Preparation Of Nanocomposites Research Articles

Preparation of gold nanoparticles by photolysis and radiolysis in alcohol solutions of functional hyperbranched polyorganosiloxane/H[AuCl4]: Effect of irradiation mode on nanoparticle size and formation mechanism

Ethanol solutions of functional hyperbranched polyorganosiloxanes (0.2 vol%) with a molar ratio of NH2(CH2)2NH-/H[AuCl4]x3H2O of 8/1 were used as precursors for nanocomposite preparation using UV photolysis and X-ray radiolysis. It was shown that various irradiation modes provide the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with tunable sizes and narrow size distributions. It was established that size distributions of AuNPs depend on the excitation wavelength. AuNPs with an average size of 3.5 nm were obtained by the direct excitation of gold ions using UV light with λmax = 365 nm. Meanwhile, the action of a higher energy light (λ = 254 nm) on the metal polymer complexes resulted in formation of ultra-small nanoparticles with an average size of 1.5 nm, presumably due to the increased efficiency of their nucleation process. In the case of radiolysis with X-rays, reduction of Au3+ ions occurs due to reactions with radicals produced from ethanol and leads to the formation of AuNPs of 2–3 nm. Thus, the size distribution of the prepared AuNPs may be controlled by the irradiation mode, which critically affects nanomaterial properties. Additionally nanoparticles obtained by photochemical or radiation-chemical methods are free of chemical impurities, which is important for the development of functional materials.

Computational Methodologies in Synthesis, Preparation and Application of Antimicrobial Polymers, Biomolecules, and Nanocomposites.

The design and optimization of antimicrobial materials (polymers, biomolecules, or nanocomposites) can be significantly advanced by computational methodologies like molecular dynamics (MD), which provide insights into the interactions and stability of the antimicrobial agents within the polymer matrix, and machine learning (ML) or design of experiment (DOE), which predicts and optimizes antimicrobial efficacy and material properties. These innovations not only enhance the efficiency of developing antimicrobial polymers but also enable the creation of materials with tailored properties to meet specific application needs, ensuring safety and longevity in their usage. Therefore, this paper will present the computational methodologies employed in the synthesis and application of antimicrobial polymers, biomolecules, and nanocomposites. By leveraging advanced computational techniques such as MD, ML, or DOE, significant advancements in the design and optimization of antimicrobial materials are achieved. A comprehensive review on recent progress, together with highlights of the most relevant methodologies' contributions to state-of-the-art materials science will be discussed, as well as future directions in the field will be foreseen. Finally, future possibilities and opportunities will be derived from the current state-of-the-art methodologies, providing perspectives on the potential evolution of polymer science and engineering of novel materials.

Sequential-dependent synthesis of gold-chromium nanocomposites for multimode colorimetric sensing, advanced logic computing, and tri-layer information protection

Binary materials combine the properties and advantages of their components, but their fabrication paradigm needs updating to fully exploit their characteristics and broaden their application. Here, multifunctional bimetallic gold-chromium nanocomposites (Au–Cr NCs) were synthesized facilely in a sequential-dependent manner, and applied from multi-channel sensing to molecular informatization (including advanced logic computing and tri-layer information protection). By sequentially mixing Cr6+, Au3+, and NaBH4 (reducing agent), Au–Cr NCs with Au nanoparticles attached to Cr nanobelts can be prepared easily and quickly. The resulting Au–Cr NCs exhibited multi-signal sensing capability for hypochlorite, with significantly improved selectivity (about 5 times) and sensitivity (about 1650 times) when analyzing multiple signals. The synthesis process can be used to implement parallel molecular logic gates and customizable keypad lock operations. Moreover, by digitizing logical relationships and multimodal selective responses based on Au–Cr NCs, specific information (wise sayings and literary works sentence) can be encoded, encrypted and hidden to realize nano-cryptography and steganography. When combined with molecular keypad lock, a tri-layer information protection system can be constructed to enhance anti-cracking ability. This study promotes controllable preparation and multi-purpose applications of advanced multifunctional nanocomposites, but also opens up a new direction for nano-based sensing and digitization in multi-dimension.

Preparation of High-Performance Polyethylene Nanocomposites with Oleic Acid-Siloxene-Supported Ziegler-Natta Catalysts.

