Harmonized Life-Cycle Inventories of Nanocellulose and Its Application in Composites

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanofibers (CNF) have been broadly studied as renewable nanomaterials for various applications, including additives in cement and plastics composites. Herein, life cycle inventories for 18 previously examined processes are harmonized, and the impacts of CNC and CNF production are compared with a particular focus on GHG emissions. Findings show wide variations in GHG emissions between process designs, from 1.8-1100 kg CO2-eq/kg nanocellulose. Mechanical and enzymatic processes are identified as the lowest GHG emission methods to produce CNCs and CNFs. For most processes, energy consumption and chemical use are the primary sources of emissions. However, on a mass basis, for all examined production methods and impact categories (except CO emissions), CNC and CNF production emissions are higher than Portland cement and, in most cases, are higher than polylactic acid. This work highlights the need to carefully consider process design to prevent potential high emissions from CNCs and CNF production despite their renewable feedstock, and results show the magnitude of conventional material that must be offset through improved performance for these materials to be environmentally favorable.

Rheology of 3D printable ceramic suspensions: effects of non-adsorbing polymer on discontinuous shear thickening

Concentrated suspensions of particles at volume fractions (ϕ) ≥ 0.5 often exhibit complex rheological behavior, transitioning from shear thinning to shear thickening as the shear stress or shear rate is increased. These suspensions can be extruded to form 3D structures, with non-adsorbing polymers often added as rheology modifiers to improve printability. Understanding how non-adsorbing polymers affect the suspension rheology, particularly the onset of shear thickening, is critical to the design of particle inks that will extrude uniformly. In this work, we examine the rheology of concentrated aqueous suspensions of colloidal alumina particles and the effects of adding non-adsorbing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). First, we show that suspensions with ϕ_alumina = 0.560-0.575 exhibited discontinuous shear thickening (DST), where the viscosity increased by up to two orders of magnitude above an onset stress (τ_min). Increasing ϕ_alumina from 0.550 to 0.575 increased the viscosity and yield stress in the shear thinning regime and decreased τ_min. Next, PVP was added at concentrations within the dilute and semi-dilute non-entangled regimes of polymer conformation (ϕ_PVP = 0.005-0.050) to suspensions with constant ϕ_alumina = 0.550. DST was observed in all cases and increasing ϕ_PVP increased the viscosity and yield stress. Interestingly, increasing ϕ_PVP also increased τ_min. We posit that the free PVP chains act as lubricants between alumina particles, increasing the stress needed to induce thickening. Finally, we demonstrate through direct comparisons of suspensions with and without PVP how non-adsorbing polymer addition can extend the extrusion processing window due to the increase in τ_min.

Performance of Advanced Waterborne Wood Coatings Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals

The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in advanced waterborne wood coatings such as polycarbonate urethane (PCU) and hybrid alkyd varnish (HAV) in terms of coating performance, mechanical properties, optical properties, and water permeation and uptake properties. The influence of CNCs on the overall quality of the various waterborne wood coatings was investigated by incorporating different percentages of CNCs. Varying CNC content in coating formulations showed that CNCs are effective for waterborne wood coatings; CNCs offer both higher scratch and impact resistance as compared to neat coatings and have a significant reduction in water vapor permeation through a film with little increase in water vapor uptake at high concentrations. It was observed that the CNC darkened and reduced gloss in the coatings and viscosified the dispersion. These research findings suggest that CNCs are well-dispersed at lower concentrations, but at high concentrations, agglomeration occurred. Thus, while CNCs can give better mechanical and permeation performances at contents of up to 5 wt %, at 1 wt % CNCs can still provide modest scratch and chip resistance improvement without loss of optical properties (gloss and color) while retaining a similar water uptake. Overall, it can be concluded that CNCs have the potential to be used as a reinforcement filler in high-performance waterborne wood coatings.

Phone Camera Nano-Biosensor Using Mighty Sensitive Transparent Reusable Upconversion Paper

Lycopene, a natural colorant and antioxidant with a huge growing market, is highly susceptible to photo/thermal degradation, which demands real-time sensors. Hence, here a transparent upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) strip having 30 mol % Yb, 0.1 mol % Tm, and β-NaYF4 UCNPs, which shows an intense emission at 475 nm, has been developed. This strip has been found to be sensitive to lycopene with a detection limit as low as 10 nM using a smartphone camera, which is due to static quenching that is confirmed by the lifetime study. In comparison to previous paper strips, here the transparent strip has minimal scattering with maximum sensitivity in spite of not using any metal quenchers. An increase in strip hydrophobicity during the fabrication process complements the strip to selectively permeate and present an extraction-free substitute analysis for chromatography. Hydrophobicity endows the strip with the capability to reuse the strip with ∼100% luminescence recovery.

