The influence of temperature and interface strength on the microstructure and performance of sol–gel silica–epoxy nanocomposites

A series of silica–epoxy nanocomposites were prepared by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane within the organic matrix at different processing temperatures, i.e., 25 and 60 °C. Epoxy matrices reinforced with 2.0–10.0 wt% silica were subsequently crosslinked with an aliphatic diamine hardener to give optically transparent nanocomposite films. Interphase connections between silica networks and organic matrix were established by in situ functionalization of silica with 2.0 wt% γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS). The microstructure of silica–epoxy nanocomposites as studied by transmission electron microscopy indicated the formation of very well-matched nanocomposites with homogeneous distribution of silica at relatively higher temperatures and in the presence of APTS. Thermogravimetric and static mechanical analyses confirmed considerable increase in thermal stability, stiffness, and toughness of the modified composite materials as compared to neat epoxy polymer and unmodified silica–epoxy nanocomposites. A slight improvement in the glass transition temperatures was also recorded by differential scanning calorimetry measurements. High temperature of hydrolysis during the in situ sol–gel process not only improved reaction kinetics but also promoted mutual solubility of the two phases, and consequently enhanced the interface strength. In addition, APTS influenced the size and distribution of the inorganic domain and resulted in better performance of the modified silica–epoxy nanocomposites.     

Thermally and mechanically superior hybrid epoxy–silica polymer films via sol–gel method

Hybrid organic–inorganic polymer films composed of an epoxy resin crosslinked with a flexible diamine hardener, and a silica reinforcing phase were produced and their thermo-mechanical properties were determined. Two types of hybrid epoxy–silica polymer films, named EAS-1 and EAS-2, were obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of various amounts of tetraethoxysilane within epoxy network matrix. In EAS-2 hybrids, minor amounts of an amine silane coupling agent were added to enhance interfacial compatibility. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of organic and inorganic networks. The grafting of amine silane on to the epoxy resin influenced the size and distribution of hyper-branched clusters of silica as indicated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis (DMTA) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed an increase in the storage modulus, the glass-transition temperature, and the thermal stability of hybrid polymer films as compared to the neat matrix. The integration of amine silane coupling agent produced smaller, effectively dispersed silica nanoparticles and consequently improved the ultimate properties of polymer films.     

Correction to: Deposition of bismuth sulfide and aluminum doped bismuth sulfide thin films for photovoltaic applications

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics -     

Deposition of bismuth sulfide and aluminum doped bismuth sulfide thin films for photovoltaic applications

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - Binary bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) and ternary aluminum-doped bismuth sulfide (Al@Bi2S3) thin films were prepared by the chemical bath...     

Functionality of different probiotic strains embedded in citrus pectin based edible films

The inclusion of probiotics into the packaging films has emerged as a novel approach to provide edible packaging with new functionalities. In this study, probiotic films were developed by embedding four different probiotics (Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) into citrus pectin films and their viability was checked at 25 and 4 °C for 30 days. A reduction of 0.44, 1.04, 0.32, and 1.0 log CFU g⁻¹ was observed in probiotic films containing L. casei, B. bifidum, L. acidzophilus, and L. rhamnosus respectively during drying process of film’s formation. The viability of all probiotics (except B. bifidum) was decreased from 10⁹ to 10⁶ CFU g⁻¹ in 30 days storage at 25 °C. Whereas, only 2 log reduction was observed for films stored at 4 °C during 30 days. The physical and optical properties of the films were affected slightly by inclusion of bacterial cells. The presence of live cells in films made them less resistant to elongation and less stretchable. All bacterial films inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes by 1.5 logs compared to control. The results suggest the entrapment of probiotics in pectin can be used as an effective packaging technology for ensuring food safety.