• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.784-788
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• 1999

The effects of pH, moisture content, and the relative amount of a polymer sample on the biodegradation of degradable polymers in soil were studied using various polymer materials such as cellulose, poly-(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (SG) polycaprolactone (PCL), a blend of PCL and starch (PCL-starch), and a poly-lactic acid (PLA). As with other materials, the polymers degraded faster at a neutral pH than at either acidic or basic conditions. Moisture contents of 60 and 100% water holding capacity exhibited a similar biodegradability for various polymers, although the effects differed depending on the polymer. For synthetic polymers, biodegradation was faster at 60%, while the natural polymer (cellulose) degraded faster at 100%. Fungal hypae was observed at a 60% water holding capacity which may have affected the biodegradation of the polymers. A polymer amount of 0.25% to soil revealed the highest biodegradability among the ratios of 0.25, 0.5, and 1%. With a higher sample amount, the residual polymer could be recovered after the biodegradation test. It was confirmed that a test for general biodegradation condition can be applied to plastic biodegradation in soil.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.539-543
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• 2008

Many natural proteins self-assemble in complex ways, either to fulfill their biological function or introduce particular properties, such as high strength and toughness. We report the morphological transition in water from a spherical to rod-like shape of Bombyx mori silk fibroin by reducing the pH. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the dilute solutions of silk fibroin in an aqueous environment, and provide direct visualization of the transformation of spherical micelles at pH 6.8 to nanofibrils at pH 4.8. This change in morphology occurred as a result of the stretching entropy due to the formation of $\beta$-sheets, which was analyzed using circular dichroism spectroscopy. This study demonstrates the self-assembly of silk fibroin as a function of pH.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.475-487
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• 2024

The usage of fiber-reinforced polymer materials increases in the construction sector due to their advantages in terms of high mechanical strength, lightness, corrosion resistance, low density and high strength/density ratio, low maintenance and painting needs, and high workability. In this study, it is aimed to improve mechanical properties of GFRP box profiles, produced by pultrusion method, by filling the polymer concrete into them. Within the scope of study, hybrid use of polymer concrete produced with GFRP box profiles was investigated. Hybrid pressure and bending specimens were produced by filling polymer concrete (polyester resin manufactured with natural sand and stone chips) into GFRP box profiles having different cross-sections and dimensions. Behavior of the produced hybrid members was investigated under bending and compression tests. Hollow GFRP_xx profiles, polymer-filled hybrid members, and nominative polymeric concrete specimens were tested as well. The behavior of the specimens under pressure and bending tests, and their load bearing capacities, deformations and changes in toughness were observed. According to the test results; It was deduced that hybrid design has many advantages over its component materials as well as superior physical and mechanical properties.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2020

The stem extract from Pyrus serotina var has natural antioxidant ability, but the extraction method does not result in a soluble compound in cosmetic formulations. This study investigated the cosmetic efficacy of the Pyrus serotina var stem extract and its epidermis permeation ability when combined with polymer micelles and a cell penetrating peptide. The total concentration of polyphenol compounds was determined to be 103.1644 ± 1.38 mg/g in the ethanol extract and 78.97 ± 1.45 mg/g in the hydrothermal extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effects were 55.94 ± 0.22% in the ethanol extract at 1,000 mg/L. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity rates were 104.05 ± 3.28% in the ethanol extract at 62.5 mg/L. The elastase inhibition rate was 67.21 ± 2.72% in the ethanol extract at 1,000 mg/L. An antimicrobial effect was observed in the Propionibacterium acnes strain. In the epidermal permeability experiment, it was confirmed that formulation of the polymer micelle containing the Pyrus serotina var stem extract and cell penetrating peptide (R6, hexa-D-arginine) showed small particle size and much better skin permeability. The cumulative amount of total Pyrus serotina var stem extract that penetrated to the skin over time increased over 24 hours in three formulations. The three formulations showed 51.61 ㎍/㎠ (Formulation 0), 75.97 ㎍/㎠ (Formulation 1) and 95.23 ㎍/㎠ (Formulation 2) skin penetration, respectively. Therefore, it was confirmed that the ethanol extracts of Pyrus serotina var stem showed good cosmetic efficacy and excellent epidermis permeation ability when combined with a polymer micelle and cell penetrating peptide. Thus, this extract has the potential to be used as a safe and natural cosmetic material in the future.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.11
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• pp.3477-3480
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• 2013

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.867-870
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• 2007

• Proceedings of the Korean Fiber Society Conference
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• 1998.04a
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• pp.329-333
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• 1998

The major classes of antimicrobial agents for textiles include organo-metallics, phenols, quaternary ammonium salts, and organo-silicones. These finishes should be durable, have selective activity towards undesirable organisms, be compatible with other finishes and dyes, and be nontoxic to man [1]. Chitosan, as a deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a natural, non-toxic and biodegradable polymer. Chitosan is also known as an antimicrobial polysaccharide due to antimicrobial action of the amino group at the C-2 position of the glucosamine residue.(omitted)

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2014.05a
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• pp.178-179
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• 2014

Corrosion is very serious problem in RC structure under ocean environment. There is no enough experiment information using the reinforced geo polymer concrete applied by electo chemical protection system. Three condition, such as tidal zone, submerged zone and crack were simulated to geo polymer specimen. Corrosion rate and natural electrode potential were measured through accelerated test. Anti corrosion property of geo polymer was better than OPC regardless of specimen condition and applied time.

• Fibers and Polymers
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2001

Tissue engineering is one exciting approach to treat patients who need a new organ or tissue. A critical element in this approach is the polymer scaffold, as it provides a space for new tissue formation and mimics many roles of natural extra-cellular matrices. In this review, we describe several design parameters of polymer matrices that can significantly affect cellular behavior, as well as various polymers which are frequently used to date or potentially useful in many tissue engineering applications. Interactions between cells and polymer scaffolds, including specific receptor-ligand interactions, physical and degradation feature of the scaffolds, and delivery of soluble factors, should be considered in the design and tailoring of appropriate polymer matrices to be used in tissue engineering applications, as these interactions control the function and structure of engineered tissues.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Dyers and Finishers Conference
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• 2009.03a
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• pp.14-20
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• 2009

Atmospheric pressure air plasma was applied for treatment of different kinds of natural bamboo fiber to improve their mechanical properties and surface characteristics, which are suitable for adhesion and dyeing. The tensile strength and Young modulus of bamboo fiber were significantly improved; SEM and AFM study show that the surface of fiber became cleaner and rougher after plasma treatment. Plasma treatment caused the cracking, removing of the protective skin of alkali-untreated fiber and etching to form a cleaner and rougher surface. The dyeability of both groups of bamboo fiber which are used for composite and textile purposes is significantly enhanced after treatment.