Polymer and Organic Materials Commons^™

Settling Method For Decolorization Of Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene, Adham E. Norkobilov, Ravshan I. Adilov, Bobur B. Aykhodjaev, Saparboy B. Yuldoshev, Lobar Sh. Kholmirzayeva

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

This study investigates the bleaching of low molecular weight polyethylene (LMWPE) by the settling (sedimentation) method. LMWPE is a by-product of polyethylene production whose discoloration is associated with trace amounts of conjugated, oxidized, and polar micro-fractions. The research was conducted in three stages: selection of the appropriate sample grade, determination of the optimal settling time, and evaluation of the temperature effect on the settling process. Results showed that only Grade-1 LMWPE samples are suitable for the settling method; Grade-2 samples yielded insufficient results and are recommended for bentonite adsorption treatment instead. Optimal settling conditions were established as 150 °C for …

Structural And Physico-Mechanical Properties Of Geomembranes Based On Recycled Polyolefins Modified With Argillite From The Sherabad Deposit, Munisa N. Davronova, Furqat B. Eshkurbonov, Azim P. Khamidov, Asal A. Ashurova, Raykhona I. Abdullayeva

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

This study investigated the effect of argillite, sourced from the local Sherabad deposit and modified with maleic anhydride, on the physical and mechanical properties of geomembranes based on recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE), recycled low-density polyethylene (r-LDPE), and recycled polypropylene (r-PP). Maleic anhydride was used as a compatibilizer to ensure interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix in the hydrophilic filler and the layered aluminosilicates, and to promote the uniform distribution of mineral particles. The experimental results showed that hybrid modification makes it possible to elevate the strength properties of all types of recycled polymers to the level of their virgin (pure) …

Sla Elastic Resin Curing Test Data, Richard Amesimenu, Johnson Nwogu, Haijun Gong

Datasets

3D printing via stereolithography (SLA) enables high-resolution polymer components, but as-printed parts may exhibit incomplete polymerization and reduced mechanical performance. This study investigates the effects of UV post-curing time on SLA-printed elastic photopolymer resin. Specimens were evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), uniaxial tensile testing (ASTM D412 Type C), and Durometer Type M hardness testing. Results show that increased post-curing enhances crosslink density, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and hardness, while extended curing may reduce ductility. An optimal post-curing window balancing stiffness and flexibility was identified. Testing datasets include DSC (dsc/), tensile testing (tensile/), and hardness testing (hardness/) results for uncured …

Electrospinning Of Covalent Organic Frameworks (Cofs) For Adsorption Of Heavy Metal Ions, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

This study reported the synthesis, electrospinning, and heavy metal adsorption of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) integrated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofibers. COF-1 and COF-2 were synthesized by solvothermal and reflux techniques, respectively, and subsequently incorporated into PMMA via electrospinning with different loadings (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%). The synthesized PMMA_COF nanofibers were analyzed utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). PMMA_COF nanofibers with fiber diameters of 350-450 nm were obtained. The structural and morphological investigations validated the effective integration of COFs into the PMMA matrix, with COF-1 demonstrating superior dispersion …

Patterns Of Alcolysis Of Secondary Polyethylene Terephthalate With Diethylene Glycol, Juraev B. Juraev, Murafar G. Alimuhamedov, Ravshan I. Adilov, Bobir B. Aykhodjaev, Olga S. Kukurina

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of this work was to study the process of alcoholysis of recycled polyethylene terephthalate with diethylene glycol, as well as the structure and physicochemical properties of the final product. IR and PMR spectroscopy were used to study the structure and identify the structure of the products of RPET alcoholysis with diethylene glycol. As a result of  studies of the alcoholysis of polyethylene terephthalate-containing waste with diethylene glycol, a wide range of hydroxyl-containing oligoesters was synthesized. The possibility of changing their physicochemical properties by adjusting the process parameters was demonstrated. This makes it possible to synthesize hydroxyl-containing oligoesters with …

Tuning Ion Mobility And Molecular Confinement In High-Performance Polymer Electrolytes For Energy Storage, Ezzeldien Yousef Muhammed Yousef

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the critical energy density limitations of aqueous supercapacitors, which are traditionally constrained by the narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) of water 1.23 V. By employing two distinct molecular engineering strategies, this study developed high-performance electrolyte systems that significantly extend voltage stability and thermal resilience.

