• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.81-97
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• 2023

The aim of this study were to evaluate tannin resorcinol formaldehyde (TRF) for the preparation of cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) made from fast-growing tree species and to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of CLTs. TRF copolymer resin was prepared by using the bark extracts of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. It was observed that the TRF adhesive possessed less solid content (23.59%), high viscosity (11.35 poise), and high pH values (10.0) compared to the standard phenol resorcinol formaldehyde. The TRF adhesive was applied to produce CLTs with the addition of 15% tapioca and flour as an extender. The six-layered CLTs were produced from sengon (Falcataria moluccana Miq.), jabon [Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb) Miq.], coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), and the combination of coconut-jabon and coconut-sengon wood. The analysis of variance revealed that the layer composition of CLT significantly affected the physical and mechanical properties of the beam. While the modulus of rupture met the standard, the moisture content and modulus of elasticity values did not fulfill JAS 1152-2007. All of the CLTs produced in this study demonstrated low formaldehyde emission, ranging from 0.001 mg/L to 0.003 mg/L, thereby satisfying the JAS 1152 for structural glue laminated timber.

• Composites Research
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

Demand for energy consumption reduction is increasing according to the development expectations of future mobility. Lightweight structural materials are known as a method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. In particular, fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRP) is attracting attention as a material that can replace existing metal alloys due to its excellent mechanical properties and light weight. In this paper, industrial applications and research trends of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP, carbon FRP) and self-reinforced composites (SRC) were reviewed based on the reinforcement, polymer matrix, and manufacturing process. In order to overcome the expensive process cost and long manufacturing time of the epoxy resin-based autoclave method, which is mainly used in the aircraft field, mass production of CFRP-applied electric vehicles has been reported using a high-pressure resin transfer molding process including fast-curing epoxy. In addition, thermoplastic resin-based CFRP and interface enhancement methods to solve the recycling issue of carbon fiber composites were reviewed in terms of materials and processes. To form a perfect matrix-reinforcement interface, which is known as the major factor inducing the excellent mechanical properties of FRP, studies on SRC impregnated with the same matrix in polymer fibers have been reported. The physical and mechanical properties of SRC based on various thermoplastic polymers were reviewed in terms of polymer orientation and composite structure. In addition, a copolymer matrix strategy for extending the processing window of highly drawn polypropylene fiber-based SRC was discussed. The application of CFRP and SRC as lightweight structural materials can provide potential options for improving the energy efficiency of future mobility.

• 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.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.328-335
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• 2017

Fabricating photocatalytic composite membrane with a mesoporous and tailored morphological structure would have significant implication for environmental remediation. In this study, we reported hybrid $TiO_2$ immobilized photocatalytic membrane and its application for the treatment of dye solution. Photocatalytic film with high porosity and homogeneity was fabricated by graft copolymer as polymer template. Hybridization of membrane filtration with photocatalysis was successfully achieved by photocatalytic membrane reactor developed. Result showed that membrane permeability was significantly reduced after immobilizing the $TiO_2$ film on bare $Al_2O_3$ support. The membrane characterization indicated that well organized $TiO_2$ film was successfully formed on $Al_2O_3$ support. Benefiting from the controlled morphology of $TiO_2$ film, the composite membrane exhibited almost complete degradation of organic dye within 5 h of filtration under UV illumination. Langmuir-Hinshelwood model explained degradation of organic dye. First-order rate constant was approximately six times with $TiO_2$ immobilized composite ceramic membrane, higher than the one with the bare $Al_2O_3$ support (0.0081 vs. $0.0013min^{-1}$).

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 2017

Maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) copolymers were prepared by changing MAH and styrene monomer (SM) content, using a twin screw extruder at $190^{\circ}C$. The grafting degree was measured by non-aqueous back titration method. The grafting degree of PP-g-MAH-SM copolymer was higher than that of PP-g-MAH at the same MAH content. PP-g-MAH-SM/kenaf fiber (KF) composites were also prepared by using a PP-g-MAH as a matrix at $200^{\circ}C$ and the KF content was fixed at 20 wt%. Based on the degradation temperature investigated by TGA, the thermal stability of PP-g-MAH-SM/KF composites was more enhanced than that of PP-g-MAH only. Mechanical properties of the composites were also improved when MAH and SM applied together. The adhesion degree between the copolymer and KF was confirmed by both SEM pictures of the fractured surface and contact angles.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2006

Interfacial evaluation of the untreated and treated Jute and Hemp fibers reinforced different matrix polypropylene-maleic anhydride polypropylene copolymer (PP-MAPP) composites were investigated by micromechanical technique and dynamic contact angle measurement. For the statistical tensile strength of Jute and Hemp fibers, bimodal Weibull distribution was fitted better than the unimodal distribution. The acid-base parameter on the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the natural fiber composites was characterized by calculating the work adhesion, $W_a$. The effect of alkaline, silane coupling agent on natural fibers were obtained with changing MAPP content in PP-MAPP matrices. Alkaline treated fibers made the surface energy to be higher due to removing the weak boundary layers and thus increasing surface area, whereas surface energy of silane treated Jute and Hemp fibers decreased due to blocked high energy sites. MAPP in the PP-MAPP matrix caused the surface energy to increase due to introduced acid-base sites. Microfailure modes of two natural fiber composites were observed clearly differently due to different tensile strength of natural fibers.

