Polymer and Organic Materials Commons^™

Fabrication And Characterization Of Lignin–Pva Hydrogels With Tunable Network Structures, Keturah Bethel

All Dissertations

The ability to directly tune the crosslinked network structure of hydrogels is crucial for their functional applications in various fields, such as water filtration, protein separation, and tissue engineering. By controlling the crosslink density of the hydrogel, one can directly alter the mesh size – i.e., the end-to-end distance between crosslink junctions – and, subsequently, directly alter the hydrogel performance. This work discusses the fabrication and characterization of soft composites containing the biopolymer, lignin, are discussed. Precisely, physically-crosslinked composite lignin–Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were fabricated via the freeze-thaw (F/T) pathway, whereby solutions containing specified amounts of PVA and lignin were …

Performance And Enhanced Efficiency Induced By Cold Plasma On Sapo-34 Membranes For Co2 And Ch4 Mixtures, Fnu Gorky, Vashanti Storr, Grace Jones, Apolo Nambo, Jacek B. Jasinski, Maria L. Carreon

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this study, we investigate the influence of cold-plasma-induced enhanced performance and efficiency of SAPO-34 membranes in the separation of CO₂ and CH₄ mixtures. Placing the herein presented research in a broader context, we aim to address the question of whether cold plasma can significantly impact the membrane performance. We subjected SAPO-34 membranes to plasma mild disturbances and analyzed their performance in separating CO₂ and CH₄. Our findings reveal a notable enhancement in membrane efficiency and sustained performance when exposed to cold plasma. The pulsed plasma separation displayed improved structural integrity, and the experimental results …

Development And Processing Of Shape Memory Polymer Composites (Smpcs) For Application In Structural Robotics And Robotic Sensors., Kavish Sudan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) have attracted significant attention since their introduction in the 1980s due to their remarkable ability to regain their original shape from a temporarily deformed state when exposed to an external stimulus, typically heat. This shape memory effect, driven by thermal transitions such as the glass transition temperature (T_g) or melting temperature (T_m), has made SMPs highly attractive for applications in soft robotics, aerospace, and biomedical devices. However, SMPs face challenges such as limited mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity, which hinder their broader adoption in advanced applications. To address these challenges, …

Synergistic Strategies In Hybrid Mxed Matrix 3d Printing Of Thermoplastics & Thermosets: Design, Manufacturing, And Materials Development., Saleh Akram Khanjar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Composite manufacturing and mixed matrix structures have been produced using traditional manufacturing processes for various industrial applications due to their high mechanical properties to material weight and cost ratio. However implementation of composite and mixed matrix manufacturing with advanced manufacturing such as additive manufacturing is limited due to the hardware limitations of current 3d printing technologies and materials available for 3D printing applications. This work has developed and investigated a new hybrid 3D printing manufacturing process utilizing a variety of material systems (thermoplastic – thermoset, thermoplastic – thermoplastic, thermoset – thermoset, thermoplastic – thermoplastic – thermoset). This study developed thermoplastic …

Physics-Informed Machine Learning Methods For Inverse Design Of Multi-Phase Materials With Targeted Mechanical Properties, Yunpeng Wu

All Dissertations

Advances in machine learning algorithms and applications have significantly enhanced engineering inverse design capabilities. This work focuses on the machine learning-based inverse design of material microstructures with targeted linear and nonlinear mechanical properties. It involves developing and applying predictive and generative physics-informed neural networks for both 2D and 3D multiphase materials.

The first investigation aims to develop a machine learning method for the inverse design of 2D multiphase materials, particularly porous materials. We first develop machine learning methods to understand the implicit relationship between a material's microstructure and its mechanical behavior. Specifically, we use ResNet-based models to predict the elastic …

Exploring The Synthesis Of Biobased And Chemically Recyclable Polysulfone Using Imine Chemistry, Vitasta Jain

All Dissertations

Plastic waste poses a major problem because of the chemical stability of these materials, leading to their accumulation in the environment and the leaching of toxic chemicals during their slow decomposition. Additionally, the use of depleting petroleum reserves for synthesis has made for an unsustainable production and risks due to use of chemicals hazardous to the environment and the individuals exposed to it.

To address these concerns, researchers have explored biobased feedstock and incorporating chemical recycling capabilities for a closed loop, sustainable process. One promising feedstock is lignin with its abundant functional groups that can be modified and utilized to …

Chemical Recycling Of Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams: Evaluating Bio-Based Glycols In Comparison To Petroleum-Based Glycols, Anirudh Thorbole Mr.

