Study of the Preparation and Properties of PBT/Epoxy/SiO2 Nanocomposites

Structure/property relationship of polyvinyl alcohol/dimethoxydimethylsilane composite membrane: Experimental and theoretical studies

A novel mixed matrix composite has been prepared using solution-casting method at different volume concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol; PVA (50, 67, 75 and 80%) and fixed amount of dimethoxydimethylsilane in air atmosphere. The hydrolyzed dimethyldisilanol acts as in-situ cross linker through a wet-out condensation between the hydroxyl moieties of Si_OH and PVA_OH. Such process improves the mechanical properties of composite membranes as compared to pristine PVA which has been determined as function of varied membrane components to evaluate the structure/property relationships. Furthermore, DFT (B3LYP)/6-31G(d) geometry and frequency computations were carried out for the suggested dimeric PVA structures via 1,3-diol linkage followed by condensation and hydrogen bonding interaction. Vibrational interpretations of composite membranes were proposed based on the computed wavenumbers, Cartesian coordinates displacements for the suggested hydrolyzed products involving the dominant PVA/Si_OH/Si_OC/Si_OSi functional groups compared with those given in literatures. FTIR and EDX provide clear evidences for incorporating silicon to 3D network. Meanwhile, the infrared de-convoluted spectral interpretations ensure 17-30% cross-linked SiOC within the network of composite membranes.

Research progress in materials-oriented chemical engineering in China

Materials-oriented chemical engineering involves the intersection of materials science and chemical engineering. Development of materials-oriented chemical engineering not only contributes to material research and industrialization techniques but also opens new avenues for chemical engineering science. This review details the major achievements of materials-oriented chemical engineering fields in China, including preparation strategies for advanced materials based on the principles of chemical engineering as well as innovative separation and reaction techniques determined by new materials. Representative industrial applications are also illustrated, highlighting recent advances in the field of materials-oriented chemical engineering technologies. In addition, we also look at the ongoing trends in materials-oriented chemical engineering in China.