• Composites Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.127-133
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• 2022

Polypropylene (PP) has been received great attention as a next-generation high-voltage power cable insulation material that can replace cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). However, the PP cannot be used alone as an insulation material because of its high elastic modulus and vulnerability to impact, and thus is mainly utilized as a form of a copolymer with rubber phases included in the polymerization step. In this paper, a soft PP-based blend was prepared through melt-mixing of impact PP, polyolefin elastomer, and propylene-ethylene random copolymer. The elastic modulus and impact strength of the blend could properly be decreased or increased, respectively, by introducing elastomeric phases. Furthermore, the blends showed a high storage modulus even at a temperature of 100℃ or higher at which the XLPE loses its mechanical properties. In addition, the blend was found to be effective in suppressing the space charge compared to the pristine PP as well as XLPE.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.472-477
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• 2010

$Al_2O_3$ has received wide attention with established use as a catalyst and growing application in structural or functional ceramic materials. On the other hand, the boehmite (AlO(OH)) obtained by sol-gel process has exhibited a decrease in surface area during phase transformation due to a decline in surface active site at high temperature. In this work, $Al_2O_3$-CuO/ZnO (ACZ) and $Al_2O_3$-CuO/CeO (ACC) composite materials were synthesized with aluminum isopropoxide, copper (II) nitrate hemi (pentahydrate), and cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate or zinc (II) nitrate hexahydrate. Moreover, the Span 80 as the template block copolymer was added to the ACZ/ACC composition to make nano size particles and to keep increasing the surface area. The ACZ/ACC synthesized powders were characterized by Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), Field-Emmision Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Bruner-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis and thermal electrical conductivity (ZEM-2:M8/L). An enhancement of surface area with the addition to Span 80 surfactant was observed in the ACZ powders from 105 $m^2$/g to 142 $m^2$/g, and the ACC powders from 103 $m^2$/g to 140 $m^2$/g, respectively.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.103-110
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• 2005

Proton conducting solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membranes have been used in many energy technological applications such as water electolysis, fuel cells, redox-flow battery, and other electrochemical devices. The availability of stable membranes with good electrochemical characteristics as proton conductivity at high temperatures above 80 $^{\circ}C$ and low cost are very important for its applications. However, the presently available perfluorinated ionomers are not applicable because of high manufacturing cost and high temperature use to the decrease in the proton conductivity and mechanical strength. In order to make up for the weak points, the block copolymer (BPSf) of polysulfone and poly (phenylene sulfide sulfone) were synthesized and sulfonated. The electrolyte membranes were prepared with phosphotungstic acid (HPA)/sulfonated BPSf via solution blending. This study would be desirable to investigate the interaction between the HPA and sulfonated polysulfone. The results showed that the characteristics of SPSf/HPA blend membrane was a better than Nafion at high temperature, 100 $^{\circ}C$. These membranes proved to have a high proton conductivity, $6.29{\times}10-2$ S/cm, a water content, 23.9%, and a ion exchange capacity, 1.97 meq./g dry membrane. Moreover, some of the membranes kept their high thermal and mechanical stability.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.512-520
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• 2001

One of the most important factors which affect the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composite materials is the interfacial shear strength (IFSS). The IFSS of glass fiber and polycarbonate (PC)/styrene-co-acrylonitrile (SAN) blend system has been measured by the single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT). SAN contents were varied up to 30 wt% and the IFSS increased with the SAN contents. Styrene-co-maleic anhydride (SMA) was used as the compatibilizer and the glass fiber was surface treated with organosilane coupling agents. Addition of small amount of SMA in PC/SAN blend improved the IFSS by chemical bonding between maleic anhydride and silanol. The optimum MA content was 0.4 wt% of total matrix contents. Also, IFSS was greatly affected by the miscibility condition of SAN/SMA blends, which depended on the copolymer composition of SAN and SMA. It was found out that, higher IFSS could be obtained when the SAN/SMA blend was in miscible pairs. In case of SAN/SMA miscible pairs, the IFSS depended on the MA content in total matrix, not on the MA content in SMA.