Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a biodegradable and biocompatible elastomer that has been used in a wide range of biomedical applications. While a porous format is common for tissue engineering scaffolds, to allow cell ingrowth, PGS degradation has been primarily studied in a nonporous format. The purpose of this research was to investigate the degradation of porous PGS at three frequently used cure temperatures: 120°C, 140°C, and 165°C. The thermal, chemical, mechanical, and morphological changes were examined using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, compression testing, and scanning electron microscopy. Over the course of the 16-week degradation study, the samples’ pores collapsed. The specimens cured at 120°C demonstrated the most degradation and became gel-like after 16 weeks. Thermal changes were most evident in the 120°C and 140°C cure PGS specimens, as shifts in the melting and recrystallization temperatures occurred. Porous samples cured at all three temperatures displayed a decrease in compressive modulus after 16 weeks. This in vitro study helped to elucidate the effects of porosity and cure temperature on the biodegradation of PGS and will be valuable for the design of future PGS scaffolds.

The n-type GaN has stability problem of the surface anodic corrosion during the photoelectrochemical reaction for H2 generation. The photoelectrochemical surface stabilities of n-type GaN dependent on the electrolytes were investigated. The flatband potential in HCl obtained from Mott-Schottky plot shifted 0.1 V to positive direction compared with that in H2SO4. The variation of saturated photocurrent of 1 to 3 cycles in H2SO4 was much larger than that of HCl, NaOH and KOH. The surface morphologies also changed by the electrolytes. These results show the absorbed materials on the GaN electrode surface during the photoelectrochemical reactions were changed by the electrolyte and affected the surface reactions.

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), when applied to biological samples has the potential to resolve the longitudinal acoustic wave speed and hence stiffness of discrete tissue components. The heterogeneity of biological materials combined with the action of cryosectioning and rehydrating can, however, create variations in section topography. Here, we set out to determine how variations in specimen thickness influence apparent acoustic wave speed measurements

Cryosections (5μm nominal thickness) of human skin biopsies were adhered to glass slides before washing and rehydrating in water. Multiple regions (200x200 μm; n = 3) were imaged by SAM to generate acoustic wave speed maps. Subsequently co-localised 30x30 μm sub-regions were imaged by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in fluid. The images were then registered using Image J. Each pixel was allocated both a height and wave speed value before their relationship was then plotted on a scattergram. The mean section thickness measured by AFM was 3.48 ± 1.12 (SD) μm. Regional height variations influenced apparent wave speed measurements. A 3.5 μm height difference was associated with a 400 ms-1 increase in wave speed. In the present study we show that local variations in specimen thickness influence apparent wave speed. We also show that a true measure of wave speed can be calculated if the thickness of the specimen is known at each sampling point.

We report successful tuning of laser wavelength from ∼420 nm to ∼600 nm in epitaxially aligned nanofibers grown by periodic deposition of para-sexiphenyl (p6P) and sexithiophene (6T) on p-6P/muscovite mica templates. The nanofibers were photoexcited by subpicosecond pulses tuned to the lowest p6P absorption band, and the emission of 6T, whose coverage was kept in the submonolayer regime, was efficiently sensitized through resonance energy transfer (RET).

The 6T lasing was achieved at room temperature with threshold fluences as low as 10 μJ/cm2 per pulse. Transient photoluminescence measurements, with picosecond resolution, showed that at these pump fluences the decay dynamics of 6T emission is independent of the excitation density, thereby demonstrating the attainment of room-temperature monomolecular lasing from epitaxially oriented 6T submonolayer aggregates. Main lasing properties remained unaltered upon direct photoexcitation of 6T below the p6P absorption edge.

