Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) blocked polyurethane/carbon nanotubes coated cotton fabric prepared by ultrasonic-assisted inkjet printing for high performance strain sensors.

In order to fulfill the demands for degradability, a broad working range, and heightened sensitivity in flexible sensors, biodegradable polyurethane (BTPU) was synthesized and combined with CNTs to produce BTPU/CNTs coated cotton fabric using an ultrasonic-assisted inkjet printing process. The synthesized BTPU displayed a capacity for degradation in a phosphate buffered saline solution, resulting in a weight loss of 25 % after 12 weeks of degradation. The BTPU/CNTs coated cotton fabric sensor achieved an extensive strain sensing range of 0-137.

High Barrier Properties of Butyl Rubber Composites Containing Liquid Rubber and Graphene Oxide.

The high elasticity and excellent gas barrier properties of rubber composites make them irreplaceable in the field of sealing. Constructing a complicated barrier network to reduce free volume is crucial to improving gas barrier properties. In this research, liquid acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber/γ-Methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) modified graphene oxide/butyl rubber composites (LNBR/KGO/IIR) were fabricated.

Carbon Nanotube Coated Fibrous Tubes for Highly Stretchable Strain Sensors Having High Linearity.

Strain sensors are currently limited by an inability to operate over large deformations or to exhibit linear responses to strain. Producing strain sensors meeting these criteria remains a particularly difficult challenge. In this work, the fabrication of a highly flexible strain sensor based on electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibrous tubes comprising wavy and oriented fibers coated with carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is described.

Constructing Chemical Interface Layers by Using Ionic Liquid in Graphene Oxide/Rubber Composites to Achieve High-Wear Resistance in Environmental-Friendly Green Tires.

The harm caused by small rubber particles generated from tire abrasion to the atmosphere is receiving a continuing concern. For developing environmental-friendly tire tread materials with high wear resistance, building the strong interface between nano-fillers and rubber matrix is the primary challenge. Herein, ionic liquid (IL, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole chloride) was used to modify graphene oxide (GO) by π-cation interaction and hydrogen bonding between IL and GO.

Effect of concrete slats, three mat types and out-wintering pads on performance and welfare of finishing beef steers.

Background: The objective was to investigate the effect of placing mats on concrete slatted floors on performance, behaviour, hoof condition, dirt scores, physiological and immunological variables of beef steers, and to compare responses with animals on out-wintering pads. Continental crossbred beef steers [n = 360; mean (±SD) initial live weight 539 kg (42.2)] were blocked by breed and live weight and randomly assigned to one of five treatments; (1) Concrete slats alone, (2) Mat 1 (Natural Rubber structure) (Durapak Rubber Products), (3) Mat 2 (Natural rubber structure) (EasyFix), (4) Mat 3 (modified ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam structure) and (5) Out-wintering pads (OWP's).

Investigation into the electromechanical properties of dielectric elastomers subjected to pre-stressing.

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are being exploited for biological applications such as artificial blood pumps, biomimetic grippers and biomimetic robots. Generally, polyacrylate and silicone rubber (SR) are the most widely used materials for fabricating DEs in terms of mixing with other polymers or compounding them with highly dielectric particles. Furthermore, pre-stretch offers an effective approach to increasing actuated strain and dielectric strength and eliminating 'pull-in' instability.

The Tromped: a solution for flight-related deep vein thrombosis?

Flight-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is well recognized. Reduced venous return occurs during immobility. This alteration in venous hemodynamics may contribute to DVT development.