A facile route for the preparation of novel optically active poly(amide–imide)/functionalized zinc oxide nanocomposites containing pyromellitoyl-bis-l-phenylalanine moieties

In the present investigation, at first, the surface of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was treated with a silane coupling agent of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (KH570), which introduces organic functional groups on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. Secondly, optically active poly(amide–imide) (PAI) was synthesized via solution polycondensation of N,N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-phenylalanine diacid chloride 1 (M-1) with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone 2 (M-2). The polycondensation of diacid chloride with aromatic diamine was carried out with N,N-dimethylacetamide/triethylamine systems. Finally PAI/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) containing 4, 8, and 12% of nanoparticles were successfully fabricated through ultrasonic irradiation technique. The obtained NCs were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FT-IR spectroscopy indicated that the silane coupling agent was anchored on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. SEM, FE-SEM, and TEM images were showed ZnO nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously in PAI matrix.     

Link technologies and BlackBerry mobile health (mHealth) solutions: a review

The number of wearable wireless sensors is expected to grow to 400 million by the year 2014, while the number of operational mobile subscribers has already passed the 5.2 billion mark in 2011. This growth results in an increasing number of mobile applications including: Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, Electronic-Health (eHealth), and Mobile-Health (mHealth). A number of emerging mobile applications that require 3G and 4G mobile networks for data transport relate to telemedicine, including establishing, maintaining, and transmitting health-related information, research, education, and training. This review paper takes a closer look at these applications, specifically with regard to the healthcare industry and their underlying link technologies. The authors believe that the BlackBerry platform and the associated infrastructure (i.e., BlackBerry Enterprise Server) is a logical and practical solution for eHealth, mHealth, sensor and M2M deployments, which are considered in this paper.     

One-pot synthesis of glucose functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Dispersion in hydroxylated poly(amide-imide) composites and their thermo-mechanical properties

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with glucose using a covalent, non-specific functionalization approach. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that glucose structures were covalently attached to CNTs. Hydroxylated poly(amide-imide) (PAI)-based composites were developed by dispersing of glucose-functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs-Gl) as reinforcement in different concentrations varying from 5 to 15 wt.%. Nanocomposites have slightly higher degree of crystallinity than neat PAI and their thermo-oxidative stability was significantly affected by the addition of MWCNTs-Gl. According to mechanical tensile tests, the tensile strength and the Young's modulus of the MWCNT-Gl/PAI composites were increased with increasing MWCNTs-Gl content. The tensile strength remarkably increased from 81 to 129 MPa, which was about 59% higher than that of the neat PAI, with the addition of MWCNT-Gl contents within 15 wt.% and the elongation at break decreased about 0.2% at a 5 wt.% loading of MWCNT-Gl in comparison with the pure PAI film.     

Structure and properties of nylon-6/amino acid modified nanoclay composite fibers

Biodegradable amino acid modified nanocaly was applied to produce nylon-6/nanoclay composite fibers using melt blending and melt spinning processes. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images showed that the surface of composite fibers was uniform and free from defects. Layer spacing of modified nanoclay was increased due to the penetration of polymer molecules into clay layers. Crystallinity, γ crystalline percentage and total molecular orientation of composite fibers were higher in comparison to neat nylon-6 fibers, as revealed by WAXD and birefringence measurements. Tensile strength of composite fibers was lower when compared to neat nylon-6 fibers. This may be attributed to some aggregation of nanoclay and its weakening effect. Melting and glass transition temperature of composite fiber was decreased due to the addition of modified nanoclay, indicating the formation of γ crystals and also breaking of some hydrogen bonds between the polymer molecules and the formation of new hydrogen bonds between the modified clay and the polymer molecules.     

