International Conference on Polymer Science and Engineering August 22-24 2016 New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Biography:

Padmaja Guggilla has completed her PhD from Alabama A&M University in 2007. She is presently working as Associate Professor of Physics at Alabama A&M University. She has published more than 45 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of reputed journals. She has secured over 2 million dollars of extramural funds as Principal Investigator in the last five years

Abstract:

Nanocomposite films are of great interest in the development of infrared detectors and other technology. Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) with excellent pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties such as fast, dynamic response has great potential for use in touch/tactile sensors, infrared detectors and thermal vidicon/imaging devices. PVDF:LiNbO₃, PVDF:LiTaO₃, and PVDF:BaTiO₃ nanocomposites are fabricated with optimal characteristics using the solution casting technique. All these nanocomposite films are doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with various weight percentages. The objective of this research was to characterize the low-frequency dielectric constant, dielectric loss and the pyroelectric properties of these composite films and thus the materials figures of merit for their use in space applications. Nanocomposites are also characterized using Raman Spectroscopy to get the finger print of these materials and their existence in the composite film. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss results are presented as a function of temperature and frequency, and pyroelectric coefficient as a function of temperature. Raman Spectrum of the nanocomposite materials are also presented using two different power and range lasers. Obtained Raman spectrum matches with the literature available. Authors also observed that both microscopic structure and environmental conditions contributed to observed properties. Dielectric loss resulted from electromagnetic energy loss as manifested through phase differences between low-frequency input signal to the films and time varying polarization

Biography:

Suresh Kolekar completed his Doctorate in Polymer Chemistry in 1999 from University of Mumbai and Post-doctoral degree at Southern Mississippi University School of polymer Science and High Performance Materials, USA. Presently he is working as Head-R & D New technology development-Pidilite Industries Ltd., since October 2013. He has significant exposure in research, management skills, technology, capabilities development and interpreting research results and technical data. He has proven track record of participating in various research projects with real-time experience in planning, execution, application of methodologies, documentation and presentation of findings. He also has hands-on experience in various chemistries and their application in areas like  paint, textile, leather and wood, acrylic emulsion synthesis, oil modification (sulfonation, sulfitation, esterification, etc.), polyurethane dispersion synthesis and scale up at pilot plant, silicone and amino silicone emulsion (softeners for textile substrate), exterior paints formulation and  for decorative application. He has 17 years of professional experience

Abstract:

Water-based polyurethane dispersions (PUD) were prepared by acetone process by varying the ratios of two different internal emulsifiers which were anionic and non-ionic. These further were studied by changing the dispersion process viz, direct and reverse process. It was found that PUD of the similar composition was made with direct process (water in oil addition), and reverse (oil in water addition) displayed different particle size, drying time, hardness, elongation, molecular weight and gloss. The increasing trend was observed in tensile strength, elongation, drying time, gloss and water resistance w.r.t. increase in the non-ionic content. Whereas, decreasing trend was observed in particle size, pendulum hardness and electrolytic stability. In similar set of experiments, PUD made with direct process displayed poor solvent resistance, electrolytic stability, improved hardness and water resistance compared to reverse process. However, tensile strength and elongation were unaffected by the process variation. The unusual trend was observed in particle size and viscosity in direct and reverse process. PUD prepared by reverse process showed lower particle size and viscosity than those synthesized with direct process. Moreover, it was also observed that the weight average e molecular weight (Mw), storage and loss modulus (on Rheometer) also gets significantly affected by the dispersion process. Also, the phase inversion study reveals that time to achieve the phase inversion stage decrease with increase in non-ionic content

Biography:

Guy Francis Mongelli has completed his MS thesis under Prof. Ching W Tang and Lewis J Rothberg at the University of Rochester. He is “All But Defense” at Case Western Reserve University under C Benson Branch Prof. of Chemical Engineering and department Chair Daniel J Lacks. He has served as a reviewer for Optics Letters, Optics Express, Journal of Chemical Review, Chemical Engineering Communications, and American Journal of Applied Sciences. 

Abstract:

The present body of literature fails to adequately address the need for the simulation metrics which determines the surface activity of target species in single or multi-solvent systems. Within this work, a new property determinable by computational molecular dynamics simulation is detailed, that is the surface parameter, which is an indicator of the placement of a molecule with respect to the interface. Simulations were carried out on polyalkanes in alcohol co-solvated systems to verify systematically that the OPLS-AA force fields can accurately describe the solvation of low molecular weight polyalkanes with increased alcohol content. This parameter and the associated code are helpful in identifying quickly whether a molecule is surface active, especially in mixed a solvent systems. The code for the determination of this property is written in FORTRAN, a widespread and readily available package on most supercomputing systems where GROMACS is deployed. 

Biography:

A M Anton has completed his Physics study in the biophysics group of Prof. Dr. Petra Schwille at the Technische Universität Dresden. Then he switched to the Molecular Physics group of Prof. Dr. Friedrich Kremer at the University of Leipzig. Currently, he carries out the research on molecular orientation and order in soft matter systems, as (bio)polymers like spider silk or Ab(1‑40) as well as semi-conductive polymers like P(NDI2OD‑T2).

Abstract:

IR‑TMOA as a valuable method to determine the spatial orientation and order of distinct subunits in polymeric systems: On the basis of their versatile usage in organic field, it effects transistors or solar cells in conjunction with their soft matter properties, such as flexibility and convenient adaption of shape, donor/acceptor conjugated copolymers which have received great attention as a fascinating class of materials. In order to tailor the macroscopic properties of their films, a detailed understanding of the corresponding molecular organization is required. For that reason, the method of IR-TMOA, is employed to elucidate the spatial orientation and order in thin layers of P(NDI2OD-T2). The spectral absorbance of selected bands is evaluated in dependence on the inclination (J) and the polarization (j) of the incoming light, which allows examining the absorption tensor for the distinct structural moieties independently. As a result, the orientation of atomistic planes defined by the naphthalenediimide (NDI, blue) and bithiophene (T2, yellow) subunits is determined in relative to the substrate (Q), and hence, relative to each other (c). Whereas, in spin coated films the T2 units exhibit a preferential face on or edge on alignment conditioned by the solvent, but the NDI parts are not affected. Furthermore, pronounced in-plane anisotropy of the NDI segments is evident in a 150 nm thin film demonstrating self assembled long range order of the polymer chains, even though they are spin coated from solution.

Biography:

Cecilia Coletta is a PhD student in Physical Chemistry at Université Paris Saclay, France. She has published three papers so far and has presented her works in several international conferences

Abstract:

Conductive Polymers (CP) have nowadays many applications in several devices; for this reason much attention has been dedicated to them in recent years. CP has gained some large scale applications for their chemical and physical properties. Although, the synthesis of CP has been widely studied for a long time, many efforts are still aimed to simplify their preparation, to tune their morphology and optimize their properties. Despite intensive research, the mechanism of conducting polymers growth is still poorly understood and the methods of polymerization are limited to two principal ways: Chemical and electrochemical synthesis. Radiation chemistry deals with the chemical reactions resulting from the interaction of high-energy photons or particles with matter. In our group, a new strategy to synthesize CP in aqueous solutions by using ionizing radiation was developed Lat131Lat141Cui141Col151. This new alternative method enables the polymerization under soft condition like ambient temperature and pressure, without dopant. Recently pulse radiolysis has been used to study the mechanism of polymerization of CP in aqueous solution. A step-by-step mechanism was found and it involves a recurrent oxidation process. The use of different oxidizing radicals (i.e. HO^., CO₃^.-, N₃^.) allows us to identify the intermediate species involved in the growth mechanism. The value of rate constants and the attribution of transient and stable species were confirmed by molecular simulations and spectro-kinetic analysis. Moreover, it was also possible to polymerize CP by using an electron beam. The irradiation with a series of consecutive electron pulses enables the in-situ synthesis of CP. These CP were evidenced by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy and cryo-TEM, SEM and AFM-IR microscopes which showed globular morphologies. Investigation on electrical characteristics depicts values of conductivity comparable with the polymers synthesized by chemical or electrochemical methods. The present study bears a witness to the tremendous potential of such a brand new electrons-based methodology and gives us a glimpse of future promising industrial applications in the field of CP synthesis

Biography:

S Sherry Zhu completed her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and Postdoctoral studies from MIT. She is a Senior Research Scientist at the Schlumberger-Doll Research Center. She has published more than 10 papers and holds 5 patents and 19 patent applications

Abstract:

Degradable polymers have been applied in the oil field for proppant pack stabilization, improved facture geometry, fluid diversion and lost circulation mitigation in drilling and cementing. As the market moves to shale gas formations that have ultra-low temperature (ULT), the demand for degradable materials that can “disappear” rapidly at temperatures <60°C is increasing. Polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based degradable polymer, is particularly useful for multistage hydraulic fracturing. The rate of PLA degradation depends on the rate of ester hydrolysis, which is significantly reduced below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA. This limits the applications of PLA in rock formations at high temperatures. A simple, readily up scalable chemistry using zinc oxide nanoparticles to catalyze the hydrolysis of PLA results in rapid degradation of PLA and extends its applications in low-temperature shale formations. Furthermore, for the first time, a non-destructive analytical method of 1H T2 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry is being applied to measure the apparent rate constants of PLA hydrolysis in solid, heterogeneous/composite systems that have multiple and complex reaction kinetics. The demonstrated activation energy for ZnO-catalyzed PLA hydrolysis is about 38% lower than that of pure PLA hydrolysis

Biography:

Nurettin Sahiner has completed his PhD in 2005 from Tulane University and did Post-doctoral studies at University of Delaware at Materials Science and Engineering, and at Tulane University School of Medicine, Biochemsitry. He is the Director of Nanoscience and Technology Research and Application Center. He has published more than 150 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member for few journals

Abstract:

As special types of hydrogels that are known as cryogels are super porous network of hydrophilic polymer chains and are prepared at cryogenic conditions (below the freezing point of solvent). Here, we report the preparation of polyethyleneimine (PEI) cryogel, and its use as a template for conductive polymers (CPs) synthesis. The synthesis of CPs such as p(Aniline) (p(An)), p(Pyrolle) (p(Py)) and p(Thiophene) (p(Th)) were accomplished by loading PEI cryogels with the corresponding monomers and then employing oxidative polymerization technique. The synthesized PEI/CPs cryogel composites denoted as PEI/P(An), PEI/P(Py) and PEI/P(Th) as semi interpenetrating network (IPN) were characterized spectroscopically by using FT-IR, thermally by means of TGA, and morphologically via SEM imaging. Various parameters such as the types and the effects of numbers of loadings monomers into PEI cryogel networks, polymerization time and doping agents on conductivities of PEI/CPs semi-IPN composites were investigated. Furthermore, various applications of PEI/CPs semi-IPN composites for sensor and environment were also investigated

Biography:

Hiroshi Jinnai has completed his D. Eng. from Kyoto University in 1993. He is a professor of Tohoku University. He has published more than 200 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of POLYMER (ELSEVIER) and MICROSCOPY (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS). He is the Fellow of American Physical Society (APS) since 2011. He is a recipiant of the SPSJ (The Society of Polymer Science, Japan) Wiley Award (2006), Ernst-Ruska-Prize (2007), The Japanese Society of Microscopy Society Award, Setoh Prize (2012) etc. He is the Fellow of American Physical Society (APS) since 2011.

