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Search results for: ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
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Inhibition of amyloid fibril formation of hen egg white lysozyme by trimethylamine N-oxide at low pH
PublicationIn vitro inhibition of the formation of fibrous aggregates of proteins (amyloids) has gained increasing attention due to the number of diseases associated with protein misfolding and fibrillation. An interesting group of compounds for which pronounced activity against this phenomenon can be expected consists of low molecular weight substances (osmolytes) which have the ability to change protein stability. Here we investigate the...
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Highly linear self-assembled porphyrin wires
PublicationAn efficient noncovalent assembly process involving high geometrical control was applied to a linear bis(imidazolyl zinc porphyrin) 7Zn, bearing C18 substitutents, to generate linear multiporphyrin wires. The association process is based on imidazole recognition within the cavity of the phenanthroline-strapped zinc porphyrin. In chlorinated solvents, discrete soluble oligomers were obtained after (7Zn)n was end-capped with a terminal...
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Local properties of organic coatings close to glass transition temperature
PublicationAcrylic coating applied on copper substrate has been investigated at different temperatures starting from the ambient one up to the level above the glass transition temperature. Its local topographic and electric properties have been examined with the atomic force microscopy (AFM) based approach including dc current mapping and local impedance spectroscopy. The local findings have been compared with the information from global...
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Evaluation of Immobilization of Selected Peat-Isolated Yeast Strains of the Species Candida albicans and Candida subhashii on the Surface of Artificial Support Materials Used for Biotrickling Filtration
PublicationThe paper describes the process of n-butanol abatement by unicellular fungi, able to deplete n-butanol content in gas, by using n-butanol as source of carbon. Isolated and identified fungi species Candida albicans and Candida subhashii were subjected to a viability process via assimilation of carbon from hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. The isolates, which exhibited the ability to assimilate carbon, were immobilized on four...
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Localized impedance measurements of AA2024 and AA2024-T3 performed by means of AFM in contact mode
PublicationPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) based approach to local impedance spectroscopy (LIS) measurement performed on AA2024 and AA2024-T3 aluminium alloys. Design/methodology/approach: AFM-LIS measurements were performed ex-situ without the electrolyte environment, so in fact the electrical not electrochemical impedance was obtained. Findings: Relative local impedance values...
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Automatic Detection of Nerves in Confocal Corneal Images with Orientation-Based Edge Merging
PublicationThe paper presents an algorithm for improving results of automatic nerve detections in confocal microscopy images of human corneal. The method is designed as a postprocessing step of regular detection. After the nerves are initially detected, the algorithms attempts to improve the results by filling unde-sired gaps between single nerves detections in order to correctly mark the entire nerve instead of only parts of it. This approach...
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Stability of thin film diamond mirror for applications in interferometers under the short-time exposure on selected aggressive chemicals
PublicationIn presented study a thin boron-doped diamond film was proposed for application in the interferometry as a highly durable optical mirror. The unique properties of the diamond films, like high chemical stability and hardness, allow them to be used even in the chemically aggressive environment, where the commonly used silver mirrors can be susceptible to damage. The investigated nanodiamond layer was fabricated by uPE CVD method...
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Structure and magnetic properties of BeO-Fe2O3-Al2O3-TeO2 glass-ceramic composites
PublicationIn this work, glass-ceramics in the xBeO–20Fe2O3–(80-x)TeO2 system with x = 0–25 mol% were synthesized by the traditional melt quenching route and studied by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, confocal microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. BeO addition was found to support the crystallization process of Fe2O3 during melting, and an increased BeO content was associated with an increased...
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Sensing the onset of epoxy coating degradation with combined Raman spectroscopy/atomic force microscopy/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
PublicationThe paper presents the results of investigation on epoxy resin durability upon 12-week exposure to UV radiation. The aim was early determination of the onset of epoxy degradation and for this purpose an epoxy film on steel substrate systems were periodically inspected using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The behaviour of examined polymer could be divided into three periods: immunity,...
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Optimized 5-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of tinea unguium: performance in a routine PCR laboratory
PublicationWe recently reported the development of a 5-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of tinea unguium and the optimization of this test by the inclusion of an inhibition control. Here we report the performance of this procedure as used in a routine clinical laboratory as compared to conventional microscopy and culture-based techniques performed in a mycology reference laboratory. We found in processing 109 samples that 22 (20.2%)...