Recent Developments in Cellulose Nanomaterial Composites

Cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) are a class of materials that have recently garnered attention in fields as varied as structural materials, biomaterials, rheology modifiers, construction, paper enhancement, and others. As the principal structural reinforcement of biomass giving wood its mechanical properties, CNM is strong and stiff, but also nontoxic, biodegradable, and sustainable with a very large (Gton yr^-1 ) source. Unfortunately, due to the relatively young nature of the field and inherent incompatibility of CNM with most man-made materials in use today, research has tended to be more basic-science oriented rather than commercially applicable, so there are few CNM-enabled products on the market today. Herein, efforts are presented for preparing and forming cellulose nanomaterial nanocomposites. The focus is on recent efforts attempting to mitigate common impediments to practical commercialization but is also placed in context with traditional efforts. The work is presented in terms of the progress made, and still to be made, on solving the most pressing challenges-getting properties that are competitive with currently used materials, removing organic solvent, solving the inherent incompatibility between CNM and polymers of interest, and incorporation into commonly used industrial processing techniques.

Alignment of Cellulose Nanofibers: Harnessing Nanoscale Properties to Macroscale Benefits

In nature, cellulose nanofibers form hierarchical structures across multiple length scales to achieve high-performance properties and different functionalities. Cellulose nanofibers, which are separated from plants or synthesized biologically, are being extensively investigated and processed into different materials owing to their good properties. The alignment of cellulose nanofibers is reported to significantly influence the performance of cellulose nanofiber-based materials. The alignment of cellulose nanofibers can bridge the nanoscale and macroscale, bringing enhanced nanoscale properties to high-performance macroscale materials. However, compared with extensive reviews on the alignment of cellulose nanocrystals, reviews focusing on cellulose nanofibers are seldom reported, possibly because of the challenge of aligning cellulose nanofibers. In this review, the alignment of cellulose nanofibers, including cellulose nanofibrils and bacterial cellulose, is extensively discussed from different aspects of the driving force, evaluation, strategies, properties, and applications. Future perspectives on challenges and opportunities in cellulose nanofiber alignment are also briefly highlighted.

Structure-Property Relationship of Cellulose Nanocrystal-Polyvinyl Alcohol Thin Films for High Barrier Coating Applications

CO₂ and O₂ gas permeability are paramount concerns in food packaging. Here, the permeability of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coatings was explored as it relates to varied CNC content. Specifically, this work focuses on the role of PVA in rheology and barrier performance of the CNC films. Results show that shear-casted CNC films are transparent and have a high-order parameter, which is attributed to the shear-thinning behavior of the CNCs. The barrier performance of the CNC films improved because of the synergistic effect of having both alignment of CNCs and a lower free volume. The CNC-PVA films exhibited excellent barrier performance as compared to traditional engineered polymers, even much higher than high barrier ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer films. Furthermore, the moisture sensitivity of the films was greatly diminished with the addition of PVA. Overall, the results show applicability of CNC-PVA coating formulations for high barrier packaging applications.

Influence of alignment and microstructure features on the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) films

The mechanical properties of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films critically depend on many microstructural parameters such as fiber length distribution (FLD), fiber orientation distribution (FOD), and the strength of the interactions between the fibers. In this paper, we use our coarse-grained molecular model of CNC to study the effect of length and orientation distribution and attractions between CNCs on the mechanical properties of neat CNCs. The effect of misalignment of a 2D staggered structure of CNC with respect to the loading direction was studied with simulations and analytical solutions and then verified with experiments. To understand the effect of FLD and FOD on the mechanical performance, various 3D microstructures representing different case studies such as highly aligned, randomly distributed, short length CNCs and long length CNCs were generated and simulated. According to the misalignment study, three different failure modes: sliding mode, mixed mode, and normal mode were defined. Also, comparing the effects of FOD, FLD, and CNC interaction strength, shows that the adhesion strength is the only parameter that can significantly improve the mechanical properties, regardless of loading direction or FOD of CNCs.

Resin-based dental materials containing 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified halloysite-clay nanotubes for extended drug delivery

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize and characterize a novel resin-based dental material containing 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) surface-modified halloysite-clay nanotubes (HNTs) for long-term delivery of guest molecules.

