Cassava bagasse cellulose nanofibrils reinforced thermoplastic cassava starch

Cellulose cassava bagasse nanofibrils (CBN) were directly extracted from a by-product of the cassava starch (CS) industry, viz. the cassava bagasse (CB), The morphological structure of the ensuing nanoparticles was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), presence of other components such as sugars by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. The resulting nanofibrils display a relatively low crystallinity and were found to be around 2-11 nm thick and 360-1700 nm long. These nanofibrils were used as reinforcing nanoparticles in a thermoplastic cassava starch matrix plasticized using either glycerol or a mixture of glycerol/sorbitol (1:1) as plasticizer. Nanocomposite films were prepared by a melting process. The reinforcing effect of the filler evaluated by dynamical mechanical tests (DMA) and tensile tests was found to depend on the nature of the plasticizer employed. Thus, for the glycerol-plasticized matrix-based composites, it was limited especially due to additional plasticization by sugars originating from starch hydrolysis during the acid extraction. This effect was evidenced by the reduction of glass vitreous temperature of starch after the incorporation of nanofibrils in TPSG and by the increase of elongation at break in tensile test. On the other hand, for glycerol/sorbitol plasticized nanocomposites the transcrystallization of amylopectin in nanofibrils surface hindered good performances of CBN as reinforcing agent for thermoplastic cassava starch. The incorporation of cassava bagasse cellulose nanofibrils in the thermoplastic starch matrices has resulted in a decrease of its hydrophilic character especially for glycerol plasticized sample. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extrusion and characterization of functionalized cellulose whiskers reinforced polyethylene nanocomposites

The surface of ramie cellulose whiskers has been chemically modified by grafting organic acid chlorides presenting different lengths of the aliphatic chain by an esterification reaction. The occurrence of the chemical modification was evaluated by FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, elemental analysis and contact angle measurements. The crystallinity of the particles was not altered by the chain grafting, but it was shown that covalently grafted chains were able to crystallize at the cellulose surface when using C18. Both unmodified and functionalized nanoparticles were extruded with low density polyethylene to prepare nanocomposite materials. The homogeneity of the ensuing nanocomposites was found to increase with the length of the grafted chains. The thermomechanical properties of processed nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests. A significant improvement in terms of elongation at break was observed when sufficiently long chains were grafted on the surface of the nanoparticles. It was ascribed to improved dispersion of the nanoparticles within the LDPE matrix. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Social fabrics

Existing wearable computing research and indeed commercial products, have explored how to control phones and music players in pockets. They have typically relied on interaction via simple flexible button sensors. This thesis proposes, design and develops new ways of interacting which explore the potential of clothes, such as pulling or stretching. Its aim to present and demonstrate the value of embodied and intuitive inputs based on standard clothing elements such as zips, fasteners, beads, Velcro and magnets. Individual interactions for each are described and discussed before a final combination application, the MusicHoodie, which is developed to control an MP3 player. A simple usability test on this system reveals a range of interesting and promising results about which were the most acceptable and understandable inputs. This thesis closes with a discussion of the implications and contributions of the work it presents.

Nanocatalysts for sustainable industrial processses

In Chapter 1, rhodium nanoparticles were supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and bound to the magnetic core-shell system Fe3O4@TiO2. The composite Fe3O4@TiO2-Rh-MWCNT and the intermediates were characterized by SEM, EDS and TEM. Their catalytic activity was studied using i) the hydrogenation transfer of nitroarenes and cyclohexene in the presence of hydrazine hydrate; ii) the reduction of 2-nitrophenol with NaBH4; and iii) the decoloration of pigments in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The results were monitored by gas chromatography (i) and UV Visible (ii and iii). In the second chapter, the catalytic activity of six oxidovanadium(V) aroylhydrazone complexes, viz. [VOL1(OEt)][VOL1(OEt)(EtOH)] (1), [VOL2(OEt)] (2), [Et3NH][VO2L1] (3), [VO2(H2L2)]2·EtOH (4), [VOL1(µ -O)VOL1] (5) and [VOL2(µ -O)VOL2] (6) (H2L1 = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2hydroxybenzohydrazide and H2L2 = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2 aminobenzohydrazide), anchored on nanodiamonds with different treatments, was studied towards the microwave-assisted partial oxidation of 1-phenylethanol to acetophenone in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. A high selectivity for acetophenone was achieved for the optimized conditions. The possibility of recycling and reuse the heterogeneous catalysts was also investigated. In chapter 3, the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles supported at different metal oxides, such as Fe2O3, Al2O3 ZnO or TiO2, was studied for the above reaction. The effect of the support, quantity of the catalyst and temperature was investigated. The recyclability of the gold catalysts was also studied. In the last chapter, a new copper nanocomposite with functionalized mutiwalled carbon nanotubes (Cu-MWCNT) was synthesized using a microwave assisted polyol method. The characterization was performed using XRD and SEM. The catalytic activity of Cu-MWCNT was studied through the degradation of pigments, such as amaranth, brilliant blue, indigo, tartrazine and methylene blue.

