Scrutinization of Polystyrene Microsphere-grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube and Silver Nanoparticle-based Hybrids: Morphology,Thermal Properties,and Antibacterial Activity

Polystyrene microsphere (emulsion polymerization) was grafted on pure multiwalled carbon nanotube and amine-modified multiwalled carbon nanotube. Silver nanoparticle was also decorated on nanotube using chemical reduction (dimethylformamide). Amine-modified multiwalled carbon nanotube secures better silver attachment on nanotube wall. Polystyrene/Ag–amine-modified multiwalled carbon nanotube depicted fine dispersion in polymer latex due to modification. The 10% decomposition temperature and maximum degradation temperature of polystyrene/Ag–amine-modified multiwalled carbon nanotube was increased to 352 and 424°C. Antibacterial properties of nanocomposite were studied against respiratory track demolishing Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Ag nanoparticle was found responsible to potential death rate of microbes.     

Task Classification and Scheduling Based on K-Means Clustering for Edge Computing

Wireless Personal Communications - The rapid evolution of Internet of Things and cloud computing have endorsed a novel computing paradigm called edge computing. Here tasks are processed by edge...     

Review on Polymer/Halloysite Nanotube Nanocomposite

Halloysite nanotube (HNT) is a unique type of nanofiller, i.e., structurally much similar to nanoclay, whereas geometrically analogous to carbon nanotube. Due to nanosize, surface area, low cost, and natural availability, HNT offers up to date latent for polymeric nanocomposite. Polymer/HNT nanocomposites have been prepared using different techniques; however, melt mixing technique was widely used. Thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and nonflammability of polymer nanocomposite have been found to increase by HNT addition. Application areas discovered so far include materials for flame retardancy, stimuli-response, anticorrosion, dye removal, and drug delivery. Future research is desired to expand the potential of polymer/HNT nanocomposite.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel Pr6O11/Mn3O4 nanocomposites for electrochemical supercapacitors

This study presents the successful synthesis of praseodymium oxide, Pr₆O₁₁ and hausmannite manganese oxide, Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles, along with a novel synthesis of (Pr₆O₁₁/Mn₃O₄) nanocomposites by employing the hydrothermal route followed by post thermal annealing. X-ray Diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray characterization techniques are being adapted to analyze the physical characteristics of all the synthesized materials. XRD results reveal the crystalline nature of the synthesized materials. FE-SEM results display the irregular nanograins of Mn₃O₄ and a regular network of interconnected Pr₆O₁₁ nanoparticles. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption tests confirm the mesoporous nature of all the synthesized electrode materials. The Pr₆O₁₁/Mn₃O₄ ??2 electrode material exhibits an outstanding specific capacitance of 794.58?F/g at a current density of 0.5?A/g, as compared to the 521.24?F/g for the Pr₆O₁₁ electrode material. These investigations provide an easy and efficient method to develop nanocomposites (Pr₆O₁₁/Mn₃O₄) with better electrochemical characteristics, as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.     

Novel poly(thiourea‐ether‐imide)s derived from 4,4′‐oxydiphenyl‐bis(thiourea): probing the possibility for high‐temperature applications

Our interest in the fabrication of high‐performance polyimides has led to thiourea‐substituted poly(thiourea‐ether‐imide)s (PTEIs) with good retention of thermal properties along with flame retardancy. A new aromatic monomer, 4,4′‐oxydiphenyl‐bis(thiourea) (ODPBT), was efficiently synthesized and polymerized with various dianhydrides (pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic dianhydride) via two‐stage chemical imidization to fabricate a series of PTEIs. The structural characterization of ODPBT and the polymers was carried out using Fourier transform infrared, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectral techniques along with crystallinity, organosolubility, inherent viscosity and gel permeation chromatographic measurements. PTEIs bearing C?S and ? O? moieties in the backbone demonstrated an amorphous nature and were readily soluble in various amide solvents. The novel polymers had inherent viscosities of 1.16–1.23 dL g^?1 and molecular weights of ca 90 783–96 927 g mol^?1. Their thermal stability was substantiated via 10% weight loss in the temperature range 516–530 °C under inert atmosphere. The polyimides had glass transition temperatures of 260–265 °C. Incorporation of thiourea functionalities into polymer backbones is demonstrated to be an effective way to enhance their thermal properties and flame retardancy. Thus, ODPBT can be considered as an excellent candidate for use in the synthesis of high‐performance polymeric materials. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Novel Hybrids of Polystyrene Nanoparticles and Silica Nanoparticles-Grafted-Graphite Via Modified Technique

We have designed polystyrene nanoparticles through modified nanoprecipitation cosolvent evaporation technique and conventional nanoprecipitation and solvent evaporation. Polystyrene nanoparticles were embedded with silica nanoparticles and graphite to analyze scope of nanoprecipitation cosolvent evaporation. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopic revealed decreased band gap of polystyrene nanoparticles obtained via nanoprecipitation cosolvent evaporation. Scanning electron microscopic showed uniform morphology of polystyrene nanoparticles and polystyrene nanoparticles-based nanocomposites engendered by nanoprecipitation cosolvent evaporation. X-ray diffraction disclosed presence of crystalline domains due to silica nanoparticles content in amorphous structure. Glass transition temperature was increased from 94 (polystyrene) to 124°C (PSNPs/SiNPs 0.6) and 137°C (PSNPs/SiNPs/G 0.6) with filler loading. Electrical conductivity of PSNPs/SiNPs/G 0.6 was also found to be higher (1.53 S/cm).     

Influence of inulin and demineralised whey powder addition on the organic acid profiles of probiotic yoghurts

In this study, the effect of the different concentrations of inulin and demineralised whey (d‐whey) powder on the chemical characteristics and organic acid profiles of probiotic yoghurts were investigated. Analysis of chemical composition was performed on the first day, while pH and organic acid profiles were carried out during storage. The results indicated that different proportions of inulin and d‐whey powder significantly influenced the levels of the organic acids, produced while the duration of storage affected the orotic, pyruvic, citric, lactic and acetic acid levels. There was a direct relationship between the level of d‐whey powder and organic acid (except for butyric acid) concentration in the probiotic yoghurt.     

Narrow emission linewidths of positioned InAs quantum dots grown on pre-patterned GaAs(100) substrates

We report photoluminescence measurements on a single layer of site-controlled InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on pre-patterned GaAs(100) substrates with a 15 nm re-growth buffer separating the dots from the re-growth interface. A process for cleaning the re-growth interface allows us to measure single dot emission linewidths of 80 μeV under non-resonant optical excitation, similar to that observed for self-assembled QDs. The dots reveal excitonic transitions confirmed by power dependence and fine structure splitting measurements. The emission wavelengths are stable, which indicates the absence of a fluctuating charge background in the sample and confirms the cleanliness of the re-growth interface.     

Turkey's Hydropolitics of the Euphrates-TigrisBasin

Turkey is going through a transition period and trying to realize its potential. The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) is an integrated development project; it is expected to affect the entire structure of the area in its economic, social and cultural life. It is envisaged as the means of bridging the gap between the southeastern region and the more advanced areas of Turkey and of increasing the welfare of the region. The GAP Project has caused great anxiety to Syria and Iraq. In order to solve the water problem between Syria and Iraq, Turkey launched a 'Three Stage Plan'. Turkey considers the issue as an economic rather than a political one.