We report, for the first time, effects of annealing of ZnO NWs grown on p-Si substrates. ZnO NWs are grown using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and thermal annealing was performed in situ under nitrogen ambient at different stages of the growth process. Increasing the annealing temperature of the ZnO seed epi-layer from 635 °C to 800 °C does not affect the morphology of the grown NWs. In contrast, annealing the NWs themselves at 800 °C results in a 48% decrease of the surface area to volume ratio of the grown NWs. The optical quality can be improved by annealing the seed layer at a higher temperature of 800 °C, although annealing the NWs themselves does not affect the defect density.

Excimer fluorescence of two-component thin films made of pyrene (Py) and polystyrene (PS) can be quenched by the vapor of nitro-aromatic and nitro-ester explosives with a high selectivity and sensitivity. Normally, an electrospun film can be quenched in minutes by the vapor of the explosives. In order to understand the origin of the mechanism, we have investigated the fluorescence quenching rate of the binary thin films as functions of the molecular weights (MW) of the polystyrene (from 2,500 to 900,000 g/mol) and film thicknesses (110nm and 610 nm) in presence of the vapor of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT, a type of nitro-explosives). The diffusion coefficients of 2, 4-DNT in the solid films are found nearly independent of MW but have strong dependence on the film thicknesses.

The potential effect of high pH plume caused by cementitious materials must be evaluated in the performance assessment for HLW geological disposal. Alkaline plume would lead to change sorption properties of host rock by primary mineral dissolution, secondary mineral precipitation and sequential change of pore water chemistry. In this study, the effect of alkaline alteration on sorption of Cs, Ni and Th was investigated using rock samples from the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory. Crushed rock samples were reacted in high pH alkaline solution at 90 °C for 45 days, 95 days and 1,383 days, respectively. As a result of sample analysis, it was supposed that zeolitic mineral was precipitated as secondary mineral. The cation exchange capacity slightly increased in comparison with the unaltered sample. Distribution coefficients (Kd) of Cs, Ni and Th on unaltered and altered rock sample were measured by batch sorption experiment in synthetic groundwater. Kd of Cs increased with the alteration period. These results show that secondary minerals contribute to the increase in Cs sorption. By contrast, Kd of Ni and Th decreased with the alteration period. This change might be caused by dissolution of clay minerals and amorphous silicates controlling Ni and Th sorption by surface complexation. These results imply that effects of alkaline alteration on Kd of rocks depend on the dissolution/precipitation of minerals, their surface properties and sorption mechanisms.

The self-assembly of a hydrophobically modified biopolymer (chitosan) is described with particular reference to gelation of these systems. The hydrophobic modification consists of the attachment of long chain alkyl groups inserted randomly along the polysaccharide backbone. The attachment of these alkyl groups to hydrophobic surfaces or the insertion into nonpolar liquids provides a ubiquitous and versatile way to create hierarchical structures, particularly the formation of self-assembled gels. Such self-assembly can be used in a variety of new technologies relating to chromatography, lubrication and the environmental remediation of oil spills through gelation of surface layers.

The detection of hydrogen peroxide has been shown to be very important in recent years due to its role in many industrial applications, as well as in biological reactions. Previously, a commercial silver flake-based ink (PF-410, Acheson®), when screen-printed as films to substrate and subsequently coated with surfactant and salt (sodium dodecylbenezene sulphonate (SDBS) and KCl), have been shown to significantly enhance the electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide – up to 80-fold over non-modified films. In this study, an attempt to understand the effect of the silver material within the ink on the catalytic behaviour of the films, as well as the distinct change in behaviour upon modification with surfactant/salt are examined. Factors including Ag morphology, presence of dispersant and Ag material supplier are all investigated to assess their effects on the electrocatalytic breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. To do this, a range of inks were formulated from various Ag materials, e.g., flakes and nanoparticles of various sizes. These inks were then cast as coatings onto conventional glassy carbon (GC) electrodes, and their electrocatalytic behaviours, both as modified and non-modified films were studied.