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Preparation and characterization of Pt/Pd-modified titanium dioxidenanoparticles for visible light irradiation
PublicationSeries of Pt/Pd–TiO2photocatalysts were obtained using the sol–gel method. The Pt/Pd–TiO2nanocom-posites showed significant visible light photoactivity. X-ray diffraction, STEM microscopy, UV–visspectroscopy and BET characterization allowed to conclude that the photocatalysts at the best perfor-mance had the anatase structure, 91 m2/g specific surface area, Pt/Pd alloy structure and 1–4 nm particlesize. The photocatalytic activity...
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Multimodal analysis of traction forces and the temperature dynamics of living cells with a diamond-embedded substrate
PublicationCells and tissues are constantly exposed to chemical and physical signals that regulate physiological and pathological processes. This study explores the integration of two biophysical methods: traction force microscopy (TFM) and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) to concurrently assess cellular traction forces and the local relative temperature. We present a novel elastic substrate with embedded nitrogen-vacancy microdiamonds...
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Introduction to the RSC Advances themed collection on nano and microscale modifications of biomaterials
PublicationThe dramatically increasing development of novel biomaterials, their manufacturing techniques, and surface modications, as well as their application in in vivo tests and clinical trials, is evident. It is interesting to note in what a relatively short time the well-known long-term implants have become medical standard: titanium dental implants started in 1965, and total hip arthroplasty (not very successful) was rst attempted...
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Highly porous nanoberyllium for X-ray beam speckle suppression
PublicationThe speckle suppressor device containing highly porous nanoberyllium is proposed for manipulating with the spatial coherence length and removing undesirable speckle structure during the imaging experiments. We report a special device called the speckle suppressor, which contains the highly porous nanoberyllium plate, compacted from both sides by two beryllium windows. By insertion the speckle suppressor in the X-ray beam it allows...
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AFM-assisted investigation of conformal coatings in electronics
PublicationPurpose – This paper aims to presents a new method of investigation of local properties of conformal coatings utilized in microelectronics. Design/methodology/approach – It is based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique supplemented with the ability of local electrical measurements, which apart from topography acquisition allows recording of local impedance spectra, impedance imaging and dc current mapping. Potentialities...
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Copper Slag as a Potential Waste Filler for Polyethylene-Based Composites Manufacturing
PublicationThe present study aimed to analyze the application of waste material from copper production– copper slag (ŻŻL) as filler for composites based on the high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Copper slag filler was introduced in the amounts of 1–20 wt%, and its influence on the appearance (color analysis), chemical structure (Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy), microstructure (optical microscopy), as well as static (tensile...
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Structural and electronic properties of diamond-composed heterostructures
PublicationDiamond is a promising material for 21st century electronics due to its high thermal and electronic conductivity, biocompatibility, chemical stability, high wear resistance, and possibility of doping. However, the semiconductor properties of diamond, especially free-standing films, have not been fully explored. Nor have their integration with polymers and fragile materials and their applications as electronic components. In this...
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Effect of sisal fiber filler on thermal properties of bio-based polyurethane composites
PublicationThis work is mainly focused on study of thermal and thermomechanical properties of obtained bio-based polyurethane (coded as bio-PU) composites via using different types of bio-components (bio-glycol, modified soybean oil and sisal fiber) in the procedure. The chemical structure, morphology and mechanical properties were also investigated and described in this manuscript in order to know more perfect characterization of produced...
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Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of Pt/I-TiO2 in a slurry system and supported on glass packing
PublicationHighly photoactive I/TiO2, Pt/I-TiO2 nanocomposites were obtained using a hydrothermal and wet impregnation method. The incorporation of iodine and modification with 0.05 mol% of platinum leads to enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared to singly doped TiO2 due to the presence of impurity energy level in the structure of TiO2. X-ray diffraction, TEM microscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and BET...
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Enhancement of the Magnetic Coupling in Exfoliated CrCl 3 Crystals Observed by Low‐Temperature Magnetic Force Microscopy and X‐ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism
PublicationMagnetic crystals formed by 2D layers interacting by weak van der Waals forces are currently a hot research topic. When these crystals are thinned to nanometric size, they can manifest strikingly different magnetic behavior compared to the bulk form. This can be the result of, for example, quantum electronic confinement effects, the presence of defects, or pinning of the crystallographic structure in metastable phases induced by...
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Effective Drug Concentration and Selectivity Depends on Fraction of Primitive Cells
PublicationPoor efficiency of chemotherapeutics in the eradication of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) has been driving the search for more active and specific compounds. In this work, we show how cell density-dependent stage culture profiles can be used in drug development workflows to achieve more robust drug activity (IC50 and EC50) results. Using flow cytometry and light microscopy, we characterized the cytological stage profiles of the HL-60-,...
