Polyamide-imide and Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

Solvent suspensions of a high performance polymer, Polyamide-imide (PAI) are widely used in magnetic wire coatings. Here we investigate the effect that the introduction of montmorillonite (MMT) has on PAI. MMT was introduced into an uncured PAI suspension; the sample was then cured by step-wise heat treatment. Polarized optical microscopy was used to choose the best suitable MMT for PAI matrix and to study the distribution of MMT in PAI matrix. Concentration dependent dispersion effect was studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and was confirmed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Differential scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study impact of MMT on glass transition temperature (Tg) and degradation properties of PAI respectively. Micro-hardness testing of PAI nanocomposites was also performed. A concentration dependent state of dispersion was obtained. The glass transition (Tg), degradation and mechanical properties were found to correlate to the state of dispersion

Barrier and Long Term Creep Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites.

The barrier properties and long term strength retention of polymers are of significant importance in a number of applications. Enhanced lifetime food packaging, substrates for OLED based flexible displays and long duration scientific balloons are among them. Higher material requirements in these applications drive the need for an accurate measurement system. Therefore, a new system was engineered with enhanced sensitivity and accuracy. Permeability of polymers is affected by permeant solubility and diffusion. One effort to decrease diffusion rates is via increasing the transport path length. We explore this through dispersion of layered silicates into polymers. Layered silicates with effective aspect ratio of 1000:1 have shown promise in improving the barrier and mechanical properties of polymers. The surface of these inorganic silicates was modified with surfactants to improve the interaction with organic polymers. The micro and nanoscale dispersion of the layered silicates was probed using optical and transmission microscopy as well as x-ray diffraction. Thermal transitions were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry. Mechanical and permeability measurements were correlated to the dispersion and increased density. The essential structure-property relationships were established by comparing semicrystalline and amorphous polymers. Semicrystalline polymers selected were nylon-6 and polyethylene terephthalate. The amorphous polymer was polyethylene terphthalate-glycol. Densification due to the layered silicate in both semicrystalline and amorphous polymers was associated with significant impact on barrier and long term creep behavior. The inferences were confirmed by investigating a semi-crystalline polymer - polyethylene - above and below the glass transition. The results show that the layered silicate influences the amorphous segments in polymers and barrier properties are affected by synergistic influences of densification and uniform dispersion of the layered silicates

An Asian perspective on a world environmental organisation

This paper analyses the possible response from Asian developing countries (ADC) to the proposal for the formation of an international legal entity called World Environmental Organisation (WEO). WEO has found mention in various forums. We conceive of a WEO based on the principle of internalisation of global external effects (Whalley and Zissimos, 2000), not the adoption of standards, as was the case in efforts like Agenda 21. Consonant with this, we focus on the twin issues of demarcation of property rights and side payments in order to facilitate Coasian deals. ADC response to WEO would be based on their priorities. They rank economic growth above domestic environmental problems (DEP), followed by global environmental problems (GEP) and consider an uncritical emphasis on GEP as imposition of a 'Northern Agenda'. GEP are pressing concerns and call for innovative institutional design to address them. DC consider GEP as an emergent issue, even ADC will soon become major contributors to this problem. Whereas DC value the international environment highly, the ADC rank economic growth and DEP above GEP, although not addressing GEP could hurt in specific areas. But, the fundamental indivisibility of the growth and environmental agendas in the ADC has to be faced. Given global concern over GEP, the global community should have the foresight to conclude a treaty at an early date. This would necessitate incentive design to persuade ADC to join WEO negotiations and remain committed to this process. Since ADC have considerable environmental assets, they should look for linking restraint in the area of GEP to other areas of their linkage with DC, including tariff and NTB concessions, transfer of technology and direct transfers. Given the wide range of such linkages it would be necessary to exploit associated positive externalities. A weak version of WEO would be innocuous enough and, therefore, acceptable but not very effective. Stronger versions would be unacceptable to ADC unless issue linkage is permitted. Given past experience of ADC with MEA, WEO would have to build credibility as an organisation that is truly interested in GEP, is sensitive to the needs of the ADC and is not acting as a conduit for imposing the will of the DC on the ADC. This is a challenging task. But there seems scope for achieving it

In Mumbai, differences do not divide, wealth is hidden in land, says Ranade

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/in-mumbai-dr-ajit-ranade-discusses-the-dynamic-evolution-of-the-citys-economy/articleshow/105669168.cms?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TOIArticleshowico

Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics first VC Dr Ajit Ranade felicitated by SPPU

Dr. Ajit Ranade has recently taken charge as the Vice Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune. Dr. Ajit Ranade has spanned both academic and corporate assignments nad has served as member of several commttees of the Reserve Bank of India, CII and FICCI. Being an alumina of IIT, Mumbai, IIM Ahmedabad and Brown University of USA, has number of research papers on his credits. He is also a regular columnist in leading financial newspapers and has numerous columns on different subject areas. Dr. Ajit Ranade was felicitated at the hands of Hon. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nitin Karmalkar of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on 8th March 2022. On behalf of the Savitribai Phule Pune University, the Department of Economics hosted this function. The venue for this function was Hon. Vice Chancellor Sir’s office. Hon. Pro. Vice Chancellor of the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Dr. N.S. Umrani was also present for the function. Dr. Meenal Annachhatre worked as coordinator for the function. She introduced Dr. Ranade to the audience. Hon. Vice Chancellor Prof. Karmalkar Sir felicitated Dr. Ranade by giving him the University emblem, shawl and bouquet of flowers. Hon.Vice Chancellor Prof. Karmalkar Sir and Hon. Pro. Vice Chancellor Dr. Umrani Sir, expressed their views on strengthening the bond between SPPU and GIPE. Empirical research, analytical work, policy prescriptions along with the quality academics has to be on priority among these two big stalwarts of Academic and Research work and same was discussed among the dignitaries. Head of the Department of Economics, Prof. Vilas Adhav, extended his vote of thanks to all the dignitaries and the faculty and research students of the Department. GIPE will enter its centenary year in 2030, and under the able headship of Dr. Ranade, a blueprint has been prepared with special focus on diversifying avenues of research and hybrid mode of education, and many more to find a place among the Top 200 universities in the World. Hon. Vice Chancellor and Hon. Pro. Vice Chancellor, SPPU, both emphasised on their extended support to this expansionary plan of GIPE

SPPU felicitates GIPE Vice Chancellor

SPPU vice-chancellor Nitin Karmalkar felicitated economist Ajit Ranade, who took charge as the vice-chancellor of GIPE, Pune, recently. Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) vice-chancellor Nitin Karmalkar felicitated economist Ajit Ranade, who took charge as the vice-chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune, recently. SPPU’s department of Economics, headed by Vilas Adhav, hosted the function at the V-C’s office attended by the varsity’s pro vice-chancellor NS Umrani and coordinated by Meenal Annachhatre. Karmalkar presented Ranade with the SPPU emblem, shawl and bouquet of flowers. SPPU V-C and pro V-C shared views on strengthening the bond between SPPU and GIPE in various fields, including empirical research, analytical work, policy prescriptions and quality academics