The effect of water acrylate dispersion on the properties of polymer-carbon nanotube composites

The paper presents properties of polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) containing various mixtures of dispersion. Acrylates of different particle size and viscosity were used to produce composites. The mechanical strength of composites was determined by three-point bending tests. The roughness parameter of composites was determined with a profilometer and compared with the roughness parameter determined via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) were carried out on these composites. Measurements of the surface topography using the Tapping Mode method were performed, acquiring the data on the height and on the phase imaging. The change of intensity, crystallite size and half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon within the composites have been determined using the X-ray analysis. The density of each obtained composite was determined as well as the resistivity at room temperature. The density of composites is quite satisfactory and ranges from 0.27 to 0.35 g/cm3. Different composites vary not only in strength but also in density. Different properties were achieved by the use of various dispersions. Carbon nanotubes constituting the reinforcement for a polymer composite improve the mechanical properties and conductivity composite

Comparison of properties of polymer composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes because of their high mechanical, optical or electrical properties, have found use as semiconducting materials constituting the reinforcing phase in composite materials. The paper presents the results of the studies on the mechanical properties of polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT). Three-point bending tests were carried out on the composites. The density of each obtained composite was determined as well as the surface roughness and the resistivity at room temperature. Moreover the surface studies on an atomic forces microscope (AFM) and X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) were carried out on such composites. Measurements of the surface topography using the Tapping Mode method were performed, acquiring the data on the height and on the phase imaging. The change of intensity, of crystallite size and of half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon for composites have been determined using the X-ray analysis. Carbon nanotubes constituting the reinforcement for a polymer composite improve the mechanical properties and conductivity of the composite

Charakterystyka nanorurek węglowych modyfikowanych kobaltem, miedzią i bromem

The paper presents results of studies on carbon nanotubes – as received, after cleaning and also after modification. Functional groups as well as metal nanoparticles have been attached, originating from cobalt sulphate, copper acetate and a mixture of hydrogen bromide and bromide. The surface studies on an atomic forces microscope (AFM), X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) as well as Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out on such nanotubes. The surface topography studies have shown that after the modification the diameter and length of nanotubes change. Also the surface development changes, which has been determined through roughness parameter measurements. The change of intensity, of crystallite size and of half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon for nanotubes modified in various ways have been determined using the X-ray analysis

Unique properties of silver and copper silica-based nanocomposites as antimicrobial agents

The paper reports a new route for the fabrication and determination of physicochemical properties and biological activity, of metallic silica-based nanostructure (Ag/SiO2, Cu/SiO2). A research studies shows mono-dispersed nanoparticles in silica matrix with an average size of 12 nm for silver, as well as 12 nm and 4 nm, respectively for copper in hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica composites. The chemical analysis highlights metallic silver and copper ions heterogeneously distributed in the composite as well as metallic oxides such as Ag2O, Cu2O and CuO in hydrophobic system, and CuO in hydrophilic one. Structural research evidences the presence of amorphous, stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric crystalline phase of silica. Biological studies reveal potentially inhibition of growth gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as microscopic fungi. The size of metal nanoparticles and level of silica hydrophobicity show the highest inhibition bacterial growth for hydrophilic system with embedding inside them, 4 nm in size copper nanoparticles. Finally, cytotoxic interaction against human cells with respect to silver and copper silica-based nanocomposites was not found

Wpływ wodnej dyspersji akrylanowej na właściwości kompozytów polimer-nanorurki węglowe

The paper presents properties of polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) containing various mixtures of dispersion. Acrylates of different particle size and viscosity were used to produce composites. The mechanical strength of composites was determined by three-point bending tests. The roughness parameter of composites was determined with a profilometer and compared with the roughness parameter determined via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) were carried out on these composites. Measurements of the surface topography using the Tapping Mode method were performed, acquiring the data on the height and on the phase imaging. The change of intensity, crystallite size and half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon within the composites have been determined using the X-ray analysis. The density of each obtained composite was determined as well as the resistivity at room temperature. The density of composites is quite satisfactory and ranges from 0.27 to 0.35 g/cm3. Different composites vary not only in strength but also in density. Different properties were achieved by the use of various dispersions. Carbon nanotubes constituting the reinforcement for a polymer composite improve the mechanical properties and conductivity composite

Anticancer Effects of Propolis Extracts Obtained Using the Cold Separation Method on Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Propolis and its extracts show a wide spectrum of biological activity. Due to the necessity to use high temperatures and high polarity in the eluent, the obtained extracts are depleted of active compounds. The new, cold separation method allows obtaining a qualitatively better product containing a number of chemical compounds absent in extracts obtained using high-temperature methods. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the biological activity of propolis extracts produced with the cold separation method in four female breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7, and T-47D. The results of the breast cancer cell viability were obtained using the MTT test. Propolis extracts at 75 and 80% showed similar cytotoxicity against cancer cells, with the polyphenol fraction 75% being slightly more negative for cells. Propolis extracts at concentrations of 50, 75, and 100 µg/mL significantly reduced cell viability. With the exception of the MDA-MB-231 line, cell viability was also decreased after incubation with a concentration of 25 µg/mL. Our results suggest that propolis extracts obtained with the cold separation method may be considered as promising compounds for the production of health-promoting supplements

Anticancer Effects of Propolis Extracts Obtained with the Cold Separation Method on PC-3 and DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

Plant extracts are increasingly tested for their biological activity and interactions with neoplastic cells. One of such sources of biologically active substances is propolis. This product has been known for thousands of years and is widely used in alternative, folk medicine. Articles describing its effects on the metabolism and cell signaling pathways of neoplastic cells derived from different organs are also published more and more frequently. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the biological activity of propolis extract produced with the cold separation method into hormone-dependent and hormone-independent prostate cancer cell lines. In our study, the propolis extracts showed at least an inhibitory effect on the growth of PC-3 and DU-145 neoplastic cells. Our results suggest that propolis extracts obtained with the cold separation method may be considered as promising compounds for the production of health-promoting supplements