Abstract:

In order to fabricate structures for many applications, e.g., nanotechnology, photovoltaic devices, drug delivery etc., choice of three-deimsnional (3D) structures is a key issue.　Control of dispersion state of nano-particles in (polymeric) matrix, for example, is an important industrial problem. For more precise structural control, block copolymers (BCP) are often used because of their variety of periodic morphologies. Combining well-ordered 3D morphologies of BCPs with nano-particles offers a way for well-controlled spatial arrangement of nano-particle inside materials. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron tomography (3D TEM) in particular, plays an important role to characterize such nano-structures. In order for better understanding and precise control of 3D structures, direct observation of ordering processes of nano-structures during phase transition are essential. Unfortunately, TEM has not been a useful method for such dynamical imaging. One of the biggest reasons for this is “staining” of (polymeric) samples is almost always necessary for contrast enhancement because of their weak contrast for electrons. Consequently, the staining “fixed” the nano-structure, which makes it impossible to perform “in-situ” dynamical observations. Here, we show some preliminary results of direct imaging of nano-structures from an unstained BCP that have never been observable without staining in the past. This new methodology in electron microscopy may open up a way of “in-situ” 3D imaging in the near future. In our talk, we will show some examples of structure control of polymeric materials and their characterization with TEM.

Biography:

Hiroshi Jinnai has completed his D. Eng. from Kyoto University in 1993. He is a professor of Tohoku University. He has published more than 200 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of POLYMER (ELSEVIER) and MICROSCOPY (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS). He is the Fellow of American Physical Society (APS) since 2011. He is a recipiant of the SPSJ (The Society of Polymer Science, Japan) Wiley Award (2006), Ernst-Ruska-Prize (2007), The Japanese Society of Microscopy Society Award, Setoh Prize (2012) etc. He is the Fellow of American Physical Society (APS) since 2011.

Abstract:

In order to fabricate structures for many applications, e.g., nanotechnology, photovoltaic devices, drug delivery etc., choice of three-deimsnional (3D) structures is a key issue.　Control of dispersion state of nano-particles in (polymeric) matrix, for example, is an important industrial problem. For more precise structural control, block copolymers (BCP) are often used because of their variety of periodic morphologies. Combining well-ordered 3D morphologies of BCPs with nano-particles offers a way for well-controlled spatial arrangement of nano-particle inside materials. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron tomography (3D TEM) in particular, plays an important role to characterize such nano-structures. In order for better understanding and precise control of 3D structures, direct observation of ordering processes of nano-structures during phase transition are essential. Unfortunately, TEM has not been a useful method for such dynamical imaging. One of the biggest reasons for this is “staining” of (polymeric) samples is almost always necessary for contrast enhancement because of their weak contrast for electrons. Consequently, the staining “fixed” the nano-structure, which makes it impossible to perform “in-situ” dynamical observations. Here, we show some preliminary results of direct imaging of nano-structures from an unstained BCP that have never been observable without staining in the past. This new methodology in electron microscopy may open up a way of “in-situ” 3D imaging in the near future. In our talk, we will show some examples of structure control of polymeric materials and their characterization with TEM.

Biography:

Nabila Shamim has completed her BS from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh and PhD from National University of Singapore. She did a Post-doctoral Fellowship from Texas Tech University, USA. She is actively involved in Polymer Science research and has published more than 15 peer reviewed and conference papers. She is currently working as a Faculty at Prairie View A & M University, USA. Her research focuses on characterization and application of nanomaterials and thermal properties of polymeric materials

Abstract:

Flash differential scanning calorimetry was used to study the glass transition temperature of polycarbonate thin films over a range of 22 – 350 nm. The investigation was made as a function of film thickness and cooling rate ranging from 0.1 -1000 K/s. The results for polycarbonate thin films show a greatly reduced glass temperature relative to that of the macroscopic value. We also observed that, the magnitude of Δ Tg decreases as the cooling rate increases. The obtained data have been compared with the literature results for supported and freely standing PC films and the results are more similar to what is observed for films supported on rigid substrates than for freely standing films. Similarly, Flash Differential Scanning Calorimetry (Flash DSC) has also been used to determine the glass transition response of the rapidly crystallizing material, TNT. After heating at 600 K/s, it was found that for cooling rates from 1000 K/s to 10 K/s the glass transition changes from 247.5 K to 239.3 K. The dynamic fragility index was determined to be m = 62 ± 6 and the activation energy determined from the range of cooling rates in which vitrification occurred was found to be 290 ± 16 kJ/mol. Crystallization was found to occur during cooling rates below 0.3 K/s, whereas cold crystallization was found on subsequent heating after cooling between 10 K/s and 30 K/s. At cooling rates of 100 K/s and above, and for the same heating rate of 600 K/s was investigated. The glass transition event was observed, but cold crystallization during heating did not occur. Hence, the crystallization behavior of the fully amorphous TNT upon heating depends on the cooling rate and vitrification path

Biography:

Mthulisi (BSc, MSc) is a 29 year-old 3rd year Ph.D candidate at the University of Leeds, under the supervision of Dr. Paul D. Thornton and Prof. James T. Guthrie. His research focuses on the creation of biomaterials from the ROP of NCAs and/or OCAs of α-amino acids. He has twice published parts of his Ph.D work in reputable RSC journals and is a holder of the prestigious Beit Trust Scholarship and the Leeds International Research Scholarship. His other research interests are in polymers in surface coatings and colorants, textile materials and textile coloration

Abstract:

Polymers are often employed as drug carriers to provide protection to encapsulated therapeutic molecules against premature metabolism and clearance in vivo [1]. Proteolytic enzymes may be exploited to trigger the swelling and/or degradation of (poly)peptide-containing carrier vehicles, while reduced environmental pH may be exploited to trigger the hydrolysis of ester linkages in (poly)ester-containing carrier vehicles, resulting in controlled payload release, on-demand [2,3]. We report the creation of several biodegradable polymeric nanomaterials from N-carboxyanhydride ring-opening polymerisation (NCA ROP) and O-carboxyanhydride ring-opening polymerisation (OCA ROP). A range of delivery vehicles, including (nano)particles, chemical hydrogels and vegetable oil-based organogels have been created that selectively release encapsulated payload molecules upon interaction with acidic environmental pH and/or enzymes that are over-expressed at particular disease sites

Biography:

Reza Moonesi Rad has completed his DVM from Urmia Azad University and currently is a PhD student in the Biotechnology Department in Middle East Technical University. Acknowledgment: We thank the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) for the financial support to this research (1001 project No: 114R042)

Abstract:

Every year a large number of dental restorations are carried out in the World and most of them do not succeed. Dentin layer has a mineral structure and it is the most damaged part in tooth caries. A regenerative approach for repairing of the damaged dentin-pulp complex or generating a new tissue is needed. We synthesized boron modified bioglass nanoparticles and developeda three-dimensional boron modified bioglass nanoparticles/cellulose acetate/pullulan/gelatin (b-BGNPs/CA/PULL/GEL) based scaffold to investigate its application potential for dentin regeneration. The composition of obtainedb-BGNPs was almost consistent with the designed composition. FTIR analysis revealed that synthesized bioglass, possesed the characteristic functional groups related to the compositions before and after boron modification. Scaffolds containing aligned and tubular structures with diameter of 11.6 μm were obtained by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and porogen leaching methods. Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) were isolated from human third molars by the enzymatic digestion method. In vitro degradation analysis, porosity measurements, mechanical tests, in vitro biomineralization studies and also cell culture studies are under investigation

Biography:

Ana Barros-Timmons has completed her PhD in Chemistry in the year 1997 from Manchester University. Since 1996 she has been Lecturing at the University of Aveiro on various courses related to Polymer Science and Chemical Engineering laboratories as well as participating in the coordination of a couple of joint European Master Courses in the field of Materials Science and Engineering. She has published 63 papers in reputed journals and over 120 communications. Her research interests are focused on the preparation and characterization of nanocomposite materials with particular emphasis on controlled polymerization mechanisms, thermal analyses and the use of renewable materials

Ana Barros-Timmons from University of Aveiro, Portugal made her valuable remarks at International Conference on Polymer Science & Engineering 2016

Abstract:

Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are having been attracting the attention of both academia and industry due to environmental concerns and to satisfy the requirements of the demanding advanced applications, especially in medicine. In this context, Poly(L-lactide) (PLA) has been proposed for several applications as biodegradable thermoplastic. In turn, nanostructured graphene fillers with remarkable characteristics have also been used to enhance the mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties of many polymers. However, the full potential of the ensuing composites tends to be hindered by aggregation of the nanofillers. In order to promote a good dispersion of Graphene Oxide (GO) in the PLA matrix, polymer grafting techniques have been explored to anchor PLA onto GO surface which can act as compatibilizers. For that purpose, PLA with a terminal triple bond was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. By controlling the concentration of monomer to initiator, samples with three different chain lengths have been prepared and later coupled to azide-functionalized GO using the click chemistry. These hybrids mixed with commercial PLA from which cast films have been prepared. The effect of chain length and of two loads of hybrid nanofillers on the properties of the ensuing nanocomposites films was studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and nanoindentation and the results obtained will be discussed

Biography:

Nariyoshi Kawabata has completed his PhD degree from Kyoto University in the year 1963. He was a Chemistry Assistant at Kyoto University from the year 1963 to 1969. He was an Assistant Professor of Kyoto Institute of Technology in the year 1969 and became a Professor in the year 1976. He was a Professor of University of Shiga Prefecture from 1999 to 2005. He has a faithful opinion about severe duty of chemists in the protection of natural abundant environment from harmful and obstructive chemical materials produced by chemists and chemical industry

Abstract:

My research group accidentally discovered powerful bacterial cells in the living state on the surface of cross-linked poly(N-benzyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide), PBVP(Br), during development of a new technology for water purification without leaving chemical materials in the treated water. During this research, we encountered with violent proliferation of bacteria on the polymer surface which was covered with proliferated bacteria, that resembled a group of breeding model though there was no organic material other than the polymer and bacteria. After about 10 years, we were shocked by violent digestion of cross-linked PBVP(Br) by activated sludge when placed in a continuous aerobic treatment of artificial sewage by activated sludge. We tried to prepare biodegradable vinyl polymers by connection of oligomers of vinyl compounds by BVP, since oligomers of vinyl compounds are biodegradable which is different from vinyl polymers. Half-life of polystyrene that contained 10.6 mol % of BVP (the oligomer portion was about octamer) was only 13 days when treated with activated sludge in soil in spite of the fact that no degradation of oligomers larger than trimer of styrene by bacterial strain was reported. We realized that BVP is not only a highly biodegradable chemical unit useful to connect oligomers, but also strongly stimulates microbes to degrade the oligomer portion connected to BVP. It was observed that oligomers of vinyl compounds are highly nutritive for microbes and are also easily biodegradable for the preparation of BVP

Biography:

Nabila Shamim has completed her BS from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh and PhD from National University of Singapore. She did a Post-doctoral Fellowship from Texas Tech University, USA. She is actively involved in Polymer Science research and has published more than 15 peer reviewed and conference papers. She is currently working as a Faculty at Prairie View A & M University, USA. Her research focuses on characterization and application of nanomaterials and thermal properties of polymeric materials.

Abstract:

Flash differential scanning calorimetry was used to study the glass transition temperature of polycarbonate thin films over a range of 22 – 350 nm. The investigation was made as a function of film thickness and cooling rate ranging from 0.1-1000 K/s. The results for polycarbonate thin films show a greatly reduced glass temperature relative to that of the macroscopic value. We also observed that, the magnitude of Δ Tg decreases as the cooling rate increases. The obtained data have been compared with the literature results for supported and freely standing PC films and the results are more similar to what is observed for films supported on rigid substrates than for freely standing films. Similarly, Flash Differential Scanning Calorimetry (Flash DSC) has also been used to determine the glass transition response of the rapidly crystallizing material, TNT. After heating at 600 K/s, it was found that for cooling rates from 1000 K/s to 10 K/s the glass transition changes from 247.5 K to 239.3 K. The dynamic fragility index was determined to be m = 62 ± 6 and the activation energy determined from the range of cooling rates in which vitrification occurred was found to be 290 ± 16 kJ/mol. Crystallization was found to occur during cooling rates below 0.3 K/s, whereas cold crystallization was found on subsequent heating after cooling between 10 K/s and 30 K/s. At cooling rates of 100 K/s and above, and for the same heating rate of 600 K/s was investigated. The glass transition event was observed, but cold crystallization during heating did not occur. Hence, the crystallization behavior of the fully amorphous TNT upon heating depends on the cooling rate and vitrification path.