Thermoelectric materials based on non-toxic and earth-abundant elements are important from the viewpoint of energy harvesting from the widely-spread waste heat. We have investigated the thermoelectric properties of Cu9Fe9S16, known as the natural mineral mooihoekite or talnakhite. Seebeck coefficient shows a large negative value of about -140 μV/K around room temperature. Thermal conductivity is found to be as small as 2.0 W/Km above 100 K, which is attributed to the large unit cell and the complicated crystal structure. Our results indicate that Cu9Fe9S16 can make a high-performance and environmentally-friendly thermoelectric material if the concentration of carriers, especially holes, is reduced.

Magnetite nanoparticles were produced by the chemical co-precipitation of iron sulfates at alkaline conditions and were tested as a Cr(VI) adsorbent from water. Batch adsorption experiments showed a high removal efficiency, which is maximized at pH values below 6. This behavior was also verified in a continuous flow reactor, where nanoparticles were in contact with the polluted water. In particular, using a particle concentration of 1 g/L in water containing 100 μg Cr(VI)/L, a contact time of at least 2 h was required to achieve complete removal of Cr(VI). The recovery of nanoparticles after their use was accomplished using their magnetic nature. Application of an external magnetic field at the sides of the tube in which the suspension was flowing was sufficient to completely collect the nanoparticles in the outflow of the contact reactor, thus, providing water free of Cr(VI) and a solid phase.

With increasing attention towards long-term health monitoring, there is a pressing need to create noninvasive sensors that monitor vital bioelectronic signals. Particular importance is placed on measuring electrocardiogram (ECG) signals as heart issues are widespread and can be prevented with the proper warning and care of potential problems. Currently, ECGs are taken in a hospital setting using disposable silver-silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) pre-gelled electrodes. Unfortunately, this cannot translate to a long-term monitoring setting due to the electrolytic gel of the electrodes drying and causing skin irritation. This paper presents a soft, skin-mountable dry electrode based on silver nanowires (AgNWs) for measuring ECG signals that can be used in long-term, wearable health monitoring due to the elimination of the electrolytic gel. The AgNWs are embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which creates a robust design that will not suffer from delamination or cracking problems that can eventually lead to loss of conductivity. The electrode is characterized by electrode-skin impedance as a function of frequency and by the surface resistance as the electrode is stretched. The performance of the dry electrode is evaluated and comparable to that of conventional Ag/AgCl electrodes. The ability of the dry electrode to conform to skin is believed to compensate for the lack of an electrolytic gel.

Both Ni and alkaline earth metal oxide (MO: CaO, SrO, and BaO)-impregnated SDC powders were prepared as an SOFC anode material. The averaged Ni particle size on SDC was affected by the kind of alkaline earth metal oxide added. The addition of SrO and BaO to Ni/SDC anode enhanced power densities of both H2-SOFC and CH4-SOFC and the addition of CaO lowered them. The maximum power density increased with decreasing the averaged Ni particle size of Ni-MO/SDC anode.

The annealing behavior of three HSLA steels is studied using the combined techniques of EBSD-KAM and Sub-grain Method. These techniques have been successfully used to assess the annealing behavior of AK, IF and other high strength steels. Stored energy maps in the hot band, cold rolled and after annealing are constructed and analyzed. The combined usage of the Sub-grain Method and EBSD-KAM techniques are employed to calculate and compare the evolution of the stored energy and recrystallization behaviour during the annealing of Ti-bearing, Nb-bearing, and V-bearing HSLA steels. Orientation dependent stored energy distribution maps at different annealing stages are constructed and analysed. The results show that the stored energy distribution through the thickness of the samples is not uniform and is independent of the steel composition. Similarly the recrystallization behaviour is strongly related to the initial microstructural condition and particularly to the grain boundary character distribution of the steels.