METHODS

The optimal concentrations of HNT (10, 15, 20 wt.%) and silane (0, 2, 4 vol.%sil) to be incorporated into the resin-based materials were determined (15 wt.%HNT, 4 vol.%sil) after assessment of the mechanical properties (DC%, degree of conversion; FS, flexural strength; FM, flexural modulus; and UTS, ultimate tensile strength). The HNTsil-powder was loaded with chlorhexidine (CHX) to evaluate the effect of the silanization on drug release. Resin-discs were prepared for the following groups: RES (resin), HNT (resin+15 wt.%HNT), HNTsil (resin+15 wt.%HNT silanized), HNT-CHX (resin+15 wt.%HNT loaded with chlorhexidine), HNTsil-CHX (resin+15 wt.%HNTsil-CHX), and 0.2 vol.%CHX (resin+0.2 vol.%CHX solution). Specimens were stored in water for 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 days at 37 °C. Aliquots from each time point and the final 15-day specimens were evaluated for the zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Streptococcus mutans. CHX release was analyzed using spectrophotometry at absorbance of 300 nm. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

All materials presented similar DC%. Reduced FS but increased FM was detected for 20 wt.%HNT-4%APTES. Groups with 15 wt.% and 20 wt.%HNT with/without APTES presented higher values of UTS. Agar diffusion data indicates that the HNTsil-CHX had a greater ZOI than all other groups over 15 days. HNTsil-CHX had the highest absorbance for day 1 but presented similar values to other groups every time point after.

SIGNIFICANCE

Silanization of nanotubes followed by encapsulation of chlorhexidine is a promising technique for long-term delivery of guest molecules.

An emerging mobile air pollution source: outdoor plastic liner manufacturing sites discharge VOCs into urban and rural areas

The in situ manufacture of cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) plastic liners in damaged sewer pipes is an emerging mobile source of anthropogenic air pollution. Evidence indicates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released before, during, and after manufacture. The chemical composition of a popular uncured styrene-based CIPP resin was examined, along with the VOCs that remained in the new cured composite. The roles of curing temperature and heating time in waste discharged into the air were examined. Uncured resin contained approximately 39 wt% VOCs. Multiple hazardous air pollutants were present, however, 61 wt% of the uncured resin was not chemically identified. A substantial mass of VOCs (8.87 wt%) was emitted into the air during manufacture, and all cured composites contained about 3 wt% VOCs. Some VOCs were created during manufacture. Curing temperature (65.5-93.3 °C) and heating time (25-100 min) did not cause different composite VOC loadings. High styrene air concentrations inhibited the detection of other VOCs in air. It is estimated that tens of tons of VOCs may be emitted at a single CIPP manufacturing site. Regulators should consider monitoring, and potentially regulating, these growing mobile air pollution and volatile chemical product sources as they are operating in urban and rural areas often in close proximity to residential and commercial buildings.

Multifunctional Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings for Perishable Fruits

Hunger and chronic undernourishment impact over 800 million people, which translates to ≈10.7% of the world's population. While countries are increasingly making efforts to reduce poverty and hunger by pursuing sustainable energy and agricultural practices, a third of the food produced around the globe still is wasted and never consumed. Reducing food shortages is vital in this effort and is often addressed by the development of genetically modified produce or chemical additives and inedible coatings, which create additional health and environmental concerns. Herein, a multifunctional bio-nanocomposite comprised largely of egg-derived polymers and cellulose nanomaterials as a conformal coating onto fresh produce that slows down food decay by retarding ripening, dehydration, and microbial invasion is reported. The coating is edible, washable, and made from readily available inexpensive or waste materials, which makes it a promising economic alternative to commercially available fruit coatings and a solution to combat food wastage that is rampant in the world.

Influence of Free Volume Determined by Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) on Gas Permeability of Cellulose Nanocrystal Films

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are of increasing interest for packaging applications because of their biodegradability, low cost, high crystallinity, and high aspect ratio. The objective of this study was to use positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) to investigate the free volume of CNC films with different structural arrangements (chiral nematic vs shear-oriented CNC films) and relate this information to gas barrier performance. It was found that sheared CNC films with higher CNC alignment have lower free volume and hence have more tortuosity than chiral nematic self-assembled films, which lowers gas diffusion throughout the films. The overall barrier performance of the aligned CNC film obtained in this study has a higher barrier performance than high barrier polymer films like PVOH and EVOH. Furthermore, a modified model was developed for single-component CNC films to predict the gas permeability with variation of CNC alignment with validation by the data taken.