New bacterial cellulose nanocomposites prepared by in situ radical polymerization of methacrylate monomers

Bacterial cellulose/polymethacrylate nanocomposites have received attention in numerous areas of study and in a variety of applications. The attractive properties of methacrylate polymers and bacterial cellulose, BC, allow the synthesis of new nanocomposites with distinct characteristics. In this study, BC/poly(glycidylmethacrylate) (BC/PGMA) and BC/poly(ethyleneglycol)methacrylate (BC/PPEGMA) nanocomposites were prepared through in situ free radical polymerization of GMA and PEGMA, respectively. Ammonium persulphate (APS) was used as an initiator and N,N’methylenebisacrilamide (MBA) was used as a crosslinker in BC/PGMA. Chemical composition, morphology, thermal stability, water absorption, mechanic and surface properties were determined through specific characterization techniques. The optimal polymerization was obtained at (1:2) for BC/PGMA, (1:2:0.2) ratio for BC/GMA/MBA and (1:20) for BC/PPEGMA, with 0.5% of initiator at 60 ºC during 6 h. A maximum of 67% and 87% of incorporation percentage was obtained, respectively, for the nanocomposites BC/PGMA/MBA and BC/PPEGMA. BC/PGMA nanocomposites exhibited an increase of roughness and compactation of the three-dimensional structure, an improvement in the thermal and mechanical properties, and a decrease in their swelling ability and crystallinity. On the other hand, BC/PPEGMA showed a decrease of stiffness of three-dimensional structure, improvement in thermal and mechanical properties, an increase in their swelling ability and a decrease the crystallinity. Both BC/polymethacrylate nanocomposites exhibited a basic surface character. The acid treatment showed to be a suitable strategy to modifiy BC/PGMA nanocomposites through epoxide ring-opening reaction mechanism. Nanocomposites became more compact, smooth and with more water retention ability. A decrease in the thermal and mechanical proprieties was observed. The new nanocomposites acquired properties useful to biomedical applications or/and removal of heavy metals due to the presence of functional groups.

Síntese hidrotérmica assistida por micro-ondas de tiO2, e aplicação em nanocompósito

In recent decades have seen a sharp growth in the study area of nanoscience and nanotechnology and is included in this area, the study of nanocomposites with self-cleaning properties. Since titanium dioxide (TiO2) has high photocatalytic activity and also antimicrobial, self-cleaning surfaces in your application has been explored. In this study a comparison was made between two synthesis routes to obtain TiO2 nanoparticles by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave. And after analysis of XRD and SEM was considered the best material for use in nanocomposites. It was deposited nanocomposite film of poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% by weight of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) by the spraying method. The nanocomposite was diluted with hexane and the suspension was deposited onto glass substrate, followed by curing in an oven with forced air circulation. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite impregnated with methylene blue was evaluated by UV- vis spectroscopy from the intensity variation of absorption main peak at 660nm with time of exposure to the UV chamber. Changes in the contact angle and microhardness were analyzed before and after UV aging test. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the chemical structure of the PDMS matrix was evaluated by spectrophotometry Fourier transform infrared (FTIR).The results indicated that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in the coating PDMS gave high photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of methylene blue, an important characteristic for the development of self-cleaning coatings

Biocompósitos poliméricos obtidos a partir da fração lignocelulósica e amilácea do caroço de manga (mangifera indica), Tommy atkins

This employment has the function the utilization of mango seeds Tommy Atkins, like starch source to obtain biopolymers and fibers source and nanowhiskers cellulose also, that will be use like reinforcing fillers in micro and nanobiocomposites polymeric. The fibers in natura removed from tegument mango seed were characterized, as weel as the treated fibers and nanowhiskers of cellulose extracted from them. The starch extracted from seed s almond showed a good performance (32%) and a high purity. The chemicals analyzes, of crystallinity and morphological of the fibers in natura, treated fibers and nanowhiskers of cellulose confirmed the efficacy of the chemical treatement performed to remove amorphous constituents (hemicellulose and lignina). The thermoplastic starch (TPS) obtained from two sources, corn starch and starchy material mango, was produced in a twin screw extruder with compositon mass of 62,5% of starch, 9,4% of water and 28,1% of glycerol. The starch material mango was the main objective of this work for the production of biodegradable materials, and the starch corn was utilized during the production stage to evaluate the processability of the starch and use as parameter for comparison, according of being a conventional source for obtaining conventional comercial starch. The incorporation of fibers (6% in mass) and nanowhiskers cellulose (1% in mass) in matrix of TPS to obtain composite and nanocomposite, respectively, it was performed in single screw extruder. The biocomposites and bionanocomposites polymeric were obtained and the TPS from starchy material mango presented better results of thermal and mechanicals properties when compared to TPS corn starch. Concludes that the sediment generated of the agroindustrial processing mango used presents potencial to producing of biodegradables materials

