• Korean Membrane Journal
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.20-25
• /
• 2008

Proton conducting composite membranes were prepared by solution blending of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene)-graft-poly(sulfopropyl methacrylate) (P(VDF-CTFE)-g-PSPMA) graft copolymer and heteropolyacid (HPA). The P(VDF-CTFE)-g-PSPMA graft copolymer was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using direct initiation of the secondary chlorines of P(VDF-CTFE). FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that HPA nanoparticles were incorporated into the graft copolymer via hydrogen bonding interactions. The water uptake of membranes continuously decreased with increasing HP A concentration up to 45wt%, after which it slightly increased. It is presumably due to the decrease in number of water absorption sites due to hydrogen bonding interaction between the HP A particles and the polymer matrix. The proton conductivity of membranes increased with increasing HPA concentration up to 45wt%, resulting from both the intrinsic conductivity of HP A particles and the enhanced acidity of the sulfonic acid of the graft copolymer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.20 no.5
• /
• pp.908-916
• /
• 2010

Fullerene-60 nanoparticles were used for studying their effect on the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) biodegradation efficiency of two potential polymer-degrading consortia comprising three bacterial strains each. At a concentration of 0.01% (w/v) in minimal broth lacking dextrose, fullerene did not have any negative influence upon the consortia growth. However, fullerene was found to be detrimental for bacterial growth at higher concentrations (viz., 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%). Although addition of 0.01% fullerene into the biodegradation assays containing 5mg/ml LDPE subsided growth curves significantly, subsequent analysis of the degraded products revealed an enhanced biodegradation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed breakage and formation of chemical bonds along with the introduction of ${\nu}C$-O frequencies into the hydrocarbon backbone of LDPE. Moreover, simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) revealed a higher number of decomposition steps along with a 1,000-fold decrease in the heat of reactions (${\Delta}H$) in fullerene-assisted biodegraded LDPE, suggesting the probable formation of multiple macromolecular byproducts. This is the first report whereby fullerene-60, which is otherwise considered toxic, has helped to accelerate the polymer biodegradation process of bacterial consortia.

• Proceedings of the Korean Powder Metallurgy Institute Conference
• /
• 2006.09a
• /
• pp.489-490
• /
• 2006

Branched sulfonated poly(ether sulfone-ketone) copolymer was prepared with bisphenol A, 4,4-difluorobenzophenone, sulfonated chlorophenyl sulfone (40mole% of bisphenol A) and THPE (1,1,1-tris-p-hydroxyphenylethane). THPE was used 0.4 mol% of bisphenol A to synthesize branched copolymers. Organic-inorganic nano composite membranes were prepared with copolymer and a series of $SiO_2$ nanoparticles (20 nm, 4, 7 and 10 wt%). The composite membranes were cast from dimethylsulfoxide solutions. The films were converted from the salt to acid forms with dilute hydrochloric acid. The membranes were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Sorption experiments were conducted to observe the interaction of sulfonated polymers with water and methanol. Branched copolymer and nano composite membranes exhibit proton conductivities from $1.12{\times}10^{-3}$ to $6.04{\times}10^{-3}\;S/cm^2$, water uptake from 52.9 to 62.4%, IEC from 0.81 to 1.21 meq/g and methanol diffusion coefficients from $1.2{\times}10^{-7}$ to $1.5{\times}10^{-7}\;cm^2/S$.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.371-377
• /
• 2019

A flexible piezoelectric energy harvester(f-PEH) that converts tiny mechanical and vibrational energy resources into electric signals without any restraints is drawing attention as a self-powered source to operate flexible electronic systems. In particular, the nanocomposites-based f-PEHs fabricated by a simple and low-cost spin-coating method show a mechanically stable and high output performance compared to only piezoelectric polymers or perovskite thin films. Here, the non-piezoelectric polymer matrix of the nanocomposite-based f-PEH is replaced by a P(VDF-TrFE) piezoelectric polymer to improve the output performance generated from the f-PEH. The piezoelectric hybrid nanocomposite is produced by distributing the perovskite PZT nanoparticles inside the piezoelectric elastomer; subsequently, the piezoelectric hybrid material is spin-coated onto a thin metal substrate to achieve a nanocomposite-based f-PEH. A fabricated energy device after a two-step poling process shows a maximum output voltage of 9.4 V and a current of 160 nA under repeated mechanical bending. Finite element analysis(FEA) simulation results support the experimental results.

• Advances in nano research
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.365-374
• /
• 2024

This study delves into the significant impact of integrating nanomaterials, specifically carbon and graphene nanoparticles, into the polymer matrix of aluminum alloy 356, utilizing the vortex casting technique, with the aim of improving the mechanical properties of table tennis equipment. Athletes and their coaching teams have long been on a quest for high-performance sports gear, recognizing its pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of players. The dedication of engineers to craft designs, select materials with precision, and uphold stringent testing standards reflects the commitment to meeting the demands of the sporting world. Yet, to remain at the forefront, sports engineering must continually align with contemporary technologies, and nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in this regard. This study not only underscores the meticulous efforts in material integration but also highlights the remarkable strides made possible by nanotechnology. Aluminum nanocomposites, particularly, showcase a groundbreaking fusion of exceptional strength and reduced weight, marking a notable achievement in sports equipment innovation. The research outcomes are compelling, revealing a substantial enhancement in the mechanical performance of the sports structures under scrutiny. This promising development hints at a potential paradigm shift in the manufacturing of sports equipment, promising a new era of elevated athlete performance and enhanced safety during the rigors of physical education training. This study stands as a testament to the tangible impact of nanotechnology on the ever-evolving landscape of sports equipment.