Biography:

Saminu M Magami obtained both his MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Leeds in Polymer Science. He has worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Leeds dealing with polymers colorants, coatings and flow-rig assembly. He is currently a KTP Research Associate at Edinburgh Napier University and is actively involved in research concerning formulation assembly, photo-polymerization, experimental design and rheometry of hydrogel materials. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has served as a Reviewer for a number of well recognized journals.

Abstract:

The unique property of hydrogels arises from their structure which is a three dimensional network, created by the physical and chemical cross-linking of monomers/polymers. Traditionally, multivalent crosslinker molecules are employed in the polymerization process in order to form their microstructure. The extent of the crosslinking and the crosslink density in hydrogels govern many of their mechanical properties. The application areas of hydrogels are diverse, often used to make soft contact lenses, nappies, wound dressings and drug delivery systems. In this study, in situ photo-polymerization and rheology were used in the synthesis and characterization of polymeric hydrogel materials. N,N′-Methylenebisacrylamide and a range of divalent cationic species were used as crosslinking agents. Aspects associated with the structural evolution and the viscoelasticity of the resulting materials were monitored by small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements and creep measurements. The influence of each type of crosslinking agent on network development was studied. The results show that the hydrogel network is significantly influenced by the nature and concentration of the various crosslinking agents used in formulation

Biography:

James Hart Graduated from Bristol University in the year 2013 with a degree in Chemical Physics. He is currently a PhD student (STFC Global Challenge Scholarship) under Richard Thompson at Durham University

Abstract:

Polymer filler interactions and structure are challenging to measure directly, but are important to the overall material properties of composites. Particularly, filler networking and shifts in polymer dynamics toward the glassy state are of more interest, as both are proposed to be related to composite reinforcement and strain softening. Our recent work has analyzed the dispersion of nanoparticles with end-functionalized polymer and corresponding changes in rheological properties through the use of Quasi Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS), a technique that analyses velocity shifts in scattered neutrons, we have directly measured the dynamics of polybutadiene about silica nanoparticles. A several nm thick layer of greatly inhibited motion was found near the surface of the nanoparticles, with a key feature that this layer thickness has Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann dependence with temperature. Our recent in-situ neutron scattering experiments have found the decrease in the glassy layer thickness with the applied strain, which supports the theory on causes of strain softening. Further work is ongoing to characterize this change in surface properties with strain and its link with rheology properties of the composite system, namely the Payne effect

Biography:

Parva Chhantyal completed her Masters in Chemical Engineering at The University of Manchester, England. She started her PhD in Nanotechnology at Laser Zentrum Hannover, Germany in 2013 and is currently in her third year. Her research focuses on working with different polymers that can be embedded with different fluorescent materials. The ability of these polymers to be structured into a waveguide for the light propagation is the key application

Abstract:

High-refractive-index polymer hybrid materials, such as OrmoClear show interesting properties for a variety of potential applications. When doped with quantum nanoparticles, this hybrid polymer promotes enhanced optical properties that can have huge advantage in photonic applications. The particle size and composition of these quantum nanoparticles can be tuned in order to introduce new properties to the materials. For an experimental evaluation, the comparative studies of different quantum nanoparticles, such as dots, rods and plates were made. The continuous films of all three kinds of quantum nanoparticles were produced and the fluorescence spectra were measured. In comparison between different quantum nanoparticles, the quantum rods showed brightest emission. Afterwards, these quantum nanoparticles were embedded into a high-refractive-index photocurable OrmoClear in order to produce waveguide structures by photolithography technique. The lasing potential of the doped polymer was evaluated by investigating the efficiency of the light propagating through the waveguide. In this case, the optical properties were evaluated based on the concentration of the quantum nanoparticles as well as the structural parameters of the polymers. For the better comparison, these quantum nanoparticles were also embedded into a PMMA powder that can be structured. Additionally, the optical properties of a laser dye, Rhodamine 6G was also evaluated by embedding into these polymers. As a result, Rhodamine 6G was proved to have a narrow absorption spectrum without a sharp emission spectra whereas quantum nanoparticles were seen with a broader excitation spectra and a sharpened emission peak. Quantum nanoparticles were seen more stable whereas in Rhodamine 6G, the effect of photobleaching was high 

Biography:

Padmaja Guggilla has completed her PhD from Alabama A&M University in 2007. Dr. Guggilla is presently working as Associate Professor of Physics at Alabama A&M University. She has published more than 45 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of reputed journals. She has secured over 2 million dollars of extramural funds as Principal Investigator in the last five years

Abstract:

Nanocomposite films are of great interest in the development of infrared detectors and other technology. Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) with excellent pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties such as fast, dynamic response has great potential for use in touch/tactile sensors, infrared detectors and thermal vidicon/imaging devices. PVDF:LiNbO3, PVDF:LiTaO3, and PVDF:BaTiO3 nanocomposites are fabricated with optimal characteristics using the solution casting technique. All these nanocomposite films are doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with various weight percentages. The objective of this research was to characterize the low-frequency dielectric constant, dielectric loss and the pyroelectric properties of these composite films and thus the materials figures of merit for their use in space applications. Nanocomposites are also characterized using Raman Spectroscopy to get the finger print of these materials and their existence in the composite film. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss results are presented as a function of temperature and frequency, and pyroelectric coefficient as a function of temperature. Raman Spectrum of the nanocomposite materials are also presented using two different power and range lasers. Obtained Raman spectrum matches with the literature available. Authors also observed that both microscopic structure and environmental conditions contributed to observed properties. Dielectric loss resulted from electromagnetic energy loss as manifested through phase differences between low-frequency input signal to the films and time varying polarization

Biography:

Cecilia Coletta is a PhD student on Physical Chemistry at Université Paris Saclay and she will defend her thesis on July. She has published three papers so far and she has presented her works in several international conferences.

Abstract:

Conductive Polymers (CP) have nowadays many applications in several devices; for this reason much attention have been dedicated to them in recent years. CP have gained some large scale applications for their chemical and physical proprieties. Although the synthesis of CP has been widely studied for a long time, many efforts are still aimed to simplify their preparation, to tune their morphology and optimize their properties. Despite intensive research, the mechanism of conducting polymers growth is still poorly understood and the methods of polymerization are limited to two principal ways: chemical and electrochemical synthesis. Radiation chemistry deals with the chemical reactions resulting from the interaction of high-energy photons or particle with matter. In our group, a new strategy to synthesize CP in aqueous solutions by using ionizing radiation was developedLat131Lat141Cui141Col151 This new alternative method enables polymerization under soft condition: ambient temperature and pressure, without dopant. Recently pulse radiolysis has been used to study the mechanism of polymerization of CP in aqueous solution. A step-by-step mechanism was found and it involves a recurrent oxidation process. The use of different oxidizing radicals (i.e. HO., CO3.-, N3.) allows us to identify the intermediates species involved in the growth mechanism. The value of rate constants and the attribution of transient and stable species were confirmed by molecular simulations and spectro-kinetic analysis. Moreover it was also possible to polymerize CP by using an electron beam. The irradiation with a series of consecutive electron pulses enables the in-situ synthesis of CP. These CP were evidenced by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopies and cryo-TEM, SEM and AFM-IR microscopies showed a globular morphologies. Investigation on electrical characteristics depict values of conductivity comparable with the polymers synthesized by chemical or electrochemical. The present study bears witness to the tremendous potential of such a brand new electrons-based methodology and gives us a glimpse of future promising industrial applications in the field of CP synthesis.

Biography:

Volker Dolle has completed his PhD at the age of 29 years in 1987 at the University of Kaiserslautern/Germany. He holds a senior scientist position with 20 years of experience in LyondellBasell, a leading chemical company. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and more than 70 patents. His work focus is set on the characterization of HDPE by different sophisticated characterization methods. These characterizations together with the analysis of process data enable the prediction of HDPE properties.

Abstract:

High density polyethylene is one of the most widely used polyolefines. This specific polymer is established as the material of choice for premium-quality applications, such as films, pipes, plastic fuel tanks, bottles, containers, caps and closures with specific requirements. These are typically high impact resistance, low crack propagation combined with good performance during processing. Polyethylene based on Ziegler catalysts covers a very broad range of these applications. The last decades the ability to produce multi-modal Ziegler-based HDPE, from cascade processes such as the Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (ACP) has offered a robust and versatile way to control polymer properties and combine enhanced mechanical performance to good process-ability. Multi-modal HDPE has generally a very broad mol. weight distribution and a complex macromolecular architecture varying from linear to significantly short- and long-chain branched chains. This complicated structure makes HDPE a challenging material to understand, characterize and predict final properties. We apply therefore an advanced methodology including a combination of molecular and rheological characterization, as well as statistical analysis and semi-empirical models to predict final properties. For the molecular weight and long-chain branching distribution we apply GPC-MALLS and fractionation techniques for accurately determining the content of copolymer fractions and distribution of comonomer. Shear, elongational and capillary rheology allow for a correlation of molecular architecture to process-ability. Finally, the characterization is accompanied with appropriate mechanical testing on final products. We are able with this methodology to elucidate structural features of multi-modal HDPE and fine-tune to produce final products with enhanced properties.

Biography:

A. M. Anton has completed his physics study at the Technische Universität Dresden in the biophysics group of Prof. Dr. Petra Schwille (present address: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried), before he switched to the molecular physics group of Prof. Dr. Friedrich Kremer at the University of Leipzig. The submission of his PhD thesis is planned for the first half of 2016. In Leipzig he currently carries out research on the molecular orientation and order in soft matter systems, as (bio)polymers like spider silk or A(1 40) as well as semi-conductive polymers like P(NDI2OD T2), for instance.

Abstract:

Infrared Transition Moment Orientational Analysis as a Valuable Method to Determine the Spatial Orientation and Order of Distinct Subunits in Polymeric Systems (IR TMOA): On the basis of their versatile usage in organic field effect transistors or solar cells in conjunction with their soft matter properties, such as flexibility and convenient adaption of shape, donor/acceptor conjugated copolymers have received great attention as a fascinating class of materials. In order to tailor the macroscopic properties of their films, a detailed understanding of the corresponding molecular organization is required. For that reason, the method of Infrared Transition Moment Orientational Analysis is employed to elucidate the spatial orientation and order in thin layers of P(NDI2OD-T2). The spectral absorbance of selected bands is evaluated in dependence on the inclination () and the polarization () of the incoming light, which allows to examine the absorption tensor for the distinct structural moieties independently. As a result, the orientation of atomistic planes defined by the naphthalenediimide (NDI, blue) and bithiophene (T2, yellow) subunits is determined relative to the substrate (), and hence, relative to each other (): whereas in spin coated films the T2 units exhibit a preferential face on or edge on alignment conditioned by the solvent, the NDI parts are not affected. Furthermore, pronounced in-plane anisotropy of the NDI segments is evident in a 150 nm thin film demonstrating self assembled long range order of the polymer chains, even though they are spin coated from solution.

