The Role of TiO₂ Nanoparticles on the UV Protection Ability and Hydrophilicity of Polyamide Fabrics

The focus of this study was to characterize three industrially-prepared (via the sulphate synthesis process) nano-TiO₂ colloidal dispersions with the intention to elucidate their role on the hydrophilicity as well as UV shielding ability when applied onto polyamide fabric. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV spectrophotometry of the selected dispersions proved the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes, as well as its imposing absorption capability within the UV region. In addition, TiO₂ dispersions in three concentrations accompanied by selected chemicals and auxiliaries were applied on polyamide fabrics according to standard exhaustion procedure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was adopted in order to analyse the morphological structure of nano-TiO₂-upgraded PA fabrics. Furthermore, the UV-protective ability and hydrophilic properties were evaluated. The gained results show excellent blocking properties against UV-rays (UPF 50+), as well as the (super)hydrophilicity of TiO₂-modified PA fabrics, regarding the type of employed TiO₂ colloidal dispersion

Challenges and opportunities in polysaccharides research and technology: The EPNOE views for the next decade in the areas of materials, food and health care

The European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence (EPNOE) is a research and education network connecting 16 academic and research institutions and a large number of companies with its focus on polysaccharide expertise development and polysaccharide-related research for innovation in business and industry. EPNOE has two main missions in the field of polysaccharide applications in materials, food, and pharmacy/medicine, which are to organise education in polysaccharide science and to perform basic and applied research for the development of new products derived from polysaccharides. In 2009, the EPNOE network prepared a research road map vision to 2020 focussed on polysaccharide use in material structuring, food and health, taking both research and education into consideration. The research road map was prepared from various social, political, industrial and scientific inputs coming from within and outside EPNOE: (1) results of four brain-storming sessions by EPNOE scientists and students, (2) individual contributions of EPNOE scientists and (3) individual contributions of scientists outside EPNOE through an internet review. The result is described in this article

Application of extremely non-equilibrium plasmas in the processing of nano and biomedical materials

Some applications of extremely non-equilibrium oxygen plasma for tailoring the surface properties of organic as well as inorganic materials are presented. Plasma of low or moderate ionization fraction and very high dissociation fraction is created by high frequency electrodeless discharges created in chambers made from a material of low recombination coefficient. The O atom density often exceeds 1021m-3 which allows for rapid functionalization of carbon-containing materials. Surface saturation with polar oxygen-rich groups is achieved in a fraction of a second and further exposure leads to etching. The etching is often non-uniform and results in nano-structuring of surface morphology. A combination of rich morphology and saturation with polar functional groups allows for a super-hydrophilic character of originally hydrophobic materials. Polymer composites are etched selectively so the polymer component is removed from the sample surface, leading to modified surface properties. Furthermore, such a treatment allows for distinguishing the distribution and orientation of fillers inside the polymer matrix. The exposure of inorganic materials to non-equilibrium oxygen plasma causes one-dimensional growth of metal oxide nanoparticles, thus representing a unique technique for the rapid catalyser-free growth of nanowires.ARRS, Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost R