This thesis reports the effects of incorporating graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) to epoxy-carbon fibre (CF) laminates to produce multiscale composites. A grade of epoxy resin typical for the application in aerospace engineering, triglycidyl-p-aminophenol (TGPAP), was used in this work cured with 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS). To improve the processability of TGPAP, a diluent, the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBF), was added to formulations. Compositions of TGPAP/DGEBF/DDS were optimised using response surface methodology (RSM) with the target response being to obtain high glass transition temperature (Tg) and low resin viscosity. From RSM, the optimum values were obtained at 55.6 wt. % of DGEBF and a stoichiometric ratio of 0.60. Before addition into epoxy, GNPs were treated either covalently using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) or non-covalently using a commercial surfactant, Triton X-100 (abbreviated as A-GNPs and T-GNPs, respectively). After treatment, XPS analysis showed a new peak at 100 eV for A-GNPs indicating silicon and the C/O ratio increased from 11.0 to 26.2 for T-GNPs relative to unmodified GNPs (U-GNPs), suggesting attachment of the modifier molecules had occurred. Nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by incorporate GNPs into epoxy using mechanical mixing. Rheological percolation threshold of GNP-epoxy suspensions were determined using oscillatory-shear rheometry as 3.9 wt. % for AR-GNPs, 3.6 wt. % for U-GNPs, 3.2 wt. % for A-GNPs and 3.5 wt. % for T-GNPs, suggesting surface treatment improved dispersion. At 4 wt. % of GNPs, flexural strain of NCs was decreased relative to neat epoxy by 46% for AR-GNPs, 48.6% for U-GNPs, 4.6% for A-GNPs and 30.8% for T-GNPs but flexural moduli showed small increases of 6.1-7.4%. Fracture toughness (K1C) also improved. For example, the K1C increased from 0.80 ± 0.04 MPa.m1/2 for neat epoxy to 1.32 ± 0.01 MPa.m1/2 for NCs containing 6 wt. % of U-GNPs possibly due to the branching of cracks resulting from the embedded GNPs. Due to their mechanical performance, A-GNPs were used to fabricate epoxy/CF/A-GNPs multiscale composites. Multiscale composites showed inferior properties relative to a comparable conventional composite in flexural testing, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and interlaminar fracture toughness mode II (G11C) due to weaker bonding at the matrix-CF interface. However, multiscale composites showed ~40% higher capability than conventional composite to absorb energy during impact due to greater interfaces formed by the inclusion of A-GNPs into the system.

2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) is a pervasive carcinogenic water contaminant found in a wide variety of water and waste systems and is a pertinent model compound of broader aromatic organics, specifically organo-halide pesticides. These compounds are persistent in the environment and show resilience to regular water and waste treatment protocols thus warranting the development and implementation of novel treatment materials for improved contaminant removal. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) has demonstrated the ability to remove or degrade a wide variety of inorganic and organic water contaminants, including chlorophenols, and has been widely applied for in-situ groundwater remediation where contamination is often localised in a low-oxygen environment. ZVI's broader applications in water treatment have remained mainly limited due to corrosion, particle dispersion, and confinement issues in deployment. This work, therefore, explored the development, functionality, and potential application of new modified nZVI materials (nZVI-Osorb) and assessed their potential to improve iron's intrinsic functionality while also gauging the material's viability for TCP remediation in water and waste systems. Materials produced in this thesis were prepared utilising three different embedment procedures (1-pot, multiple additions, oxygen-free). All embedment methods resulted in tightly bound composites featuring high surface areas (340.2-449.1 sq. m/g) with net iron composition