Fabrication of amine-functionalized and multi-layered PAN-(TiO2)-gelatin nanofibrous wound dressing: In-vitro evaluation

The development of advanced multifunctional wound dressings remains a major challenge. Herein, a novel multilayer (ML) electrospun nanofibers (NFs) wound dressing based on diethylenetriamine (DETA) functionalized polyacrylonitrile (PAN), TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) coating (Ct), and bioderived gelatin (Gel) was developed for potential applications in wound healing. The ML PAN-DETA-Ct-Gel membrane was developed by combining electrospinning, chemical functionalization, synthesis, and electrospray techniques, using a layer-by-layer method. The ML PAN-DETA-Ct-Gel membrane is comprised of an outer layer of PAN-DETA as a barrier to external microorganisms and structural support, an interlayer TiO2 NPs (Ct) as antibacterial function, and a contact layer (Gel) to improve biocompatibility and cell viability. The NFs membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface profilometry, BET analysis, and water contact angle techniques to investigate their morphology, surface roughness, porosity, and wettability. The ML PAN-DETA-Ct-Gel wound dressing exhibited good surface roughness, porosity, and better wettability. Cell morphology, proliferation, and viability were determined using fibroblasts (3T3), and antibacterial assays were performed against six pathogens. The ML PAN-DETA-Ct-Gel NFs membrane showed good cell morphology, proliferation, viability, and antibacterial activity compared with other membranes. This new class of ML NFs membranes offers a multifunctional architecture with adequate biocompatibility, cell viability, and antibacterial activity.

Dielectric, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Crosslinked Polyethylene Nanocomposite with Hybrid Nanofillers

Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) nanocomposite has superior insulation performance due to its excellent dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties. The incorporation of nano-sized fillers drastically improved these properties in XLPE matrix due to the reinforcing effect of interfacial region between the XLPE–nanofillers. Good interfacial strength can be further improved by introducing a hybrid system nanofiller as a result of synergistic interaction between the nanofiller relative to a single filler system. Another factor affecting interfacial strength is the amount of hybrid nanofiller. Therefore, the incorporation amount of hybridising layered double hydroxide (LDH) with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanofiller into the XLPE matrix was investigated. Herein, the influence of hybrid nanofiller content and the 1:1 ratio of LDH to Al2O3 on the dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties of the nanocomposite was studied. The structure and morphology of the XLPE/LDH-Al2O3 nanocomposites revealed that the hybridisation of nanofiller improved the dispersion state. The dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties, including partial discharge resistance, AC breakdown strength, and tensile properties (tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break) were enhanced since it was influenced by the synergetic effect of the LDH-Al2O3 nanofiller. These properties were increased at optimal value of 0.8 wt.% before decreasing with increasing hybrid nanofiller. It was found that the value of PD magnitude improvement went down to 47.8% and AC breakdown strength increased by 15.6% as compared to pure XLPE. The mechanical properties were enhanced by 14.4%, 31.7%, and 23% for tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break, respectively. Of note, the hybridisation of nanofillers opens a new perspective in developing insulating material based on XLPE nanocomposite.

Experimental Study on Tin Slag Polymer Concrete Strengthening under Compression with Metallic Material Confinement

Studies on the external strengthening of tin slag polymer concrete by fibre-reinforced plastic confinement have provided strength enhancement of tin slag polymer concrete up to 128% with carbon fibre-reinforced plastic confinement. However, the effect of metallic material confinement has yet to be studied. This article presents the experimental finding on tin slag polymer concrete strengthening through metallic material confinement under compressive loads. Machined mild steel metal tube has been employed to strengthen tin slag polymer concrete core in partial and fully confinement prior to compression testing. Through this study, compressive strength of tin slag polymer concrete short column has been enhanced with the metal tube confinement application from 59.19 MPa (unconfined) to 95.86 MPa (partial metal confinement) and 131.84 (full metal confinement) representing 61.95% and 122.74% of strength enhancement percentage. Material behaviour analysis through stress versus strain curves has revealed that the strain softening curve is modified by metal tube confinement before a fracture occurs on both partial and full metal confinement samples compared to the control sample (unconfined). In addition, the failure modes have indicated that the high ductility of metallic confinement material has effectively confined tin slag polymer concrete from sudden fracture where the metal tube in partial confinement indicates ductile expansion while the metal tube in full confinement has shown ductile crushing. In general, it was concluded that metallic material confinement on tin slag polymer concrete under compressive load has resulted in providing strength enhancement and modified the failure mode of tin slag polymer concrete. Finally, further research is recommended, especially by initiating numerical analysis to facilitate parametric studies on tin slag polymer concrete for structural material design.