Considerations for emission monitoring and liner analysis of thermally manufactured sewer cured-in-place-pipes (CIPP)

Cured-in-place-pipes (CIPP) are plastic liners chemically manufactured inside existing damaged sewer pipes. They are gaining popularity in North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Volatile and semi-volatile organic compound (VOC/SVOC) emissions from storm sewer CIPP installations were investigated at a dedicated outdoor research site. Tedlar bag, sorbent tube, and photoionization detector (PID) air sampling was conducted for five steam-CIPP installations and was coupled with composite characterizations. New CIPPs contained up to 2.21 wt% volatile material and only 6-31% chemical mass extracted per CIPP was identified. Each 6.1 m [20 ft] liner contained an estimated 5-10 kg [11-22 lbs] of residual chemical. Extracted chemicals included hazardous air pollutants and suspected and known carcinogens that were not reported by others. These included monomers, monomer oxidation products, antioxidants, initiator degradation products, and a plasticizer. PID signals did not accurately represent styrene air concentration differing sometimes by 10s- to 1000s-fold. Multiple VOCs found in air samples likely affected PID responses. Styrene (>86.4 ppm_v) and methylene chloride (>1.56 ppm_v) air concentrations were likely greater onsite and phenol was also detected. Additional studies are needed to examine pollutant emissions so process monitoring can be improved, and environment impacts and associated human exposures can be minimized.

Hybrid plasmonic Au-TiN vertically aligned nanocomposites: a nanoscale platform towards tunable optical sensing

Tunable plasmonic structure at the nanometer scale presents enormous opportunities for various photonic devices. In this work, we present a hybrid plasmonic thin film platform: i.e., a vertically aligned Au nanopillar array grown inside a TiN matrix with controllable Au pillar density. Compared to single phase plasmonic materials, the presented tunable hybrid nanostructures attain optical flexibility including gradual tuning and anisotropic behavior of the complex dielectric function, resonant peak shifting and change of surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) in the UV-visible range, all confirmed by numerical simulations. The tailorable hybrid platform also demonstrates enhanced surface plasmon Raman response for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements, and presents great potentials as designable hybrid platforms for tunable optical-based chemical sensing applications.

Outdoor manufacture of UV-Cured plastic linings for storm water culvert repair: Chemical emissions and residual

Storm water culverts are integral for U.S. public safety and welfare, and their mechanical failure can cause roadways to collapse. To repair these buried assets, ultraviolet (UV) light cured-in-place-pipes (CIPP) are being installed. Chemical emission and residual material left behind from the installation process was investigated in New York and Virginia, USA. Samples of an uncured resin tube and field-cured styrene-based resin CIPPs were collected and analyzed. Also collected were air and water samples before, during, and after installations. Chemicals were emitted into air because of the installation and curing processes. Particulates emitted into the air, water, and soil contained fiberglass, polymer, and contaminants, some of which are regulated by state-level water quality standards. The uncured resin tube contained more than 70 chemical compounds, and 19 were confirmed with analytical standards. Compounds included known and suspected carcinogens, endocrine disrupting compounds, hazardous air pollutants, and other compounds with little aquatic toxicity data available. Compounds (14 of 19 confirmed) were extracted from the newly installed CIPPs, and 11 were found in water samples. Aqueous styrene (2.31 mg/L), dibutyl phthalate (12.5 μg/L), and phenol (16.7 μg/L) levels exceeded the most stringent state water quality standards chosen in this study. Styrene was the only compound that was found to have exceed a 48 h aquatic toxicity threshold. Newly installed CIPPs contained a significant amount volatile material (1.0 to > 9.0 wt%). Recommendations provided can reduce chemical emission, as well as improve worksite and environmental protection practices. Recommended future research is also described.

Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC) Coatings with Controlled Anisotropy as High-Performance Gas Barrier Films

Cellulose nanomaterials are promising materials for the polymer industry due to their abundance and renewability. In packaging applications, these materials may impart enhanced gas barrier performance due to their high crystallinity and polarity. In this work, low barrier to superior gas barrier pristine nanocellulose films were produced using a shear-coating technique to obtain a range of anisotropic films. Induction of anisotropy in a nanocellulose film can control the overall free volume of the system which effectively controls the gas diffusion path; hence, controlled anisotropy results in tunable barrier properties of the nanocellulose films. The highest anisotropy materials showed a maximum of 900-fold oxygen barrier improvement compared to the isotropic arrangement of nanocellulose film. The Bharadwaj model of nanocomposite permeability was modified for pure nanoparticles, and the CNC data were fitted with good agreement. Overall, the oxygen barrier performance of anisotropic nanocellulose films was 97 and 27 times better than traditional barrier materials such as biaxially oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate) (BoPET) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), respectively, and thus could be utilized for oxygen-sensitive packaging applications.