The addition of two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterials can effectively enhance the properties of polyethylene (PE). In the present study, a series of high-performance PE/oleic acid (OA)-siloxene nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization using OA-siloxene-supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts. Compared with the conventional Ziegler-Natta catalyst, the polymerization activity of the OA-siloxene-supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst was enhanced to 100 kg/mol-Ti•h, an increase of 56%. The OA-siloxene fillers exhibited excellent dispersion within the PE matrix through the in situ polymerization technique. Compared to pure PE, PE/OA-siloxene nanocomposites containing 1.13 wt% content of OA-siloxene showed 68.3 °C, 126%, 37%, and 46% enhancements in Tdmax, breaking strength, modulus, and elongation at break, respectively.

Preparation and anti-oxidation performance of TaC-SiC nanocomposites by precursor-derived ceramic method

As a kind of ultra-high temperature ceramic, TaC is widely used in aerospace field. In order to improve its high temperature oxidation resistance, SiC is usually added as a second phase. TaC-SiC nanocomposites prepared by precursor-derived ceramic method have the advantages of low pyrolysis temperature, small particle size and uniform phase composition. Some studies have used solid polycarbosilane (PCS) as the precursor of SiC. However, it has problems such as high cost and need to add solvent. In this work, TaC-SiC nanocomposites were prepared by precursor-derived ceramic method with polytantaloxane (PTO) and vinyl-containing liquid polycarbosilane (LPVCS) instead of PCS as raw materials after 2 h pyrolysis at 1600 °C. The obtained TaC-SiC nanocomposites have a particle size of about 200 nm and a grain size of 15–40 nm, wrapped by 1–2 nm amorphous carbon shells, which is beneficial to inhibit grain growth. By analyzing the oxidation mechanism of TaC-SiC nanocomposites, it was found that higher SiC content was conducive to antioxidant, because the SiO2 protective layer formed by oxidation insulated O2 diffusion.

Exfoliated 2D Nanosheet-Based Conjugated Polymer Composites with P-N Heterojunction Interfaces for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

We have achieved a significant breakthrough in the preparation and development of two-dimensional nanocomposites with P-N heterojunction interfaces as efficient cathode catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and iodide oxidation reaction (IOR). P-type acid-doped polyaniline (PANI) and N-type exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets can form structurally stable composites due to formation of P-N heterojunction structures at their interfaces. These P-N heterojunctions facilitate charge transfer from PANI to MoS2 structures and thus significantly enhance the catalytic efficiency of MoS2 in the HER and IOR. Herein, by combining efficient sodium-functionalized chitosan-assisted MoS2 exfoliation, electropolymerization of PANI on nickel foam (NF) substrate, and electrochemical activation, controllable and scalable Na-Chitosan/MoS2/PANI/NF electrodes are successfully constructed as non-noble metal-based electrochemical catalysts. Compared to a commercial platinum/carbon (Pt/C) catalyst, the Na-Chitosan/MoS2/PANI/NF electrode exhibits significantly lower resistance and overpotential, a similar Tafel slope, and excellent catalytic stability at high current densities, demonstrating excellent catalytic performance in the HER under acidic conditions. More importantly, results obtained from proton exchange membrane fuel cell devices confirm the Na-Chitosan/MoS2/PANI/NF electrode exhibits a low turn-on voltage, high current density, and stable operation at 2 V. Thus, this system holds potential as a replacement for Pt/C with feasibility for applications in energy-related fields.

PREPARATION OF HIGH QUALITY NANOCOMPOSITES OF CuO/TiO2 WITH Ar+ IONS IRRADIATION WITH ENHANCED PHOTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES

In this research work, nanocomposites of CuO/TiO2 were initially fabricated using drop casting method. Later on, these nanocomposites were irradiated for the first time by a beam of Argon ions (Ar[Formula: see text] by keeping the fluence rates of [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], respectively. In order to observe structural and optical properties of un-irradiated and irradiated nanocomposites, Raman Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Photoluminescence (PL) and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) analysis were performed. From Raman analysis, vibration modes confirmed the presence of different phases of TiO2 and CuO. EDX analysis clearly demonstrates the presence of Cu, Ti, and O peaks. SEM images depict agglomerated spherical nanoparticles having diameters in the range of 40–94[Formula: see text]nm. From TEM analysis, mean diameter of 56.1[Formula: see text]nm is observed for unirradiated and 33.7[Formula: see text]nm for Ar[Formula: see text] irradiated CuO/TiO2 nanoparticles in nanocomposite for fluence rates of [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text]. HR-TEM and SAED images represent the polycrystalline nature of these nanocomposites. Among the three peaks of PL spectra in UV–Visible region, first two peaks were observed at 356[Formula: see text]nm, and 419[Formula: see text]nm but the third peak is little shifted from 488[Formula: see text]nm with the increase in fluence rate. Values of band gap are reduced from 3.29[Formula: see text]eV to 3.17[Formula: see text]eV as the fluence rate is increased, as calculated from results of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