Improving the surface quality in wire electrical discharge machined specimens by removing the recast layer using magnetic abrasive finishing method

This study explores the feasibility of removing the recast layer formed on aluminum alloy cylindrical specimens machined by wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) by using magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF). The WEDM is a thermal machining process capable of accurately machining parts with high hardness or complex shapes. The sparks produced during the WEDM process melt the metal’s surface. The molten material undergoes ultra-rapid quenching and forms a layer on the surface defined as recast layer. The recast layer may be full of craters and microcracks which reduce service life of materials tremendously, especially under fatigue loads in corrosive environments. This investigation demonstrates that MAF process, can improve the quality of WEDM machined surfaces effectively by removing the recast layer. The present work studies the effect of some parameters, i.e., linear speed, working gap, abrasive particle size, and finishing time on surface roughness and recast layer thickness using full factorial analysis. Three-level full factorial technique is used as design of experiments for studying the selected factors. In order to indicate the significant factors, the analysis of variance has been used. In addition, an equation based on regression analysis is presented to indicate the relationship between surface roughness and recast layer thickness of cylindrical specimens and finishing parameters. Experimental results show the influence of MAF process on recast layer removal and surface roughness improvement.     

A Comprehensive Experimental Study on Finishing Aluminum Tube by Proposed UAMAF Process

In this paper, a new noncontact ultrasonic magnetic abrasive finishing mechanism is presented. An ultrasonic vibration producer is used to vibrate the permanent magnets. The ferromagnetic steel grits in the created magnetic field form a flexible finishing tool. To take advantage of cavitation collapse pressure, the finishing zone components are immersed in water. The present work also studies the effect of parameters, i.e., time duration for finishing and working gap between magnetic poles and the workpiece on the surface roughness (Ra). The microscopic pictures and the roughness profile diagrams demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method.     

Efficient functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes with p‐aminophenol and their application in the fabrication of poly(amide‐imide)‐matrix composites

The ultrasonically assisted preparation and characterization of poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) composites containing functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are reported. To improve the dispersion in and compatibility with the polymer matrix, the MWCNTs were surface‐modified with p‐aminophenol (p‐AP) under microwave irradiation. The process is fast, one‐pot, easy and results in a high degree of functionalization as well as dispersibility in organic solvents. The p‐AP‐functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs‐AP) were analysed by means of field emission and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results consistently confirm the formation of p‐AP functionalities on MWCNTs which are able to undergo additional reactions, while the structure of the MWCNTs remains relatively intact. MWCNTs‐AP/PAI hybrid films were prepared with various MWCNTs‐AP contents (5–15 wt%) using a solution‐casting technique. Microscopic observations show that the dispersion of the MWCNTs‐AP is improved as a result of the organic groups on the MWCNT surface and functional groups in the PAI structure. The properties of the obtained composites were characterized extensively using the aforementioned techniques. TGA results show that the hybrid films exhibit a good thermal stability. Tensile mechanical testing was performed for the prepared composites, the results of which indicate an increase in the elastic modulus and tensile strength with increasing MWCNTs‐AP content. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Surface Treatment of ZrO2 Nanoparticles with Biosafe Citric Acid and Its Utilization for the Synthesis of L-leucine Based Poly(Amide–Imide) Nanocomposites

This study aimed at preparing three nanocomposites of optically active poly(amide–imide) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) inorganic nanoparticles through the ultrasonic process. First, the surface of ZrO₂ nanocomposites was chemically modified with bio-active citric acid in the basic media. Then, the poly(amide–imide) was reinforced with modified nanocomposites and three poly(amide–imide)/ZrO₂-citric acid nanocomposites were synthesized by ultrasonic irradiation. The poly(amide–imide) was prepared by polycondensation of N-trimellitylimido-L-leucine with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone using of triphenyl phosphite and molten tetra-n-butylammonium bromide as green media. The obtained poly(amide–imide)/ZrO₂-citric acid nanocomposites were characterized by different techniques.     

Effect of Different Cosolvents on Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil in a Microreactor

Biodiesel was prepared from waste cooking oil combined with methanol. The process was performed via transesterification in a microreactor using kettle limescale as a heterogeneous catalyst and various cosolvents under different conditions. n‐Hexane and tetrahydrofuran were selected as cosolvents to investigate fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). To optimize the reaction conditions, the main parameters affecting FAME% including reaction temperature, catalyst concentration, oil‐to‐methanol volumetric ratio, and cosolvent‐to‐methanol volumetric ratio were studied via response surface methodology. Under optimal reaction conditions and in the presence of the cosolvents n‐hexane and tetrahydrofuran, high FAME purities were achieved. Considering the experimental results, the limescale catalyst is a unique material, and the cosolvent method can reduce significantly the reaction time and biodiesel production cost.