Variation in Morphology and Kinematics Underlies Variation in Swimming Stability and Turning Performance in Freshwater Turtles

Among swimming animals, stable body designs often sacrifice performance in turning, and high turning performance may entail costs in stability. However, some rigid-bodied animals appear capable of both high stability and turning performance during swimming by propelling themselves with independently controlled structures that generate mutually opposing forces. Because such species have traditionally been studied in isolation, little is known about how variation within rigid-bodied designs might influence swimming performance. Turtles are a lineage of rigid-bodied animals, in which most species use contralateral limbs and mutually opposing forces to swim. We tested the stability and turning performance of two species of turtles, the pleurodire Emydura subglobosa and the cryptodire Chrysemys picta. Emydura subglobosa exhibited both greater stability and turning performance than C. picta, potentially through the use of subequally-sized (and larger) propulsive structures, faster limb movements, and decreased limb excursions. These data show how, within a given body design, combinations of different traits can serve as mechanisms to improve aspects of performance with competing functional demands.

Additive Manufacturing and Performance of Architectured Cement-Based Materials

There is an increasing interest in hierarchical design and additive manufacturing (AM) of cement-based materials. However, the brittle behavior of these materials and the presence of interfaces from the AM process currently present a major challenge. Contrary to the commonly adopted approach in AM of cement-based materials to eliminate the interfaces in 3D-printed hardened cement paste (hcp) elements, this work focuses on harnessing the heterogeneous interfaces by employing novel architectures (based on bioinspired Bouligand structures). These architectures are found to generate unique damage mechanisms, which allow inherently brittle hcp materials to attain flaw-tolerant properties and novel performance characteristics. It is hypothesized that combining heterogeneous interfaces with carefully designed architectures promotes such damage mechanisms as, among others, interfacial microcracking and crack twisting. This, in turn, leads to damage delocalization in brittle 3D-printed architectured hcp and therefore results in quasi-brittle behavior, enhanced fracture and damage tolerance, and unique load-displacement response, all without sacrificing strength. It is further found that in addition to delocalization of the cracks, the Bouligand architectures can also enhance work of failure and inelastic deflection of the architectured hcp elements by over 50% when compared to traditionally cast elements from the same materials.

Surface Functionalization of Carbon Architecture with Nano-MnO2 for Effective Polysulfide Confinement in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Li-S batteries have received tremendous attention owing to their high theoretical capacity (1672 mA h g^-1 ), sulfur abundance, and low cost. However, main systemic issues, associated with polysulfide shuttling and low Coulombic efficiency, hinder the practical use of the sulfur electrode in commercial batteries. Herein, we demonstrate an effective strategy of decorating nano-MnO₂ (less than 10 wt %) onto the sulfur reservoir to capture the out-diffused polysulfides through chemical interaction and thereby improve the electrochemical performance of the sulfur electrode without increasing the mass burden of total battery configuration. Pistachio shell-derived sustainable carbon (PC) was employed as effective sulfur containers owing to its structural characteristics (interconnected macro channels and micropores). With the aids of the structural benefits of the PC scaffold and the uniform decoration of nano-MnO₂ , polysulfide shuttling was significantly suppressed and the cycling performance of the sulfur cathode was dramatically improved over 250 cycles.

Synthesis and Characterization of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials with Poly(urea-urethane) Shells Containing Cellulose Nanocrystals

The main objective of this study is to develop microencapsulation technology for thermal energy storage incorporating a phase change material (PCM) in a composite wall shell, which can be used to create a stable environment and allow the PCM to undergo phase change without any outside influence. Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was conducted by grafting poly(lactic acid) oligomers and oleic acid to improve the dispersion of nanoparticles in a polymeric shell. A microencapsulated phase change material (methyl laurate) with poly(urea-urethane) (PU) composite shells containing the hydrophobized cellulose nanocrystals (hCNCs) was fabricated using an in situ emulsion interfacial polymerization process. The encapsulation process of the PCMs with subsequent interfacial hCNC-PU to form composite microcapsules as well as their morphology, composition, thermal properties, and release rates was examined in this study. Oil soluble Sudan II dye solution in methyl laurate was used as a model hydrophobic fill, representing other latent fills with low partition coefficients, and their encapsulation efficiency as well as dye release rates were measured spectroscopically in a water medium. The influence of polyol content in the PU polymer matrix of microcapsules was investigated. An increase in polyol contents leads to an increase in the mean size of microcapsules but a decrease in the gel content (degree of cross-linking density) and permeability of their shell structure. The encapsulated PCMs for thermal energy storage demonstrated here exhibited promising performance for possible use in building or paving materials in terms of released heat, desired phase transformation temperature, chemical and physical stability, and concrete durability during placement.

