Mechanical Performance of Rotationally Molded Multilayer mLDPE/Banana-Fiber Composites.

The incorporation of materials different from the polymer within the rotational molding process usually results in lowered mechanical properties, where impact strength is of particular concern. In order to overcome this issue, multilayer structures of virgin polyethylene (PE) and banana fiber composites were prepared to determine the impact of the different layers on the performance of the final part. Cycle time has been studied to identify the influence of the addition of fibers in the process.

Chitosan/Silver Nanoparticle/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites with Multi-Drug Release, Antimicrobial, and Photothermal Conversion Functions.

In this work, we designed and fabricated a multifunctional nanocomposite system that consists of chitosan, raspberry-like silver nanoparticles, and graphene oxide. The room temperature atmospheric pressure microplasma (RT-APM) process provides a rapid, facile, and environmentally-friendly method for introducing silver nanoparticles into the composite system. Our composite can achieve a pH controlled single and/or dual drug release.

Mechanical testing methods for drug-releasing vaginal rings.

Vaginal rings (VRs) are currently marketed for contraceptive or hormone regulation purposes, and investigationally, have been widely reported for delivery of antiretrovirals to reduce HIV transmission. To date, there is no national or international standard for the mechanical testing and minimum performance characteristics of any VR based products. Here, we describe a series of mechanical tests examining the durometer hardness, static and dynamic compression response, tensile properties and twist resistance of vaginal rings.