Changes in surface properties of PI/WO₂ сoatings after vacuum ultraviolet irradiation

This paper presents the results of a study on the effects of deep vacuum and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation on polymer сoatings based on thermoplastic polyimide (PI) and tungsten oxide (WO₂

Synthesis of PI/POSS nanocomposite films based on track nuclear membranes and assessment of their resistance to oxygen plasma flow

This work presents, for the first time, data on the possibility of synthesizing polyimide nanocomposite films based on track nuclear membranes and organosiloxane (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes) POSS structures. The synthesis of the nanocomposite films was carried out by filling the tracks of a polyimide membrane with POSS structures under hydrothermal conditions in a high-pressure reactor. The surface and mechanical characteristics of the developed nanocomposite films were studied, and the results of their resistance to the flow of oxygen plasma are presente

Effect of spaceflight on tomato seed quality and biochemical characteristics of mature plants

Intensive space exploration includes profound investigations on the effect of weightlessness and cosmic radiation on plant growth and development. Tomato seeds are often used in such experiments though up to date the results have given rather vague information about biochemical changes in mature plants grown from seeds subjected to spaceflight. The effect of half a year of storage in the International Space Station (ISS) on tomato seeds (cultivar Podmoskovny ranny) was studied by analyzing the biochemical characteristics and mineral content of mature plants grown from these seeds both in greenhouse and field conditions. A significant increase was recorded in ascorbic acid, polyphenol and carotenoid contents, and total antioxidant activity (AOA), with higher changes in the field conditions compared to greenhouse. Contrary to control plants, the ones derived from space-stored seeds demonstrated a significant decrease in root AOA. The latter plants also showed a higher yield, but lower content of fruit dry matter, sugars, total dissolved solids and organic acids. The fruits of plants derived from space-stored seeds demonstrated decreased levels of Fe, Cu and taste index. The described results reflect the existence of oxidative stress in mature tomato plants as a long-term consequence of the effect of spaceflight on seed quality, whereas the higher yield may be attributed to genetic modifications