Tung Oil Wood Finishes with Improved Weathering, Durability, and Scratch Performance by Addition of Cellulose Nanocrystals

The main aim of this study is to verify whether cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs)-reinforced tung oil (TO) composites are effective for wood finishes and offer enhanced mechanical and weathering performance owing to the high strength, stiffness, and barrier properties of CNCs. To achieve even dispersion of CNC particles in a polymeric coating film, surface hydrophobization of the CNCs was carried out by grafting poly(lactic acid) oligomers and oleic acid. These new TO coating formulations contain 0 (controlled sample) to 10 wt % of hydrophobized cellulose nanocrystals (hCNCs). The coating performance (degree of wrinkle, leveling, and instantaneous filling) of the hCNC-TO finishes as well as their coating properties (topography, optical properties, mechanical properties, and gas permeability) were investigated in this study. The influence of the hCNC content in the tung oil composite coatings was examined using scratch/impact resistance tests and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) measurements. An increase in the hCNC content led to an increase in scratch/impact resistance as well as a slight decrease in the color-b change, gloss, surface roughness, and OTR value of their film coatings. The hCNC-TO composites for wood coatings presented here showed enhanced performance for utilization in wood-working processes in terms of desired mechanical properties (scratch and impact resistance), weathering performance (color stability), and easy production without any deterioration in surface gloss and roughness after the addition of hCNC to a TO matrix. The hCNC enhanced coating system is a promising candidate for substantial protection of wood surfaces in demanding settings.

Sustained Dye Release Using Poly(urea-urethane)/Cellulose Nanocrystal Composite Microcapsules

The aim of this study is to develop methods to reinforce polymeric microspheres with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to make eco-friendly microcapsules for a variety of applications such as medicines, perfumes, nutrients, pesticides, and phase change materials. Surface hydrophobization treatments for CNCs were performed by grafting poly(lactic acid) oligomers and fatty acids (FAs) to enhance the dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymeric shell. Then, a straightforward process is demonstrated to design sustained release microcapsules by the incorporation of the modified CNCs (mCNCs) in the shell structure. The combination of the mCNC dispersion with subsequent interfacial polyurea (PU) to form composite capsules as well as their morphology, composition, mechanical properties, and release rates were examined in this study. The PU microcapsules embedded with the mCNC were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphologies of the microcapsules were characterized by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The rupture stress and failure behavior of the microcapsules were determined through single-capsule compression tests. Oil-soluble Sudan II dye solution in mineral oil was utilized as a model hydrophobic fill, representing other latent fills with low partition coefficients, and their encapsulation efficiency was measured spectroscopically. The release rates of the encapsulated dye from the microcapsules were examined spectroscopically by both ethanol and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol medium at room temperature. The concentration of released dye was determined by using UV-vis absorption spectrometry (UV-vis). The mCNC embedded poly(urea-urethane) capsules have strong and dense walls, which function as excellent barriers against leakage due to their extended diffusion path length and ensure enough mechanical strength from rupture for handling or postprocessing.

Stable low-voltage operation top-gate organic field-effect transistors on cellulose nanocrystal substrates

We report on the performance and the characterization of top-gate organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), comprising a bilayer gate dielectric of CYTOP/Al2O3 and a solution-processed semiconductor layer made of a blend of TIPS-pentacene:PTAA, fabricated on recyclable cellulose nanocrystal-glycerol (CNC/glycerol) substrates. These OFETs exhibit low operating voltage, low threshold voltage, an average field-effect mobility of 0.11 cm(2)/(V s), and good shelf and operational stability in ambient conditions. To improve the operational stability in ambient a passivation layer of Al2O3 is grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) directly onto the CNC/glycerol substrates. This layer protects the organic semiconductor layer from moisture and other chemicals that can either permeate through or diffuse out of the substrate.

Contrast enhanced microscopy digital image correlation: a general method to contact-free coefficient of thermal expansion measurement of polymer films

Thermal expansion represents a vital indicator of the processing history and dimensional stability of materials. Solvent-sensitive, thin, and compliant samples are particularly challenging to test. Here we describe how textures highlighted by contrast enhanced optical microscopy modes (i.e., polarized light (PL), phase contrast (PC)) and bright field (BF) can be used to determine the thermal expansion of polymer films in a contact-free way using digital image correlation (DIC). Three different films were explored: polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). Image textural features (e.g., intensity, size, speckle pattern characteristics) obtained by BF, PC, and PL were analyzed by two-dimensional Fourier transform and autocorrelations. The measured in-plane CTEs of PEI, PI, and PEN films, 51.8, 20.5, and 10.2 ppm/K, respectively, closely approached those previously reported using DIC with artificially applied speckle patterns.

