Synthesis and Characterization of Acrylic Resin/Kaolin Composites for Dielectric Applications.

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of acrylic resin/kaolin composites for dielectric applications. Acrylic resin, while widely used for its mechanical strength and ease of processing, exhibits limited dielectric properties, which restrict its use in high-performance electrical insulation. To address this, varying concentrations (0-70%) of raw kaolin, containing 71% kaolinite, were incorporated into an acrylic resin matrix to enhance its dielectric strength and thermal stability.

Polymeric Protective Films as Anticorrosive Coatings-Environmental Evaluation.

The behavior of two polymeric protective paint coatings (epoxy and polyurethane) applied over an epoxy primer coating on steel plates was investigated in this study, focusing on their role in providing anticorrosive protection against various climatic stress factors. Among the numerous climatic factors that can affect the lifetime of anticorrosive coatings, the following were selected for this work: dry heat, UV radiation, humidity, and extreme conditions such as salt fog, marine atmosphere, and alpine atmosphere. The objective was to determine the remaining lifetime of these protective coatings before replacement is needed to prevent damage to the equipment they protect.

Composites from Recycled Polypropylene and Carboxymethylcellulose with Potential Uses in the Interior Design of Vehicles.

This research investigates novel polymeric composite materials for automotive interior trim applications. The composites utilize recycled polypropylene (PPr) matrix and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as filler (PPr/CMC: 100/0, 95/5, and 90/10 wt.%).

Electrical and Electro-Thermal Characteristics of (Carbon Black-Graphite)/LLDPE Composites with PTC Effect.

Electrical properties and electro-thermal behavior were studied in composites with carbon black (CB) or hybrid filler (CB and graphite) and a matrix of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). LLDPE, a (co)polymer with low crystallinity but with high structural regularity, was less studied for (PTC) applications, but it would be of interest due to its higher flexibility as compared to HDPE. Structural characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a segregated structure resulted from preparation by solid state powder mixing followed by hot molding.

Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Incorporation in Polyurethane Foams: A Solution for Future Antimicrobial Materials?

With the technological developments witnessed in recent decades, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have found uses in several common applications and products we encounter daily. On the other hand, polyurethane (PU) foams represent an extremely versatile material, being widely recognized for their extensive application possibilities and possessing a multitude of fundamental attributes that enhance their broad usability across various application fields. By combining the versatility of PU with the antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles, this emerging field holds promise for addressing the urgent need for effective antimicrobial materials in various applications.

A sustainable bio-based char as emerging electrode material for energy storage applications.

In the last few years, extensive research efforts have been made to develop novel bio-char-based electrodes using different strategies starting from a variety of biomass precursors as well as applying different thermochemical conversion paths. In this regard, hydrothermal carbonization method is becoming a more prevalent option among conversion procedures even if pyrolysis remains crucial in converting biomass into carbonaceous materials. The main aim of this study is to develop an innovative supercapacitor electrode from spruce bark waste through a unique low-temperature technique approach, which proved to effectively eliminate the pyrolysis step.

Radiation Processing of Styrene-isoprene-styrene/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Blends.

The irradiation consequences on styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends are discussed starting from the oxidation initiation. Three characterization methods: chemiluminescence, differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR spectroscopy are applied. The differences that exist between the two components are revealed, when the oxidation rates of the inspected formulas depend on the blending proportion and the degradation conditions.

On the Use of Oxidation Induction Time as a Kinetic Parameter for Condition Monitoring and Lifetime Evaluation under Ionizing Radiation Environments.

The durability of polymeric materials is closely linked to their degradation under specific operating conditions when different stressors-general or specific, such as high temperature, sunlight or ionizing radiation, solvents, or mechanical stresses-act simultaneously, causing degradation. In the case of electrical cables, the durability of the electrically insulating materials used in their construction is an important parameter to ensure their operational security. In this work, we studied the degradation state of various types of electrical insulating materials from cables used in particle acceleration systems under European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) conditions (e.

High-Efficiency Biocidal Solution Based on Radiochemically Synthesized Cu-Au Alloy Nanoparticles.

The use of nanotechnologies in the applied biomedical sciences can offer a new way to treat infections and disinfect surfaces, materials, and products contaminated with various types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The Cu-Au nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by an eco-friendly method that allowed the obtaining in a one-step process of size controlled, well dispersed, fully reduced, highly stable NPs at very mild conditions, using high energy ionizing radiations. The gamma irradiation was performed in an aqueous system of Cu/Au/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)/Ethylene Glycol.