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The paradigm shift towards bio-based polyurethane foams (bio-PUF) has significantly increased post-consumer waste. To address this issue, this research represents a novel approach to enhance sustainable development in the recycling industry by replacing traditional petroleum-based glycols with sustainable bio-based alternatives. This study explores the glycolysis of bio-PUF using bio-based SG-522 glycol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for comparison. The findings from this research as outlined, reveal no significant differences in depolymerization time between the two glycols, achieving proper depolymerization and high recovery yields of over 95% after solvent purification. Comprehensive FT-IR and NMR analyses confirmed the successful degradation of bio-PUF and …

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface And Void Analysis Of 2-Amino-1h-Benzimidazolium 2-Hydroxybenzoate, Salmon M. Mukhammadiev, Daminbek A. Ziyatov, Zuhra Ch. Kadirova, Jamshid M. Ashurov, Shahlo Sh. Daminova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this work is determination of crystal structure and Hirschfeld surface void analysis for many intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure of 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-iminium-2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoate.. For the first time, a new organic salt containing organic benzimidazolium cations and sulfosalicylic anions was synthesized and structurally characterized. Hirshfeld surface analysis confirm that in the crystal shape most remarkable contacts are H∙∙∙O (38%) and H∙∙∙H (29.7%) There are some π–π stacking interactions in the crystal shape.

Synthesis Of Cationite Based On Indene, A Secondary Product Of Hydrocarbons Pyrolysis, Saidmansur Sh. Saidobbozov, Suvonkul E. Nurmanov, Dilorom H. Mirkhamitova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the study is extraction of the indene from pyrolysis oil obtained from the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons at the Ustyurt gas processing plant. Indene is isolated by rectification from the composition of pyrolysis oil formed as a by-product of the process of hydrocarbons pyrolysis at the Ustyurt gas processing plant. Polymethyleneindenesulfocationite was synthesized on the basis of isolated indene, and its structure and physicochemical properties were determined. Chromatomass spectrum of pyrolysis oil was obtained and analyzed. The indene fraction and the synthesized polymethyleneindenesulfocationite were analyzed using IR spectroscopy and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Thermal analysis of cationite was …

Preparation Of Keratin-Containing Protein Compounds From Chickens Feathers Using Hydrochloric Acid, Dilnozakhon I. Tursunova, Oytura S. Maksumova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this work is the preparation of keratin-containing protein compounds from poultry processing waste by hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid, including treatment of the protein with 5% H₂O₂. The process of cleaning feather raw materials using water, liquid soap, NaClO₃, C₂H₅OH, and H₂O_2, and the reaction of its hydrolysis with an aqueous solution of HCl have been studied. The influence of temperature and reaction duration on the hydrolysis process was studied, and its optimal mode was established. It has been shown that the process of …

Poly(Thioether) Thermosets With Gated Photodegradation, Surabhi Jha

Dissertations

Photodegradable polymer networks are attractive due to the precise spatiotemporal control and large-area applicability of light. Chemical linkages that enable these polymer networks to be photo-responsive, also hinder their applicability in ambient light. Photostable and photodegradable networks have recently been reported to overcome this challenge by combining other stimuli with light for degradation. We report the design of a network that responds to a simultaneous, dual stimulus for photodegradation. We design poly(thioether acetal) networks with benzylidene acetal moieties that are known to undergo β-scission in the presence of free thiols. By blocking these free thiols with a thermally labile protecting …

Carbon-Based Nanocomposite Membranes For Membrane Distillation: Progress, Problems And Future Prospects, Chhabilal Regmi, Yuwaraj K. Kshetri, S. Ranil Wickramasinghe

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The development of an ideal membrane for membrane distillation (MD) is of the utmost importance. Enhancing the efficiency of MD by adding nanoparticles to or onto a membrane’s surface has drawn considerable attention from the scientific community. It is crucial to thoroughly examine state-of-the-art nanomaterials-enabled MD membranes with desirable properties, as they greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability of the MD process. This, in turn, opens up opportunities for achieving a sustainable water–energy–environment nexus. By introducing carbon-based nanomaterials into the membrane’s structure, the membrane gains excellent separation abilities, resistance to various feed waters, and a longer lifespan. Additionally, the use …

Performance Evaluation Of Asphalt Binder Modified With Recycled Plastics, Abeeb G. Oyelere

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The surge in the production of plastic waste has become a pressing global environmental issue. To address this, repurposing plastic waste to modify asphalt binders in asphalt pavement is being explored This study investigates the potential of recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) and recycled polypropylene (rPP) as asphalt binder modifies to improve pavement performance and sustainability while mitigating plastic waste's adverse environmental impacts. Laboratory investigations were conducted to assess the rheological performances as well as the compatibility of rHDPE and rPP-modified asphalt. Additionally, the impact of aging and mixing temperature on rheological performance was investigated. Experimental results indicated that adding these …

