Publications by authors named "Eric Mauricio Rivera-Munoz"
Magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp-Mg) nanofibers show promise for medical applications due to their structural similarity to bone minerals and enhanced biological properties, such as improved biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. This study synthesized HAp-Mg nanofibers using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method (MAHM) to evaluate their cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy compared to commercial hydroxyapatite (HAp). Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful incorporation of magnesium, producing high-purity, crystalline nanofibers with hexagonal morphology.
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- The study explores the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) in polymer coatings, showing that small amounts can enhance mechanical properties through interactions with polymer chains.
- Different concentrations of TiO and SiO nanoparticles were added to a polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, and their effects on properties like crosslinking efficiency, hydrophobicity, and adhesion were analyzed using various spectroscopic and testing methods.
- Results indicate significant improvements in hardness, elastic modulus, and tensile strength with nanoparticle reinforcement, achieving increases of 157%, 71.4%, and 80% respectively, while maintaining flexibility to avoid brittleness.
Improving the Mechanical Resistance of Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Composite Materials Made of Nanofibers with Crystalline Preferential Orientation.
Materials (Basel)
July 2022
Article Synopsis
- The stability and mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp)/Chitosan composites rely on how well HAp aggregates are dispersed within the chitosan matrix and their chemical interaction.
- Hexagonal HAp nanofibers were synthesized using a microwave-assisted method, with glutamic acid aiding in controlling crystal growth for optimal orientation along the HAp crystal's "c" axis.
- The composite created from nanofibers and chitosan exhibited significantly higher mechanical resistance than similar composites made from commercial HAp powders, matching the mechanical resistance of human cortical bone.
In this work, novel adsorbents based on 3D hierarchical silica monoliths functionalized with thiol groups were used for the removal of Hg(II) ions from an acidic aqueous solution (pH 3.5). Silica monoliths were synthesized by using two different pluronic triblock polymers (P123 and F127) to study the effect of porous structure on their sorption capacity.
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- The energy sector is increasingly focused on finding solutions to the fossil fuel crisis, particularly through improving energy efficiency in buildings, which are major energy consumers.
- Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are being researched for their ability to store heat during heating and cooling processes, enhancing energy efficiency in construction.
- The review highlights different methods of encapsulating PCMs, especially macro encapsulation as the most promising approach, and emphasizes the need for more research on bio-based PCMs to replace traditional petroleum-based materials for environmental benefits.