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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Synthesis Of A Silsesquioxane Based Supramolecular Polymer, Rachel Bianculli Apr 2018

Synthesis Of A Silsesquioxane Based Supramolecular Polymer, Rachel Bianculli

Honors Projects

Research toward smart materials, specifically self-healing polymers, is an expanding topic within the materials science field. These materials rely heavily on dynamic crosslinking that is achieved by inducing different degrees of hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, etc. This work, demonstrated by research previously done within the Ostrowski research group, shows how coordination bonds of transition metals have been shown to create light activated, self-healing properties. Work done with these light-activated chromium (III) complexes with a poly(butylyene-co-ethylene) backbone have shown how metal—ligand coordination geometries can tune mechanical properties of the polymeric material. However, these materials suffer from being incredibly soft …


Silver Nanoparticles As A Potential Solar Absorber, Benjamin Hardy May 2017

Silver Nanoparticles As A Potential Solar Absorber, Benjamin Hardy

Honors Projects

This work reports the development of Silver nanoparticles implanted into a polymer as a solar absorber. The plasmonic nature of silver nanoparticle allows for adjustments to be made in its UV-VIS-NIR absorbance spectrum. A combination of different sized/shaped particles could result in ideal absorption of the majority of the solar spectrum. Allotting this with the stability of a polymer leads to potential solids or solutions that could work as a solar absorber. Tests were also performed to determine whether or not UV-C irradiation during synthesis effects the characteristics of silver nanoparticles, in particular the absorbance. Successful synthesis of silver nanoparticle …


Conversion Of Cafo Manure Into A Slow-Release Fertilizer, Richard Allan Williams Iii May 2016

Conversion Of Cafo Manure Into A Slow-Release Fertilizer, Richard Allan Williams Iii

Honors Projects

Alginate polymer is known to form gel through the process of Ionotropic gelation. By use of extrusion and diffusion setting manure was encapsulated into gel beads. These beads were then tested to determine their potential for further testing as a manure treatment process. From the limited data in this preliminary study, it appears as though there is potential for further testing of alginate beads as a treatment process for manure. The treatment is potentially valuable because of the ease of filtration of the alginate beads, the low cost of transportation of the dehydrated beads, and because the limited data suggests …