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Polymer and Organic Materials Commons™
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Articles 1 - 21 of 21
Full-Text Articles in Polymer and Organic Materials
Lunar Manufacturing Systems And The Role Of Additive Recycling Technologies, Camille A. Newman
Lunar Manufacturing Systems And The Role Of Additive Recycling Technologies, Camille A. Newman
Honors Theses
Renewed international interest in sustained lunar exploration has created a growing demand for technologies to support long-duration space exploration. Part of the recent Artemis missions and the Moon to Mars initiative is to improve key mission capabilities and fill critical gaps necessary to sustain lunar habitation. Waste management, recycling systems, and manufacturing systems have been identified as critical technologies that need further development before a sustained mission is possible. This thesis explores the feasibility of an additive manufacturing and recycling system designed to process plastic waste generated during extended lunar habitation. Initial research focused on existing manufacturing and recycling technologies …
Development And Characterization Of A Pro-Angiogenic Peptide Amphiphile For Deep Dermal Burn Healing Via Spray Delivery, Loria Dimartino
Development And Characterization Of A Pro-Angiogenic Peptide Amphiphile For Deep Dermal Burn Healing Via Spray Delivery, Loria Dimartino
Honors Theses
Severe burns and other dermatological injuries are frequently accompanied by a range of comorbidities and aesthetic challenges that patients must contend with. The complexity of burn care is exacerbated by the lack of a standardized surgical protocol, as treatment strategies are tailored to individual patient factors, including overall health status, wound size and location, as well as the expertise and resources available to the surgical team. Most commonly, deep dermal burns are treated through grafting, which effectively covers the injury site, but requires the creation of a second wound on the body of approximately the same size. This produces a …
Tuning The Morphology Of Triblock Copolymers Via Homopolymer Blending, John F. Searles
Tuning The Morphology Of Triblock Copolymers Via Homopolymer Blending, John F. Searles
Honors Theses
Morphology plays an important role in the physical properties of block copolymer (BCP) materials. Depending on the type of morphology and chemical composition of the blocks, BCPs are used in applications ranging from soft biomaterials for biomedical devices to rigid materials for ballistics protection. Due to incompatibility between comonomers and required block weight ratios to achieve targeted morphologies, it is generally necessary to use complex, time-consuming, and expensive synthetic techniques to prepare BCPs. As a result, there is increased interest in the development of new processing methods to tailor block copolymer morphology without the need for additional synthesis. The morphological …
Tailoring The Morphology Of Block Copolymers Via Solvent-Vapor Annealing, Bayleigh Madelin Loving
Tailoring The Morphology Of Block Copolymers Via Solvent-Vapor Annealing, Bayleigh Madelin Loving
Honors Theses
Triblock polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene (PS-PIB-PS) copolymers have widespread applications from thermoplastic elastomers to protective coatings for ballistic applications. The incompatibility between the soft PIB and hard PS phases leads to phase separation and subsequent formation of morphological domains like lamellae and cylinders. The structures are stabilized by physical crosslinks, which can greatly improve the toughness of the triblock systems by preventing chain pullout during tensile deformation. We tailored the morphologies (achieving different morphologies with the same block copolymer) by changing the annealing conditions of the block copolymers. Solvent vapor annealing was used to selectively activate the mobility of a particular block, causing …
Using Additive Manufacturing To Characterize Effects Of Sparse Infill Density And Sparse Infill Pattern On The Compressive Properties Of Short Strand Carbon Fiber Infused Petg, Luke C. Salisbury
Honors Theses
The advent of additive manufacturing has revolutionized the prototyping, design, and manufacturing of new and innovative products. Through the use of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), parts can be manufactured using different sparse infill percentages (the percentage of void space within a printed object) and sparse infill patterns (the lattice structure of material within the object). Through the manipulation of these variables, the same material and part can have different compressive and flexural properties. In addition to sparse infill, the thermoplastics used in fused deposition modeling can be reinforced with carbon fiber strands to create a printable composite material capable of …
