer on the surface of f‐CNTs and AgNPs. The PANI@f‐CNTs and PANI@AgNPs hybrid nanofillers were successfully incorporated into the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix through in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis reveals that the existence of strong interfacial adhesive bonding between PANI@f‐CNTs and PANI@AgNPs hybrid nanofillers and PMMA matrix. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that there is no change in position of the diffraction peak as a result crystallinity of the samples are not much affected by the addition of hybrid nanofillers. The transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis displayed that the phase morphology of the PMMA nanocomposites is significantly changed as well as hybrid nanofillers are homogeneously dispersed within the PMMA matrix. The AC conductivity (σac), dielectric permittivity (ɛ′) dielectric loss (tan δ) of the PMMA nanocomposites are remarkably increases whereas the real impedance (Z′) decreases by the Incorporation of the hybrid nanofillers into the PMMA matrix, which concludes that the synthesized polymer materials have most promising dielectric application. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1294–E1305, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Electrical and mechanical behavior of polymethyl methacrylate/cadmium sulphide composites

In the present investigation, electrical and mechanical behavior of cadmium sulphide (CdS) doped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) have been studied using different techniques. Dip casting technique was used for preparing free standing films of pristine and CdS doped PMMA at different compositions (i.e. 1 and 5 wt%). Optical absorbance as a function of wavelength was studied, by UV–visible spectroscopy, to find the impact of CdS doping on the optical band gap of synthesized PMMA/CdS composite. DC and AC conductivities were measured as a function of dopant concentration and temperature. Considerable increase in electrical conductivity was observed with the increase of CdS contents in polymer matrix. Overall electrical conduction mechanism in PMMA/CdS composites was attributed to movement of electrons through the uniformly distributed CdS aggregates within the matrix of PMMA. Mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus, tensile strength, elongation and ductility, of PMMA/CdS composites were determined and relevant responsible phenomena were discussed.