Efeito da adição de grafite expandido por microondas nas propriedades térmicas, elétricas e mecânicas de nanocompósitos de matriz epóxi

Epoxy based nanocomposites with 1 wt % and 3 wt % of nanographite were processed by high shear mixing. The nanographite was obtained by chemical (acid intercalation), thermal (microwave expansion) and mechanical (ultrasonic exfoliation) treatments. The mechanical, electrical and thermal behavior of the nanocomposites was determined and evaluated as a function of the percentage of reinforcement. According to the experimental results, the electrical conductivity of epoxy was not altered by the addition of nanographite in the contents evaluated. However, based on the mechanical tests, nanocomposites with addition of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of nanographite showed increase in tensile strength of 16,62 % and 3,20 %, respectively, compared to the neat polymer. The smaller increase in mechanical strength of the nanocomposite with 3 wt.% of nanographite was related to the formation of agglomerates. The addition of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of nanographite also resulted in a decrease of 6,25 % and 17,60 %, respectively, in the relative density of the material. Thus, the specific strength of the nanocomposites was approximately 33,33 % greater when compared to the neat polymer. The addition of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of nanographite in the material increased the mean values of thermal conductivity in 28,33 % and 132,62 %, respectively, combined with a reduction of 26,11 % and 49,80 % in volumetric thermal capacity, respectively. In summary, it has been determined that an addition of nanographite of the order of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% produced notable elevations in specific strength and thermal conductivity of epoxy

Dielectric properties of thermosetting material nanocomposites

The dieletric relaxation properties of thermosetting material nanocomposites based on spherosilicate nanoplatforms were studied from room temperature to 170 degrees C, varying the frequency from 10 to 1000 KHz. Permittivity (epsilon'), dielectric loss (epsilon ''), and activation energy (E-a) were calculated. The results of dielectric relaxation were confirmed by those of the final properties. The dielectric loss amplitude decreases with increasing ODPG content until about 70-73 wt % and slightly increases at higher ODPG content. This means that the increasing of the ODPG content in the composite samples decreases the number of pendants groups and/or increases crosslink densitv, causing decreased motion of organic tethers, and subsequently decreasing of the dipolar mobility. The results of apparent activation energy, fracture toughness and tensile modulus mechanical properties show the same profile with respect to ODPG content, in the sense that they exhibit maxima around 70 wt % ODPG. For the ODPG/MDA composites, this formulation of 70 wt % ODPG containing excess of amine is not composition where the highest crosslinked density is reached. This implies that the best mechanical properties and E-a are provided by some degree of chain flexibility. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

LDPE/EVA Composites for Antimicrobial Properties

Composites with antimicrobial activity are of great interest nowadays and the development of titanium dioxide with these functional properties presents interest in academic and industrial sectors.An approach to develop PE composite containing silver microparticles to have an antimicrobial effect is presented. To obtain such antimicrobial composites, LDPE/EVA were processed with Ag particles on TiO2 particles as inorganic carrier substance. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (P-25) were covered with silver particles using Turkevich Method or citrate reduction method. The Ag/TiO2 particles were dispersed at concentration of 0,8 wt% and 1% wt% in LDPE/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)-(50% w/w) at the melt state in a Haake torque Rheometer. Silver microparticles were characterized with UV-Vis Spectroscopy. The composites thus prepared were characterized through XRD, Ares Rheometer, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and JIS Z 2801 antimicrobial tests to study the effects of the addition of particles on rheological properties, morphological behavior and antimicrobial properties. The results showed that incorporation of silver/titanium dioxide particles on composites obtained systems with differents dispersions. The Ag/TiO2 particles showed uniform distribution of Ag on TiO2 particles as observed by SEM-EDX and antimicrobial tests according to JIS Z 2801 shows excellent antimicrobial properties.