• Elastomers and Composites
• /
• v.59 no.1
• /
• pp.34-41
• /
• 2024

In this study, the effects of the type and content of silica on the mechanical and tear properties of chloroprene rubber (CR), which is mainly used as a jacket material for mining cables, were studied. The crosslinking density (ΔM) and reinforcing factor (α_f) defined using cure characteristics increased with increasing silica content, whereas the cure rate decreased. The hardness, tensile strength, and modulus of the CR compounds increased depending on the silica content and structural development. The reinforcing behavior of the silica-filled CR compounds according to the silica type and content showed the best fit with the Thomas equation of the predictive model. Tear strength was evaluated using two standard test methods, ASTM D470 and DIN VDE 0472-613, and the results were compared. The tear strength increased as the silica content increased, regardless of the test method, and the different tear strengths obtained by the two standard test methods showed a linear relationship with each other, indicating a high correlation.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.55 no.12
• /
• pp.4664-4670
• /
• 2023

Radiation is the main safety issue for almost all nuclear applications, which must be controlled to protect living organisms and the surrounding materials. In this context, radiation shielding materials have been investigated and used in nuclear technologies. The choice of materials depends on the radiation usage area, type, and energy. Polymer materials are preferred in radiation shielding applications due to their superior characteristics such as chemical inertness, resistivity, low weight, flexibility, strength, and low cost. In the presented work, ABS polymer material, which is possibly the most commonly used material in 3D printers, is mixed with Gd₂O₃ and Er₂O₃ nanoparticles. ABS filaments containing these rare-earth elements are then produced using a filament extruder. These produced filaments are used in a 3D printer to create shielding samples. Following the production of shielding samples, SEM, EDS, and gamma-ray shielding analyses (including experiments, WinXCOM, GEANT4, and FLUKA) are performed. The results show that 3D printing technology offers significant enhancements in creating homogeneous and well-structured materials that can be effectively used in gamma-ray shielding applications.

• Composites Research
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.209-214
• /
• 2024

Graphene oxide (GO), known for its high stiffness, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity, is being utilized as a reinforcement in nanocomposite materials. This study evaluates the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites incorporating GO and edge modified GO (E-GO), which has hydroxyl groups substituted only on its edges. GO/E-GO was uniformly dispersed in epoxy resin using ultrasonic dispersion, and mechanical properties were assessed through tensile testing. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles increased both tensile strength and toughness. The tensile strength of the epoxy without nanoparticles was 74.4 MPa, while the highest tensile strength of 90.7 MPa was observed with 0.3 wt% E-GO. Additionally, the modulus increased from 2.55 GPa to 3.53 GPa with the addition of nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surface revealed that the growth of cracks was impeded by the nanoparticles, preventing complete fracture and causing the cracks to split in multiple directions. E-GO, with surface treatment only on the edges, exhibited higher mechanical properties than GO due to its superior dispersion and surface treatment effects. These results highlight the importance of nanoparticle surface treatment in developing high-performance nanocomposite materials.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
• /
• v.20 no.11
• /
• pp.611-616
• /
• 2010

A cobalt oxide - tin oxide nanocomposite based gas sensor on an $SiO_2$ substrate was fabricated. Granular thin film of tin oxide was formed by a rheotaxial growth and thermal oxidation method using dc magnetron sputtering of Sn. Nano particles of cobalt oxide were spin-coated on the tin oxide. The cobalt oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by polymer-assisted deposition method, which is a simple cost-effective versatile synthesis method for various metal oxides. The thickness of the film can be controlled over a wide range of thicknesses. The composite structures thus formed were characterized in terms of morphology and gas sensing properties for reduction gas of $H_2$. The composites showed a highest response of 240% at $250^{\circ}C$ upon exposure to 4% $H_2$. This response is higher than those observed in pure $SnO_2$ (90%) and $Co_3O_4$ (70%) thin films. The improved response with the composite structure may be related to the additional formation of electrically active defects at the interfaces. The composite sensor shows a very fast response and good reproducibility.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.123-127
• /
• 2009

In order to improve the diffraction efficiency of the photopolymer, we prepared a $TiO_2$ added photopolymer and investigated the optical properties. Prepared photopolymer films are based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a polymer binder, acryl amide (AA) as a photo-polymerizable monomer, triethanolamine (TEOA) as an initiator, and eosin Y as a sensitizer at 532 nm. To prepare the photopolymer films with the uniform thickness, the constant amount (2.5 ml) of the photopolymer solution was dropped on the glass and spread using a spin coater. Then films were dried for 72 hrs in a darkroom ($20^{\circ}C$, 40% RH) prior to the optical measurement. Then, the diffraction efficiencies of both the photopolymer films containing $TiO_2$ and non-contained films were measured with the various incident angles ($20{\sim}70^{\circ}$). Therefore, $TiO_2$ added photopolymer showed 5% higher diffraction efficiency than neat photopolymer without $TiO_2$ addition. The addition of $TiO_2$ into the photopolymer showed the high diffraction efficiency (over 70%) at broad range ($20{\sim}70^{\circ}C$) of the incident angle.