• Advances in materials Research
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.121-130
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• 2016

In an attempt to reach a balance of performances in homo-polypropylene based system, the effects of single and hybrid reinforcements inclusions comprising calcium carbonate nanoparticles (2, 4 and 6 phc) and glass fibers (10 wt.%) on the mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. Different samples were prepared by employing twin-screw extruder and injection molding machine. In morphological studies, the uniform distribution of glass fibers in PP matrix, relative adhesion between glass fibers and polymer, and existence of nanoparticles in polymer matrix were observed. $PP/CaCO_3$ (6 phc) as compared to pure PP and PP/GF had superior tensile and flexural strengths, impact resistance and deformation temperature under load (DTUL). $PP/GF/CaCO_3$ (6 phc) composite displayed comparable tensile and flexural strengths and impact resistance to neat PP, while its tensile and flexural moduli and deformation temperature under load (DTUL) were 436%, 99% and $26^{\circ}C$greater respectively. The maximum impact resistance was observed in $PP/CaCO_3$(6 phc). The highest DTUL was perceived in PP hybrid nanocomposite containing 10 wt.% glass fiber and 4 phc $CaCO_3$ nanoparticle.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.285-295
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• 2021

The inverse spinel Cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄, CFO) is considered to be a promising alternative to commercial graphite anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the further development of CFO is limited by its unstable structure during battery cycling and low electrical conductivity. In an effort to address the challenge, we construct three-dimensional hierarchical flower-like CFO nanoclusters (CFO NCs)-decorated carbonized cotton carbon fiber (CFO NCs/CCF) composite. This structure is consisted of microfibers and nanoflower cluster composited of CFO nanoparticle, in which CCF can be used as a long-range conductive matrix, while flower-like CFO NCs can provide abundant active sites, large electrode/electrolyte interface, short lithium ion diffusion path, and alleviated structural stress. As anode materials in LIBs, the flower-like CFO NCs/CCF exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. After 100 cycles at a current density of 0.3 A g^-1, the CFO NCs/CCF delivers a discharge/charge capacity of 1008/990 mAh g^-1. Even at a high current density of 15 A g^-1, it still maintains a charge/discharge capacity of 362/361 mAh g^-1.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.705-713
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• 2017

A novel material, $Bi_2WO_6-GO-TiO_2$ composite, was successfully synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. During the hydrothermal reaction, the loading of $Bi_2WO_6$ and $TiO_2$ nanoparticles onto graphene sheets was achieved. The obtained $Bi_2WO_{6-GO-TiO2}$ composite photo-catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The $Bi_2WO_6$ nanoparticle showed an irregular dark-square block nanoplate shape, while $TiO_2$ nanoparticles covered the surface of the graphene sheets with a quantum dot size. The degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue trihydrate (MB), and reactive black B (RBB) dyes in an aqueous solution with different initial amount of catalysts was observed by UV spectrophotometry after measuring the decrease in the concentration. As a result, the $Bi_2WO_6-GO-TiO_2$ composite showed good decolorization activity with MB solution under visible light. The $Bi_2WO_6-GO-TiO_2$ composite is expected to become a new potential material for decolorization activity. Photocatalytic reactions with different photocatalysts were explained by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and a band theory.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.417-425
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• 2021

As the demand for high-capacity batteries increases, there has been growing researches on the lithium metal anode with a capacity (3,860 mAh/g) of higher than that of conventional one and a low electrochemical potential (-3.040 V). In this study, using the anatase phased TiO₂ nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis, a PVdF-HFP/TiO₂ organic/inorganic composite material was designed and used as an interfacial protective layer for a Li metal anode. As-formed organic/inorganic-lithium composite thin film was confirmed through the crystalline structure and morphological analyses. In addition, the electrochemical test (cycle stability and voltage profile) confirmed that the protective layer of PVdF-HFP/TiO₂ composite (10 wt% TiO₂ and 1.1 ㎛ film thickness) contributed to the enhanced electrochemical performance of the lithium metal anode (Colombic efficiency retention: 90% for 77 cycles). Based on comparative test with the untreated lithium electrode, it was confirmed that our protective layer plays an important role to stabilize/improve the EC performance of the lithium metal negative electrode.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2011

Diblock copolymers composed of poly(${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(N,N-dimethylamino-2-ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), or methoxy polyethylene glycol(PEG), were synthesized via a combination of ring-opening polymerization and atom-transfer radical polymerization in order to prepare polymeric nanoparticles as an antifungal drug carrier. Amphotericin B (AmB), a natural antibiotic, was incorporated into the polymeric nanoparticles. The physical properties of AmB-incorporated polymeric nanoparticles with PCL-b-PDMAEMA and PCL-b-PEG were studied in relation to morphology and particle size. In the aggregation state study, AmB-incorporated PCL-b- PDMAEMA nanoparticles exhibited a monomeric state pattern of free AmB, whereas AmB-incorporated PCL-b- PEG nanoparticles displayed an aggregated pattern. In in vitro hemolysis tests with human red blood cells, AmBincorporated PCL-b-PDMAEMA nanoparticles were seen to be 10 times less cytotoxic than free AmB (5 ${\mu}g$/ml). In addition, an improved antifungal activity of AmBincorporated polymeric nanoparticles was observed through antifungal activity tests using Candida albicans, whereas polymeric nanoparticles themselves were seen not to affect activity. Finally, in vitro AmB release studies were conducted, proving the potential of AmB-incorporated PCL-b-PDMAEMA nanoparticles as a new formulation candidate for AmB.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.347-351
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• 2014