The first system, CsBr@PAM/HA, utilizes a polyacrylamide and hyaluronic acid hydrogel matrix. This system exploits the chaotropic nature of Cs⁺ ions to disrupt the aqueous hydrogen-bonding network, enhancing ionic conductivity to 104 mS cm^-1. Through systematic salt screening, CsBr was identified as the optimal electrolyte, enabling a stable 2.0 V …

Effect Of The Stacking Sequence And Number Of Ply Orientation In A Quasi-Isotropic Laminated Plate On In-Plane Shear Modulus And Failure Modes, Ann Larson

Master's Theses

Maximizing the shear modulus and strength, as well as predicting failure mode and location, when designing a stacking sequence of quasi-isotropic carbon fiber laminated plates is essential to predict stability, resistance to deformation, and overall stiffness of the structure. This research investigates the effect of the stacking sequence of quasi-isotropic laminated composite plate materials in accordance with ASTM D5379: Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Composite Materials by the V-Notched Beam Method.

In this research, experimental testing and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were first used on aluminum to validate the simulation process before applying it to composite materials. The …

Thermally Induced Color Changes In Iron Oxide Pigments Used In Architectural Coatings, Han Diep

Master's Theses

The 2025 Palisades Fire was one of the most destructive wildfires in the history of Los Angeles, destroying thousands of structures and severely impacting the communities after. This widespread destruction demonstrated an urgent need for more effective wildfire prevention strategies. Architectural coatings do not only provide aesthetics and protection against environmental conditions but can also function as a thermal indicator when a fire breaks out. This study examines the thermally induced color transformation of iron oxide pigments, commonly used in earthtone paint, to provide information relevant to CAL FIRE for improved analysis of wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire behavior and mitigation …

Plastic Material Analysis And Bonding In Small Aquatic Vessels, Andrew R. Orr

Honors College Theses

This project presents the design and development of a suitable vessel for small-scale aquatic applications. The developed project is used for a remote-controlled duck hunting system, and the parameters of the design are based on the requirements for the system as a whole. Traditionally, plastics are fabricated using blow molding to create a single seamless form. However, for small-scale prototyping with limited resources, this method of fabrication is unsustainable for short-term, non-industrial design applications. As a result, an existing longer hull is selected and shortened to meet the required project length. The project evaluates multiple initial hull designs, ultimately selecting …

Recycling 3d Printing Waste In The Binghamton University Makerlab, Kevin Tejera

Library Research Scholars Program Spring 2026

3D printing is an important part of many university makerspaces. However, it comes with negative environmental consequences, including polylactic acid (PLA) filament waste. Currently, the MakerLab at Binghamton University has no closed-loop recycling system, leading to large quantities of used filament being sent to landfills, where it contributes to greenhouse gases and microplastic production.

This research project looks at the feasibility of an in-house PLA filament recycling program by examining the mechanical recycling process, cost/equipment needs, contamination issues, available space, and the effect of repeated recycling on the filament. An economic analysis will be completed through a break-even analysis and …

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 Of Hybrid Self-Cleaning Coating Using Lanthanide-Based Light Spectral Response Material To Enhance Photovoltaic (Pv) Panel Efficiency In Operational Environment, Khishn Kumar Kandiah

Student Works (2020-2029)

The efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels is crucial, as solar energy has become an alternative energy source that meets today’s global energy demands. Hence, dust accumulation and spectral mismatch have major effects on the efficiency of PV panels, around 20 %, but in extreme situations, this can reach up to 64 %. Therefore, initiatives are underway to address these issues, including PV cooling systems, conventional cleaning methods, and various coatings to enhance efficiency. In this work, a novel coating is fabricated with high transparency, excellent self-cleaning properties, and good spectral-modifying properties. Two types of powder composites are employed in this …

Adsorption Of Pfas On Bridged Functionalized Organosilica Materials, Elisha Lawerh Kabutey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PFAS are hazardous contaminants that have a devastating impact on human health and the environment. Their hazardous nature has led to the development of various adsorption methods for removing these contaminants from water sources. In this study, functionalized organosilica materials were synthesized from bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] amine using the sol-gel method. The surface amino groups of the organosilica were converted into amine hydrochloride groups. Their adsorption properties were evaluated using salts of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid. Results showed excellent adsorption capacity of the materials. Adsorption of PFAS leads to particle agglomeration and flotation of the spent material. A column …

Engineering Silicone Magnetic Fluids For Localized Radiation Attenuation During Ocular Melanoma Brachytherapy, Zachary L. Caprow

All Dissertations

Ocular melanoma is commonly treated using plaque brachytherapy; however, radiation-induced damage to healthy ocular tissues frequently results in partial or complete vision loss. This work investigates the development of an injectable, magnetically responsive silicone magnetic fluid designed to localize adjacent to the tumor and attenuate low-energy gamma radiation during treatment.