Optimizing The Expression Of Polyethylene Terephtalate Hydrolase-Encoding Synthetic Gene In Escherichia Coli Arctic Express (De3), Jocelyn Nataniel, Maria Ulfah, Dini Achnafani, Niknik Nurhayati, Gabriela Christy Sabbathini, Sri Rezeki Wulandari, Abinawanto Abinawanto, Is Helianti

Makara Journal of Science

The waste of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste in Indonesia is a pressing concern due to its slow degradation and potential environmental damage. One promising solution is to utilize polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase from Ideonella sakaiensis (IsPETase), an enzyme that specifically degrades PET. However, inducing the expression of IsPETase synthetic gene in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) has been challenging because much of it remains insoluble. This study aimed to express IsPETase in E. coli Arctic Express (DE3) and optimize the conditions to enhance its production. First, pET22b(+)pelB-IsPETase was inserted into E. coli Arctic Express (DE3). The …

Effect Of Oxidation Of Graphene On Agglomeration And The Mechanical Properties Of Thermosetting Resins, Matthew A. Reil

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Thermosetting resins are used extensively worldwide in applications ranging from adhesives to structural components. However, these resins generally fail in a brittle fracture mode which is undesirable in most situations. Graphene (G) and its derivatives have been considered as additives to epoxy for material property enhancement and varied results have been reported in the literature. In this work, the effects of the oxidation of G to graphene oxide (GO) on polymer interactions and plate agglomeration were studied by classical molecular dynamics (MD). Results from those simulations concluded that agglomerates were likely present in all G-based nanocomposites. The effect of these …

Predicting Rheology Of Uv-Curable Nanoparticle Ink Components And Compositions For Inkjet Additive Manufacturing, Cameron D. Lutz

Master's Theses

Inkjet additive manufacturing is the next step toward ubiquitous manufacturing by enabling multi-material printing that can exhibit various mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties. These characteristics are realized in the careful formulation of the inks and their functional materials, but there are many constraints that need to be satisfied to allow optimal jetting performance and build quality when used in an inkjet 3-D printer. Previous research has addressed the desirable rheology characteristics to enable stable drop formation and how the metallic nanoparticles affect the viscosity of inks. The contending goals of increasing nanoparticle-loading to improve material deposition rates while trying to …

A Comprehensive Investigation Of The Influence Of Geometric Structure On The Shape Memory Performance Of Nafion, Jade Thomas

Physics Undergraduate Honors Theses

While perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes have primarily been used in fuel cells due to their chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability, one PFSA, Nafion, boasts two unique characteristics: a broad glass transition (~55 °C to 130 °C) and a temperature-persistent electrostatic network. The combination of these two characteristics endows Nafion with exceptional shape memory properties – the ability of a material to morph and transform into pre-programmed shapes when exposed to an external stimulus – with enhanced permanent shape memorization, and a potentially near-infinite number of temporary shape memorization. This study focused on expanding the base of knowledge surrounding Nafion’s shape …

Crystalline Colloidal Arrays: Exploring Light-Matter Interactions, Haley W. Jones

All Dissertations

Understanding and manipulating quantum light-matter interactions, especially in the context of nanostructured environments, is highly critical for technological progress and inventive solutions in the fields of telecommunications, energy-efficient lighting, and cutting-edge quantum computing technologies. The fundamental interactions of photons with a surrounding environment directly impact the performance and efficiency of devices such as lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and quantum computing elements, which leverage the unique properties of confined structured environments. Since the late 1980s, the connection between a structured environment and the decay kinetics of an embedded fluorophore has been a highly debated and unresolved topic in the literature. More …

Release Of Small Molecules From Rubber: Effects Of Materials Properties, Mechanical Loading And Molecular Interactions, Yongcan Du

All Dissertations

Release of small molecules from polymeric materials has wide applications in the delivery systems of active molecules such as drug, fragrance, and semiochemical. Rubber materials are good candidates for the excipients of those systems due to properties such as good flexibility, permeability, and biocompatibility. Factors like material properties, mechanical loading, and molecular interactions may affect the release of small molecules in those systems. Therefore, understanding how those factors affect the release is key to the formulation, design, and evaluation of those systems.

To study the effects of materials properties, vulcanized natural rubber sheets with different crosslink densities, loaded with small …

Characterization Of Platinum On Carbon Nanoparticles Selectively Coated With Titanium Nitride (Tin), Matthew Maramo

Honors Scholar Theses

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a promising low-carbon technology that still face problems including low durability during their normal operation cycles. At the cathode, the carbon supports of the catalysts may corrode. Atomic layer deposition of titanium nitride is performed on prepared catalyst layer samples. The purpose of the deposition is to create a thin film over the carbon supports to reduce carbon support corrosion and improve the lifespan of the fuel cell. Sheet resistances and contact angles are measured for the samples before and after the deposition, although some samples did not receive the deposition and post-deposition characterization …