Development Of Novel Sensor Coating Methodology To Enable Understanding Of Fouling Mechanisms On Ion Exchange Membranes, Andrew Ulmer
Development Of Novel Sensor Coating Methodology To Enable Understanding Of Fouling Mechanisms On Ion Exchange Membranes, Andrew Ulmer
Honors Theses
As populations expand and natural water resources are depleted, severe droughts and limited access to clean water have become an increased threat to areas across the world. Effective and economic water treatment methods such as electrodialysis (ED) are vital for combating these threats, especially in developing nations and secluded locations. Organic foulant adsorption on the surface of ion exchange membranes severely limits the capabilities of water desalination systems such as ED along with significantly increasing maintenance costs. Understanding characteristics such as the total amount and rate at which these foulants at specific concentrations adsorb and desorb to the membranes is …
Formulation And Optimization Of Algae-Filled Polylactic Acid Thermoplastic Compounds For Improved Biodegradation, Sydney A. Cole
Formulation And Optimization Of Algae-Filled Polylactic Acid Thermoplastic Compounds For Improved Biodegradation, Sydney A. Cole
Honors Theses
Conventional plastics derived from non-renewable petrochemicals – especially from fossil reserves – have become an integral part of human life because their structure can be chemically manipulated to obtain a wide range of properties and geometries necessary in nearly all industries. The volume and rate at which petroleum plastics are produced, used, and discarded has incited several significant issues related to human health, environmental conservation, and ecological biodiversity. To address these issues, many institutions have begun investigating solutions in both the development and end-oflife phases of plastic production and waste. In this thesis, a Chlorella-dominated algae mixture is dried and …
Analysis Of Hemp Fiber Reinforced Polylactide Composite Under High Strain-Rate, Benjamin Rhoads
Analysis Of Hemp Fiber Reinforced Polylactide Composite Under High Strain-Rate, Benjamin Rhoads
Honors Theses
The introduction of hemp fibers into a polylactide (PLA) matrix creates a hemp fiber-reinforced composite with 10% hemp fibers and 90% PLA. Natural fibers are becoming a popular alternative to synthetic fibers since they are environmentally friendly, and hemp-fibers are becoming used more often as the demand for natural fibers increased. A Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar was used to test this composite against a control group using elastic wave propagation theory. Strain gauges were mounted on the incident and transmission bars of the SHPB to measure the propagation of the wave that caused the strain in the sample, which were used …
Investigating The Effect Of Polymer Hydrogels On The Antimicrobial Properties Of Activated Carbon Through The Utilization Of Bacterial, Viral, And Parasitic Microorganisms, Zoe Gunter
Honors Theses
Activated carbon (AC) has long been utilized in biomedical applications due to its innate antimicrobial characteristics. However, little is understood about the mechanism of action that allows AC to prohibit the propagation of different pathogen species. To further ascertain these characteristics and how they affect the propagation of pathogens, procedures were designed with bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents which were utilized in conjunction with varying concentrations of polymer hydrogels to examine the antimicrobial efficacy of AC. The studies performed for this thesis were conducted employing coconut-based AC and Noveon® AA-1 Polycarbophil USP or Carbopol® 974P NF hydrogels which, …
Utilizing The Oxygen-Barrier Properties Of Poly(Isobutylene) To Enhance Photon Upconversion In Thermoplastic Elastomers, Haley Carroll
Utilizing The Oxygen-Barrier Properties Of Poly(Isobutylene) To Enhance Photon Upconversion In Thermoplastic Elastomers, Haley Carroll
Honors Theses
Upconversion (UC) is the conversion of low energy light to higher energy light. It is utilized for a broad range of applications such as solar energy harvesting, microscopy of cellular biology, and cancer therapy. Specifically, triplet-triplet annihilation UC (TTA-UC) involves two dye species, a sensitizer and an annihilator, which are capable of upconverting noncoherent light such as sunlight. Traditionally, TTA-UC is achieved in solution, rubbers, or glasses, however, this work probes the capabilities of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) matrix to examine the effect of phase-separated morphology on the energy transfers necessary for TTA-UC. The system herein consists of poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) (SIBstar) …
Effects Of Static Mixer Geometry On Polyurethane Properties, Christian R. Dixon
Effects Of Static Mixer Geometry On Polyurethane Properties, Christian R. Dixon
Honors Theses