The material system consists of iron oxide nanoparticles surface-functionalized with a siloxane polymer, in which the nanoparticles provide magnetic responsiveness and radiation attenuation, while the polymer coating ensures colloidal stability, injectability, and biocompatibility. A one-pot synthetic approach was developed wherein a functionalized siloxane polymer containing iron-affinitive groups was reacted with …

Polymer Microstructures For Advanced Biomanufacturing, Tongyao Wu

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

With the continued growth of the biopharmaceutical industry, the demand for scalable, robust, and resource-efficient platforms for large-scale mammalian cell culture is amplified. Recent developments in microfluidic technology, such as precise control of the microenvironment, showed the potential to improve the performance of cell culture systems. However, constrained by scalability and operational efficiency, applying such approaches to large-scale cell culture and biopharmaceutical production presents challenges. This dissertation addresses these challenges through three independent but conceptually related technological developments. First, a roll-to-roll (R2R) fabrication process was developed for the scalable production of hollow microcarriers (HMCs). HMCs provide three-dimensional microenvironments suitable for …

Co-Electrospinning Polyacrylonitrile (Pan) / Polymer Of Intrinsic Microporosity-1 (Pim-1) For Electrochemical-Based Sensor For Pyridine Detection And Absorption, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

The electrospinning of the polymer of intrinsic microporosity-1 (PIM-1) poses challenges due to its limited solubility and tendency to form bead-like structures at high concentrations. This work details the synthesis and analysis of electrospun composite fibers made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and PIM-1 for electrochemical applications. The data analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of PIM-1 into the PAN matrix. The fiber characteristics were significantly influenced by PIM-1 loading (1–10%), resulting in fiber diameters ranging from 0.8 to 1.7 μm. A 10% concentration of PIM-1 results in the formation of macropores with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1.7 μm. Optical analysis using …

Fly Ash Proppant Developed For Hydraulic Fracturing, Raz Rzgar Haydar

Theses and Dissertations

Proppants are critical components in hydraulic fracturing, used to maintain fracture conductivity and enhance reservoir stimulation. In high-pressure and harsh reservoir environments, the use of high-strength proppants is essential to ensure well performance. Conventional proppants, being sand, ceramic, and sintered bauxite can be expensive, and their use often requires costly fracture fluids. This study investigates the possibility of utalizing fly ash geopolymers as a sustainable alternative that is also cost-effective for proppants manufacturing. Fly ash, a by-product from the combustion of coal and other materials, was explored as a base material for proppants, utilizing an alkaline solution as an activator …

Copper Metal Organic Framework-Based Nanomaterial For Non-Enzymatic Glucose Electrochemical Sensor, Sameha Mohamed Sadek

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensors by engineering advanced electrode materials based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Conventional enzymatic glucose sensors, although widely used, suffer from inherent limitations, including poor long-term stability, narrow operating conditions, and sensitivity to environmental factors, due to their reliance on biological enzymes. Non-enzymatic sensors offer a more robust alternative by enabling direct electrochemical oxidation of glucose on engineered electrode surfaces. MOFs represent a highly tunable class of hybrid materials with structural and chemical features that are ideal for sensor applications, including a high surface area, tailored porosity, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. …

Modulation Of Prussian Blue Redox Signaling By Molecular Imprinting For Reagent-Free Electrochemical Detection Of Emtricitabine, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Reagent-free electrochemical sensors offer significant benefits for rapid, affordable point-of-care drug testing. In this study, we introduce a novel, reagent-free electrochemical sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) specifically designed for the selective detection of Emtricitabine (FTC), a common antiretroviral used in HIV therapy. The sensor uses laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes, renowned for their high conductivity and porosity, ideal for electrochemical sensing. To enable reagent-free operation, the LIG surface was electrochemically coated with Prussian Blue, serving as a redox-active layer. Next, an MIP-PPy film was electropolymerized onto the Prussian Blue surface in the presence of FTC as a template, …

Sulfhydryl-Functionalized Diarylethenes: Synthesis, Photoswitching, And Fluorescent Properties, Pramod Aryal, Jonathan Bietsch, Gowri Sankar Grandhi, Josh Choi, Guijun Wang

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Sulfhydryl group (SH) plays important roles in reactions with various functional groups, especially in biologically active systems. Photoswitchable diarylethene (DAE) derivatives have demonstrated applications in many research fields. Among the many classes of diarylethene derivatives, thiol derivatives have not been extensively explored. In this study, we systematically synthesized and characterized a series of bis-thiol functionalized dithienylethene derivatives. The thiol groups in this series are attached directly to the thiophene, or through a phenyl or methylene linker. Each series incorporated both dithienyl cyclopentene and hexafluorocyclopentene bridges and total six thiol substituted diarylethenes were synthesized. Among the six sulfhydryl DAE derivatives, four …