Electrodynamic Arrays Having Nanomaterial Electrodes

An electrodynamic array of conductive nanomaterial electrodes and a method of making such an electrodynamic array. In one embodiment, a liquid solution containing nanomaterials is deposited as an array of conductive electrodes on a substrate, including rigid or flexible substrates such as fabrics, and opaque or transparent substrates. The nanomaterial electrodes may also be grown in situ. The nanomaterials may include carbon nanomaterials, other organic or inorganic nanomaterials or mixtures

Вплив нанодобавок на властивості монониток

Встановлено, що гідрофобна добавка МК є більш ефективною, порівняно з добавкою (Ag/SiO2), що можна пояснити її одноріднішим розподілом в матриці неполярного ПП.Установлено, что гидрофобная добавка МК является более эффективной по сравнению с добавкой (Ag/SiO2), что можно объяснить ее однородным распределением в матрице неполярного ПП.It was found that the hydrophobic additive MS is more effective than the Ag/SiO2, by its uniform distribution in the matrix of nonpolar PP

Strain Sensors, Methods of Making Same, and Applications of Same

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a layered structure usable in a strain sensor. In one embodiment, the layered structure has a substrate with a first surface and an opposite, second surface defining a body portion therebetween; and a film of carbon nanotubes deposited on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the film of carbon nanotubes is conductive and characterized with an electrical resistance. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a preferential direction. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are formed in a yarn such that any mechanical stress increases their electrical response. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are incorporated into a polymeric scaffold that is attached to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes are functionalized such that its electrical conductivity is increased

Defence Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites

The potential opportunities promised by nanotechnology for enabling advances in defence technologies are staggering. Although these opportunities are likely to be realised over a few decades, many advantages are currently being explored, particularly for defence applications. This review provides an insight into the capabilities offered by nanocomposites which include smart materials, harder/lighter platforms, new fuel sources and storage as well as novel medical applications. It discusses polymer-based nanocomposite materials, nanoscale fillers and provides examples of the actual and potential uses of nanocomposite materials in defence with practical examples.Defence Science Journal, 2010, 60(5), pp.551-563, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.60.57

Carbon Nanotube Coatings as Used in Strain Sensors for Composite Tanks

The next generation of cryogenic fuel tanks, crew habitats and other components for future spacecraft will focus on the usc of lightweight carbon fiber composite materials. A critical issue in the design and optimization of such tanks and structures will bc in structural health monitoring, however, current strain sensors have limitations. In this study, a novel carbon nanotube thin film was applied to carbon fiber composites for structural monitoring. Applying a load using a 3-point bend test to simulate bowing of a tank wall, induced significant increases in the film's electrical resistance at small deflections. Upon release of the load, the resistance returned to its approximate start value and was reproducible over multiple tests. The results show that a carbon nanotube thin film has great potential for the health monitoring of composite structures

Functional materials in desalination: A review

This paper reviews various functional materials used in desalination. Desalination of the abundant seawater resource has emerged as a promising technology to meet the current fresh water demands. For improved performance, often functional materials such as photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, photothermal materials, sorbents, antibacterial materials and magnetic materials are utilized in thermal, membrane-based and other desalination technologies. With an aim to provide an insight on the existing research on functional materials and the purpose behind using such in desalination, this review collates different research studies of various functional properties and the subsequent materials utilized for those properties. New generation materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene form a major part, where they exhibit multiple functionalities with improved water transport properties, and thus have been deemed as very attractive enhancers to the desalination technology. Nevertheless, most of the functional materials, such as nano-TiO2, nano-zeolites, graphene, CNTs and magnetic nanoparticles suffer from several limitations such as specialized synthesis techniques, agglomeration, leaching and environmental and health concerns. This review focuses on such challenges and suggests improvements for enhanced incorporation of these in the desalination technology. Lastly, emerging new technologies, advanced fabrication methods and novel functional hybrid materials are reviewed to equip the readers with the latest research trends. Thus, a comprehensive review is essential which will provide current and future researchers an insight on the importance and significance of utilizing functional materials in various desalination technologies

Graphene toxicity as a double-edged sword of risks and exploitable opportunities: A critical analysis of the most recent trends and developments

Increased production volumes and a broadening application spectrum of graphene have raised concerns about its potential adverse effects on human health. Numerous reports demonstrate that graphene irrespective of its particular form exerts its effects on a widest range of living organisms, including prokaryotic bacteria and viruses, plants, micro-and macro-invertebrates, mammalian and human cells and whole animals in vivo. However, the available experimental data is frequently a matter of significant divergence and even controversy. Therefore, we provide here a critical analysis of the most recent (2015-2016) reports accumulated in the graphene-related materials biocompatibility and toxicology field in order to elucidate the cutting edge achievements, emerging trends and future opportunities in the area. Experimental findings from the diverse in vitro and in vivo model systems are analysed in the context of the most likely graphene exposure scenarios, such as respiratory inhalation, ingestion route, parenteral administration and topical exposure through the skin. Key factors influencing the toxicity of graphene and its complex derivatives as well as potential risk mitigation approaches exploiting graphene physicochemical properties, surface modifications and possible degradation pathways are also discussed along with its emerging applications for healthcare, diagnostics and innovative therapeutic approaches

Controversies related to real protection against SARS-CoV-2 virus of the most frequently used face masks

Face masks serve to protect the respiratory system from unwanted aerosol droplets, in which various types of pathogens or pollutants are present. They are particularly important during a pandemic, like SARS-CoV-2 pandemic we are withessing. The efficiency of filtration of aerosol droplets, which contain the virus particles, is generally unsatisfactory, especially in conditions of extremely virulent environments, for the most of commercially available masks. Therefore, the challenge is to produce masks with increased filtration efficiency, in order to reduce the percentage of virus penetration through the mask. Hence, it is crucial to correctly define the possibilities and limitations of today's most commonly used epidemiological masks, in order to successfully define completely new concepts of face masks manufacturing, which would enable the most effective protection not only of medical workers but also patients, especially in areas where virus concentrations are extremely high. Also, it has been shown that, in addition to the concentrations of infectious pathogens in a given environment, the conditions in which infection with a given pathogen occurs, such as temperature and humidity within a given contaminated space, are also important

Rationally Fabricated Nanomaterials for Desalination and Water Purification

Rationally designed nanomaterials from synthetic/biopolymers like chitosan, zeolites, graphene, nanometal/oxides, zerovalent metal/magnetic iron, OMS and nanocarbon/carbon nanotube (CNT) utilized in desalination/purification are thoroughly discussed. Conventional desalination membrane/materials own inherent limitations; nevertheless, designed nanocomposite/hybrid/films address the new challenges/constraints and consequently aid the remediation of environmental/water pollution, thus denoting prospective nanotechnology/science. The morphology and chemical functionality of certain natural/synthetic polymers are altered/controlled rationally yielding advanced membranes/materials, for example, aquaporin, nanochannels, graphene and smart self-assemble block copolymer blends to cater futuristic desalination needs besides superseded conventional membrane limitations too. In a nut shell, advance nanotechnology via electrospinning, track-etching, phase inversion and interfacial polymerization yields structured composites/matrixes that conquer traditional barriers of conventional desalination and supplies treated/purified water. This review confers synthetic strategy and utility of nanomaterials that are procured via ordered/rational designing/self-assembly to be used in separation techniques including RO/FO antifouling membrane, superwet surface, oil-water/emulsion separation and multifunctional desalination nanodevices