ranging from 10% to 29.78% by mass. Electron imaging microscopy verified even dispersion of iron throughout the substrate. Composite materials did not exhibit a delayed rate of atmospheric corrosion over nZVI controls evincing an 18% nZVI0 loss per day until reaching a stabilised concentration (7%) after 48 hrs. nZVI-Osorb composites did produce more favourable iron oxide species which remain conducive to electron transfer from core Fe0 atom. After 50 days, a majority of nZVI in nZVI-Osorb had oxidised to maghemite (30%) and magnetite (26%) compared to control nZVI producing 19% and 12% respectively. Unreactive hematite accounted for 47% of the control and just 36% of the composite. While 1-pot embedment allowed the most substantial control over final iron composition, the oxygen-free method allowed the most reliable preservation of initial nZVI0 concentrations through restricted oxidation. Materials generated through oxygen-free embedment were utilised in the following water treatment trials with TCP. Parameters related to sorption and degradation mechanisms of TCP by nZVI-Osorb were tested in aerobic conditions, e.g. surface and potable water. nZVI-Osorb materials demonstrated high extraction capacity for TCP from aqueous solutions (Qe=1286.4 ± 13.5 mg TCP/g Osorb, Qe=1253 ± 106.7 mg TCP/g nZVI-Osorb, pH 5.1, 120mg/L TCP) and followed pseudo second order kinetics. In the broader class of chlorophenols, sorptive affinity mirrored partitioning values with highly substituted chlorophenols displaying the highest sorption capacities. Degradation of TCP by nZVI-Osorb or nZVI controls was not observed due to corrosive hindrance and inadequate reductive capacity, suggesting that materials may not be suitable for highly aerated surface and potable water treatment systems. Environmental conditions pertinent to sorption and degradation mechanisms were evaluated to improve understanding and robustness of functionality in low-oxygen applications, such as wastewater and anaerobic digesters, where nZVI-Osorb treatment is anticipated to be advantageous to TCP sorption and methane production. pH was found to influence sorption dramatically. Acidic solutions below 5 found sorption > 90%. This capacity was reduced to < 30% when pH was raised above TCP pKa value (6.23) to 7 and above. Further trials found a positive effect on TCP sorption (+7.55%) linked to net pH reduction (5.1 to 3.3) with the addition of secondary acids (volatile fatty acids: acetic, propionic, butyric, 3x 100mg/L) commonly found in anaerobic digester systems. Salinity did not affect TCP sorption. The removal of dissolved and atmospheric oxygen increased total sorption (40ppm-+1.94%, 100ppm- +7.93%, 200ppm- +0.89%, 400mg/L- +14.59%) through reduced iron corrosion and the production of favorable iron oxides, but did not facilitate contaminant degradation. Biodegradation mechanisms for TCP have broadly been established, and new research has supported the improved cometabolic degradation of recalcitrant contaminants like TCP and PCP in nZVI-dosed anaerobic digesters. Model anaerobic digester systems (3.9 g/L nZVI-Osorb, 25mg/L TCP, 240 mg/L acetic, 120mg/L propionic, 120mg/L butyric acid) containing bioreactor sludge (62.5%) were observed through standard water quality diagnostics (pH, ORP, COD, head pressure) for 14 days and suggested that nZVI-Osorb did not inhibit cellular processes. Increased electron activity from iron corrosion and hydrogen gas production, increased overall pH and decreased total ORP in these AD systems. TCP degradation by-products (DCP, CP) were detected in dilute concentrations (< 0.01 mg/L) with poor recovery by LC-MS/MS. Results suggest that nZVIOsorb may be well-suited additive for AD systems. This study contributes to knowledge of the properties, functionality, and treatment mechanisms of metal-sorbent composites with a model chlorinated aromatic water contaminant in aerobic and anaerobic environments. The work identifies favourable environmental and process conditions to apply these materials in larger scale applications, particularly, anaerobic digestion and provides support for the continued refinement and improvement of nZVI based remediation systems.

