Engineering Commons^™

Oral Administration Of Ph-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles Based On Zein And Their Therapeutic Potential On Cancer., Bruno Alejandro Valades-Aguilar, José Raúl Rangel-López, Jennifer Citlally Leos-Rivera, Moisés Armides Franco-Molina, María Cristina Rodríguez-Padilla, Diana Ginette Zárate-Triviño

Research Symposium

Background: Zein is a water-insoluble protein extracted from the endosperm of corn seeds, this polymer is an attractive matrix to encapsulate hydrophilic compounds because of its high proportion of hydrophobic amino acids, making it a potential smart delivery material for several treatments in the biopharmaceutical industry. nanoparticles have been used as drug delivery systems for the improvement of oral bioavailability; however, the strategies of nanoparticle obtention need the addition of stabilizers. in this study, a modified method to obtain zein nanoparticles was developed.

Methods: Zein nanoparticles (ZNps) were made by a thermal treatment and precipitated into ovalbumin at a ratio …

La1-Xsrxcoo3 Perovskite Nanomaterial: Synthesis, Characterization, And Its Biomedical Application, Adhira Tippur, Anyet Shohag, Luke Franco, Ahmed Touhami, Swati Mohan, Mohammed Uddin

Research Symposium

Early cancer detection is paramount for effective treatment and potential cures. This research explores the application of perovskite materials, specifically Sr2+-doped Lanthanum Cobaltite (La1-xSrxCoO3) nanomaterials, in cancer detection, with a focus on rats as an experimental model. The ferroelectric nature of these materials, synthesized through a combination of sol-gel and molten-salt processes, was examined at varying Sr2+ doping levels (1-20 wt%). Rigorous characterization, employing X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, confirmed the uniform morphology of nano cubes, laying the foundation for subsequent investigations. The magnetic properties of the perovskite nanoparticles were probed, suggesting their potential as a diagnostic tool for …

Engineered Exosomes For The Multimodal Imaging Directed Photo-Immunotherapy Of Colorectal Cancer, Deepak S. Chauhan, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali M. Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Rio Grande Valley experience severe cancer health disparity. A novel therapeutic modality may serve as better therapeutic option. Nanohybrids endowed with multifunctionality, longer circulation time, large surface area have emerged as an active preference for cancer research. However, rising concern of nanomaterials toxicity and scalability issues has slowed their translation to clinics. Exosomes (Exo) are endogenous endocytic origin 40-100 nm vesicles found in various body fluids, which in comparison to synthetic nanoparticles, are biodegradable, highly biocompatible as well as immunocompatible in nature. Although bulk isolation of exosomes from human body fluids is still a problem and engineering of exosomes …

Biocidal Properties Of Hybrid Nanonanomaterial, Chandrasekaran Karthikeyan, Kokkarachedu Varaprasad

Research Symposium

Background: Cancer is one of the essential unpredictable diseases worldwide; simultaneously, complicated issues created are by the human health system. Especially, breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women and is increasing remarkably in developing countries. It is a leading cause of cancer death in women, and breast cancer incidence rates are growing globally. To diagnose and treat cancer cells, different methods such as Radiation Therapy, Surgery, and Chemotherapy. These methods are high risk, more side effects, and high costs. The advanced healthcare material was developed to overcome this problem, inexpensive tools, and diagnosis of less-toxic drugs with …

L(D)-Tyrosine-Mediated One-Step Chiral Graphene Production For Chirality-Dependent Sensing, Fnu Pranav, Ali Ashraf, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali M. Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Chirality has been the most iconic phenomenon that occurred in nature. The idea of mirror-image asymmetry associated with the biological entity is still unsolved The emergence of 2D layered nanomaterials which have already shown amazing properties and a wide range of applications, especially in the areas of sensing.Amino acids enantiomers have similar physical and chemical properties however their physiological responses get changed based on the enantiomers. For example, L from amino acids helps body in protein formation, and generation of biological signals etc. whereas the D-form may cause toxic effects. We have developed a novel and facile synthesis method …

Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials And Nanocomposites For Sensing, Separation, And Energy Applications, Md Ashiqur Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

