Synergistic Toughening of Epoxy through Layered Poly(ether imide) with Dual-Scale Morphologies.

Toughness of epoxies is commonly improved by adding thermoplastic phases, which is achieved through dissolution and phase separation at the microscale. However, little is known about the synergistic effects of toughening phases on multiple scales. Therefore, here, we study the toughening of epoxies with layered poly(ether imide) (PEI) structures at the meso- to macroscale combined with gradient morphologies at the microscale originating from reaction-induced phase separation.

Polymer based nanocomposites: A strategic tool for detection of toxic pollutants in environmental matrices.

A large fraction of population is suffering from waterborne diseases due to the contaminated drinking water. Both anthropogenic and natural sources are responsible for water contamination. Revolution in industrial and agriculture sectors along with a huge increase in human population has brought more amount of wastes like heavy metals, pesticides and antibiotics.

Experimental Study of Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Random Copolymer and Rice-Husk-Based Biocomposite by Using Nanoindentation.

Nanoindentation is widely used to investigate the surface-mechanical properties of biocomposites. In this study, polypropylene random copolymer (PPRC) and biowaste rice husk (BRH) were used as the main raw materials, and glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene and talc were also used with BRH to enhance the mechanical characterization of the biocomposites. The interfacial bonding between the polymer and the rice husk was increased by treating them with maleic anhydride and NaOH, respectively.

Advanced polymeric/inorganic nanohybrids: An integrated platform for gas sensing applications.

Rapid industrial development, vehicles, domestic activities and mishandling of garbage are the main sources of pollutants, which are destroying the atmosphere. There is a need to continuously monitor these pollutants for the safety of the environment and human beings. Conventional instruments for monitoring of toxic gases are expensive, bigger in size and time-consuming.

Toughening of Epoxy Systems with Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN): A Review.

Epoxy resins are widely used for different commercial applications, particularly in the aerospace industry as matrix carbon fibre reinforced polymers composite. This is due to their excellent properties, i.e.

Nano-Indentation Response of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE): A Detailed Analysis.

Nano-indentation, a depth sensing technique, is a useful and exciting tool to investigate the surface mechanical properties of a wide range of materials, particularly polymers. Knowledge of the influence of experimental conditions employed during nano-indentation on the resultant nano-mechanical response is very important for the successful design of engineering components with appropriate surface properties. In this work, nano-indentation experiments were carried out by selecting various values of frequency, amplitude, contact depth, strain rate, holding time, and peak load.

Interfacial and Bulk Stabilization of Oil/Water System: A Novel Synergistic Approach.

Oil/water emulsions are usually stabilized either by interfacial modification using nanoparticles and surfactants (stated as pickering emulsion or bijels) or by bulk stabilization with the help of low-molecular-weight or polymeric gelators (known as bigels) in response to some external stimuli (e.g., pH, temperature).

Key characteristics and modelling of bigels systems: A review.

Bigels are interesting semisolid formulations with better properties for different applications such as cosmetics and pharmaceutical systems. Due to the mixing of two phases of different nature (polar and apolar), bigels possess some interesting features like ability to deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, better spreadability and water washability, improved permeability of drugs, enhanced hydration of stratum corneum and ability to manipulate the drug release rate. The main objective of this review article is to provide a thorough insight into the important characteristics of bigels together with the discussion on modelling of bigel systems to relate their properties with individual constituents and different parameters.