Recently they have discovered a large number of oil wells, however these are found in deeper waters. So it is necessary to develop a repair's methodology and inspection for this type of system to prove its operation. This research was focused to establish a methodology for evaluating residual stress generated from the application of solder in a subsea environment, in order to establish whether there is a relationship between residual stress and the depth of the sea. For this purpose was used underwater electrodes (UW -CS- 1) and an API 5L X65 steel to the development of underwater welds, which was welded at 10 and 15 meters depth by a diver welder on site. The measurement of residual stress is developed using non-destructive techniques, the first one was ultrasound technique (UT) which was the technique proposed by viability to being applied in site and as a second option, was applied X-ray diffraction (XRD), with the objective to validate the results obtained by ultrasound technician. The results showed a similar behavior between both non-destructive techniques. In this study was observed the tendency to increase the level of residual stress with increasing the work depth.

In this study, biodegradable foams were produced using cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and starch (S). The availability of high volumes of CNFs at lower costs is rapidly progressing with advances in pilot-scale and commercial facilities. The foams were produced using a freeze-drying process with CNF/S water suspensions ranging from 1 to 7.5 wt. % solids content. Microscopic evaluation showed that the foams have a microcellular structure and that the foam walls are covered with CNF`s. The CNF's had diameters ranging from 30 nm to 100 nm. Pore sizes within the foam walls ranged from 20 nm to 100 nm. The materials` densities ranging from 0.012 to 0.082 g/cm3 with corresponding porosities between 93.46% and 99.10%. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.041 to 0.054 W/m-K. The mechanical performance of the foams produced from the starch control was extremely low and the material was very friable. The addition of CNF's to starch was required to produce foams, which exhibited structural integrity. The mechanical properties of materials were positively correlated with solids content and CNF/S ratios. The mechanical and thermal properties for the foams produced in this study appear promising for applications such as insulation and packaging.

In this study, we investigate the charge-transport behavior in a disordered one-dimensional (1D) chain of metallic islands using the newly developed multi-island transport simulator (MITS) based on semi-classical tunneling theory and kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. The 1D chain is parameterized to model the experimentally-realized devices studied by Lee et al. [Advanced Materials25, 4544-4548 (2013)], which consists of nano-meter-sized gold islands randomly deposited on an insulating boron-nitride nanotube. These devices show semiconductorlike behavior without having semiconductor materials. The effects of disorder, device length, temperature, and source-drain bias voltage (V SD ) on the current are examined. Preliminary results of random assemblies of gold nano-islands in two dimensions (2D) are also examined in light of the 1D results.

At T = 0 K and low source-drain bias voltages, the disordered 1D-chain device shows charge-transport characteristics with a well-defined Coulomb blockade (CB) and Coulomb staircase (CS) features that are manifestations of the nanometer size of the islands and their separations. In agreement with experimental observations, the CB and the blockade threshold voltage (V th ) at which the device begins to conduct increases linearly with increasing chain length. The CS structures are more pronounced in longer chains, but disappear at high V SD . Due to tunneling barrier suppression at high bias, the current-voltage characteristics for V SD > V th follow a non-linear relationship. Smaller islands have a dominant effect on the CB and V th due to capacitive effects. On the other hand, the wider junctions with their large tunneling resistances predominantly determine the overall device current. This study indicates that smaller islands with smaller inter-island spacings are better suited for practical applications. Temperature has minimal effects on high-bias current behavior, but the CB is diminished as V th decreases with increasing temperature.

In 2D systems with sufficient disorder, our studies demonstrate the existence of a dominant conducting path (DCP) along which most of the current is conveyed, making the device effectively quasi-1-dimensional. The existence of a DCP is sensitive to the device structure, but can be robust with respect to changes in V SD .

Platinum particles supported in zeolites are used as catalysts for hydrogenation/ dehydrogenation reactions. In this study in situ high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used to study the Pt particle formation under calcination and reduction conditions using time resolved pair distribution function (PDF). Because these particles grow inside the pores of zeolite X, PDF is able to give insight to unique information at the short and medium interatomic distance range that cannot be readily obtained with other techniques. Among the information obtained are the Pt atom interactions during calcination and the evolvement of the Pt particle sizes and average Pt-Pt distances during reduction.