Modification of selectively acid-etched halloysite by mucoadhesive chitosan derivatives: New bionanocomposites with improved functional properties

In this study, the modification of selectively acid-etched halloysite (eHal) by low molecular weight chitosan (LChi) and its methacrylated derivative (MeLChi) is investigated to form new bionanocomposites with improved functional properties. The formation of nanocomposites was confirmed by various instrumental techniques (ζ-potential measurements, SEM, FT-IR, DSC, XRD and 1H NMR). Both nanocomposites exhibited improved functional properties while preserving the tubular structure of halloysite. The cytotoxic activity of eHal and eHal-polycation nanocomposites against normal human lung fibroblasts (MRC5) was determined using MTT assay. The results showed good biocompatibility of the prepared nanocomposites, with a cell survival rate of more than 90 %. The mucoadhesive properties of eHal and the corresponding chitosan nanocomposites were investigated in vitro. Primarily, ζ-potential measurements revealed electrostatic interactions between the eHal-polycation nanocomposites and mucin. The absorption study showed that the eHal-MeLChi nanocomposites could adsorb a greater amount of mucin (≈82 %) than the eHal-LChi nanocomposites (≈72 %) and eHal (≈58 %) after 8 h of incubation. Furthermore, the compacts of the tested samples were prepared by direct compression, and the detachment force against the mucin compact was measured using a texture analyzer. A significantly higher detachment force of the eHal-MeLChi nanocomposite compact (1.59 ± 0.07 N) from the mucin compact was determined compared to the eHal-LChi (1.35 ± 0.08 N) and eHal (0.98 ± 0.08 N) samples, demonstrating their improved mucoadhesive potential. In summary, this study demonstrates that functionalization of eHal with MeLChi may be a useful approach for the preparation of nanocomposites as potential carriers for mucoadhesive dosage forms.

Investigating mechanical properties and energy absorption of elastomeric polymer nanocomposites containing cellulose nanofibers in tensile, quasi-static compression, and high strain rate tests

In this study, mechanical properties and energy absorption of elastomeric nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers are investigated from tensile, Quasi-static Compression (QSC), and Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests. For this purpose, the design and preparation of rubber nanocomposites with different loadings of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were carried out, and the optimal cure temperature (T90) of the rubber compound containing cellulose nanofibers was determined from the rheometer test. In the continuation of this study, the effects of adding cellulose nanofibers on the tensile strength, elongation to break, and energy absorption of the proposed Nano-composites were investigated. The results showed that the nanocomposite containing 6 phr increases the ultimate strength and elastic modulus of 300% by 33.5% and 22.7%, respectively, compared to the control rubber (0 phr). Similarly, these numbers are about 10 and 65% for loading 12 phr cellulose nanofibers. From the results of the quasi-static compression test for different amounts of cellulose nanofibers at a strain rate of 50%, it was found that the lowest and highest compressive stress due to the resistance of elastomeric nanocomposites is related to the control sample (0 phr) and the 12 phr sample, respectively. Also, from high strain rate tests of Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar, it was found that the fracture mechanism of flexible composites containing cellulose nanofibers changes in response to a high-speed impact, and the samples respond to high-pressure impact with brittle fractures. It was also found that rubber nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers are very sensitive to strain rates. As the strain rate increases, the energy absorption of rubber nanocomposites increases. The optimal loading (6 phr) of cellulose nanofibers in rubber compounds makes them suitable for energy absorption applications. Cellulosic nanofibers provide acceptable dispersion of nanomaterials through good interaction with natural rubber and lignin-carbon fillers. Therefore, through the physical interweaving of fillers with polymer chains, CNF provide better binding of polymer chains to improve properties.

