A temperature-responsive carbon black nanoparticle prepared by surface-induced reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-coated magnetic graphene oxide as a highly efficient nanocarrier: preparation, characterization, and targeted DOX delivery

Herein, we report the preparation of novel magnetic graphene oxide grafted with brush polymer via SI-RAFT polymerization and its application as a nanocarrier for magnetic and pH-triggered delivery of DOX anticancer drug.

Recent Research Progress on Polymer Grafted Carbon Black and Its Novel Applications

Polymer grafting of carbon black (CB) has been intensely researched as polymer modification is one of the effective means for improving the solubility and compatibility of carbon black. Recent advances in the polymer grafting methods allow the introduction of polymers with well controlled composition, structure and molecular weight onto the surface of CB. In addition, modification by functional polymers provides a powerful impetus to extend the applications of polymer-CB composites such as sensitive materials. This review focuses on the development of these grafting polymerization methods and some novel applications of polymer grafted CB.

Assessing the potential exposure risk and control for airborne titanium dioxide and carbon black nanoparticles in the workplace

PURPOSE

This study assessed the potential exposure risks for workers in the workplace exposed to airborne titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2)-NPs) and carbon black nanoparticles (CB-NPs). The risk management control strategies were also developed for the NP engineering workplace.

METHODS

The method used in this study was based on the integrated multiple-path particle dosimetry model to estimate the cumulative dose of nanoparticles (NPs) in the human lung. The study then analyzed toxicological effects such as pulmonary cytotoxicity and inflammation and evaluated the health risk associated with exposure to NPs in the workplace. Risk control measures such as the use of ventilating systems and N95 respirator protection are also discussed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This study found that: (1) the cumulative dose of CB-NPs was greater than that of TiO(2)-NPs in human lungs; (2) there is a potential health risk to workers exposed to TiO(2)-NPs and CB-NPs in the absence of control measures in the workplace, with higher health risks associated with CB-NPs than TiO(2)-NPs; and (3) the use of a ventilating system and an N95 respirator offers greater protection in the workplace and significantly reduces the health risks associated with NP exposure.

CONCLUSION

The present risk management control strategy suggests that the most effective way to reduce airborne NPs is to incorporate the use of a ventilating system combined with N95 respirator protection. This will enable the concentrations of TiO(2)-NPs and CB-NPs to be reduced to acceptable exposure levels.

A Bipedal Silica-Immobilized Azo-Initiator for Surface-Confined Radical Polymerizations

The present study introduces the silica-anchored azo-initiator 4,4′-azobis(4-cyano-N-(3″-triethoxysilylpropyl)-valeric amide) (ACTA) for the surface-initiated polymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) with and without additional grafted reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents 1,4-bis(3′-trimethoxysilylpropyltrithiocarbonylmethyl)benzene and 1,6-bis(o,p-2′-trimethoxysilylethylbenzyltrithiocarbonyl)hexane. While the sole use of silica-linked ACTA produced grafted poly(methyl acrylate) (pMA) of high molecular weight, due to a 2D Trommsdorff effect, the polymerization in combination with the fixed RAFT agents exhibited living behaviour with increasing molecular weights during polymerization. Silica-pMA hybrids were further analyzed via thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy, which revealed significant differences between the three approaches.