Biography:

Nurettin Sahiner has completed his PhD in 2005 from Tulane University and did Post-doctoral studies at University of Delaware in Materials Science and Engineering, and at Tulane University School of Medicine, Biochemistry. He is the Director of Nanoscience and Technology Research and Application Center. He has published more than 150 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member for few journals.

Abstract:

As special types of hydrogels that are known as cryogels are super porous network of hydrophilic polymer chains and are prepared at cryogenic conditions (below the freezing point of solvent). Here, we report the preparation of polyethyleneimine (PEI) cryogel, and its use as a template for conductive polymers (CPs) synthesis. The synthesis of CPs such as p(Aniline) (p(An)), p(Pyrolle) (p(Py)) and p(Thiophene) (p(Th)) were accomplished by loading PEI cryogels with the corresponding monomers and then employing oxidative polymerization technique. The synthesized PEI/CPs cryogel composites denoted as PEI/P(An), PEI/P(Py) and PEI/P(Th) as semi interpenetrating network (IPN) were characterized spectroscopically by using FT-IR, thermally by means of TGA, and morphologically via SEM imaging. Various parameters such as the types and the effects of number of loading monomers into PEI cryogel networks, polymerization time and doping agents on conductivities of PEI/CPs semi-IPN composites were investigated. Furthermore, various applications of PEI/CPs semi-IPN composites for sensor and environment were also investigated

Biography:

S Sherry Zhu completed her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and Postdoctoral studies from MIT. She is a Senior Research Scientist at the Schlumberger-Doll Research Center. She has published more than 10 papers and holds 5 patents and 19 patent applications

Abstract:

Degradable polymers have been applied in the oil field for proppant pack stabilization, improved facture geometry, fluid diversion and lost circulation mitigation in drilling and cementing. As the market moves to shale gas formations that have ultra-low temperature (ULT), the demand for degradable materials that can “disappear” rapidly at temperatures <60°C is increasing. Polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based degradable polymer, is particularly useful for multistage hydraulic fracturing. The rate of PLA degradation depends on the rate of ester hydrolysis, which is significantly reduced below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA. This limits the applications of PLA in rock formations at high temperatures. A simple, readily up scalable chemistry using zinc oxide nanoparticles to catalyze the hydrolysis of PLA results in rapid degradation of PLA and extends its applications in low-temperature shale formations. Furthermore, for the first time, a non-destructive analytical method of ¹H T₂ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry is being applied to measure the apparent rate constants of PLA hydrolysis in solid, heterogeneous/composite systems that have multiple and complex reaction kinetics. The demonstrated activation energy for ZnO-catalyzed PLA hydrolysis is about 38% lower than that of pure PLA hydrolysis

Biography:

Dr. Arita completed his doctorate in physical chemistry at Kyoto University in 2003. After his graduation of Kyoto University, he started physical chemistry of polymer materials in Goettingen University as a post doctorate fellow. He also spent his days in Institute for Chemical Research of Kyoto University as a post-doctoral fellow. Dr. Arita currently belongs to Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced materials of Tohoku University as an Assistant Professor from 2007. He has been studying polymer-surface-functionalized fillers produced by Polymerization with Particles (PwP) technique invented by him. 

Abstract:

Preparation of cellulose/chitin nanocrystals (nanowhiskers), which have been gaining much more attention as reinforcing fillers because of its large resource, superior physical properties with light density, large aspect ratio rarely found in mineral substances and so on, essentially depends on aqueous conditions including acid hydrolysis and subsequent homogenization in water. The obtained nanocrystals indicate strong cornification on drying to form an irreversibly aggregated solid film. In contrast to the conventional aqueous preparation scheme, the authors have developed a non-aqueous route to disaggregated fine powders of nanocrystals. The sample could be obtained via a homogenization of cellulose hydrolysate in toluene to give a slurry-like suspension, which remained a fine powder containing nanocrystals after a simple air-drying. The suspension is also useful for further surface modification of nanocrystals such as controlled radical polymerizations with particles (CRPwP). This newly developed Nano-cellulose can be promising fillers for polymers.

Biography:

Daniela Gonzalez completed her graduation from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. As a student, she have had the opportunity to understand the importance of interdisciplinary science and engineering, as well as to interact and collaborate with other scientists within the university and in private companies. The original idea of her thesis research, including design and testing of materials, is entirely her contribution. Following her graduation, she is interested in further investigation of her thesis, as well as to work with private companies.
 

Abstract:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection world-wide. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can induce cell abnormalities that could lead to the development of pre-cancer or cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in developing countries. Current approaches to reduce its incidence involve cervical cancer screenings and HPV prophylactic vaccines. However, neither HPV vaccines are effective in women who are already infected, nor they protect against all HPV types. Then this study is aimed at developing a specific virus-binding material to prevent HPV infection. Two different approaches to produce heparin-loaded poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) fibrous materials were applied: one involved a simple matrix encapsulation of heparin (PCL-Hep), while the other was based on the use of chemical cross-linking of heparin to the PCL backbone (PCL-Hep-CL, CL (crosslinked)). Both materials were characterized on the basis of their physical, biocompatible, thermal and biological properties. The PCL-Hep mat showed a sustained heparin release profile, while the heparin in PCL-Hep-CL was shown to be long-term stable. A high binding affinity for HPV16 L1 capsids was found for the crosslinked material. Infectivity assays with HPV16 pseudovirions, demonstrated a 94% and 70% cell infection reduction, for the PCL-Hep and PCL-Hep-CL materials, respectively. The presented results suggest that the proposed materials are a promising candidate to prevent HPV infection, and their use can potentially reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in millions of women that are already infected with HPV

Biography:

Mthulisi Khuphe (BSc, MSc) is a final-year PhD candidate at the University of Leeds, under the supervision of Dr. Paul D. Thornton and Prof. James T. Guthrie. He also holds an MSc in Polymers and Surface Coatings Science and Technology from the University of Leeds. His research focuses on the creation of stimuli-responsive biomaterials using controlled ring opening polymerizations of n-carboxyanhydrides and o-carboxyanhydrides of α-amino acids. He has twice published part of his PhD work in reputable Royal Society of Chemistry journals and is a holder of the prestigious Beit Trust Scholarship and the Leeds International Research Scholarship. His other research interests are in polymers in surface coatings, textile materials and textile coloration.

Abstract:

Polymers are often employed as drug carriers to provide protection to encapsulated therapeutic molecules against premature metabolism and clearance in vivo. Proteolytic enzymes may be exploited to trigger the swelling and/or degradation of (poly)peptide-containing carrier vehicles, while reduced environmental pH may be exploited to trigger the hydrolysis of ester linkages in (poly)ester-containing carrier vehicles, resulting in controlled payload release, on-demand. We report the creation of several biodegradable nanomaterials from the n-carboxyanhydride ring-opening polymerisation (NCA ROP) and o-carboxyanhydride ring-opening polymerisation (OCA ROP). Cyclic monomers have been obtained by converting selected alpha amino acids into their corresponding carboxyanhydrides. Subsequently, ROPs have been employed to covert the cyclic monomers into a range of delivery vehicles, including monodisperse (nano) particles, chemical hydrogels and vegetable oil-based organogels, that selectively release encapsulated payload molecules upon interaction with acidic environmental pH and/or enzymes that are over-expressed at particular disease sites 

Biography:

Reza Moonesi Rad has completed his DVM from Urmia Azad University and currently is a PhD student in the Biotechnology Department in Middle East Technical University

Abstract:

Every year a large number of dental restorations are carried out in the world and most of them do not succeed. Dentin layer has a mineral structure and it is the most damaged part in tooth caries. A regenerative approach for repairing of the damaged dentin-pulp complex or generating a new tissue is needed. We synthesized boron modified bioglass nanoparticles and developed a three-dimensional boron modified bioglass nanoparticles/cellulose acetate/pullulan/gelatin (b-BGNPs/CA/PULL/GEL) based scaffold to investigate its application potential for dentin regeneration. The composition of obtained b-BGNPs was almost consistent with the designed composition. FTIR analysis revealed that synthesized bioglass, possessed the characteristic functional groups related to the compositions before and after boron modification. Scaffolds containing aligned and tubular structures with diameter of 11.6 μm were obtained by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and porogen leaching methods. Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) were isolated from human third molars by the enzymatic digestion method. In vitro degradation analysis, porosity measurements, mechanical tests, in vitro biomineralization studies and also cell culture studies are under investigation.

Biography:

Sumana B G has completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan and Masters in Machine Design from University Visveswaraya Collge of Engineering, Bangalore. She is currently persuing her Ph.D. from Bangalore University. Her research interests include fiber metal composites, fiber metal laminate cylindrical structures. She is a teaching faculty at Government Engineering College, Hassan, a premier technical institution in the state of Karnataka, India. She has published around 5 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Modern industries use fiber reinforced composite cylinders and tubes to storage and transport fluids due to their non-corrosive nature and high specific strength. But they are hygroscopic resulting in dimensional change when exposed to certain chemicals and gases. In this regard, alternate technologies such as hybrid composite cylinders, fiber reinforced metallic cylinders; autofrettaged metallic cylinders etc have been reported. But only few or none were based on the investigation of compressive strength of autofrettaged fiber reinforced metallic laminate (FML) cylinders. The objective of the work was investigating the effect of autofrettage on compression behavior of FML cylinders. The FML composites cylinders were fabricated by pultrusion process. Epoxy reinforced glass fiber polymer wound on aluminum metallic liner of 3 mm wall thickness at fiber orientation of 0°/90° and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) thickness of 1mm and 2mm, were subjected to different levels (percentage) of autofrettage. Autofrettage was induced using a hydraulic pump test rig that could apply internal pressure upto a maximum of 200 MPa. FML cylinders and autofrettaged FML cylinders were subjected to radial compression in a computerized universal testing machine of maximum capacity 600 KN. The compressive strength and aspect ratio of all the cylinders were investigated. Experimental results show that autofrettaged FML cylinders increase compressive strength, with better energy absorption capacities than FML cylinders. Also, increasing the percentage of autofrettage enhances the compressive strength of the composite cylinder along with reduced deformation. From the investigation, it can be concluded that the compressive strength increase with increase in percentage of autofrettage and thickness of FRP.

