Search results for "Matrix"
showing 10 items of 3205 documents
The effect of disorder on optical spectra of conjugated polymers
1993
Abstract Using the semi-empirical parametrization of the Pariser-Parr-Pople model we determine the excitonic states in conjugated polymers. The employed parameters correspond to a moderate strength of the long-range Coulomb interaction. In order to take the disorder into account, the nearest-neighbour transfer matrix elements are chosen according to a random distribution. Averaging the results over a large number of chains of 100 sites, which are known to be sufficiently long so that finite-size effects become negligible, we obtain the linear and third-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities. With increasing disorder the linear absorption, the two-photon absorption and the third-harmonic g…
In situ forming hydrogels of new amino hyaluronic acid/benzoyl-cysteine derivatives as potential scaffolds for cartilage regeneration
2012
A new chemical strategy is described to link ethylenediamino (EDA) groups to primary hydroxyl groups of hyaluronic acid (HA) and the obtained derivatives have been characterized by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR analyses. Such HA–EDA derivatives have been exploited to control the functionalization degree in benzoyl-cysteine (BC) groups, chosen as moieties able to allow both self-assembling in aqueous media and an oxidative crosslinking. In particular, the kinetics of oxidation of thiol groups in HA–EDA–BC derivatives has been studied in Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffer Solution (DPBS) pH 7.4 by colorimetric assays and rheological measurements. Mechanical properties of chemical hydrogels obtained after oxida…
Identification of the reaction products of (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase in the marine sponge.
1998
Previously we reported on the presence of a high (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase activity in the marine sponge Geodia cydonium [Kuusksalu, A., Pihlak, A., Muller, W. E. G. & Kelve, M. (1995) Eur. J. Biochem. 232, 351-357]. The presence of (2'-5')oligoadenylates [(2'-5')A] in crude sponge extract was shown by radioimmunoassay and by their HPLC comigration with authentic (2'-5')A oligomers. In addition, the sponge (2'-5')oligoadenylates displayed biological activity, as determined by inhibition studies of protein biosynthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. In the present study individual (2'-5')oligoadenylates synthesized by sponge enzyme were separated by HPLC. The exact composition of ever…
A Versatile Technique to Produce Porous Polymeric Scaffolds: The Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) Method
2017
Among the various scaffold fabrication techniques, thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) is one of the most versatile methods to produce porous polymeric scaffold and it has been largely used for its capability to produce highly porous and interconnected scaffolds. The scaffold architecture can be closely controlled by varying the process parameters, including polymer type and concentration, solvent/non-solvent ratio and thermal history. TIPS technique has been widely employed, also, to produce scaffolds with a hierarchical pore structure and composite polymeric matrix/inorganic filler foams.
Single-Molecule Spectroscopy of MEH-PPV Polymer Molecules in Different Host Matrices
2009
Fluorescence emission and excitation spectra of single MEH-PPV molecules dispersed in three different host polymers (PMMA, PS, and Zeonex) have been recorded at 1.2 K. We observed only minor effects of the host matrix on the following parameters: the ratios of single-chromophoric to multichromophoric emission, the widths of the distributions of emission maxima, and the (generally very low) fraction of emission spectra with sharp zero-phonon lines. The differences are tentatively attributed to different conformations of MEH-PPV chains, subtle variations in local chromophore−matrix interactions, and/or different distributions of conjugation lengths of emitting chromophores, respectively. Usin…
A Quantitative Analysis of the Thermoelastic Effect in CFRP Composite Materials
2010
: In this study the thermoelastic signal from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates is investigated. A comparison between the theoretical and experimental values of the thermoelastic signal is reported, with the theoretical predictions obtained from two different quantitative models. These models are based on the classic thermoelastic effect law extended to the case of orthotropic materials (by using the mesomechanical or bulk approach), and the modified law assuming that the surface resin-rich layer behaves as a strain witness of the laminate. It is found that the theoretical predictions of the two models can be strongly and differently influenced by the intrinsic orthotropy of…
Estimation of the elastic constants of highly porous cellular plastics reinforced with fibres embedded in foam struts
2015
In order to enhance the mechanical properties of polymer foams, fillers of different materials and sizes are being applied. Fibrous fillers shorter than the characteristic foam cell dimensions have the potential of efficient reinforcement, due to their high aspect ratio, without detrimentally interfering with foam structure. A theoretical model is developed for evaluation of the effect of filler on foam stiffness. The elastic response of rigid polymer foams filled with short fibres, of length commensurable with that of foam struts, is modelled by using the orientational averaging technique. Explicit expressions for components of the stiffness tensor of composite foams are derived in terms …
Recent Applications of Carbonaceous Nanosorbents in Solid Phase Extraction for the Determination of Pesticides in Food Samples
2018
This article covers recent trends of carbonaceous nanomaterial supported solid phase extraction for the liquid and gas chromatography analysis of pesticides in food samples. Several advanced carbonaceous nanosorbents have been reported over the previous decade for pesticide extraction, such as graphene derivatives modified by combination with silica, amines, polymers, and/or magnetic nanoparticles. The advances in this field have opened possibilities for using neat or modified carbon nanotubes or graphene-type sorbents for the pre-concentration of polar or nonpolar pesticides by solid phase extraction (SPE) or micro-SPE methods or to apply such nanomaterials for the removal of matrix compon…
Processing and properties of blends with liquid crystal polymers
1990
Experimental data on the processing behavior and on the rheological and mechanical properties of blends with a liquid crystal polymer as one component are presented. The blends with low amounts of LCP show easier processability and lower viscosity than the thermoplastic matrix. The elastic modulus is also improved. The reduction of viscosity has been attributed to the lower pressure entry, due to the formation of fibrils and to the immiscibility of the two phases.
Liquid crystal polymer-based blends: “Universal grade” polymers?
1992
Polymeric materials can be easily processed with different processing operations thanks to suitable rheological properties. Melt flow index, or grade, which is a measure of the fluidity of the polymers, is the most commonly parameter used to characterize the polymers from the point of view of their melt viscosity. Injection molding requires high grade materials, whereas low grade values are best suited for extrusion. Of course, it would be no doubt of interest if single “universal grade” materials could be used for all processing operations. In this paper it is demonstrated that the blends of low grade polymers with small amounts of liquid crystal polymers can be conveniently used for all p…