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Influence of Urea and Dimethyl Sulfoxide on K-Peptide Fibrillation
PublicationProtein fibrillation leads to formation of amyloids—linear aggregates that are hallmarks of many serious diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In this work, we investigate the fibrillation of a short peptide (K-peptide) from the amyloidogenic core of hen egg white lysozyme in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide or urea. During the studies, a variety of spectroscopic methods were used: fluorescence spectroscopy...
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Influence of microwave treatment conditions of GTR on physico-mechanical and structural properties of NBR/NR/GTR composites
PublicationThe increasing amount of tires used in the industry induces the researchers to find alternatives to the recycling of the end-of-life tires. Several alternatives in order to application of ground tire rubber GTR include their incorporation as a filler in composites. The main issue in this approach is the lack of compatibility between GTR and polymer matrix. In order to solve this problem the devulcanization by microwaves has been...
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Tailoring optical constants of few-layer black phosphorus coatings: Spectroscopic ellipsometry approach supported by ab-initio simulation
Publication2D black phosphorus (BP) has attracted extensive attention as an anisotropic platform for novel optoelectronic and polarizing optics applications. Insight into the factors that tune the optical and polarizing properties of 2D BP reveals their essential influence on BP-based photonic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, studies of the optical constants of few-layer black phosphorus coatings are studied and discussed, with particular...
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Assessment of organic coating degradation via local impedance imaging
PublicationThe paper presents a new approach to organic coating condition evaluation at micrometer scale using localized impedance measurements. It is based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) in contact mode. Impedance is measured between conductive AFM tip and metal substrate covered with organic coating. A single-frequency voltage perturbation signal is applied between the electrodes and current response signal is registered. As the tip is...
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Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Onychomycosis—Literature Review
PublicationOnychomycosis is a common fungal nail infection that is difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to other nail conditions. Accurate identification is essential for effective treatment. The current gold standard methods include microscopic examination with potassium hydroxide, fungal cultures, and Periodic acid-Schiff biopsy staining. These conventional techniques, however, suffer from high turnover times, variable sensitivity,...
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Evaluation of organic coatings condition with AFM-based method
PublicationThe paper presents an atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based approach to evaluation of local protective properties of organic coatings. Apart from topography, it provides local ac and dc characteristics of examined coating. The method consists in application of ac voltage perturbation signal between conductive AFM tip and coated metal substrate. The resulting current is used to determine local impedance characteristics. Both impedance...
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Morphology changes in Fe-Cr porous alloys upon high-temperature oxidation quantified by X-ray tomographic microscopy
PublicationThe effect of high-temperature oxidation at 850 C (10 h, 30 h, 100 h) and 900 C (10 h) on porous (30 % porosity) ferritic stainless steel (Fe22Cr) has been investigated using synchrotron tomographic microscopy, which allowed for visualisation, separation and quantitative analysis of the metallic core, closed pores, open pores and oxide scale phase. The same regions within the samples were investigated before and after oxidation...
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Bio polyetherurethane composites with high content of natural ingredients: hydroxylated soybean oil based polyol, bio glycol and microcrystalline cellulose
PublicationIn our study, we focused on obtaining bio-polyurethane composites using bio-components such as bio glycol, modified natural oil-based polyol, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The pre-polymer method was used to prepare the bio polyurethane matrix. Prepolymer was synthesized using 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and a polyol mixture containing 50 wt.% of commercial polyether and 50 wt.% of hydroxylated soybean oil (H3)....
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Characterization of glucoamylase immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles
PublicationMagnetic support was prepared by precipitation from an alkaline solution of divalent and trivalent iron ions and subsequently was modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. FTIR analysis showed existence of a new Si-O-Fe bond in obtained particles. Scanning electronic microscopy images shows that the nanoparticles of all samples have particle size below 30 nm. Glucoamylase AMG 300L was immobilized onto the modified magnetic support...
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Fracture surface topography measurements analysis of low-alloyed corrosion resistant steel after bending-torsion fatigue tests
PublicationIn this paper, an assessment of a topography measurement method for fracture surfaces of 10HNAP steel after bending-torsion fatigue tests was performed. Surface roughness was measured by using a non-contact Focus Variation Microscopy (FVM) technique in which the non-measured points (NMPs) and outliers (spikes) were removed by the application of general methods. The results revealed, that the optical measurement method introduced...