Enhanced antimicrobial activity of photocatalytic titanium oxide upon formation of composites with polyaniline via an eco-friendly and facile microwave synthesis approach

This study proposes inexpensive antimicrobial polyaniline-titanium oxide (PANI-TiO2) samples prepared through eco-friendly enhanced microwave (MW) synthesis with 93 W applied over 10 min in aqueous 1.25 M hydrochloric acid media (HCl) using potassium iodate (KIO3) as oxidising agent, an approach suitable for industrial scale up production of PANI polymers at room temperature. The PANI-TiO2 samples are produced in the presence of 5–20 wt% of TiO2 in the initial reaction mixture along with aniline monomer by both the enhanced MW method and a classical chemical synthesis (CS) method at room temperature. The nanocomposites showed lower conductivity than pure PANI, slightly higher conductivity was observed in the MW prepared PANI-TiO2 in comparison to CS prepared PANI-TiO2. This result can be correlated with the observation that the optical absorbance of MW PANI-TiO2 samples were notable higher than for CS PANI-TiO2, which may be due to the presence of a greater amount of polarons present in the samples prepared by the enhanced MW method. MW PANI-TiO2 samples were equally active against both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria, in contrast to the CS PANI-TiO2 samples, which could be due to presence of short-chain fragments in the CS samples as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The incorporation of PANI particles in TiO2 showed enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to pure TiO2, with greater antifungal activity. Our study indicates that a facile, low-cost, and green enhanced MW method can be used for preparation of the advanced antimicrobial PANI-TiO2 nanocomposites for biomedical applications.

Preparation and characterization of bamboo based nanocellulose by ball milling and used as a filler for preparation of nanocomposite

In this research, bamboo-based nanocellulose was prepared and characterized using high-speed ball milling to reduce initial bamboo powder particle size for potential use in nanocomposites. FTIR analysis revealed structural modifications, including increased cellulose content and decreased lignin content post-treatment. XRD analysis indicated a shift from cellulose I to cellulose II, suggesting altered crystallinity and hydrogen-bonding networks. SEM analysis revealed distinct morphological changes between untreated and NaOH-treated bamboo fibers, with the latter exhibiting surface modifications indicative of effective treatment. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated a reduction in particle size to approximately 80 nm, with reduced aggregation and individualized nanofibrils. Tensile tests of bamboo nanoparticle-epoxy biocomposites with varying weight percentages (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %) of nanoparticles showed enhanced tensile strength up to 1.5 % loading (83.92 ± 1.74 MPa), but a decrease at 2 % loading (70.24 ± 1.80 MPa), indicating increased strain-to-failure. SEM and TEM images illustrated a homogeneous distribution at 1.5 wt%, but increased agglomeration at higher contents, impacting microstructure. This study underscores bamboo-derived nanocellulose's potential for tailored applications and improved mechanical properties in nanocomposites, highlighting the critical role of filler content in material performance and microstructure.

Strength Weakening and Phase Transition Mechanisms in Nanoindentation of Al/Mg-Layered Nanocomposites: A Molecular Dynamic Study

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the nanoindentation behavior of Al/Mg-layered nanocomposites with varying layer thicknesses and Mg layer orientations in this study. The aim is to understand the weakening mechanisms at low layer thicknesses and the phase transition mechanisms associated with the dislocation slip angle in the Mg layer. Results indicate that the nanoindentation strength of nanocomposites increases with the layer thickness in the range of 1–10 nm, with the strength of 9.5 × 10−7 N at 10 nm being approximately 73% higher than that at 1 nm. This strength increase is mainly attributed to high interfacial stress, the higher percentage of amorphous atoms, weakened interatomic interactions, and the transition of adjacent interfaces to fully coherent interfaces that significantly reduce their ability to hinder dislocations at the low-layer thickness range. Additionally, in the initial deformation process, the hexagonal close-packed (HCP) phase of the Mg layer firstly transforms into the body-centered cubic (BCC) phase due to its lower energy barrier, followed by the emergence of a faced-centered cubic (FCC) phase driven by 1/3<1−100> dislocations. In the late stage of deformation, new dislocations are generated in the FCC phase and move along its slip planes, altering the dislocation direction. The FCC/HCP interfacial configuration also affects the HCP phase transition mechanism in the Mg layer. When the dislocation slip angle is 0°, the primary phase transition is the BCC phase, whereas a 45° slip angle results in the FCC phase. These findings will provide a guide for the preparation and manufacturing of new high-quality layered nanocomposites.

