Polyurethane–poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi- IPN–nanooxide composites

Two sets of hybrid polyurethane–poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi-interpenetrating polymer network–nanooxide composites with 0.25 or 3 wt% nanosilica or nanoalumina functionalised with OH, NH2 or CHLCH2 groups were prepared. A combination of atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermally stimulated depolarisation current measurement, differential scanning calorimetry and creep rate spectroscopy analysis of the nanostructure and properties of the composites was performed. The pronounced dynamic heterogeneity and the strong impact of oxide additives, basically suppression of the dynamics and temperature-dependent increasing modulus of elasticity, were observed. The effects correlated with either interfacial interactions (for silica) or the nanostructure (for alumina). A low oxide content strongly affected the matrix due to the formation of an unusual cross-linked, via double covalent hybridisation of three components, structure of the nanocomposites

Multifunctional Magnetic-fluorescent Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing area, involving the fabrication and use of nano-sized materials and devices. Various nanocomposite materials play a number of important roles in modern science and technology. Magnetic and fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles are of particular importance due to their broad range of potential applications. It is expected that the combination of magnetic and fluorescent properties in one nanocomposite would enable the engineering of unique multifunctional nanoscale devices, which could be manipulated using external magnetic fields. The aim of this review is to present an overview of bimodal “two-in-one” magnetic-fluorescent nanocomposite materials which combine both magnetic and fluorescent properties in one entity, in particular those with potential applications in biotechnology and nanomedicine. There is a great necessity for the development of these multifunctional nanocomposites, but there are some difficulties and challenges to overcome in their fabrication such as quenching of the fluorescent entity by the magnetic core. Fluorescent-magnetic nanocomposites include a variety of materials including silica-based, dye-functionalised magnetic nanoparticles and quantum dots-magnetic nanoparticle composites. The classification and main synthesis strategies, along with approaches for the fabrication of fluorescent-magnetic nanocomposites, are considered. The current and potential biomedical uses, including biological imaging, cell tracking, magnetic bioseparation, nanomedicine and bio- and chemo-sensoring, of magnetic-fluorescent nanocomposites are also discussed

Retrospective analysis of junior female handball players’ priorities

Purpose: fulfillment of retrospective analysis of junior female handball players’ tactic priorities. Material: in the research junior female handball players of 15-16 yrs age (n=60) participated. The researches were conducted in 2006, 2010 and 2016 on the base of sport schools and physical culture colleges of Ukraine. We used author’s programs «Balltest» and «Handball skills». Results: indicators of junior female handball players’ abilities and tactical thinking effectiveness in different periods of the research were received. Correlations of these indicators with physical potentials and throw fitness point at tactical priorities of the players. Comparative characteristic showed that junior female handball players of 2016 year of the research had better abilities for solution of complex team tasks with low sensor indicators. We found handball players’ preferences to defensive and attacking actions in central zone of site. Conclusions: by universal character of tactic priorities junior female handball players of 2016 year of the research yield to the players of 2006 and 2010 years of the research. Junior female handball players of 2016 year of the research prevail in successful mental solution of position defense tactic tasks, especially in readiness to act as supporters