Recyclable organic solar cells on cellulose nanocrystal substrates

Solar energy is potentially the largest source of renewable energy at our disposal, but significant advances are required to make photovoltaic technologies economically viable and, from a life-cycle perspective, environmentally friendly, and consequently scalable. Cellulose nanomaterials are emerging high-value nanoparticles extracted from plants that are abundant, renewable, and sustainable. Here, we report on the first demonstration of efficient polymer solar cells fabricated on optically transparent cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) substrates. The solar cells fabricated on the CNC substrates display good rectification in the dark and reach a power conversion efficiency of 2.7%. In addition, we demonstrate that these solar cells can be easily separated and recycled into their major components using low-energy processes at room temperature, opening the door for a truly recyclable solar cell technology. Efficient and easily recyclable organic solar cells on CNC substrates are expected to be an attractive technology for sustainable, scalable, and environmentally-friendly energy production.

Excellent dispersion of MWCNTs in PEO polymer achieved through a simple and potentially cost-effective evaporation casting

A simple, reliable and potentially cost-effective composite film casting procedure is presented using the evaporation of solvent (water) from a dilute mixture of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer. It is found that the fabrication method develops excellent dispersion of MWCNTs in PEO confirmed by morphology observations, final crystallinity of polymer (amorphous) and a lower percolation threshold (closer to theoretical value) as well as higher electrical conductivity. A film thickness prediction model is derived based upon the fact that final film thickness is mainly dependent upon the dimensions of the casting mold and the loading of the MWCNTs and polymer. This simple model provides important insight that the material loss and the actual density of the base polymer are critical factors making the current casting method truly cost effective and controlling final thickness.

Wetting behavior of oleophobic polymer coatings synthesized from fluorosurfactant-macromers

Architecturally similar monomers were copolymerized with a water-oil discriminate fluorosurfactant to create hydrophilic-oleophobic coatings. Acrylic acid, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate were used as comonomers with the fluorosurfactant macromer. The homopolymers of the selected comonomers are water-soluble, water-swellable, and water-insoluble, respectively, thus coupling the surfactant monomer in varying concentration within polymers of varying hydrophilicity. Wetting behavior of water and hexadecane were examined as a function of copolymer composition, thus revealing critical structure-property relationships for the surfactant-based system. Acrylic acid copolymers and hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymers both exhibited a hexadecane contact angle which exceeded the water contact angle. This condition predicted an ability to "self-clean" oil-based foulants. The most oleophobic of the self-cleaning copolymers had an advancing hexadecane contact angle of 73° and an advancing water contact angle of 40°. It was determined that the advancing and receding water and hexadecane contact angle response varies montonically for each copolymer type as the surface concentration of the surfactant is varied. Comparing between copolymer types revealed large differences in wetting response. Methyl methacrylate copolymers with 2.8 mol % surfactant had advancing water contact angle 82° and advancing hexadecane contact angle 26°, which is neither oleophobic nor self-cleaning. In contrast, acrylic acid copolymers with 3.1 mol % surfactant had advancing water contact angle of 44° and advancing hexadecane contact angle of 52°, creating a self-cleaning coating. Thus, the nature of the comonomer exerts a greater influence than the surfactant content on the wetting behavior and self-cleaning ability of the final coating.

Structure-activity relationships of antibacterial and biocompatible copolymers

The development of polymers that are both bactericidal and biocompatible would have many applications and are currently of research interest. Following the development of strongly bactericidal copolymers of 4-vinylpyridine and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, biocompatibility assays have been completed on these materials to measure their potential biocompatibility. In this article, a new methodology for measuring protein interaction was developed for water-soluble polymers by coupling proteins to surfaces and then measuring the adsorption of copolymers onto these surfaces. Ellipsometry was then used to measure the thickness of adsorbed polymers as a measurement of biocompatibility. These results were then compared and correlated with the results of other biocompatibility assays previously conducted on these polymers, affording a greater understanding of the biocompatibility of the copolymers as well as improving the understanding of the effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups that is vital for the development of these materials.