Biography:

Padmaja Guggilla has completed her PhD from Alabama A&M University in 2007. Dr. Guggilla is presently working as Associate Professor of Physics at Alabama A&M University. She has published more than 45 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of reputed journals. She has secured over 2 million dollars of extramural funds as Principal Investigator in the last five years

Abstract:

Nanocomposite films are of great interest in the development of infrared detectors and other technology. Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) with excellent pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties such as fast, dynamic response has great potential for use in touch/tactile sensors, infrared detectors and thermal vidicon/imaging devices. PVDF:LiNbO3, PVDF:LiTaO3, and PVDF:BaTiO3 nanocomposites are fabricated with optimal characteristics using the solution casting technique. All these nanocomposite films are doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with various weight percentages. The objective of this research was to characterize the low-frequency dielectric constant, dielectric loss and the pyroelectric properties of these composite films and thus the materials figures of merit for their use in space applications. Nanocomposites are also characterized using Raman Spectroscopy to get the finger print of these materials and their existence in the composite film. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss results are presented as a function of temperature and frequency, and pyroelectric coefficient as a function of temperature. Raman Spectrum of the nanocomposite materials are also presented using two different power and range lasers. Obtained Raman spectrum matches with the literature available. Authors also observed that both microscopic structure and environmental conditions contributed to observed properties. Dielectric loss resulted from electromagnetic energy loss as manifested through phase differences between low-frequency input signal to the films and time varying polarization

Biography:

Milena Kurkowska has completed her Master degree at the age of 25 at the Warsaw University of Technology at the Faculty of Chemistry, next she has started her doctoral studies at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering. BSc and Master’s Thesis were associated with the electroless deposition of composite layers of Ni-P and Ni-P-oxide (silicon, aluminum and titanium oxide) on substrates such as PET and carbon fibers. During her studies she worked at Reckitt Benckiser (manufacturer and marketer of branded health, hygiene and home products) in the Quality Department

Abstract:

The composites made form epoxy resin as a matrix with carbon nanotubes as a filler are used in many industries, particularly in the aerospace industry. The selection of the epoxy as matrix is associated with the commercial availability of a wide range of resins with varying viscosities and mechanical properties. The use of CNTs as a filler improves electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The single wall carbon nanotubes have the best electrical properties. Unfortunately, due to their high prices and low availability we decided to use the multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as a filler. The interaction between the tubes in MWCNTs, surface defects and contamination after the production process (CCVD) leads to the reduction of electrical conductivity. MWCNTs were surface modified in order to improve their electrical conductivity. Nanotubes were decorated with a coating of Ni-P by the application of electroless deposition. Homogenization of the solution was ensured by the use of an ultrasonic cleaner and disintegrator. Calander was used to homogenize the mixture of the epoxy resin and the filler. Finally, in order to examine the electrical conductivity a Keithley 6221/2182 nanovoltometer was used. A method of surface preparation is important for the quality of the deposited coating. Initial purification of carbon nanotubes, suitable homogenization and uniform sensitization and activation are important steps during the preparation of the substrate. Homogenization of the epoxy resin with carbon nanotubes using a calendar provides a good dispersion of the nanofiller in the matrix. The addition of carbon nanotubes significantly improves electrical conductivity. Reducing the length of the CNTs results in deterioration of electric conductivity in relation to the raw CNTs

Biography:

Salvatore Graziani received the M.S. degree in Electronic engineering and the Ph.D. degree in Electrical engineering from the Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy, in 1990 and 1994, respectively. Since 1990, he has been with the Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, Elettronica e Informatica, University of Catania, where he is an Associate Professor of Electric and Electronic Measurement and Instrumentation. His primary research interests lie in the field of polymerics sensors and actuators, signal processing, multisensor data fusion, neural networks, and software sensors, and smart sensors. He has coauthored many scientific papers and two books

Abstract:

In next future, smart systems will be developed, capable of solving tasks in strategic fields such as bio inspired robotics, aerospace, and medicine, just to mention a few. These systems will be required to embed a number of functions including, electric power generation and storage, signal sensing and processing, and actuating capabilities. Also, their miniaturization and biocompatibility, will be of interest. "More than Moore" solutions will complement silicon based devices with new technologies. Polymeric materials are suitable for energy scavenging, for the realization of organic electronic devices, and for obtaining reversible energy transduction. Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMCs) are nanocomposited materials, with electromechanical transduction capabilities, relevant to the realization of post-silicon smart systems, since they have sensing, power harvesting and acting capabilities. The presentation will focus on IPMCs as a valuable technology towards the realization of sensing functionalities. More specifically, IPMCs as generating sensors, cantilevered vibrating sensors, and smart coupled actuating-sensing elements will be described. The possibility to exploit such sensing principles for the realization of sensing systems in fields such as fluids rheological properties measurements and medicine applications will also be shown. Finally, it will be shown how the research activity on IPMC sensors is a multidisciplinary task. IPMC are quite new materials and many efforts are still required before they can become a mature technology. To this aim attention will be given to the challenges imposed, by the envisaged applications, on production technologies and system modeling

Biography:

Guy Francis Mongelli completed his MS thesis advised by Profs. Ching W. Tang and Lewis J. Rothberg at the University of Rochester on increasing the out-coupling efficiency of the OLED. He began his Ph.D studies at Case Western Reserve University in 2012. He has served as a reviewer for Optics Letters, Optics Express, Journal of Chemical Review, Chemical Engineering Communications, American Journal of Applied Sciences

Abstract:

The present body of literature fails to adequately address the need for simulation metrics which determine the surface activity of target species in single or multi-solvent systems. Within this work a new property determinable by computational molecular dynamics simulation is detailed. That is the surface parameter, which is an indicator of the placement of a molecule with respect to the interface. Simulations were carried out on polyalkanes in alcohol co-solvated systems to verify systematically that the OPLS-AA force fields can accurately describe the solvation of low molecular weight polyalkanes with increased alcohol content. This parameter and the associated code are helpful in identifying quickly if a molecule is surface active, especially in mixed solvent systems. The code for the determination of this property is written in FORTRAN, a widespread and readily available package on most supercomputing systems where GROMACS is deployed

Biography:

Saminu Magami obtained both his MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Leeds in polymer science. He has worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Leeds dealing with polymers colorants, coatings and flow-rig assembly. He is currently a KTP research associate at Edinburgh Napier University and is actively involved in research concerning formulation assembly, photo-polymerisation, experimental design and rheometry of hydrogel materials. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has served as a reviewer for a number of well recognized journals

Abstract:

The unique property of hydrogels arises from their structure which is a three dimensional network, created by the physical and chemical cross-linking of monomers/polymers. Traditionally, multivalent crosslinker molecules are employed in the polymerisation process in order to form their microstructure. The extent of the crosslinking and the crosslink density in hydrogels govern many of their mechanical properties. The application areas of hydrogels are diverse, often used to make soft contact lenses, nappies, wound dressings and drug delivery systems. In this study, in-situ photo-polymerisation and rheology were used in the synthesis and characterisation of polymeric hydrogel materials. N,N′-Methylenebis(acrylamide) and a range of divalent cationic species were used, as crosslinking agents. Aspects associated with the structural evolution and the viscoelasticity of the resulting materials were monitored by small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements and creep measurements. The influence of each type of crosslinking agent on network development was studied. The results show that the hydrogel network is significantly influenced by the nature and concentration of the various crosslinking agents used in formulation

Biography:

A. M. Anton has completed his physics study at the Technische Universität Dresden in the biophysics group of Prof. Dr. Petra Schwille (present address: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried), before he switched to the molecular physics group of Prof. Dr. Friedrich Kremer at the University of Leipzig. The submission of his PhD thesis is planned for the first half of 2016. In Leipzig he currently carries out research on the molecular orientation and order in soft matter systems, as (bio)polymers like spider silk or A(1 40) as well as semi-conductive polymers like P(NDI2OD T2), for instance

Abstract:

Infrared Transition Moment Orientational Analysis as a Valuable Method to Determine the Spatial Orientation and Order of Distinct Subunits in Polymeric Systems (IR TMOA): On the basis of their versatile usage in organic field effect transistors or solar cells in conjunction with their soft matter properties, such as flexibility and convenient adaption of shape, donor/acceptor conjugated copolymers have received great attention as a fascinating class of materials [1]. In order to tailor the macroscopic properties of their films, a detailed understanding of the corresponding molecular organization is required. For that reason, the method of Infrared Transition Moment Orientational Analysis (IR-TMOA, Fig. 1) is employed to elucidate the spatial orientation and order in thin layers of P(NDI2OD-T2) [2,3]. The spectral absorbance of selected bands is evaluated in dependence on the inclination () and the polarization () of the incoming light, which allows to examine the absorption tensor for the distinct structural moieties independently. As a result, the orientation of atomistic planes defined by the naphthalenediimide (NDI, blue) and bithiophene (T2, yellow) subunits is determined relative to the substrate (), and hence, relative to each other (): whereas in spin coated films the T2 units exhibit a preferential face on or edge on alignment conditioned by the solvent, the NDI parts are not affected [2]. Furthermore, pronounced in-plane anisotropy of the NDI segments is evident in a 150 nm thin film demonstrating self assembled long range order of the polymer chains, even though they are spin coated from solution [3]

Biography:

Cecilia Coletta is a PhD student on Physical Chemistry at Université Paris Saclay and she will defend her thesis on July. She has published three papers so far and she has presented her works in several international conferences

Abstract:

Conductive Polymers (CP) have nowadays many applications in several devices; for this reason much attention have been dedicated to them in recent years. CP have gained some large scale applications for their chemical and physical proprieties. Although the synthesis of CP has been widely studied for a long time, many efforts are still aimed to simplify their preparation, to tune their morphology and optimize their properties. Despite intensive research, the mechanism of conducting polymers growth is still poorly understood and the methods of polymerization are limited to two principal ways: chemical and electrochemical synthesis. Radiation chemistry deals with the chemical reactions resulting from the interaction of high-energy photons or particle with matter. In our group, a new strategy to synthesize CP in aqueous solutions by using ionizing radiation was developedLat131Lat141Cui141Col151 This new alternative method enables polymerization under soft condition: ambient temperature and pressure, without dopant. Recently pulse radiolysis has been used to study the mechanism of polymerization of CP in aqueous solution. A step-by-step mechanism was found and it involves a recurrent oxidation process. The use of different oxidizing radicals (i.e. HO., CO3.-, N3.) allows us to identify the intermediates species involved in the growth mechanism. The value of rate constants and the attribution of transient and stable species were confirmed by molecular simulations and spectro-kinetic analysis. Moreover it was also possible to polymerize CP by using an electron beam. The irradiation with a series of consecutive electron pulses enables the in-situ synthesis of CP. These CP were evidenced by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopies and cryo-TEM, SEM and AFM-IR microscopies showed a globular morphologies. Investigation on electrical characteristics depict values of conductivity comparable with the polymers synthesized by chemical or electrochemical. The present study bears witness to the tremendous potential of such a brand new electrons-based methodology and gives us a glimpse of future promising industrial applications in the field of CP synthesis

Biography:

Ferdous Aktar has completed his MPHIL from Dhaka University and NOW PHD Candidate. She was the Consultant of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Gov. of the people’s republic of Bangladesh.

Abstract:

Radiation processing of biomaterials is an area of current research for development of new applications. Consequently, the present study was designed to evaluate the potential uses of biomaterials like- Chitosan and Sodium alginate as plant growth promoter, nutrient contents and anti-fungal agent. Chitosan and sodium alginate solutions were treated with Co-60 gamma rays at 12 KGy radiation dose. At first different concentrations (20, 50, 120, 300 & 500 ppm) applied through foliar spraying at 7 days interval on selective vegetables, crops and fruits i.e. tomato, egg plant, cabbage, potato, maize, red leafy, green coriander, water melon, cucumber, rice, jute and betel vine for 30 to 90 days. It were found that the efficiency of irradiated biomaterials on these selective vegetables, crops and fruits were remarkable. However, further experiments are needed throughout the year to evaluate the actual growth promoting and anti-fungal activity of irradiated biomaterials on betel vine plants. Except this, their mixtures (70% alginate+30% chitosan) were also applied through foliar spraying on betel vine plants for 30 days. The results obtained by treatment with irradiated chitosan and sodium alginate showed increase in productivity and nutrient uptake and it reduced the disease and total fungal count dramatically. The mixture of these biopolymers also proved to reduce fungal count more than 100 times in contrast with the control, besides this other concentration of chitosan and alginate were also found to reduce fungal count at a high rate. Both of these oligosaccharides were showed the potent actions against the diseases of betel vine plants in contrast with control. In case of sensory evaluation test, chitosan treated betel leaves were positioned the best acceptance.