Desenvolvimento e caracterização de nanocompósito de resina epóxi com nanopartículas de sílica para revestimento de dutos para transporte de petróleo

The use of polymer based coatings is a promising approach to reduce the corrosion problem in carbon steel pipes used for the transport of oil and gas in the oil industry. However, conventional polymer coatings offer limited properties, which often cannot meet design requirements for this type of application, particularly in regard to use temperature and wear resistance. Polymer nanocomposites are known to exhibit superior properties and, therefore, offer great potential for this type of application. Nevertheless, the degree of enhancement of a particular property is greatly dependent upon the matrix/nanoparticle material system used, the matrix/nanoparticle interfacial bonding and also the state of dispersion of the nanoparticle in the polymer matrix. The objective of the present research is to develop and characterize polymer based nanocomposites to be used as coatings in metallic pipelines for the transportation of oil and natural gas. Epoxy/SiO2 nanocomposites with nanoparticle contents of 2, 4, and 8 wt % were processed using a high-energy mill. Modifications of the SiO2 nanoparticles‟ surfaces with two different silane agents were carried out and their effect on the material properties were investigated. The state of dispersion of the materials processed was studied using Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM and TEM) micrographs. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) were also conducted to determine the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. In addition, the processed nanocomposites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to investigate the effect of nanoparticles content and silane treatment on the viscoelastic properties and on the glass transition temperature. Finally, wear tests of the pin-on-disc type were carried out to determine the effects of the nanoparticles and the silane treatments studied. According to the results, the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles treated with silane increased the thermal stability, the storage modulus and Tg of the epoxy resin and decreased wear rate. This confirms that the interaction between the nanoparticles and the polymer chains plays a critical role on the properties of the nanocomposites

Desenvolvimento de nanocompósito (hidroxiapatita/ poliuretano) pela gelação (gelling) de poli ( álcool vinílico) (PVA) para remoção de metais pesados

Removing microcontaminants from effluents is a challenge today, because of its high cost and low efficiency, especially in the treatment of effluents containing heavy metals. An alternative that has emerged is the use of biodegradable nanocomposites, which exhibit good removal and recovery performances, in addition to its low cost. With this in mind, the present study aimed to develop and characterize a nanocomposite based on hydroxyapatite (HAP), polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for removing heavy metals. Thus, the research was conducted in several steps: i)- Physico-chemical and microbiological hospital effluent characterization; ii)- Production of hydroxyapatite by aqueous precipitation technique, and their characterization; iii)- Production of the nanocomposite in which the hydroxyapatite was added to the polyurethane prepolymers and then the polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite film was produced; iv)- Polyvinyl composite without film PU/HAp was also produced in the proportions of 20 and 40% HAp; v)- The composites was characterized by the techniques of XRD, FTIR, SEM / EDS, BET, Zeta Potential and TGA; vi)- The sisal and coconut fibres were washed and dried for comparative tests of adsorption; vii)- Adsorption tests for evaluating the removal of heavy metals (nickel and cadmium). Initial screening adsorption capacity (HAp; PU/HAp - 20 and 40%; PU / HAp / PVA), kinetic studies of adsorption of Cd (II) by HAp; multifactorial design analysis (factorial design) for identifying the most important variables in the adsorption of Cd (II) by composite PU/HAp. Also comparative analysis of adsorption of Cd and Ni by composite PU/HAp were conducted, as well as comparative tests of adsorption of Cd (coconut fibre) and Ni (sisal fibre). It was possible to verify that the composite PU/HAp 40% showed better effectiveness for the removal of Cd (II) and Ni (II), above 80%, equivalent to the lignocellulosic fibre used and HAp produced. As main conclusion, it can be referred that the composite PU/HAp 40% is an effective adsorvent to wastewater treatment for heavy metal removal, with low cost and high efficiency

Use of Primary Sludge from Pulp and Paper Mills for Nanocomposites

Cellulose nanocrystals have been evaluated as reinforcement material in polymeric matrices due to their potential to improve the mechanical, optical, and dielectric properties of these matrixes. This work describes how high pressure defibrillation and chemical purification affect the sludge fiber morphology from micro to nanoscale. Microscopy techniques and X-ray diffraction were used to study the structure and properties of the prepared nanofibers and composites. Microscopic studies showed that the used individualization processes lead to a unique morphology of interconnected web-like structure of sludge fibers. The nanofibers are bundles of cellulose fibers having widths (5 to 30 nm) and estimated lengths of several micrometers.

Use of Saponins as an Effective Surface Modifier in Cellulose Nanocomposites

The present paper deals with the extraction of saponins from the pericarp of Sapindus mukorossi to use as compatibilizer in nanocomposites. The nanofibrils extracted from banana fibres are utilized as reinforcement of nanocomposite. These nanofibers were treated with Saponin, GPS (3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) and APS (3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane) to compare the effectiveness of surface treatment. The effectiveness of surface modification was reflected on the increase in mechanical (tensile test, flexural modulus, impact test) properties and decrease in the RMS (Roughness Measurement System) roughness investigation by SFM (Scanning force microscopy) analysis.

Preparation and structural characterization of vulcanized natural rubber nanocomposites containing nickel-zinc ferrite nanopowders

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)