Strain-dependent electrical resistance of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polymer composite films

The strain-dependent electrical resistance characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polymer composite films were investigated. In this research, polyethylene oxide (PEO) is used as the polymer matrix. Two representative volume fractions of MWCNT/PEO composite films were selected: 0.56 vol% (near the percolation threshold) and 1.44 vol% (away from the percolation threshold) of MWCNT. An experimental setup which can measure electrical resistance and strain simultaneously and continuously has been developed. Unique and repeatable relationships in resistance versus strain were obtained for multiple specimens with different volume fractions of MWCNT. The overall pattern of electrical resistance change versus strain for the specimens tested consists of linear and nonlinear regions. A resistance change model to describe the combination of linear and nonlinear modes of electrical resistance change as a function of strain is suggested. The unique characteristics in electrical resistance change for different volume fractions imply that MWCNT/PEO composite films can be used as tunable strain sensors and for application into embedded sensor systems in structures.

Hemocompatibility of Hydrophilic Antimicrobial Copolymers of Alkylated 4-Vinylpyridine

Quaternized poly(vinylpyridine) (PVP) is a polymer with inherent antimicrobial properties that is effective against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, and yeast cells. However, quaternized PVP has poor biocompatibility, which prevents its use in biomaterial applications. Copolymerization was examined as a method of modifying the structure to incorporate biocompatibility. Polyethyleneglycol methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) are polymers generally known to be biocompatible and thus were chosen as comonomers. Random copolymers of 4-vinylpyridine and PEGMA or HEMA were synthesized via free radical polymerization and quaternized with bromohexane. Copolymer biocompatibility was characterized by interaction with human red blood cells to analyze hemolysis. Hemolysis of human red blood cells was conducted on insoluble films and on water-soluble polymers in a serial dilution study. Hemolysis results demonstrated that blood compatibility does not depend on PEG chain length in PEGMA incorporated copolymers. Results indicate a critical weight ratio of PEGMA to VP in copolymers separating the no-hemolysis regime from 100% hemolysis.

Anisotropic wetting on tunable micro-wrinkled surfaces

We examine the wettability of rough surfaces through a measurement approach that harnesses a wrinkling instability to produce model substrate topographies. Specifically, we probe the wetting of liquids on anisotropic micro-wrinkled features that exhibit well-defined aspect ratios (amplitude wavelength of the wrinkles) that can be actively tuned. Our study provides new insight into the wetting behavior on rough surfaces and into the interpretation of related liquid contact-angle measurements. In particular, we find that droplet wetting anisotropy is governed primarily by the roughness aspect ratio. In addition, comparison of our measurements to theoretical models demonstrates that droplet distortions and observed contact angles on surfaces with a strongly anisotropic texture can be quantitatively attributed to the difference in the energetic barriers to wetting along and perpendicular to substrate features.

Optimization of silica silanization by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane

Thin films of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) are commonly used to promote adhesion between silica substrates and organic or metallic materials with applications ranging from advanced composites to biomolecular lab-on-a-chip. Unfortunately, there is confusion as to which reaction conditions will result in consistently aminated surfaces. A wide range of conflicting experimental methods are used with researchers often assuming the creation of smooth self-assembled monolayers. A range of film morphologies based on the film deposition conditions are presented here to establish an optimized method of APTES film formation. The effect of reaction temperature, solution concentration, and reaction time on the structure and morphology was studied for the system of APTES on silica. Three basic morphologies were observed: smooth thin film, smooth thick film, and roughened thick film.

Synergistic Activity of Hydrophilic Modification in Antibiotic Polymers

Quaternized poly(vinylpyridine) is known to kill up to 99% of drug-resistant gram-positive and -negative bacteria but shows minimal biocompatibility. We report enhanced bactericidal activity of vinylpyridine through copolymerization with hydroxyethyl methacrylate and poly(ethylene gycol) methyl ether methacrylate. Copolymers with increasing comonomer content were synthesized by radical polymerization and quaternized with hexylbromide. We assessed the effects of the changes in polymer composition on the bactericidal activity of the surface activity using a bioluminescent pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli (O157:H7). By recording the photoluminescence emitted by these bacteria in contact with the copolymers, it was shown that several of the copolymers possess better antibacterial efficiency than quaternized poly(vinylpyridine). Results indicate that several of the copolymers synthesized possess antibacterial activity approximately 20 times greater than the pure quaternized poly(vinylpyridine) homopolymer, while only containing 1 wt % hexylated pyridinium. This behavior is explained by the increased surface wettability of the copolymers containing lesser amounts of poly(vinylpyridine), as bactericidal behavior correlates to the hydrophilicity of the system as measured by contact angles. A hydrophilicity based design-paradigm can significantly improve both the efficacy and the biocompatibility of antibacterial materials.