Dielectric properties of graphite nanocomposites
Polymer nanocomposites are an emerging class of multifunctional materials that have not been optimized for their functional potential. In this study, the dielectric properties of graphite polymer nanocomposites were evaluated. The objective was to develop for composite applications, an alternative cost‐effective nanoscale carbon material with properties comparable to those of carbon nanotubes. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:127–130, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conducting aluminum‐filled nylon 6 composites
This work is concerned with the preparation and characterization of composite materials prepared by compression molding of a mixture of aluminum flakes and nylon 6 powder. The electrical conductivity, density, hardness and morphology of composites were investigated. The electrical conductivity of the composites is < 10 -11 S/cm unless the metal content reached the percolation threshold, beyond which the conductivity increased markedly by as much as 10 11 . The volume fraction of conductive filler at the percolation threshold was calculated from experimental data, by fits to functions predicted by the percolation theory. Decreasing the average particle diameter of filler leads to increased percolation threshold (it varies from 23 to 34 vol% for the three different fillers studied) and decreased maximal conductivity of composites. The density of the composites was measured and compared with values calculated assuming different void levels within the samples. Furthermore, it is shown that for certain sizes of particle filler, the hardness decreases initially with the increase of metal concentration, possibly because of poor surface contact with the nylon matrix, but, starting from a certain value, there is a hardness increase. For the smallest particle filler, the hardness of samples is not influenced by the presence of the filler.
Mucoadhesive Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery to the Anterior Eye
While the use of topical drops for the delivery of drugs to the anterior of the eye is well accepted, it is far from efficient with as little as 5% of the drug instilled on the eye actually reaching the target tissue. The ability to prolong the residence time on the eye is desirable. Based on the acceptability of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate based polymers in contact lens applications, the current work focuses on the development of a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)) nanoparticle system. The particles were modified to allow for degradation and to permit mucoadhesion. Size and morphological analysis of the final polymer products showed that nano-sized, spherical particles were produced. FTIR spectra demonstrated that the nanoparticles comprised poly(HEMA) and that 3-(acrylamido)phenylboronic acid (3AAPBA), as a mucoadhesive, was successfully incorporated. Degradation of nanoparticles containing N,N′-bis(acryloyl)cystamine (BAC) after incubation with DL-dithiothreitol (DTT) was confirmed by a decrease in turbidity and through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nanoparticle mucoadhesion was shown through an in-vitro zeta potential analysis.