We studied the green synthesis and antibacterial activity of chitosan-silver (Ag) nanocomposite films for application in food packaging. Green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved by a chemical reaction involving a mixture of chitosan-silver nitrate ($AgNO_3$) in an autoclave at 0.1 MPa, $121^{\circ}C$, for 15-120 s. The formation of AgNPs in chitosan was confirmed by both UV-Visible spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the effects of chitosan-$AgNO_3$ concentration and reaction time on the synthesis of AgNPs in chitosan were examined. The resulting chitosan-Ag composite films were characterized by various analytical techniques and their antibacterial activity was evaluated based on the formation of halo zones around films, indicating inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli. A fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis showed that free amino groups in chitosan acted as effective reductants and AgNP stabilizers. The composite films exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity with increasing Ag content on the surface of as-prepared composite films.

• Composites Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.201-215
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• 2022

This paper presents the development of thin and lightweight ultra-high temperature radar-absorbing ceramic composites composed of an aluminosilicate ceramic matrix-based geopolymer reinforced ceramic fiber and sendust magnetic nanoparticles in X-band frequency range (8.2~12.4 GHz). The dielectric properties with regard to complex permittivity of ceramic/sendust-aluminosilicate composites were proportional to the size of sendust magnetic nanoparticle with high magnetic characteristic properties as flake shape and its concentrations in the target frequency range. The characteristic microstructures, element composition, phase identification, and thermal stability were examined by SEM, EDS, VSM and TGA, respectively. The fabricated total thicknesses of the proposed single slab ultra-high temperature radar absorber correspond to 1.585 mm, respectively, exhibiting their excellent EM absorption performance. The behavior of ultra-high temperature EM wave absorption properties was verified to the developed free-space measurement system linked with high temperature furnace for X-band from 25℃ to 1,000℃.

• Journal of Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.28-36
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• 2014

We studied the green synthesis and antibacterial activity of paper coated with chitosan-silver (Ag) green nanocomposites for packaging applications. Green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved by a chemical reaction involving a mixture of chitosan-silver nitrate ($AgNO_3$) in an autoclave at 15 psi, $121^{\circ}C$, for 30 min. AgNPs and their formation in chitosan was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). As-prepared chitosan-AgNPs composite materials were coated on manila paper using Meyer rod. Surface morphology and Ag contents in coating layer were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation were significantly affected by coating with chitosan-AgNPs. The antibacterial test of coated paper was performed qualitatively and quantitatively against Escherichia coli (E. coli). It was shown to be effective in suppressing the growth of E. coli with increasing Ag contents on the surface of coated paper and more than 95 R (%) of antimicrobial rate was obtained at chitosan-AgNPs coated papers.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.790-797
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• 2019

To improve photocatalytic performance, CdS nanoparticle deposited TiO₂ nanotubular photocatalysts are synthesized. The TiO₂ nanotube is fabricated by electrochemical anodization at a constant voltage of 60 V, and annealed at 500 for crystallization. The CdS nanoparticles on TiO₂ nanotubes are synthesized by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The surface characteristics and photocurrent responses of TNT/CdS photocatalysts are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrometer and LED light source installed potentiostat. The bandgaps of the CdS deposited TiO₂ photocatalysts are gradually narrowed with increasing of amounts of deposited CdS nanoparticles, which enhances visible light absorption ability of composite photocatalysts. Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance is observed in the nanocomposite TiO₂ photocatalyst. However, the maximum photocurrent response and dye degradation efficiency are observed for TNT/CdS30 photocatalyst. The excellent photocatalytic performance of TNT/CdS30 catalyst can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of its better absorption ability of visible light region and efficient charge transport process.

• Textile Coloration and Finishing
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.190-198
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• 2018

We fabricated high transmission and high scattering poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)(EVA) films embedding $SiO_2$ nanoparticles to improve outcoupling efficiency in organic display. The 800nm diameter $SiO_2$ nanoparticles aggregated and formed $1.56{\mu}m$ (with ${\pm}0.853{\mu}m$ standard deviation) diameter microparticles in EVA. The total transmission of scattering film was 83.3% on Polyethylene terephthalate(PET), which was higher than reference 82.8% PET substrate. The diffuse transmission and haze of the $SiO_2$ embedded EVA film were 76.1% and 91.4%, respectively. The optimized condition was 1:1 weight ratio of $SiO_2$ nanoparticles to EVA in Tetrahydrofuran(THF) solution. When the ratio of $SiO_2$ was larger than 1, the total transmission decreased by the increase in backscattering of light due to high scattering. With the optimized condition, we could succeed to fabricate a large scale film(35m in length) with a roll-to-roll process.