Polypyrrole-chitosan nanocomposite (PPy-CTN) was synthesized by dispersion polymerization of PPy in presence of CTN. Preparation of spherical PPy nanoparticles that were successfully covered with a thin layer of chitosan was confirm by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. Characterization techniques also revealed the presence of CNT in the polymer matrix and its presence was confir...

The structures and mechanical properties of both physically and covalently cross-linked nanocomposite hydrogels made from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and silicate nanoparticles (Laponite RD) are investigated. Injectable nanocomposite precursor solutions can be covalently cross-linked via photopolymerization. The resulting hydrogels are transparent and have interconnected pores, high elongation ...

Lamellar nanocomposites based on semiconducting polymers incorporated into layered inorganic matrices are prepared by the co-assembly of organic and inorganic precursors. Semiconducting polymer-incorporated silica is prepared by introducing the semiconducting polymers into a tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water homogeneous sol solution containing silica precursor species and a surface-active agent. Semi...

We introduce an innovative and robust method for the preparation of nanocomposite multilayers, which allows accurate control over the placement of functional groups as well as the composition and dimensions of individual layers/internal structure. By employing the photocross-linkable polystyrene (PS-N(3), M(n) = 28.0 kg/mol) with 10 wt % azide groups (-N(3)) for host polymer and/or the PS-N(3)-...

1 Polymer Nanostructures Lab – CSPS, Penn State Univ, University Park, PA 16802, USA 2 Center of Dielectric Studies – MRI , Penn State Univ, University Park, PA 16802, USA 3 Materials Science & Engineering Dept, Penn State Univ, University Park, PA 16802, USA 4 Current Address: The Dow Chemical Co., Corporate R&D, Midland, MI 48674, USA 5 Current Address: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridg...

The strong structural integrity of polymer nanocomposite is influenced in the moist environment; but the fundamental mechanism is unclear, including the basis for the interactions between the absorbed water molecules and the structure, which prevents us from predicting the durability of its applications across multiple scales. In this research, a molecular dynamics model of the epoxy/single-wal...

Transition metal ferrites such as CoFe2O4, possessing a large magnetostriction coefficient and high Curie temperature (Tc > 600 K), are excellent candidates for creating magnetic order at the nanoscale and provide a pathway to the fabrication of uniform particle-matrix films with optimized potential for magnetoelectric coupling. Here, a series of 0-3 type nanocomposite thin films composed of fe...

Intra-articular fractures initiate a cascade of pathobiological and pathomechanical events that culminate in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Hallmark features of PTOA include destruction of the cartilage matrix in combination with loss of chondrocytes and acute mechanical damage (AMD). Currently, treatment of intra-articular fractures essentially focuses completely on restoration of the m...

Osteoblast differentiation can be modulated by variations in order of nanoscale topography. Biopolymers embedded with carbon nanotubes can cause various orders of roughness at the nanoscale and can be used to investigate the dynamics of extracellular matrix interaction with cells. In this study, clear relationship between the response of osteoblasts to integrin receptor activation, their phenot...

Mass transfer in nanocomposite hydrogel thin films consisting of alternating layers of an organometallic redox polymer (RP) and oxidoreductase enzymes was investigated. Multilayer nanostructures were fabricated on gold surfaces by the deposition of an anionic self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, followed by the electrostatic binding of a cationic redox polymer, poly[vinylpyri...