Biography:

1978 and 1999 has completed his Ph.D and D.Sci. at the ages of 33 and 54 years from Zelinsky Instiute of Organic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia and Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tbilisi, Georgia,respectively. 2006 up to date he is the head of laboratory of plant biopolymers at the Tbilisi State Medical University Institute of Pharmacochemistry. 1996 and 2002 he has been a visiting scientist at Utrecht University (faculty of pharmacy), The Netherlands, by University Scholarship and The Netherlands organization for scientific research (NWO) Scholarship Scientific Program, respectively. He has published more than 73 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Within the field of pharmacologically active biopolymers the area of stable polyethers seems rather new and attractive. The high-molecular water-soluble fractions from different species (Symphytum asperum, S.caucasicum, S.officinale, S.grandiflorum and Anchusa italica) of Boraginaceae family were isolated. According to IR, 13C and 1H NMR, 2D heteronuclear 1H/13C HSQC spectral data, and 1D NOE and 2D DOSY experiments the main structural element of these preparations was found to be a regularly substituted by 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl and carboxyl groups polyoxyethylene backbone, namely poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (PDPGA) or poly[oxy-1-carboxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylene]. The racemic monomer 2,3-dihydroxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (DDPPA) and its enantioselective synthesis of virtually pure enantiomers, (+)-(2R,3S)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid and (–)-(2S,3R)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid were carried out for the first time via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of trans-caffeic acid derivatives using the enantiocomplementary catalysts (DHQ)2-PHAL and (DHQD)2-PHAL. The determination of enantiomeric purity of the novel chiral glyceric acid derivatives was performed by high-performance liquid chromatographic techniques on the stage of their alkylated precursors. PDPGA has wide spectrum of biological activity: anticomplementary, antioxidant, antiinflammatory properties, burn and wound healing effect. PDPGA and DDPPA exerted anti-cancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo against androgen-dependent and –independent human prostate cancer (PCA) cells via targeting androgen receptor, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis without any toxicity, together with a strong decrease in prostate specific antigen level in plasma. However, our results showed that anticancer efficacy of PDPGA is more effective compared to its synthetic monomer. Overall, this study identifies PDPGA as a potent agent against PCA without any toxicity, and supports its clinical application.

Biography:

Satoshi Koizumi has completed his PhD at the age of 29 years from Kyoto University. After 20 years spending at Japan Atomic Energy Reaserch Institute, He is a professor teaching beam line science at Ibaraki university. He has published more than 90 papers in reputed journals, covering not only polymer & sofy matter science but also instrumentation of neutron scattering. One of achivements is a ultra-small-angle neutron scattering technique using a focusing neutron lens and studies on hierarchical structures found in the soft materials.

Abstract:

When we observe structure formations that take place in the natural world, we notice that self-organization occurs continuously and immediately next to the synthesis reaction. An example is cellulose, which usually exhibits excellent crystallinity via intra- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding due to its symmetrical molecule structure. It is therefore known to be generally insoluble in solvents such as water. However, this is not true for the microbial cellulose films (called pellicle) created by microorganisms (Acetobacter Xylimun). Pellicle has a high water content with water making up 99% of the total structure. In other words, it can be denoted that this microorganism has some means of preventing cellulose from crystallizing, keeping it amorphous, and storing a large amount of water in it. Pellicle is thus a supramolecular system assembled by a microorganism. This supramolecular formation process is a continuous self-organizing transition consisting of biosynthesis of cellulose followed by excretion of the cellulose from the bacterium, crystallization, and condensation. The biosynthesis triggers the interplay between the chemistry and physics of the product’s self-organization. To track it, we aimed to perform in-situ observation in the reaction solution by using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). In this paper, we discuss living anionic polymerization, solid-phase radical polymerization by radiation processes, cellulose biosynthesis, and artificial synthesis of cellulose by enzymatic catalysis.

Biography:

Mahdi Alajmi has completed his PhD at the age of 35 years from Brunel University in London - School of Design and Engineering. He is the Head of Manufacturing Engineering Technology at College of Technological Studies at PAAET. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of The International Conference of Manufacturing Engineering and Process (ICMEP).

Abstract:

Recently, recycling of thermoplastic polymers have become an alternative resource in industrial product manufacturing processes. This work is an attempt to enhance the mechanical and nanoindentation behaviours of Recycled Glass-Filled Polyamide-12 (RGP) by adding Nano-layered Silicate (Nanoclay) as a reinforced filler. Tensile and nanoindentation tests were conducted to study the effect of various loading levels (0-7 wt.%) of nano-layered silicate on the mechanical and nanoindentation behaviors of RGP and its nanocomposites . The Recycled Glass-Filled Polyamide-12 (RGP) and Recycled Glass-Filled Polyamide-12 reinforced with layered Silicate (RGPS) were prepared using a single screw injection moulding technique. The wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) was used to characterize the nanostructure of material and determine the intercalation /exfoliation for layered silicate in RGP matrix. This study has revealed that the layer silicate has a negative effect on the tensile strength and strain (ductility) of RGPS compared with RGP. Moreover, RGFS/5 wt.% displayed the lowest tensile strength and strain values, with an average decrease of 54% compared with the RGP sample. However, Nanoindentation results showed a remarkable improvement with addition of layered silicate to RGF. The average decrease in the max depth of penetration was 21%, while the average increase in the hardness was 92% for RGPS samples compared with RGP samples. The RGPS/3wt.% sample shows the optimum results in both resistance penetration and hardness of nanocomposites 1100 nm and 0.24 GPa, respectively.

Biography:

Salvatore Graziani received the M.S. degree in Electronic engineering and the Ph.D. degree in Electrical engineering from the Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy, in 1990 and 1994, respectively. Since 1990, he has been with the Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, Elettronica e Informatica, University of Catania, where he is an Associate Professor of Electric and Electronic Measurement and Instrumentation. His primary research interests lie in the field of polymerics sensors and actuators, signal processing, multisensor data fusion, neural networks, and software sensors, and smart sensors. He has coauthored many scientific papers and two books

Abstract:

In next future, smart systems will be developed, capable of solving tasks in strategic fields such as bio inspired robotics, aerospace, and medicine, just to mention a few. These systems will be required to embed a number of functions including, electric power generation and storage, signal sensing and processing, and actuating capabilities. Also, their miniaturization and biocompatibility, will be of interest. "More than Moore" solutions will complement silicon based devices with new technologies. Polymeric materials are suitable for energy scavenging, for the realization of organic electronic devices, and for obtaining reversible energy transduction. Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMCs) are nanocomposited materials, with electromechanical transduction capabilities, relevant to the realization of post-silicon smart systems, since they have sensing, power harvesting and acting capabilities. The presentation will focus on IPMCs as a valuable technology towards the realization of sensing functionalities. More specifically, IPMCs as generating sensors, cantilevered vibrating sensors, and smart coupled actuating-sensing elements will be described. The possibility to exploit such sensing principles for the realization of sensing systems in fields such as fluids rheological properties measurements and medicine applications will also be shown. Finally, it will be shown how the research activity on IPMC sensors is a multidisciplinary task. IPMC are quite new materials and many efforts are still required before they can become a mature technology. To this aim attention will be given to the challenges imposed, by the envisaged applications, on production technologies and system modeling

Biography:

Rahmatollah Rahimi has completed his PhD from Howard University in Inorganic Chemistry. He was the Dean of Chemistry department at Iran University of Science and Technology from 2010 to 2014. He was Supervisor of Iranian Chemistry Olympiad team in Italy with Commission of Education Ministry in 1992. He has published more than 120 papers in reputed journals and more than 200 article in several conferences.

Abstract:

Among the very few efforts for the preparation of stable pillared graphene nanostructures, there is no report of tin porphyrin intercalated between TiO₂–graphene (TG) nanosheets. Graphenes and other natural sheets, because of their longrange order, are often referred to as two-dimensional (2D) crystals. Chemists, who tend to think of compounds and covalent bonds, may instead look at them as 2D macromolecules or 2D polymers. Defect-free graphene has an infinite number of repetitive elements, with the smallest being any of its sp²-hybridized carbon atoms, whose one p orbital and three sp² orbitals are filled with one electron each. These carbon atoms correspond to the smallest repetitive chain segments representing the repeating units of common linear polymers. In this work, we intercalated a tin complex of tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (SnTCPP.Cl₂) between TiO₂–graphene nanosheets (TGSP) with 3% graphene content (TG (3%)). The principal objective of the present research is to prepare an efficient visible-light photoactive compound to significantly use visible light in the photocatalysis system. The photoelectrochemical investigations determined that the tin porphyrin photosensitizer effectively produces more charge carriers within the pillared nanostructure to enhance light induced current. Thus, the pillared graphene nanostructure of TGSP can efficiently enhance the photocurrent generation of the modified electrode undergoing visible light irradiation.

Biography:

Omer Faruk Ozturk has completed his PhD at the age of 32 years from Hacettepe University and did one year postdoctoral studies from Florida University. He has published more than 19 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.

Abstract:

A microgel from [2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride ([MTMA]Cl) as p(MTMA) was synthesized by inverse suspension polymerization technique and used as template for in situ Co, Ni, and Cu metal nanoparticles preparation. The corresponding metal salts were loaded into p(MTMA) microgels from their corresponding metal salt solution in ethanol, then these metal salt loaded p(MTMA) microgels were treated with NaBH₄ in order to obtain p(MTMA)-M (M: Co, Ni, and Cu) composites. The characterizations of p(MTMA) microgels were carried out via FT-IR, TGA, SEM, optical microscope, and zeta potential measurements. Finally, the prepared p(MTMA-M composites were used as catalyst in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of NaBH₄ and in the reduction of nitro compounds. There are various parameters affecting the catalytic performances of p(MTMA)-M in H₂ production from the hydrolysis reaction such as, the type of metal nanoparticles, their amounts and reaction temperature were investigated. Also, aromatic nitro compound such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) reductions by p(MTMA)-M composites were investigated

Biography:

Rahmatollah Rahimi has completed his PhD from Howard University in Inorganic Chemistry. He was the Dean of Chemistry department at Iran University of Science and Technology from 2010 to 2014. He was Supervisor of Iranian Chemistry Olympiad team in Italy with Commission of Education Ministry in 1992. He has published more than 120 papers in reputed journals and more than 200 article in several conferences.

Abstract:

To use the visible light in photodegradation reactions efficiently, graphene–TiO₂ nanocomposite (TG-3%) was photosensitized using tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin. To investigate the effect of graphene as well as dye sensitization on the photoactivity of the synthesized photocatalyst, photocatalytic properties and photocurrent responses of the prepared samples were examined under visible light irradiation. Defect-free graphene has an infinite number of repetitive elements, with the smallest being any of its sp²-hybridized carbon atoms, whose one p orbital and three sp² orbitals are filled with one electron each. These carbon atoms correspond to the smallest repetitive chain segments representing the repeating units of common linear polymers. The 1.6-fold increase of the photocurrent response in the graphene–TiO₂ nanocomposite photosensitized using porphyrin (TGP) compared to the graphene–TiO₂ nanocomposite provides an evidence for the effective influence of the porphyrin photosensitizer in the enhancement of the visible light photoactivity. The porphyrin photosensitizer in the TGP photocatalyst can enhance visible light absorption due to its ability to capture a broad range of the solar spectrum. Thus, porphyrin acts as a light-harvesting agent and is capable of producing photoinduced electrons and holes. Therefore, the largest shift in the visible light range was observed for the TG-3% nanocomposite photosensitized with porphyrin

Biography:

Milena Kurkowska has completed her Master degree at the age of 25 at the Warsaw University of Technology at the Faculty of Chemistry, next she has started her doctoral studies at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering. BSc and Master’s Thesis were associated with the electroless deposition of composite layers of Ni-P and Ni-P-oxide (silicon, aluminum and titanium oxide) on substrates such as PET and carbon fibers. During her studies she worked at Reckitt Benckiser (manufacturer and marketer of branded health, hygiene and home products) in the Quality Department

Abstract:

The composites made form epoxy resin as a matrix with carbon nanotubes as a filler are used in many industries, particularly in the aerospace industry. The selection of the epoxy as matrix is associated with the commercial availability of a wide range of resins with varying viscosities and mechanical properties. The use of CNTs as a filler improves electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The single wall carbon nanotubes have the best electrical properties. Unfortunately, due to their high prices and low availability we decided to use the multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as a filler. The interaction between the tubes in MWCNTs, surface defects and contamination after the production process (CCVD) leads to the reduction of electrical conductivity. MWCNTs were surface modified in order to improve their electrical conductivity. Nanotubes were decorated with a coating of Ni-P by the application of electroless deposition. Homogenization of the solution was ensured by the use of an ultrasonic cleaner and disintegrator. Calander was used to homogenize the mixture of the epoxy resin and the filler. Finally, in order to examine the electrical conductivity a Keithley 6221/2182 nanovoltometer was used. A method of surface preparation is important for the quality of the deposited coating. Initial purification of carbon nanotubes, suitable homogenization and uniform sensitization and activation are important steps during the preparation of the substrate. Homogenization of the epoxy resin with carbon nanotubes using a calendar provides a good dispersion of the nanofiller in the matrix. The addition of carbon nanotubes significantly improves electrical conductivity. Reducing the length of the CNTs results in deterioration of electric conductivity in relation to the raw CNTs

Biography:

Dong Min Kim has completed his PhD in 2004 from University of Wisiconsin-Madison and postdoctoral studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Materials Science and Engineering in. He is the professor at the the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in Hongik University South Korea. He has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has been studied in Solar cells and Fuel cell in renewabel energy area.

