Current Materials Science - Online First
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Effect of BNNs/GNNs/IFR Synergistic Flame Retardant on Thermal Degradation Kinetics of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Shuyi Liu, Quan Wang and Zhenghuan WuAvailable online: 06 March 2025More LessBackgroundThe thermal stability of epoxy resin (EP) is poor, and adding intumescent flame retardants (IFR) and synergistic flame retardants to EP is an effective method to improve its thermal stability. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has high-temperature stability, and flake graphite (FGP) has a high specific surface area, making it an ideal synergistic flame retardant. However, the direct use of untreated h-BN and FGP can lead to agglomeration, so it is necessary to peel off the layers of h-BN and FGP.
MethodologyThis article simultaneously conducts microwave exfoliation on h-BN and FGP, observes the morphological changes before and after h-BN and FGP exfoliation through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and combines the exfoliated nano hexagonal boron nitride (BNNs) and graphene nanosheets (GNNs) with EP and IFR to obtain composite materials. The thermal degradation process of EP and its composite materials is studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The thermal degradation kinetics activation energy of EP and its composite materials was calculated using the Starink method and Broido method, and the mechanism function of the reaction was determined by the Phadnis method.
ResultsThe BNNs/GNNs after microwave peeling have a sheet-like shape. EP and its composite materials exhibit similar degradation processes, with activation energies obtained by the Starink method of 165.06 kJ/mol, 162.75 kJ/mol, and 152.00 kJ/mol, 151.80 kJ/mol, respectively; The activation energies obtained by the Broido method are 95.50 kJ/mol, 58.40 kJ/mol, and 56.68 kJ/mol, 56.41 kJ/mol; When G (α)=α 2, the Phadnis method obtains a linear relationship between G '(α) and 1/T.
ConclusionThe microwave method has a good peeling effect on h-BN and FGP. Starink and Broido's methods showed that the addition of IFR reduced the activation energy of EP composite materials, and the addition of BNNs/GNNs further reduced the activation energy. Phadnis's method determined that the thermal degradation mechanism functions of EP and its composite materials are first-order diffusion reactions.
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An Overview of the Phytochemical Pharmacology and Potential
Available online: 11 February 2025More LessNatural materials are gaining popularity in pharmaceuticals and food applications, and they have the potential to alleviate the significant environmental problems generated via traditional materials. The Curcuma genus, particularly Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb., is expanding due to its prominence in culinary and traditional medicinal sectors. Curcuma species are esteemed for their rich nutritional value and the discovery of new bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer actions. This study offers a meticulous examination of the traditional uses, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological attributes of C. aeruginosa (Roxb.). We also delve into the species' bioavailability and health benefits by emphasising the nutritional composition, bioactive components, and biological properties. Given the sparse existing data, this review sought to spotlight the potential of the substances present in this species in functional foods and pharmaceutical arenas. Distinguished by its red flower lobes, greenish-blue rhizome, and other notable features, it has long been employed in traditional medicine for ailments ranging from wounds to asthma, attributable to its disinfectant, expectorant, and tonic properties. Advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques have discerned various phytochemicals from the plant, leading to revelations about its diverse pharmacological potentials, including antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, C. aeruginosa (Roxb.) has stood out as a promising botanical candidate, with ten of its compounds, such as curcumenol and β-pinene, displaying notable efficacy against COVID-19 antigens. Thus, while C. aeruginosa Roxb. has already proven its worth in traditional oriental medicine, current findings underscore its potential as a potent therapeutic resource, especially concerning COVID-19, and advocate for intensified research into its pharmaceutical applications.