Two-dimension (2D) nanomaterials have gained popularity for the last few decades due to their excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. These unique properties of 2D nanomaterials can be exploited in various applications specially in sensor, energy, and separation devices. In this study, the sensing and energy generation performance of PVDF/PAni fiber mat systems made by the forcespinning method with and without graphene coating. The graphene-coated nanocomposites show an average output voltage of 75 mV (peak-to-peak) which is 300% higher compared to bare fiber mats and an output current of 24 mA (peak-to-peak) by gentle finger pressing. Moreover, the graphene-coated PVDF/PAni …

Reducing Leakage Current And Enhancing Polarization In Multiferroic 3d Super-Nanocomposites By Microstructure Engineering, Erik Enriquez, Ping Lu, Leigang Li, Bruce Zhang, Haiyan Wang, Quanxi Jia, Aiping Chen

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Multiferroic materials have generated great interest due to their potential as functional device materials. Nanocomposites have been increasingly used to design and generate new functionalities by pairing dissimilar ferroic materials, though the combination often introduces new complexity and challenges unforeseeable in single-phase counterparts. The recently developed approaches to fabricate 3D super-nanocomposites (3D‐sNC) open new avenues to control and enhance functional properties. In this work, we develop a new 3D‐sNC with CoFe2O4 (CFO) short nanopillar arrays embedded in BaTiO3 (BTO) film matrix via microstructure engineering by alternatively depositing BTO:CFO vertically-aligned nanocomposite layers and single-phase BTO layers. This microstructure engineering method allows …

Twisted Laminar Superconducting Composite: Mgb2 Embedded Carbon Nanotube Yarns, Ujjal Lamichhane, Gamage C. Dannangoda, Mkhitar Hobosyan, R. A. Shohan, A. Zakhidov, Karen S. Martirosyan

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Twisted laminar superconducting composite structures based on multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) yarns were crafted by integrating magnesium and boron homogeneous mixture into the carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogel sheets. After the ignition of the Mg–B–MWCNT system, under the controlled argon environment, the high exothermic reaction between magnesium (Mg) and boron (B) with stoichiometric ratio produced the MgB2@MWCNT superconducting composite yarns. The process was conducted under the controlled argon environment and uniform heating rate in the differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyzer. The XRD analysis confirmed that the produced composite yarns contain nano and microscale inclusions of superconducting phase of MgB2. The …

Modeling And Simulation Of Janus-Like Nanoparticles Formation By Solid-Gas Exothermic Reactions, A. A. Markov, Karen S. Martirosyan

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Theoretical model for the simulation of synthesis of Janus-like particles (JP) consisting two different phases using the Carbon Combustion Synthesis of Oxides (CCSO) is presented. The model includes the variation of sample initial porosity, carbon concentration and oxygen flow rate used to predict the formation of JP features. The two temperature (2T) combustion model of chemically active submicron-dispersed mixture of two phases including ferroelectric and ferromagnetic was implemented and assessed by using the experimentally estimated activation energy of 112±3.3 kJ/mol and combustion temperature. The experimental values allowed to account the thermal and concentration expansion effect along with the dispersion by …

Exploration Of Antimicrobial And Cell Proliferation Properties Of Nanofibers Incorporating Nopal (O. Cochenillifera) Extract, Cristobal Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the fabrication of Forcespinning® nanofibers composed of Opuntia cochenillifera, ‘nopal’, mucilage (N) extract, chitosan (CH), and pullulan (PL) (N/CH/PL) were developed with an optimum fiber average diameter of 406±127 nm, and studied for their ability to sustain adhesion and proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cells. After a 6-day incubation period, N/CH/PL nanofibers displayed robust cell proliferation, while also exhibiting inhibitory properties through an N extract dip-coating process against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli in a 24 h bacterial growth study. A demonstration of integrated natural bioactive compounds with combined biodegradable polymers, provide an enhanced …

Piezo-Tribo Dual Effect Hybrid Nanogenerators For Health Monitoring, Sk Md Ali Zaker Shawon, Andrew Xu Sun, Valeria Suarez Vega, Brishty Deb Chowdhury, Phong Tran, Zaida D. Carballo, Jim Aica Tolentino, Jianzhi Li, Muhammad Sufian Rafaqut, Serena Danti, Mohammed Jasim Uddin