The field of additive manufacturing has gained significant academic interest in the past few decades with a recently developed type of three-dimensional (3D) printing. Reactive extrusion additive manufacturing combines precursor materials within a static mixer (SM) head, where polymerization begins before deposition. Variable static mixer geometries currently exist, but the relationship between mixer geometry and post-polymerization mechanical properties is undefined. To elucidate this relationship, a series of experiments with identical chemistry was performed using a high shear SM, a low shear SM, and a comparative batch reaction. While higher shear mixing trends with faster polymerization for step-growth polymerizations, consistent precursor …
Determination Of Hydrogel Degradation By Passive Mechanical Testing, Avery Rosh-Gorsky
Determination Of Hydrogel Degradation By Passive Mechanical Testing, Avery Rosh-Gorsky
Honors Theses
This paper details a new technique to measure the mechanical properties of ETTMP PEGDA hydrogels using Hertz Contact Theory and simultaneously analyze both the model drug release and gel erosion in situ. This method involves curing a drug loaded hydrogel in a standard cuvette and placing a glass bead and phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Over time, the cross-linked network of the hydrogel breaks down, and, as a result, the ball sinks into the hydrogel. This method provides a macroscopic and inexpensive way to continuously and passively measure properties of the hydrogel as the hydrogel degrades. By plotting both the …
Tailoring Photodegradation Rates Of Acetal-Containing Polymer Networks, Michael Sandoz
Tailoring Photodegradation Rates Of Acetal-Containing Polymer Networks, Michael Sandoz
Honors Theses
In this thesis, we explore the degradation of poly (thioether acetal) thermosets via a photoinduced thiol-catalyzed ß-scission of acetal linkages incorporated as network crosslink junctions. Specifically, a library of bis-allyl acetal-containing monomers derived from para-substituted benzaldehydes was synthesized and formulated into photopolymerizable thiol-ene resins with commercially available thiol monomers. By varying the electron donating or withdrawing nature of the monomer substituent, we explored the impact of substituent effects on the rate of polymer degradation. Furthermore, we compare the results to those expected from a classical Hammett-type relationship of substituent electronic effects. FTIR was employed to track the appearance of the …
Selfsame Epoxide-Amine Microparticle Systems: Investigation Of Crosslink Density, John J. Peyrefitte
Selfsame Epoxide-Amine Microparticle Systems: Investigation Of Crosslink Density, John J. Peyrefitte
Honors Theses
Epoxide-amine matrix materials containing microparticles with the same chemical composition provide a model system to study interphase formation in highly crosslinked epoxide-amine matrix materials. The epoxide monomer was varied between three different monomer systems to study the model system’s relationship with crosslink density. The same amine monomer, cure procedure, and stoichiometric ratio of epoxide and amine groups were used to prepare each type of microparticle and matrix material. The differences in the epoxide monomer structure affected the crosslink density of the unmodified matrix material, which was concluded to influence the effect of microparticle presence on crosslink density. For the unmodified …
Thiol-Induced Degradation Of Hydrogels Utilizing Multiresponsive Dithiomaleimides Crosslinkers, Kundu Thapa
Thiol-Induced Degradation Of Hydrogels Utilizing Multiresponsive Dithiomaleimides Crosslinkers, Kundu Thapa
Honors Theses
Hydrogels are hydrophilic, three-dimensional materials used as platforms for various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, biosensors, or as scaffolds in tissue engineering. The ability to degrade on demand in response to biological cues is particularly attractive whether dealing with microgels or if one aims to release an active ingredient from a scaffolding material. For instance, many cancer-remediation drug delivery platforms leverage the high concentration of glutathione, a thiol-containing tripeptide, found in cancerous cells. In this work, poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate hydrogels were fabricated using dithiomaleimide (DTM) moieties. DTMs are known to undergo thiol-exchange reactions favoring the dissolution of the hydrogel …
Design Process Of A Novel Dynamic Mechanical Analysis Sample Preparation Methodology, Julian M. Richardson
Design Process Of A Novel Dynamic Mechanical Analysis Sample Preparation Methodology, Julian M. Richardson
Honors Theses
The technique of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) has been a frontrunner in the field of polymer science for decades. It’s used as a tool for characterization has been integral in mankind’s understanding of the properties of polymeric materials. The procedure for obtaining data using DMA is widespread and standardized, however the procedure for preparing the samples is a list of dimensions and tolerances with no mention of how to obtain said dimensions. Every research group using DMA is left to their own devices to prepare samples. This discontinuity can create the problem of nonuniform results across the scientific community. This …