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Recent Advances in Creating 3D-interconnected Networks within Thermally Conductive Aluminum Nitride Polymer Composites: A Review
Available online: 16 December 2024More LessThe demand for efficient heat dissipation in advanced electronic devices necessitates the development of polymer composites with exceptional thermal conductivity. Over the course of the last few years, a great deal of research has been conducted to augment the thermal management of polymer composites through the incorporation of fillers possessing exceptionally high thermal conductivity. Among these fillers, aluminum nitride (AlN) has emerged as an exemplary choice for enhancing the thermal conductivity properties of polymer composites. Nevertheless, the substantial thermal resistance that exists at the interface of the filler and polymer matrix, as well as between fillers themselves, significantly impedes heat conduction, thereby limiting the improvement in thermal conductivity. The concise review endeavors to illustrate the recent advancements in the production techniques of polymer/AlN composites that exhibit high thermal conductivity by creating a three-dimensional interconnected filler network. The review begins with an introduction to the proposed mechanisms of heat conductivity in polymer composites, followed by a brief discussion of the various factors influencing the thermal conductivity of these composites. Subsequently, the different methods for fabricating three-dimensional interconnected AlN networks in polymer/AlN composites, all aimed at enhancing thermal conductivity, are presented. The review aims to present novel methods for improving the thermal conductivity of polymer composites by building complex three-dimensional filler networks.
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Polymeric Nanoparticles: Targeted Delivery in Breast Cancer - A Review
Authors: Kimberly R. Mudzingwa, Asha Patel, Shruti Patel, Drishti Panjwani and Priyanka AhlawatAvailable online: 16 December 2024More LessBackgroundBreast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting the female population worldwide. It is a highly heterogeneous disease mainly classified into three subtypes based on the status of the molecular markers for the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and epidermal growth factor (HER-2) receptors. Hormone receptor positive breast cancer shows a good prognosis, while tumors that do not show any of these receptors (triple negative breast cancer) are highly invasive. Despite all the conventional therapies for the treatment of breast cancer, it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths of women worldwide.
ObjectiveChemical grafting of nanoparticles (NPs) with polymers and surface modifiers as a targeted ligand can become an alternative for active targeting. Hence, these polymeric NPs can control drug release with pH-responsive stimuli, and the high selectivity of these NPs allows them to accumulate more inside the cancer cells that overexpress these receptors, leaving normal cells unaffected.
MethodsFormulation incorporates various polymers, solvents drug, and stabilizing agents in the aqueous phase. Various techniques discussed in this review are employed for synthesis, resulting in a dry NP formulation.
ResultsIn this context, we shall discuss the development of NPs against distinct forms of cancer malignancies. From here, we know that polymeric NPs can produce a system with good characteristics, effectiveness, and active targeting of different cancer cells.
ConclusionThis system is a striking candidate for the targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy, anticipating that NPs could be further developed for various breast cancer therapy applications.
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Research on the Warm Mixing Effect and Evaluation Method of WMA-DSBS Modified Asphalt
Authors: Silin Shi, Di Wu, Jixu Yang, Xiang Yan, Wengang Zhang and Lilong CuiAvailable online: 05 November 2024More LessBackgroundTraditional SBS-modified asphalt consumes a large amount of energy during the production process. WMA-DSBS-modified asphalt can reduce the mixing temperature, which is crucial for reducing energy consumption.
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to reduce the mixing temperature as much as possible without compromising the performance of the asphalt mixture while saving energy consumption and protecting the environment. By evaluating the warm mixing effects of different warm mixing types applied to direct-to-plant SBS (DSBS) modified asphalt, as well as the changes in road performance after warm mixing DSBS modified asphalt mixture, reference opinions are provided for the dosage of warm mixing agents in engineering problems.
MethodA comparison is made between DSBS-modified asphalt and warm mix DSBS-modified asphalt in terms of technical performance parameters. On the basis of the Brinell rotational viscosity test and the variable temperature compaction test, an index system for evaluating the modification effect of warm-mixed asphalt was developed.
ResultThe research results indicated that three different warm mixing agents have an enhancing effect on the temperature sensitivity, high-temperature performance, and low-temperature plastic deformation ability of asphalt in some temperature ranges. The viscosity of DSBS modified asphalt decreases with the increase of temperature before and after the addition of the three warm mix agents. During the temperature increase process, the viscosity reduction index K value changes from negative to positive; The dosage of warm mixing agent is negatively correlated with the porosity of WMA-DSBS modified asphalt mixture, and as the temperature increases, the porosity of the mixture will decrease. The performance value T shows an upward trend, improving its road performance.
ConclusionA reasonable dosage of warm mix agent can significantly reduce the mixing temperature, therefore WMA-DSBS modified asphalt plays an important role in reducing energy consumption.