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Over the years, nanogenerators for health monitoring have become more and more attractive as they provide a cost-effective and continuous way to successfully measure vital signs, physiological status, and environmental changes in/around a person. Using such sensors can positively affect the way healthcare workers diagnose and prevent life-threatening conditions. Recently, the dual piezo-tribological effect of hybrid nanogenerators (HBNGs) have become a subject of investigation, as they can provide a substantial amount of data, which is significant for healthcare. However, real-life exploitation of these HBNGs in health monitoring is still marginal. This review covers piezo-tribo dual-effect HBNGs that are used as …

Polymer Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator For Cost‐Effective Green Energy Generation And Implementation Of Surface‐Charge Engineering, Diana Lopez, Aminur Rashid Chowdhury, Abu Masa Abdullah, Muhtasim Ul Karim Sadaf, Isaac Martinez, Brishty Deb Chowdhury, Serena Danti, Christopher J. Ellison, Karen Lozano, Mohammed Jasim Uddin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Performance of triboelectric nanogenerators for harvesting mechanical energy from the ambient environment has been limited by structural complexity, cost-effectiveness, and mechanical weakness of materials. Herein, a cost-effective vertical contact separation mode triboelectric nanogenerator using polyethylene (PE) and polycarbonate (PC) in a regular digital versatile disc is reported. This cost-effective nanogenerator with simplified structures is able to generate an open-circuit voltage of 215.3 V and short-circuit current of 80 μA. The effects of the distance of impact and the air gap between the triboelectric layers have also been tested from 3 to 9 cm, and 0.25 to 1 cm, respectively. It …

Fabrication Of Forcespinning® Nanofibers Incorporating Nopal Extract, Cristobal Rodriguez, Victoria Padilla, Karen Lozano, J. Andrew Mcdonald, Luis Materon, Alejandra Chapa, Fariha Ahmad, Carlos Trevino De Leon, Robert Gilkerson

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this study, nanofibers composed of Opuntia cochenillifera nopal mucilage (N) extract combined with chitosan (CH) and pullulan (PL) (N/CH/PL) were produced via Forcespinning®. The developed nonwoven composite membranes are comprised of long, continuous, and homogenous fibers with fiber average diameter varying between 251±77 nm and 406±127 nm depending on the concentration of N. After crosslinking, the developed membranes were highly stable in water. The water absorption capacity of the N/CH/PL composite nanofiber membranes was shown to be 65% higher when compared to the CH/PL nanofiber membranes. Nopal dipcoated membranes show inhibition of gram-negative Escherichia coli, indicating antibacterial properties. These …

Editorial: Carbon- And Inorganic-Based Nanostructures For Energy Applications, Federico Cesano, M. Jasim Uddin, Yuanbing Mao, Muhammad N. Huda

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Novel Silica Filled Deep Eutectic Solvent Based Nanofluids For Energy Transportation, Changhui Liu, Hui Fang, Xinjian Liu, Ben Xu, Zhonghao Rao

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Liquid range of nanofluids is a crucial parameter as it intensively determines their application temperature scope. Meanwhile, improved thermal conductivity and stability are of great significances and comprise the main fundamental research topics of nanofluids. In this work, 2- butoxy-3,4-dihydropyran (DP), produced from a convenient one-pot three-component reaction in water, was employed as dual lipophilic brusher and metal nanoparticle anchor. It was found that DP was able to enhance the dispersing ability and thermal conductivity of SiO2 nanoparticle filled deep eutectic solvent (DES) based nanofluids simultaneously. The key to the success of this protocol mainly relies on the electrophilic property …

Novel Silica Filled Deep Eutectic Solvent Based Nanofluids For Energy Transportation, Changhui Liu, Hui Fang, Xinjian Liu, Ben Xu, Zhonghao Rao