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Properties of New Composite Materials Based on Hydroxyapatite Ceramic and Cross-Linked Gelatin for Biomedical Applications
PublicationThe main aim of the research was to develop a new biocompatible and injectable composite with the potential for application as a bone-to-implant bonding material or as a bone substitute. A composite based on hydroxyapatite, gelatin, and two various types of commercially available transglutaminase (TgBDF/TgSNF), as a cross-linking agent, was proposed. To evaluate the impacts of composite content and processing parameters on various...
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Impact and stretching standardized tests as useful tools for assessment of viscoelastic behavior for highly rubberized asphalt binder
PublicationAsphalt binder is generally identified as a brittle material at low service temperature or under high-speed load, and the brittleness becomes serious after weathering aging. Improving the toughness of asphalt binder through adding high-content of crumb tire rubber is an efficient method to solve this problem. Devulcanized rubber modified asphalt binder (DRMA) with different contents (15–40%) of devulcanized rubber (DR) were prepared...
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Effect of Ethanol Extracts of Propolis (EEPs) against Staphylococcal Biofilm—Microscopic Studies
PublicationStaphylococci growing in the form of biofilm exhibit high resistance to a plethora of antibiotics. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEPs) on S. epidermidis ATCC 35984 biofilm using fluorescent microscopy. Propidium iodide (PI) and SYTO 9 were used for differentiation of live and dead cells, and calcofluor white was used to stain the extracellular matrix, the self-produced extracellular...
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Colloidal transport of lipid digesta in human and porcine small intestinal mucus
PublicationSmall intestinal mucus transport of food-derived particulates has not been extensively studied, despite mucus being a barrier nutrients need to cross before absorption. We used complex dispersions of digesta obtained from simulated, dynamic gastrointestinal digestion of yogurt to examine the penetrability of human and porcine mucus to the particles formed of lipolysis products. Quantitative, time-lapse confocal microscopy revealed...
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Volumetric incorporation of NV diamond emitters in nanostructured F2 glass magneto-optical fiber probes
PublicationIntegration of optically-active diamond particles with glass fibers is a powerful method of scaling diamond's magnetic sensing functionality. We propose a novel approach for the integration of diamond particles containing nitrogen-vacancy centers directly into the fiber core. The core is fabricated by stacking the preform from 790 soft glass canes, drawn from a single rod dip-coated with submicron diamond particles suspended in...
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Physical properties of homogeneous TiO2 films prepared by high power impulse magnetron sputtering as a function of crystallographic phase and nanostructure
PublicationOptical, photo-electrochemical, crystallographic and morphological properties of TiO2 thin films prepared by high power impulse magnetron sputtering at low substrate temperatures (<65 ◦C) without post-deposition thermal annealing are studied. The film composition-anatase, rutile or amorphous TiO2-is adjusted by the pressure (p ∼ 0.75-15 Pa) in the deposition chamber. The different crystallographic phases were determined with grazing...
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Thermal Transitions and Structural Characteristics of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene/cucurbit[7]uril) Polypseudorotaxane and Polyrotaxane Thin Films
PublicationHerein, we report the thermal transitions and structural properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene/cucurbit[7]uril) pseudopolyrotaxane (PEDOT∙CB7-PS) and polyrotaxane (PEDOT∙CB7-PR) thin films compared with those of pristine PEDOT. The structural characteristics were investigated by using variable-temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry (VTSE), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force...
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Zirconia-based mixed potential sensor with Pt electrode prepared by spin-coating of polymeric precursor
PublicationMany types of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) based gas sensors have been explored extensively in recent years. Great attention have been directed to mixed-potential-type gas sensors. It is due to growing concerns with environmental issues. Not without a significance is the fact of very attractive performance of this type of sensor allowing to detect low concentration of pollutant gases. In this paper two types of YSZ based mixed-potential...
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Study of microstress state of P91 steel using complementary mechanical Barkhausen, magnetoacoustic emission, and X-ray diffraction techniques
PublicationThe paper deals with assessment of microstress state of martensite P91 steel using three complementary techniques: mechanical Barkhausen emission, magnetoacoustic emission (MAE), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile analysis. Magnetic coercivity Hc and microstructure were investigated with inductive magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy (MFM), respectively. Internal stress level of P91 steel was modified by heat treatment....