Structural and characterization studies of insoluble thai bombyx mori silk fibroin films

Bombyx Mori fiber consists of two major proteins which are fibroin and sericin. The silk fibroin (SF) is the core structural protein of silk fiber. SF protein structures comprise of primary and secondary structures; where the primary structure contains series of amino acid and secondary structure with Silk I refers to the water-soluble and Silk II, high β sheet extent which is insoluble. This study was conducted to compare the structural and characterization of insoluble Thai Bombyx Mori SF with different types of post-treatement.  Thai silk cocoons, which were degummed and dissolved in 9.3 M LiBr solution at 60 °C. The obtained SF solutions were dialyzed and purified. SF films were prepared by solution casting and immersing in methanol and ethanol, followed by water annealing in water saturated  vacuum. Post-treatment was purposely done to regenerate and induce of the β sheet structure to enhance the insolubilities and the stabilities properties of the SF films. The SF films structural conformation, characterization and thermal stability were characterized. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed that SF films were presented in a more stable form after ethanol post treatment, which also supporting by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis which indicated the tendency to higher structural organization.  Thermal analysis resutls showed that SF was thermally stable and improved after post treatment.  The contact angle of post treated SF increased the hydrophobicity of the  films. The  thai SF films could be the promising candidate for applications in tissue regeneration, optical devices, and flexible electronic displays with the possibility  to control the SF structure and properties.

Polyol-based biodegradable polyesters: a short review

Catalyst-free thermal polyesterification has recently emerged as a potential strategy for designing biodegradable thermoset polymers, particularly polyol-based polyesters for biomedical applications. These thermoset polyesters are synthesized through polycondensation of polyol and polyacid without the presence of catalyst or solvents. The mechanical properties, degradation rates, crystallinity, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility can be controlled by adjusting the monomer feed ratios and curing conditions. These polyesters often degrade via surface erosion that allows the polymers to maintain structural integrity throughout hydrolysis. Additionally, polyol-based polyesters demonstrated good biocompatibility as non-toxic catalysts and/or solvents involved in the reaction, and the monomers used are endogenous to human metabolism which can be resorbed and metabolized in various physiological pathways. This review summarizes the polyol-based biodegradable polyesters that were synthesized by catalyst-free polyesterification.

The Effect of Alkali Treatment on Impact Strength of Woven Kenaf Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composite Using Vacuum Infusion Process

Nowadays, natural fibres are used in many applications such as automotive, due to its material properties and being environmental friendly. This study is on woven Kenaf reinforced unsaturated polyester focusing on the effect of alkali treatment towards the impact strength of the textile composite. The experiment consists of two different yarn size woven in plain weave and infused using vacuum infusion process into a composite panel. Optic microscopy was used to determine the swelling of fibre, fabrics and composites before and after alkali treatment. The high speed puncture was used to evaluate the impact strength of pure unsaturated polyester and the composite. The results showed that alkali treatment enhanced the impact strength of the composite compared to pure polyester and untreated composite. The swelling of the fibres caused the yarns to expand throughout the thickness and the width of each composite. The gap between the yarns interlacing was reduced due to the expansion of yarns which has increased the covering area of the reinforced material.

The effect of organoclay contents on morphological characterization, mechanical and thermal properties of epoxidized natural rubber-50 toughened polyamide 6 nanocomposites

Nanocomposites consisting of polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix with epoxidized natural rubber-50 (ENR-50) and organoclay-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by melt blending in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The influence of varying amounts (0–6 phr) of OMMT loadings on ENR-50 (10 wt.%) toughened PA6 nanocomposites was examined. Morphological characterizations and mechanical and thermal properties of the blend and nanocomposites were investigated. The addition of OMMT resulted in an increase in tensile strength and modulus, while impact strength and elongation at break reduced. Thermal study revealed no significant change in thermal properties with OMMT loadings. Exfoliated structure was observed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns for <4 phr OMMT and was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images.

The Effect of Yarn Linear Density on Mechanical Properties of Plain Woven Kenaf Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composite

To produce a good quality of dry fabric for reinforced material in a natural-based polymer composite, yarn linear density should be in consideration. A woven kenaf dry fabric with three different linear densities of 276tex, 413.4tex and 759tex were produced. The fabrics with different linear densities were been optimize with the assistance of WiseTex software. The optimized dry fabrics were infused with unsaturated polyester to produce composite panel using vacuum infusion process. The composites properties were tested on the tensile strength, flexural strength and the impact strength. The result shows that the mechanical properties of the composite increased when the yarn linear densities increased.