Improved Data Acquisition Using A Novel Dynamic Mechanical Analysis Sample Preparation Technique: The Numbers Do Not Lie, Jordan J. Winetrout
Improved Data Acquisition Using A Novel Dynamic Mechanical Analysis Sample Preparation Technique: The Numbers Do Not Lie, Jordan J. Winetrout
Honors Theses
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a technique commonly used to identify the thermomechanical properties of polymeric materials. In the aerospace industry, a typical DMA sample is a glassy epoxy-amine polymer network. On a laboratory scale, these types of materials are cured in a silicon mold and sanded by hand to yield a sample with testable dimensions. This preparation technique is time consuming and causes sample imperfections which negatively affects data acquisition. This thesis aims to absolve the issues with DMA sample preparation by using a custom vacuum housing and a DeWALTTM brand orbital sander. This novel approach has been …
Characterization And Selection Of Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene Polymers For High-Strain Applications, Nathaniel Prine
Characterization And Selection Of Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene Polymers For High-Strain Applications, Nathaniel Prine
Honors Theses
Understanding the behavior of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a composite matrix is imperative for the development of future military and aerospace munition technology. As a vital component of solid rocket fuel, HTPB strongly contributes to the fatigue behavior, burn-rate, and other properties that can cause critical failure of the rocket if not formulated properly. The purpose of this research is to identify traits characteristic of poor-performing HTPB matrices by analyzing two samples labeled as either “good” or “bad” based on their performance as a fuel matrix. Samples were analyzed via 1H NMR and GPC to determine their epoxy content, hydroxyl …
Corner Sealants For Tactical Shelters, Janine Carlita Nowak
Corner Sealants For Tactical Shelters, Janine Carlita Nowak
Honors Theses
The demand for a lightweight, easy-assembly tactical shelter is high for those faced with unexpected disasters and global conflicts. This project focuses on designing and prototyping the corner sealant for such a shelter. Two materials were chosen and tested: an in-house thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and Texin 950. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was performed on both of these materials. The in-house TPU showed initial degradation at 282.50 °C and sample degradation at 457.45 °C. Similarly, Texin 950 showed initial degradation at 293.68 °C and sample degradation at 453.26 °C. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was then run. The crystallization temperature (Tc) was observed …
The Effect Of Cure Rate On Glassy Polymer Networks, Kristen M. Van De Voorde
The Effect Of Cure Rate On Glassy Polymer Networks, Kristen M. Van De Voorde
Honors Theses
The formation of glassy polymer networks such as epoxy-amine systems may be altered by varying the temperature ramp rate that is used to cure the system. As a result, the physical and mechanical properties of the network may be changed. This work synthesized the epoxy resins diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with the amine curing agent 4,4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (4,4’-DDS) from 35°C to 180°C using varying temperature ramp rates. Mechanical and structural properties of these samples were then analyzed to determine the effect the different temperature ramp rates had on the formation and properties of the thermoset matrix. These aspects …
Synthesis Of Acceptors For Use In Donor-Acceptor Copolymers And Characterization Of These Polymers, William D. Walker
Synthesis Of Acceptors For Use In Donor-Acceptor Copolymers And Characterization Of These Polymers, William D. Walker
Honors Theses
In this thesis, a selenium-derivatized acceptor was synthesized to examine the heavy atom effects of selenium on the position of the frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO/LUMO band gap) as opposed to sulfur in a donor-acceptor copolymer for use in light harvesting and detection applications. Over the course of this research, standard operating protocols for ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis-NIR) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies, as well as cyclic voltammetry (CV) characterization techniques were established. Once synthesized, the polymers were characterized through use of the established characterization protocols. The selenium-derivatized polymer exhibited a bathochromic shift compared to the sulfur analogue, with a solid-state absorption …