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Texture or Linker? Competitive Patterning of Receptor Assembly toward Ultra-Sensitive Impedimetric Detection of Viral Species at Gold-Nanotextured Titanium Surfaces
PublicationIn this work, we study the electrodes with a periodic matrix of gold particles pattered by titanium dimples and modified by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) followed by CD147 receptor grafting for specific impedimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral spike proteins. The synergistic DFT and MM/MD modeling revealed that MPA adsorption geometries on the Au–Ti surface have preferential and stronger binding patterns through the carboxyl...
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pH-Responsive Drug Delivery Nanoplatforms as Smart Carriers of Unsymmetrical Bisacridines for Targeted Cancer Therapy
PublicationSelective therapy and controlled drug release at an intracellular level remain key challenges for effective cancer treatment. Here, we employed folic acid (FA) as a self-navigating molecule in nanoconjugates containing quantum dots (QDs) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for the delivery of antitumor unsymmetrical bisacridine compound (C-2028) to lung and prostate cancers as well as normal cells. The bisacridine derivative can form the...
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X-Ray Computer Tomography Study of Degradation of the Zircaloy-2 Tubes Oxidized at High Temperatures
PublicationThe investigations of high-temperature oxidation of zirconium alloys, applied for fuel pellets in nuclear power plants, are usually limited to oxidation kinetics, phase transformations and microstructural characterization. The purpose of this research was to characterize the degradation phenomena occurring within oxide layer and at the interface oxide/metal, on internal and external Zircaloy-2 tube...
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Micropatterning of BiVO 4 Thin Films Using Laser-Induced Crystallization
PublicationRelatively high temperatures even up to 500 °C are required to obtain bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) films with the scheelite monoclinic (s-m) structure that shows the highest photocatalytic activity. This requirement limits the possible choice of substrates. Moreover, high quality thin layers of crystalline BiVO4 cannot be prepared with current methods. In this study a light-induced crystallization approach is presented, which is a...
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Morphology, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Containing Reduced Graphene Oxide and Graphene Nanoplatelets
PublicationPolyurethane/graphene nanocomposites were synthesized using commercial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU, Apilon 52DE55), and two types of graphene derivatives: graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM microscopy and XRD techniques were used to chemically and structurally characterize GNP...
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Mechanical exfoliation and layer number identification of single crystal monoclinic CrCl3
PublicationAfter the recent finding that CrI3, displays ferromagnetic order down to its monolayer, extensive studies have followed to pursue new two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials. In this article, we report on the growth of single crystal CrCl3 in the layered monoclinic phase. The system after mechanical exfoliation exhibits stability in ambient air (the degradation occurs on a time scale at least four orders of magnitude longer than...
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The role of hydrogen bonding on tuning hard-soft segments in bio-based thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane)s
PublicationThis work describes the preparation of bio-based thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane)s (TPU) via a prepolymer method and investigates the effect of varying the interphase hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) on physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties. This was achieved by varying the glycol type and molar ratio of [NCO]/[OH] groups used during the prepolymer chain extending step. The TPUs’ chemical structure was analyzed by Fourier...
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Microbial and chemical quality assessment of the small rivers entering the South Baltic. Part II: Case study on the watercourses in the Puck Bay catchment area
PublicationDue to its location, Puck Bay is an area particularly vulnerable to pollution of anthropogenic origin. The aim of the study was to assess the water quality of small watercourses entering the inner part of Puck Bay. The paper presents the results of chemical and microbiological analyses of 10 rivers and canals at their estuaries located on the western shore of the internal Puck Bay. The following environmental parameters were analyzed:...
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Morphology, Thermo-Mechanical Properties and Biodegradibility of PCL/PLA Blends Reactively Compatibilized by Different Organic Peroxides
PublicationReactive blending is a promising approach for the sustainable development of bio-based polymer blends and composites, which currently is gaining more and more attention. In this paper, biodegradable blends based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were prepared via reactive blending performed in an internal mixer. The PCL and PLA content varied in a ratio of 70/30 and 55/45. Reactive modification of PCL/PLA...
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Influence of LCVD technologicalparameters on propertiesof polyazomethine thin films
PublicationPurpose: The aim of this paper is to show influence of technological parameters (temperature and gas streamintensity) of low-temperature chemical vapour deposition (LCVD) on optical properties and morphology ofpolyazomethine thin films.Design/methodology/approach: Thin layers of poly (1,4-phenylene-methylenenitrilo-1,4-phenylenenitrilo-methylene) (PPI) were prepared by low temperature LCVD method with use of argon as a transport...