Abstract:

Many efforts have been focused on the development of high-energy-density power source to power ever-increasing demand of portable devices. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are efficient and clean electrochemical power devices that have the potential for applications in energy conversion and storage. The PEMFC can be operated at a low temperature about 80ËšC and can be applied mobile electric source such as Laptop, Motor vehicles, etc. After the invention of fuel cell by Sir Grove in 1839, Pt-based catalysts were used as the most common electrode materials for the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR). However, its deficiency and high price drive to develop new non–precious metal catalysts which are potentially less expensive and more abundant. In 1964, Jasinski observed catalytic activity of cobalt phthalocyanine to the ORR. Many methods have been tried to create practical non-precious metal catalysts (NPMCs). Many studies have shown that the reaction of the nitrogen atoms and non-precious transition metals into nano carbon materials can improve the electrocatalytic performance. Commonly, nitrogen-doped carbon materials can be fabricated by two methods: (i) directly doping during the synthesis of carbon materials and (ii) post-treatment of the as prepared carbon materials with nitrogen precursor. Especially, nitrogen and transition metal containing carbon composites fabricated via pyrolysis of precursors containing metal salts, nitrogen, and macrocyclic compounds have been demonstrated to be active in catalyzing ORR. Transition metals such as Co and Fe to improve the performance will require a robust method for increasing the reactivity of the metal ion through ligation. In this study, we sprayed graphene on carbon paper (CP) by spray method. A Cobalt (Co)-based electrocatalysts were fabricated by sputter deposition on graphene oxide layered carbon paper (GO/CP) and heat treatment in an ammonia (NH3) environment. The fabricated Co/N/Go/CP was investigated as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFC by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Biography:

Carrie Schindler is currently a Technical Specialist with Malvern Instruments, specializing in the Separations and Nano metric product lines. She joined Malvern Instruments in the year 2014 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she received her PhD (2014) in Materials Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on absorbable polymer blends and nanolithography on various polymer films.

Abstract:

Gel-Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is the most widely used tool for the measurement of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of polymers. Static light scattering detectors (like RALS, LALS or MALS) measure the intensity of light scattered by the sample as it elutes from the column. Since the intensity of the scattered light is proportional to the sample’s molecular weight and concentration, they allow the direct measurement of the sample molecular weight which is independent of its elution volume. Furthermore, the angular dependence of the scattered light is also related to the radius of gyration of the molecule which can also be measured concurrently using a light scattering detector. The latest developments around light scattering detectors offer a significant improvement in sensitivity to scattered light. This can be seen in the ability to measure samples with low molecular weight, low concentration and low dn/dc. Such performance opens up the application areas which were previously difficult including low concentrations of novel polymers, low molecular weight samples such as epoxies, and low dn/dc samples such as the drug delivery molecules, PLA and PLGA. An intrinsic viscosity detector can also be used as part of a GPC system to measure the parameter of intrinsic viscosity which can be combined with the molecular weight data to calculate hydrodynamic radius. In combination, these data allow detailed structural information of a polymer to be generated in a single GPC measurement which can be compared with other samples in Mark-Houwink or Conformation plots. Viscometers have occasionally been treated with caution by researchers as their maintenance can be expensive but the latest developments in viscometer technology make these concerns a thing of the past. Disposable capillary bridges and delay columns and automated bridge balancing combine to make viscometers more robust and significantly easier to maintain. This presentation will introduce OMNISEC, the latest multi-detector GPC/SEC system from Malvern. It will describe the advances in system design to improve its performance and discuss the real-world applications such as those described above, which are benefitting from this performance.

Biography:

Matt Thompson is JPK’s Sales Manager for the Eastern United States. He has over 25 years of experience with Atomic Force Microscopy and related techniques. His background includes instrument development, applications, marketing, product management and sales

Abstract:

From studies of the behavior of single molecules to simple measurements of the roughness of a coating, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has proven itself to be an indispensable tool for polymer research. The ability to visualize structural information, nano-mechanical and other properties with nanometer resolution in a wide variety of media allows for the correlation with performance data. The NanoWizard family of AFMs is unique in that it combines key attributes commonly considered mutually exclusive: Fast Imaging Speed, Quantitative Imaging (QI) of nanomechanical and electrical properties, the combination with high resolution optics, and ease-of-use. Image acquisition times of a few seconds per frame allow for studying dynamic processes like dewetting or crystallization dynamics at temperatures up to 300 C. A variety of fluid and environmental cells enables measurements in controlled environments to simulate e.g. physiological conditions, which is an important step in testing stages of drug delivery systems. QI data reveal mechanical information like modulus and adhesion maps as well as rheology information. The underlying modes of operating the AFM will be explained in a comprehensive fashion and illustrated with application examples

Biography:

A. M. Anton has completed his physics study at the Technische Universität Dresden in the biophysics group of Prof. Dr. Petra Schwille (present address: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried), before he switched to the molecular physics group of Prof. Dr. Friedrich Kremer at the University of Leipzig. The submission of his PhD thesis is planned for the first half of 2016. In Leipzig he currently carries out research on the molecular orientation and order in soft matter systems, as (bio)polymers like spider silk or A(1 40) as well as semi-conductive polymers like P(NDI2OD T2), for instance.

Abstract:

Infrared Transition Moment Orientational Analysis as a Valuable Method to Determine the Spatial Orientation and Order of Distinct Subunits in Polymeric Systems (IR TMOA): On the basis of their versatile usage in organic field effect transistors or solar cells in conjunction with their soft matter properties, such as flexibility and convenient adaption of shape, donor/acceptor conjugated copolymers have received great attention as a fascinating class of materials. In order to tailor the macroscopic properties of their films, a detailed understanding of the corresponding molecular organization is required. For that reason, the method of Infrared Transition Moment Orientational Analysis is employed to elucidate the spatial orientation and order in thin layers of P(NDI2OD-T2). The spectral absorbance of selected bands is evaluated in dependence on the inclination () and the polarization () of the incoming light, which allows to examine the absorption tensor for the distinct structural moieties independently. As a result, the orientation of atomistic planes defined by the naphthalenediimide (NDI, blue) and bithiophene (T2, yellow) subunits is determined relative to the substrate (), and hence, relative to each other (): whereas in spin coated films the T2 units exhibit a preferential face on or edge on alignment conditioned by the solvent, the NDI parts are not affected. Furthermore, pronounced in-plane anisotropy of the NDI segments is evident in a 150 nm thin film demonstrating self assembled long range order of the polymer chains, even though they are spin coated from solution.

Biography:

Nurettin Sahiner has completed his PhD in 2005 from Tulane University and did postdoctoral studies at University of Delaware at Materials Science and Engineering, and at Tulane University School of Medicine, Biochemsitry. He is the director of Nanoscience and Technology Research and Application Center. He has published more than 150 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member for few journals.

Abstract:

As special types of hydrogels that are known as cryogels are super porous network of hydrophilic polymer chains and are prepared at cryogenic conditions (below the freezing point of solvent). Here, we report the preparation of polyethyleneimine (PEI) cryogel, and its use as a template for conductive polymers (CPs) synthesis. The synthesis of CPs such as p(Aniline) (p(An)), p(Pyrolle) (p(Py)) and p(Thiophene) (p(Th)) were accomplished by loading PEI cryogels with the corresponding monomers and then employing oxidative polymerization technique. The synthesized PEI/CPs cryogel composites denoted as PEI/P(An), PEI/P(Py) and PEI/P(Th) as semi interpenetrating network (IPN) were characterized spectroscopically by using FT-IR, thermally by means of TGA, and morphologically via SEM imaging. Various parameters such as the types and the effects of numbers of loadings monomers into PEI cryogel networks, polymerization time and doping agents on conductivities of PEI/CPs semi-IPN composites were investigated. Furthermore, various application of PEI/CPs semi-IPN composites for sensor and environment were also investigated.

Biography:

Saminu Magami obtained both his MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Leeds in polymer science. He has worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Leeds dealing with polymers colorants, coatings and flow-rig assembly. He is currently a KTP research associate at Edinburgh Napier University and is actively involved in research concerning formulation assembly, photo-polymerisation, experimental design and rheometry of hydrogel materials. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has served as a reviewer for a number of well recognized journals.

Abstract:

The unique property of hydrogels arises from their structure which is a three dimensional network, created by the physical and chemical cross-linking of monomers/polymers. Traditionally, multivalent crosslinker molecules are employed in the polymerisation process in order to form their microstructure. The extent of the crosslinking and the crosslink density in hydrogels govern many of their mechanical properties. The application areas of hydrogels are diverse, often used to make soft contact lenses, nappies, wound dressings and drug delivery systems. In this study, in-situ photo-polymerisation and rheology were used in the synthesis and characterisation of polymeric hydrogel materials. N,N′-Methylenebis(acrylamide) and a range of divalent cationic species were used, as crosslinking agents. Aspects associated with the structural evolution and the viscoelasticity of the resulting materials were monitored by small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements and creep measurements. The influence of each type of crosslinking agent on network development was studied. The results show that the hydrogel network is significantly influenced by the nature and concentration of the various crosslinking agents used in formulation.

Biography:

Nabila Shamim has completed her B.S from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and Ph.D. from National University of Singapore. She did a postdoctoral fellowship from Texas Tech University. She is actively involved in polymer science research and has published more than 15 peer reviewed and conference papers. She is currently working as a faculty at Prairie View A & M university. Her research focuses on characterization and application of nanomaterials and thermal properties of polymeric materials.

Abstract:

Flash differential scanning calorimetry was used to study the glass transition temperature of polycarbonate thin films over a range of 22 – 350 nm. The investigation was made as a function of film thickness and cooling rate ranging from 0.1 -1000 K/s. The results for polycarbonate thin films show a greatly reduced glass temperature relative to that of the macroscopic value. We also observed that the magnitude of Δ Tg decreases as the cooling rate increases. The obtained data have been compared with the literature results for supported and freely standing PC films and the results are more similar to what is observed for films supported on rigid substrates than for freely standing films. Similarly, Flash differential scanning calorimetry has also been used to determine the glass transition response of the rapidly crystallizing energetic material, TNT. After heating at 600 K/s, it was found that for cooling rates from 1000 K/s to 10 K/s the glass transition changes from 247.5 K to 239.3 K. The dynamic fragility index was determined to be m=62 6 and the activation energy determined from the range of cooling rates in which vitrification occurred was found to be 290 16 kJ/mol. Crystallization was found to occur during cooling at rates below 0.3 K/s, whereas cold crystallization was found on subsequent heating after cooling between 10 K/s and 30 K/s. At cooling rates of 100 K/s and above, and for the same heating rate of 600 K/s investigated, the glass transition event was observed, but cold crystallization during heating did not occur. Hence, the crystallization behavior of the fully amorphous TNT upon heating depends on the cooling rate and vitrification path.