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Liquid range of nanofluids is a crucial parameter as it intensively determines their application temperature scope. Meanwhile, improved thermal conductivity and stability are of great significances and comprise the main fundamental research topics of nanofluids. In this work, 2-butoxy-3,4-dihydropyran (DP), produced from a convenient one-pot three-component reaction in water, was employed as dual lipophilic brusher and metal nanoparticle anchor. It was found that DP was able to enhance the dispersing ability and thermal conductivity of SiO2 nanoparticle filled deep eutectic solvent (DES) based nanofluids simultaneously. The key to the success of this protocol mainly relies on the electrophilic property and …

Evaluating The Rheological And Tribological Behaviors Of Coconut Oil Modified With Nanoparticles As Lubricant Additives, Vicente Cortes, Javier A. Ortega

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In metal-forming processes, the use of lubricants for providing desirable tribological conditions at the tool–workpiece interface is critical to increase the material formability and prolonging tool life. Nowadays, the depletion of crude oil reserves in the world and the global concern in protecting the environment from contamination have renewed interest in developing environmentally-friendly lubricants derived from alternative sources such as vegetable oils. In the present study, the rheological and tribological behavior of coconut oil modified with nanoparticle additives was experimentally evaluated. Two different nanoparticle additives were investigated: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and copper oxide (CuO). For the two conditions, …

Electrical Properties And Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness Of Interlayered Systems Composed By Carbon Nanotube Filled Carbon Nanofiber Mats And Polymer Composites, Claudia A. Ramirez-Herrera, Homero Gonzalez, Felipe De La Torre, Laura Benitez, Jose G. Cabanas-Moreno, Karen Lozano

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The demand for multifunctional requirements in aerospace, military, automobile, sports, and energy applications has encouraged the investigation of new composite materials. This study focuses on the development of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) filled polypropylene composites and carbon nanofiber composite mats. The developed systems were then used to prepare interlayered composites that exhibited improved electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency. MWCNT-carbon nanofiber composite mats were developed by centrifugally spinning mixtures of MWCNT suspended in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions. The developed nanofibers were then dehydrated under sulfuric acid vapors and then heat treated. Interlayered samples were fabricated using a nanoreinforced …

Development Of Antimicrobial Chitosan Based Nanofiber Dressings For Wound Healing Applications, Lee Cremar, Jorge Gutierrez, Jennifer Martinez, Luis A. Materon, Robert Gilkerson, Fenghua Xu, Karen Lozano

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective(s): Chitosan based composite fine fibers were successfully produced via a centrifugal spinning technology. This study evaluates the ability of the composites to function as scaffolds for cell growth while maintaining an antibacterial activity.

Materials and Methods: Two sets of chitosan fiber composites were prepared, one filled with anti-microbial silver nanoparticles and another one with cinnamaldeyhde. Chitosan powder was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid and dichloromethane followed by addition of the fillers. The fiber output was optimized by configuring the polymer weight concentration (7, 8, and 9 w/w% chitosan) and applied angular velocity (6000-9000 RPM) within the spinning process.

Results: …

Forcespinning: A New Method For The Mass Production Of Sn/C Composite Nanofiber Anodes For Lithium Ion Batteries, Victor Agubra, Luis Zuniga, David De La Garza, Luis Gallegos, Madhab Pokhrel, Mataz Alcoutlabi

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The development of nanostructured anode materials for rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries has seen a growing interest. We herein report the use of a new scalable technique, Forcespinning (FS) to produce binder-free porous Sn/C composite nanofibers with different Sn particle size loading. The preparation process involves the FS of Sn/PAN precursor nanofibers and subsequently stabilizing in air at 280 °C followed by carbonization at 800 °C under an inert atmosphere. The Sn/C composite nanofibers are highly flexible and were directly used as binder-free anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The produced Sn/C composite nanofibers showed an improved discharge capacity of about 724 mA …

Slip-Jump Model For Carbon Combustion Synthesis Of Complex Oxide Nanoparticles, A. A. Markov, Mkhitar A. Hobosyan, Karen S. Martirosyan