Green Hydrothermal Preparation of Ag-CP Nanocomposites with Lily Bulbs for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Detection

Green Hydrothermal Preparation of Ag-CP Nanocomposites with Lily Bulbs for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Detection

Poly(butylene succinate) reinforced by small amount of grafted nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose: Toughness variability based on nanocomposites preparation method

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a promising biodegradable polymer; however, its low mechanical performance limits its application. To address this issue, long fiber length nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose (HP-NFBC), produced by a bottom-up process using cellulose-producing bacterium and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as a dispersing agent was used as reinforcement agent. Hydrophobic moieties were grafted on HP-NFBC surface to increase surface compatibility. Nanocomposites prepared by both solvent casting and melt-kneading were evaluated. By solvent casting, the addition of 0.25 wt% of grafted HP-NFBC increased the toughness by 212 %. Melt-kneading revealed an increase in flexural strength and young’s modulus. More evident improvement was observed when the nanocomposites were annealed, and the ultimate strength increased by 113 % at 2 wt% of grafted HP-NFBC incorporation. Great increased in toughness were achieved only by small incorporation of grafted HP-NFBC. Additionally, compost biodegradation tests were conducted to confirm that the nanocomposites had biodegradability similar to that of PBS.

Preparation of multistage porous polymer nanocomposites and its application in architectural design

In order to solve the problem that the toughness (impact strength) of the traditional elastomer toughening will decrease its rigidity (modulus) while improving the toughness (impact strength) of the material, the multi-porous nano-cacO3/polymer composite and its application in building plastics were proposed. In this essay, the mechanical properties of nano-caco3/PVC/CPE and nano-caco3/PP/SBS composites are studied. The results showed that the notch impact strength increased by 15.8 % from 46.8 kJ/m2 to 54.2kJ/m2 when two nano-cacO3 was added into the PP/SBS blend system, indicating that nano-cacO3 also toughened PP to some extent. ConclusionNano Ca-CO3 has remarkable toughening effect on PVC blending system, and also has certain toughening effect on PP blending system. The profile with nano-cacO3 added can ensure the impact performance of low temperature drop hammer, while the notched impact strength, tensile strength, elongation at break and flexural modulus of the simply supported beam are significantly improved compared with the profile without nano-cacO3 added. The application of nano CaCO3/PVC/CPE composites in the profile of PVC doors and Windows is studied.

Facile microwave-assisted synthesis of Sb2O3-CuO nanocomposites for catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol

Recently, bimetallic nanocomposites have been prepared and used in the fields of sensing, catalysis, energy and medicine. However, there are few reports on the preparation and application of new antimony-metal nanocomposites based on two-dimensional antimonene (AM). Herein, Sb2O3-CuO nanocomposites were facilely synthesized by using microwave-assisted heating the mixture solution of AM and Cu2+ ions and utilized for catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP). Interestingly, in the mixed solution of AM and various metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+), only the mixture of AM and Cu2+ ions showed efficient fading and absorption reduction effects on PNP after being heated. A series of characterization on morphology and elemental composition confirmed that the nanocomposites obtained after microwave heating was composed of Sb, Cu, O elements (namely Sb2O3-CuO), and was a layered structure loaded with numerous irregular particles. Compared with other catalysts, the nanocomposite has higher catalytic efficiency (the rate constant of 1.07 s−1), and was capable of degrading 96 % of PNP with only 3 s reaction. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the copper-mediated Fenton-like reaction in the nanocomposites induced hydroxyl radicals which can efficiently attack and degrade PNP. This study presents a novel approach to the synthesis of antimony-metal nanocomposites and provides a potential solution for the treatment of organic pollutants.

Preparation of Green Silver Nanoparticles and Eco-Friendly Polymer-AgNPs Nanocomposites: A Study of Toxic Properties across Multiple Organisms.