Biography:

Matt Thompson is JPK’s Sales Manager for the Eastern United States. Matt has over 25 years of experience with Atomic Force Microscopy and related techniques. His background includes instrument development, applications, marketing, product management and sales

Abstract:

From studies of the behavior of single molecules to simple measurements of the roughness of a coating, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has proven itself to be an indispensable tool for polymer research. The ability to visualize structural information, nano-mechanical and other properties with nanometer resolution in a wide variety of media allows for the correlation with performance data. The NanoWizard family of AFMs is unique in that it combines key attributes commonly considered mutually exclusive: Fast Imaging Speed, Quantitative Imaging (QI) of nanomechanical and electrical properties, the combination with high resolution optics, and ease-of-use. Image acquisition times of a few seconds per frame allow for studying dynamic processes like dewetting or crystallization dynamics at temperatures up to 300C. A variety of fluid and environmental cells enables measurements in controlled environments to simulate e.g. physiological conditions, which is an important step in testing stages of drug delivery systems. QI data reveal mechanical information like modulus and adhesion maps as well as rheology information. The underlying modes of operating the AFM will be explained in a comprehensive fashion and illustrated with application examples

Biography:

Carrie Schindler is currently a Technical Specialist with Malvern Instruments specializing in the Separations and Nanometric product lines. Carrie joined Malvern in 2014 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she received her Ph.D. (2014) in Materials Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on absorbable polymer blends and nanolithography on various polymer films

Abstract:

Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) is the most widely used tool for the measurement of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of polymers. Static light scattering detectors (whether RALS, LALS or MALS) measure the intensity of light scattered by the sample as it elutes from the column. Since the intensity of the scattered light is proportional to the sample’s molecular weight and concentration, they allow the direct measurement of the sample molecular weight independent of its elution volume. Furthermore, the angular dependence of the scattered light is also related to the radius of gyration of the molecule which can also be measured concurrently using a light scattering detector. The latest developments around light scattering detectors offer a significant improvement in sensitivity to scattered light. This can be seen in the ability to measure samples with low molecular weight, low concentration and low dn/dc. Such performance opens up previously difficult application areas including low concentrations of novel polymers, low molecular weight samples such as epoxies, and low dn/dc samples such as the drug delivery molecules, PLA and PLGA. An intrinsic viscosity detector can also be used as part of a GPC system to measure the parameter of intrinsic viscosity which can be combined with molecular weight data to calculate hydrodynamic radius. In combination these data allow detailed structural information of a polymer to be generated in a single GPC measurement which can be compared with other samples in Mark-Houwink or Conformation plots. Viscometers have occasionally been treated with caution by researchers as their maintenance can be expensive but the latest developments in viscometer technology make these concerns a thing of the past. Disposable capillary bridges and delay columns and automated bridge balancing combine to make viscometers more robust and significantly easier to maintain. This presentation will introduce OMNISEC, the latest multi-detector GPC/SEC system from Malvern. It will describe the advances in system design to improve its performance and discuss real-world applications such as those described above, which are benefitting from this performance

Biography:

Nariyoshi Kawabata completed his PhD degree from Kyoto University at 1963. He was a chemistry assistant at Kyoto University from 1963 to 1969. He was an assistant professor of Kyoto Institute of Technology from 1969 to 1976 and a professor from 1976 to 1999. He was a professor of University of Shiga Prefecture from 1999 to 2005. He has a faithful opinion about severe duty of chemists in the protection of natural abundant environment from harmful and obstructive chemical materials produced by chemists and chemical industry.

Abstract:

My research group accidentally discovered powerful capture of bacterial cells in the living state on the surface of cross-linked poly(N-benzyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide), PBVP(Br), during development of a new technology for water purification without leaving chemical materials in the treated water. During this research, we encountered with violent proliferation of bacteria on the polymer surface which was covered with proliferated bacteria that resembled a group of breeding mold although there was no organic material other than the polymer and bacteria. After about ten years, we were shocked by violent digestion of cross-linked PBVP(Br) by activated sludge when placed in a continuous aerobic treatment of artificial sewage by activated sludge. We tried to prepare biodegradable vinyl polymers by connection of oligomers of vinyl compounds by BVP, since oligomers of vinyl compounds are biodegradable different from vinyl polymers. Half-life of polystyrene that contained 10.6 mol % of BVP (the oligomer portion was about octamer) was only 13 days when treated with activated sludge in soil in spite of the fact that no degradation of oligomers larger than trimer of styrene by bacterial strain was reported. We realized that BVP is not only a highly biodegradable chemical unit useful to connect oligomers, but also strongly stimulates microbes to degrade the oligomer portion connected to BVP. I keenly realized the great importance of the grant of highly nutritive worth for microbes in charge of biodegradation in the preparation of biodegradable synthetic polymers.

Biography:

Miss Kiran Shahzadi completed her M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan Pakistan and now doing PhD from Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy Bioprocess Technology, Qingdao, China under CAS-TWAS scholarship 2013. She has published a part of her PhD research titled “Preparation and characterization of bio based hybrid film containing chitosan and silver nanowires” in carbohydrate polymer. Her present research focus is to improve the biofilm properties that have a great potential in designing and construction of devices in field of biomaterials and ecofriendly commodity plastics.

Abstract:

There is great demand of high strength biomaterials in various kind of industries. In current studies we developed a strategy for fabricating high strength biofilm from sodium carboxy methyl cellulose and graphene oxide (GO) using simple and facile method. Well known hummer method was used to synthesize GO from graphite powder and a simple two step procedure was adopted to get biofilm having the required superb qualities. This film showed splendid mechanical properties having additional fire retardant behavior comparing with pure sodium carboxy methyl cellulose film. Film surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mode. Tensile test of film samples were performed using Universal Testing Machine equipped with 500N load cell at room temperature and an average humidity 20%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to confirm crosslinking mechanism. The nanostructure of prepared biofilm clearly indicated layers under SEM. The stress–strain curve indicated five folds increase in the tensile strength with 0.7% GO and 0.09% borate in biofilm when compared with pure sodium carboxy methyl cellulose film. This modified biofilm showed fire-retardant behavior when exposed to flame, thus confirmed that compactly arranged graphene layers not only improve the mechanical properties but also improve fire resistivity of the biofilm. The simple and novel method used for the preparation of film provides a potential approach that may be utilized in the field of aerospace, tissue engineering and synthesizing flexible supercapacitor electrodes to be used in in different electronic devices.

Biography:

Xiaoqian Wang was born in November, 1989. She is a postgraduate student studing in Beijing Forestry University in Beijing, China. She is engaged in wood-based composites and modification. She has published 3 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

As we all know, chitosan which is one of the most abundant natural amino polysaccharide has many special properties, such as biodegradability, nontoxicity, renewability and antibacteriality and so on. 1-3 However, its low solubility in water restricts the application in wood, food and other industries. 4 To improve the water solubility of chitosan, the carboxymethyl group was introduced. Acid red GR is commonly used in wood dyeing for its bright colors and easily penetrating in wood fiber. However, the small dye molecules run off easily from wood which is love by bacterial. 5 Hence, a newly synthesized biopolymer dye with acid dye and anti-bacterial chitosan would have a huge market and broad prospects in wood industry for special situation like hospital, etc. Therefore, a new and novel antimicrobial biopolymer dye was synthesized by reaction of o-carboxymethyl chitosan and acid red GR. The synthesized products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TGA), solubility test and antimicrobial test. Results show that the antimicrobial biopolymer dye was combined by NH3+ of chitosan and sulfonic group of acid red GR under acidic conditions. Water solubility of chitosan biopolymer dye was increased. Moreover, the antibacterial property of the new synthesized dye was excellent, whose antibacterial rates of S. aureus and E. coil were both bigger than 99%. These results may provide new perspectives on improving the decorative properties and antimicrobial properties in wood industry.

Biography:

Ana Barros Timmons has completed her PhD in Chemistry in 1997 from Manchester University. Since 1996 she has been lecturing at the University of Aveiro various courses related to Polymer Science and Chemical Engineering laboratories as well as participating in the coordination of a couple of joint European Master Courses in the field of Materials Science & Enginnering. She has published ca 63 papers in reputed journals and over 120 communications. Her research interests are foccused on the preparation and characterization of nanocomposite materials with particular emphasis on controlled polymerization mechanisms, thermal analyses and the use of renewable materials

Abstract:

Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are have been attracting the attention of both academia and industry due to environmental concerns and to satisfy the requirements of demanding advanced applications especially in medicine. In this context, poly(L-lactide) (PLA) has been proposed for several applications as biodegradable thermoplastic. In turn, nanostructured graphene fillers with remarkable characteristics have also been used to enhance the mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties of many polymers. However, the full potential of the ensuing composites tends to be hindered by aggregation of the nanofillers. In order to promote a good dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) in the PLA matrix, polymer grafting techniques have been explored to anchor PLA onto graphene oxide surface which can act as compatibilisers. For that purpose PLA with a terminal triple bond was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. By controlling the concentration of monomer to initiator, samples with three different chains lengths have been prepared and later coupled to azide-functionalized graphene oxide using the click chemistry. These hybrids mixed with commercial PLA and cast films have been preprared. The effect of chain length and of two loads of hybrid nanofillers on the properties of the ensuing nanocomposite films was studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and nanoidentation and the results obtained will be discussed

Biography:

Carrie Schindler is currently a Technical Specialist with Malvern Instruments, specializing in the Separations and Nano metric product lines. She joined Malvern Instruments in the year 2014 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she received her PhD (2014) in Materials Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on absorbable polymer blends and nanolithography on various polymer films

Abstract:

GPC is a ubiquitous tool for the characterization of polymer molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.  Historically, molecular weight has been measured by comparison of sample elution time with that of standards of known molecular weight.  However, such a technique can only ever be relative as the sample’s actual molecular weight will be different based on structural differences between the samples and standards.   This ‘conventional’ technique has utility as a comparative technique but can mask changes in structure and chromatography and incorrectly identify or miss changes in molecular weight.

GPC with triple detection has been developed to overcome these limitations through direct measurements of molecular weight and structure.  Triple detection is the combination of refractive index, light scattering and intrinsic viscosity detectors.  The addition of a UV-Vis detector enables tetra detection where polymers contain a chromophore.

Static light scattering detectors (whether RALS, LALS or MALS) measure the intensity of light scattered by the sample as it elutes from the column.  This allows direct measurement of sample molecular weight independently of the sample’s elution time and also the sample’s radius of gyration.

An intrinsic viscosity detector can also be used as part of a GPC system to measure the parameter of intrinsic viscosity which can be combined with molecular weight data to calculate hydrodynamic radius.  In combination these data allow detailed structural analysis of the polymer using the Mark-Houwink plot.

This workshop will discuss the theory and background around GPC with triple detection.  It will briefly cover detector theory and show some examples of how triple detection can generate considerably more information about a sample than conventional GPC alone.  A brief software demonstration will be included to show how the latest systems and software make triple detection analysis and data interpretation simpler than ever