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Himalayan Sheep Wool Reinforced Composite- A Novel Sustainable Material for Future
Authors: Nav Rattan, Aakanksha J Kaushik, Ajay Kumar, Rakesh Kumar Phanden, Ashwini Kumar and Vikas GoyatAvailable online: 28 October 2024More LessBackgroundSheep wool-reinforced composites offer a sustainable alternative with diverse applications. This study explores their properties, focusing on water absorption behavior and contact angle measurements.
ObjectiveTo investigate the properties of sheep wool-reinforced composites and evaluate their suitability for moisture-sensitive environments, with potential for patent protection.
MethodsWool fibres, known for their hydrophilic nature, were modified to be hydrophobic and incorporated into epoxy resin matrices. Different weaving patterns were utilized to create fibre mats reinforcing epoxy composites.
Results2D plane weaving reinforcements exhibited superior in-plane properties compared to other reinforcements. Utilizing environmental sources like sheep wool in epoxy composites offers advantages such as low density, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, potentially patentable innovations.
ConclusionThe study demonstrates the developed composites' excellent resistance to water absorption, making them viable for moisture-sensitive applications. Contact angle measurements suggest strong interfacial adhesion between wool fibres and the epoxy matrix, highlighting patent-worthy advancements. These findings underscore the potential of sheep wool-reinforced composites in sustainable and moisture-resistant applications across various industries, including automotive, construction, and consumer goods, emphasizing the importance of patent protection for innovative technologies.
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A Comprehensive Review on the Screening Models for the Pharmacological Assessment of Antipsychotic Drugs
Authors: Yatendra Singh, Nitish Rai and Pranay WalAvailable online: 21 October 2024More LessBackgroundPsychosis is a debilitating mental disorder characterized by a profound disconnection from reality, manifesting in symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The pathophysiology of psychosis is multifaceted, involving an interplay of neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors. Neurobiologically, dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems particularly dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic pathways-plays a central role, with excessive dopaminergic activity linked to positive symptoms and glutamatergic dysfunction implicated in cognitive impairments. Genetic predisposition, evidenced by significant heritability and associations with specific genetic variants, intersects with environmental factors such as stress, trauma, and substance use to influence the onset and progression of psychosis. Cognitive disruptions, including deficits in attention, memory, and executive function, exacerbate the disorder’s impact. This phenomenon has led to short-term as well as long-term psychosocial and mental health implications for all.
ObjectiveTo determine the antipsychotic activity of pharmaceuticals, numerous antipsychotic screening models are available. Determining the optimal animal model for measuring antipsychotic activity is the primary goal of this study.
MethodsA search for literature was carried out using several keywords, including “Antipsychotic,” “In-vivo models,” “In-vitro models,” and “Behavior models,” on the databases Science Direct and PubMed. For the purpose of obtaining the most appropriate articles to fulfil the goal of this review article, the search was customized by using the necessary filters.
ResultsResearch and review articles based on neuroleptic screening models are available to determine the antipsychotic activity of novel pharmacological compounds.
ConclusionFollowing our research, we identified several helpful models for evaluating the antipsychotic activity of pharmaceuticals and proposed that combining in-vitro and in-vivo techniques with behavioral methodologies might yield the most appropriate results for our field of study.
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Influence of Rubber Distribution and Shape on Properties of Thermoplastic Vulcanizate: Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Longhao Li, Lifeng Ma, Congchao Liu and Jingyi WeiAvailable online: 02 October 2024More LessIntroductionThermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), as a rapidly developing green engineering material, its microstructure determines its comprehensive mechanical properties. However, there are few reports on the influence of the distribution and shape of rubber particles on the overall properties of TPV.
MethodIn order to overcome the shortcoming that traditional experimental methods cannot obtain the internal stress change process of materials, we have established a series of representative volume element (RVE) models with different particle distributions and shapes through the micromechanical finite element method.
ResultsThe uniaxial tension and tension recovery of the models have been simulated. The results show that with the change of particle distribution and shape, the minimum elastic modulus of TPV based on ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) / polypropylene (PP) could reach 31.4 MPa and the highest resilience could reach 87.4%.
ConclusionIn addition, it can be seen from the stress distribution nephogram that the change in particle distribution and shape would obviously change the position of the stress concentration area in TPV.
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