This article focuses on the eco-friendly (green) synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their incorporation into a polymer matrix. For AgNPs synthesis, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) leaf extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent, and as a silver precursor, AgNO3 solution with different concentrations of silver (50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/L) was used. Prepared AgNPs colloids were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The spherical morphology of AgNPs with an average size of 20 nm was confirmed across all samples. Further, the antimicrobial properties of the AgNPs were evaluated using the disk diffusion method on algae (Chlorella kessleri) and the well diffusion method on bacteria (Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus uberis), along with root growth inhibition tests on white mustard (Sinapis alba). Polymer composite (PVA-AgNPs) was prepared by incorporation of AgNPs into the polymer matrix. Subsequently, non-woven textiles and thin foils were prepared. The distribution of AgNPs within the nanocomposites was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial properties of PVA-AgNPs composites were analyzed on bacteria Streptococcus uberis. It was found that not only AgNPs showed good antimicrobial properties, but toxic properties were also transferred to the PVA-AgNPs nanocomposite.

Incorporating mannose-functionalized hydroxyapatite/metal-organic framework into the hyaluronic acid hydrogel film: A potential dual-targeted oral anticancer delivery system

The recent challenge in enhancing the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to cancer cells is improving the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drug delivery systems while minimizing their systemic side effects. In this study, the MIL-88(Fe) metal-organic framework was synthesized using the in situ method in the presence of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP) toward the HAP/MIL-88(Fe) (HM) nanocomposite preparation. It was then functionalized with mannose (M) as an anticancer receptor through the Steglich esterification method. Various analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of MHM. For drug release investigation, 5-Fu was loaded into the MHM, which was then coated with a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel film. Characterization analyses verified the structure of the resulting HA/5-Fu-MHM hydrogel film. In vitro drug release experiments showed that the release of 5-Fu drug from HA/5-Fu-MHM could be controlled with pH, reducing its release rate in the acidic environment of the stomach while increasing it in the intestinal environment. Cytotoxicity results of the HA/5-Fu-MHM hydrogel film against HT29 cancer cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity due to the mannose and hyaluronic acid in its structure, which triggers a dual-targeted drug delivery system. The obtained results indicate that the prepared hydrogel films can be a promising bio-platform for colon cancer treatment.

Preparation and characterization of transparent advanced smart nanocomposites reinforced by nanofibrillated cellulose/poly(methyl methacrylate)/methyl methacrylate/benzoyl peroxide

Transparent smart nanocomposites, which are among the advanced materials, were developed with the synergistic effect of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFCs) as a natural bionanomaterial, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a biocompatible microcapsule, methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a monomer, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator and catalyst. Epoxy resin was reinforced with NFC, PMMA, MMA, and BPO. Casting, which appears to be an industrially promising method that allows for cost-effective and high-quantity production, was used for producing transparent advanced nanocomposites. The properties of the nanocomposites, including yield strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness, impact energy, and self-healing capability, were determined. Increases in the yield strength (136.4%), modulus of elasticity (260%), hardness (28.3%), and impact energy (75%) were observed in the transparent smart nanocomposites reinforced with NFC, PMMA, MMA, and BPO, compared to pure epoxy composites. Furthermore, the transparent advanced smart nanocomposites self-healed by about 7% after the notch/scratch defect. It has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as interior and structural components for the aerospace and automotive industries, packaging, flexible screens, and lightweight transparent materials.

Hydrophilization and Functionalization of Fullerene C60 with Maleic Acid Copolymers by Forming a Non-Covalent Complex.

In this study, we report an easy approach for the production of aqueous dispersions of C60 fullerene with good stability. Maleic acid copolymers, poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) (SM), poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-alt-maleic acid) (VM) and poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid) (EM) were used to stabilize C60 fullerene molecules in an aqueous environment by forming non-covalent complexes. Polymer conjugates were prepared by mixing a solution of fullerene in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) with an aqueous solution of the copolymer, followed by exhaustive dialysis against water. The molar ratios of maleic acid residues in the copolymer and C60 were 5/1 for SM and VM and 10/1 for EM. The volume ratio of NMP and water used was 1:1.2-1.6. Water-soluble complexes (composites) dried lyophilically retained solubility in NMP and water but were practically insoluble in non-polar solvents. The optical and physical properties of the preparations were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, TGA and XPS. The average diameter of the composites in water was 120-200 nm, and the ξ-potential ranged from -16 to -20 mV. The bactericidal properties of the obtained nanostructures were studied. Toxic reagents and time-consuming procedures were not used in the preparation of water-soluble C60 nanocomposites stabilized by the proposed copolymers.