Thermal and mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/high-density polyethylene/polyethylene glycol blends

Blends of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) provide adequate mechanical properties for biomedical application. In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of UHMWPE/HDPE blends with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) prepared via single-screw extruder nanomixer were investigated. The UHMWPE/HDPE blends exhibit a gradual increase in strength, modulus, and impact strength over pure polymers, suggesting synergism in the polymer blends. The elastic and flexural modulus was increased at the expense of tensile, flexural, and impact strength for the blends containing PEG. The degradation temperature of UHMWPE was improved with the incorporation of HDPE due to good thermal stability of HDPE. HDPE improved the dispersibility of PEG in matrix, consequently reduced the surface area available for the kinetic effects, and reduced the degradation temperature. The morphology analysis confirmed the miscibility between UHMWPE and HDPE and the changes in polymer structure with the presence of PEG modify the thermal behavior of the blends. The mechanical properties of the blends that are underlying values for the design of implant material show the potential used as biomedical devices.

Development of regenerated cellulose/halloysites nanocomposites via ionic liquids

In this study, regenerated cellulose/halloysites (RC/HNT) nanocomposites with different nanofillers loading were fabricated by dissolving the cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) ionic liquid. The films were prepared via solution casting method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties were investigated by tensile testing. It clearly displayed a good enhancement of both tensile strength and Young's modulus with HNT loading up to 5 wt%. As the HNT loadings increased to 5 wt%, the thermal behaviour and water resistance rate was also increased. The TEM and SEM images also depicted even dispersion of the HNT and a good intertubular interaction between the HNT and the cellulose matrix.

A facile approach to prepare regenerated cellulose/graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposite using room-temperature ionic liquid

This study presents the preparation of regenerated cellulose (RC)/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanocomposites via room temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMAc) using solution casting method. The thermal stability, gas permeability, water absorption and mechanical properties of the films were studied. The synthesized nanocomposite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The T20 decomposition temperature of regenerated cellulose improved with the addition of graphene nanoplatelets up to 5 wt%. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of RC films improved by 34 and 56%, respectively with the addition of 3 wt% GNPs. The nanocomposite films exhibited improved oxygen and carbon dioxide gas barrier properties and water absorption resistance compared to RC. XRD and SEM results showed good interaction between RC and GNPs and well dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets in regenerated cellulose. The FTIR spectra showed that the addition of GNPs in RC did not result in any noticeable change in its chemical structure.

Mechanical, rheological, and bioactivity properties of ultra high-molecular-weight polyethylene bioactive composites containing polyethylene glycol and hydroxyapatite

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/high-density polyethylene (UHMWPE/HDPE) blends prepared using polyethylene glycol PEG as the processing aid and hydroxyapatite (HA) as the reinforcing filler were found to be highly processable using conventional melt blending technique. It was demonstrated that PEG reduced the melt viscosity of UHMWPE/HDPE blend significantly, thus improving the extrudability. The mechanical and bioactive properties were improved with incorporation of HA. Inclusion of HA from 10 to 50 phr resulted in a progressive increase in flexural strength and modulus of the composites. The strength increment is due to the improvement on surface contact between the irregular shape of HA and polymer matrix by formation of mechanical interlock. The HA particles were homogenously distributed even at higher percentage showed improvement in wetting ability between the polymer matrix and HA. The inclusion of HA enhanced the bioactivity properties of the composite by the formation of calcium phosphate (Ca-P) precipitates on the composite surface as proven from SEM and XRD analysis.

Effect of Hydroxyapatite Reinforced High Density Polyethylene Composites on Mechanical and Bioactivity Properties

The biomaterial composites consisting of a polymer with a matrix addition of particulate bioactive phase that analogous to the bone microstructure had been extensively studied as a substitute for human’s hard and soft tissues. In this work, HA reinforced HDPE composite (HDPE/HA) was made, with HA contents being up to 50 phr using single screw extruder nanomixer for the compounding process, and later followed by the injection moulding. These characteristics of the HDPE/HA composites were examined using various techniques including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing. Mechanical and thermal properties of the composite are differed when the amount of HA incorporated into the composite were varied. It is shown that HA particles were well dispersed and homogeneously distributed within the HDPE matrix. The elastic modulus and tensile strength were increased when the HA volume percentage increased from 10 phr to 50 phr with corresponding decreases in elongation at break. However no significant influence on thermal stability was found with increasing HA loadings. The enhancement of bioactivity has been proved while incorporation of HA into HDPE composite. SEM-EDX image showed the bulk formation of apatite layers on the composite surface with 30 wt% HA after 7 days immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. These results suggest the great potential of the composites for a range of temporary application in which bone bonding ability is a desired property.