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Carbon Combustion Synthesis of Oxides (CCSO) is a promising method to produce submicron- and nano- sized complex oxides. The CCSO was successfully utilized for producing several complex oxides, a complete theoretical model including the sample porosity, fl ow parameters and reaction energetics is needed to predict the combustion parameters for CCSO. In this work, we studied the ignition temperature and combustion wave axial temperature distribution, activation energy, combustion heat and thermal losses for a typical CCSO synthesis for cylindrical samples of Ni-Zn ferrites with high (>85%) porosity. We developed a two level combustion model of chemically active nano-dispersed mixture, …

A Comparative Study Of Polyurethane Nanofibers With Different Patterns And Its Analogous Nanofibers Containing Mwcnts, Javier Macossay-Torres, Faheem A. Sheikh, Hassan Ahmad, Hern Kim, Gary L. Bowlin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that has evolved in various dimensions in recent years. One of the main aspects in this field is the proper adjustment and final compatibility of implants at the target site of surgery. For this purpose, it is desired to have the materials fabricated at the nanometer scale, since these dimensions will ultimately accelerate the fixation of implants at the cellular level. In this study, electrospun polyurethane nanofibers and their analogous nanofibers containing MWCNTs are introduced for tissue engineering applications. Since MWCNTs agglomerate to form bundles, a high intensity sonication procedure was used to disperse …

Fabrication Of Cellulose Fine Fiber Based Membranes Embedded With Silver Nanoparticles Via Forcespinning, Fenghua Xu, Baicheng Weng, Luis A. Materon, Anxiu Kuang, Jorge A. Trujillo, Karen Lozano

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study presents the successful development of cellulose fiber based membranes embedded with silver nanoparticles. These fine fiber membranes were developed utilizing the Forcespinning (FS) technique followed by alkaline hydrolysis treatment. The fiber morphology, homogeneity and yield were optimized by varying spinning parameters such as polymer concentration and angular velocity of the spinnerets. The structure, thermal and mechanical properties, and water absorption capability of the developed membranes were investigated. The cellulose acetate (CA) present in the membrane was converted to cellulose in the presence of embedded silver nanoparticles by alkaline hydrolysis. The silver nanoparticles embedded cellulose membrane exhibits outstanding water …

Tio 2 Fibers: Tunable Polymorphic Phase Transformation And Electrochemical Properties, Edna Garcia, Qiang Li, Xing Sun, Karen Lozano, Yuanbing Mao

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

A series of one-dimensional (1D) nanoparticle-assembled TiO2 fibers with tunable polymorphs were prepared via a novel and large scale ForceSpinning® process of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) precursor fibers followed with a thermal treatment at various calcinations temperatures. The thermal and structural transformations were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The influence of polymorphic phase of the TiO2 fibers on the electrochemical performance in neutral aqueous 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte was investigated. The polymorphic amorphous/anatase/rutile TiO2 fibers prepared at 450 °C achieved a highest capacitance of 21.2 F g−1 (6.61 mF cm−2) at a current …

Imaging, Spectroscopy, Mechanical, Alignment And Biocompatibility Studies Of Electrospun Medical Grade Polyurethane (Carbothane™ 3575a) Nanofibers And Composite Nanofibers Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes, Faheem A. Sheikh, Javier Macossay-Torres, Travis Cantu, Xujun Zhang, M. Shamshi Hassan, M. Esther Salinas, Chakavak S. Farhangi, Hassan Ahmad, Hern Kim, Gary L. Bowlin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the present study, we discuss the electrospinning of medical grade polyurethane (Carbothane™ 3575A) nanofibers containing multi-walled-carbon-nanotubes (MWCNTs). A simple method that does not depend on additional foreign chemicals has been employed to disperse MWCNTs through high intensity sonication. Typically, a polymer solution consisting of polymer/MWCNTs has been electrospun to form nanofibers. Physiochemical aspects of prepared nanofibers were evaluated by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, confirming nanofibers containing MWCNTs. The biocompatibility and cell attachment of the produced nanofiber mats were investigated while culturing them in the presence of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The results from these tests indicated non-toxic behavior …

Imaging, Spectroscopic, Mechanical And Biocompatibility Studies Of Electrospun Tecoflex® Eg 80a Nanofibers And Composites Thereof Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes, Javier Macossay-Torres, Faheem A. Sheikh, Travis Cantu, Thomas Eubanks, M. Esther Salinas, Chakavak S. Farhangi, Hassan Ahmad, M. Shamshi Hassan, Myung-Seob Khil, Shivani K. Maffi, Hern Kim, Gary L. Bowlin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The present study discusses the design, development and characterization of electrospun Tecoflex® EG 80A class of polyurethane nanofibers and the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to these materials. Scanning electron microscopy results confirmed the presence of polymer nanofibers, which showed a decrease in fiber diameter at 0.5% wt. and 1% wt. MWCNTs loadings, while transmission electron microscopy showed evidence of the MWCNTs embedded within the polymer matrix. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to elucidate the polymer-MWCNTs intermolecular interactions, indicating that the C-N and N-H bonds in polyurethanes are responsible for the interactions with MWCNTs. …

Biodegradable Electrospun Nanofibers Coated With Platelet-Rich Plasma For Cell Adhesion And Proliferation, Luis Diaz-Gomez, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Angel Concheiro, Maite Silva, Fernando Dominguez, Faheem A. Sheikh, Travis Cantu, Raj Desai, Vanessa L. Garcia, Javier Macossay-Torres

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Biodegradable electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were coated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve cell adhesion and proliferation. PRP was obtained from human buffy coat, and tested on human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to confirm cell proliferation and cytocompatibility. Then, PRP was adsorbed on the PCL scaffolds via lyophilization, which resulted in uniform sponge-like coating of 2.85 (s.d. 0.14) mg/mg. The scaffolds were evaluated regarding mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, tensile stress and tensile strain), sustained release of total protein and growth factors (PDGF-BB, TGF-β1 and VEGF), and hemocompatibility. MSC seeded on the PRP-PCL nanofibers showed an increased adhesion and proliferation …

Fabrication Of Yttrium Ferrite Nanoparticles By Solution Combustion Synthesis, A. A. Saukhimov, Mkhitar A. Hobosyan, Gamage C. Dannangoda, N. N. Zhumabekova, S. E. Kumekov

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

The ternary oxide system Y-Fe-O presents fascinating magnetic properties that are sensitive to the crystalline size of particles. There is a major challenge to fabricate these materials in nano-crystalline forms due to particle conglomeration during nucleation and synthesis. In this paper we report the fabrication of nano sized crystalline yttrium ferrite by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) where yttrium and iron nitrates were used as metal precursors with glycine as a fuel. The magnetic properties of the product can be selectively controlled by adjusting the ratio of glycine to metal nitrates. Yttrium ferrite nano-powder was obtained by using three concentration of …

Fluid Dynamic Modeling Of Nano-Thermite Reactions, Karen S. Martirosyan, Maxim Zyskin, Charles M. Jenkins, Yasuyuki Horie

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper presents a direct numerical method based on gas dynamic equations to predict pressure evolution during the discharge of nanoenergetic materials. The direct numerical method provides for modeling reflections of the shock waves from the reactor walls that generates pressure-time fluctuations. The results of gas pressure prediction are consistent with the experimental evidence and estimates based on the self-similar solution. Artificial viscosity provides sufficient smoothing of shock wave discontinuity for the numerical procedure. The direct numerical method is more computationally demanding and flexible than self-similar solution, in particular it allows study of a shock wave in its early stage …

An Integrated Multidisciplinary Nanoscience Concentration Certificate Program For Stem Education, Karen S. Martirosyan, Mikhail M. Bouniaev, Malik Rakhmanov, Ahmed Touhami, Nazmul Islam, Davood Askari, Tarek Trad, Dmitri Litvinov, Sergey E. Lyshevski

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Integration of nanoscience and nanotechnology curricula into the College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology (CSMT) at the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) is reported. The rationale for the established multidisciplinary Nanoscience Concentration Certificate Program (NCCP) is to: (i) develop nanotechnology-relevant courses within a comprehensive Science, Engineering and Technology curriculum, and, to offer students an opportunity to graduate with a certificate in nanoscience and nanotechnology; (ii) to contribute to students' success in achieving student outcomes across all college's majors, and, improve the breath, depth and quality of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates' education; (iii) through NCCP, recruit certificate- …