Este trabalho apresenta estudos sobre a síntese química do PEDOT com o objetivo de desenvolver diferentes arquiteturas e propriedades para melhorar a taxa de degradabilidade deste polímero. As estratégias foram as preparações de uma blenda, um copolímero e um nanocompósito. O estudo foi iniciado pela síntese química oxidativa do PEDOT (poli (3,4- etilenodioxitiofeno)) em microestruturas utilizando condições brandas e ambientalmente amigáveis, porém o material obtido não apresentou solubilidade e boas condições de se produzir um filme. Então foi sintetizado quimicamente o PEDOT dopado com PSS (poli estireno sulfonado) (PEDOT:PSS), o mesmo foi usado para preparar blendas com o PLGA (poli (ácido láctico-co-glicólico), para melhorar sua degradabilidade. Foi possível produzir um filme fino e nanoestruturado através de deposição eletrostática camada por camada (LBL) que pode ser utilizado para modificação de eletrodos ou de suportes tridimensionais para engenharia celular. Para garantir a degradabilidade do material, foi realizada a síntese de copolímeros de PEDOT e PLLA (poli(lactídeo)) em que foi variada a proporção de PEDOT na cadeia polimérica. Os copolímeros foram caracterizados por IV, RMN, UV, análises térmicas e submetidos a testes de degradabilidade e de viabilidade celular, apresentando excelentes resultados. Foi possível a obtenção de microfibras deste material. A outra alternativa estudada foi a síntese de um nanocompósito, preparado através da síntese química do PEDOT, partindo do monômero EDOT (3,4- etilenodioxitiofeno)usando HAuCl4 como oxidante e NaPSS como dopante e dispersante. O nanocompósito obtido foi caracterizado apresentando diâmetros médio próximos de 4 nm e com uma estrutura caroço-casca, apresentando nanopartícula de ouro como caroço e o polímero PEDOT:PSS como casca. Foram obtidos filmes deste material por deposição por evaporação de solvente, LBL, utilizando como policátion o PDDA (cloreto de poli (dialil dimetil amônio)) e quitosana, e por deposição eletroforética, que apresentou excelentes propriedades eletrocrômicas como rápidos tempos de respostas com bons contrastes ópticos / This work presents studies about the chemical synthesis of PEDOT (Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) with the aim of preparing different architectures and properties to improvement the degradability rate of this polymer. The strategies used to achieve this pupose were the preparation of polymer blends, copolymers and nanocomposites. The study was started by the chemical synthesis of microstructures PEDOT in mild and environment friendly conditions, but the material did not show solubility which enable film formation. Then, PEDOT was synthetized by chemical synthesis doped with PSS (poly(styrene sulfonic acid)), (PEDOT:PSS) to prepare blends with PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) to improve its degradability. It was possible to prepare a thin and nanostructured film, by electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition (LBL), which could be used for electrodes or scaffold surface modification. In order to ensure the material\'s degradability, PEDOT and PLLA (poly(lactide)) copolymers were prepared, changing PEDOT proportion in the polymeric structure. The copolymers were characterized by, IR, NMR, UV, thermal analysis and then degradability and cell viability tests, which shown important results. Fibers were able to be obtained with these materials. The next strategy was the preparation of a nanocomposite by one-spot chemical synthesis, initiated by the monomer EDOT (3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene) using HAuCl4 as oxidant and NaPSS as both dopant and dispersant. The nanocomposite obtained was characterized showing diameter of around 4nm and a core-shell structure, with gold nanoparticle as core and PEDOT:PSS as the shell. Films were obtained by this material by casting, by LBL, using PDDA (Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride) and chitosan as polycations, and by electrophoretic deposition. The latter method shows excellent characteristics as fast response time with a good optical contrast

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Nanocompósitos de poliamida 6 (PA6) e montmorilonita modificada com sal de amônio quaternário têm sido estudados, visando melhorar as propriedades térmicas e mecânicas. De fato os efeitos da nano-escala e da interação carga-matriz resultam em maior módulo de elasticidade e resistência à tração, porém a deformação é reduzida. Assim, nesse trabalho, optou-se por adicionar elastômeros, terpolímero de etileno-propileno-dieno (EPDM) e terpolímero de etileno-propileno-dieno modificado com anidrido maleico (EPDM-MA), ao sistema PA 6/argila organofílica para recuperar os valores de deformação. Foi utilizada montmorilonita modificada com cloreto de dimetildioctadecil amônio. A intercalação por fusão foi realizada em câmara interna de mistura. Além das propriedades mecânicas, térmicas e reológicas, foram investigadas as modificações na cristalinidade da fase PA-6 em função da adição da argila modificada, EPDM e EPDM-MA, detectando-se as variações no grau de cristalinidade e nas temperaturas de fusão e cristalização. Os difratogramas de raios-x revelaram ocorrência de intercalação/esfoliação e também modificação da forma cristalina da PA 6, indicando a formação do cristal gama / Nanocomposites of polyamide 6 and montmorillonite modified with alquil-ammonium salts have been studied, searching for the improvement of mechanical and thermal properties. In fact the effects of the nano-scale and the interaction matrix-filler result in larger module of elasticity and tensile strength. However, the elongation at break was greatly reduced. Therefore, in this work, it has been decided to add elastomers, ethylene-proplene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) and ethylene-proplene-diene terpolymer funcionalized with maleic anhydride (EPDM-MA), to the system PA6/organoclay, using modified montmorillonite with ditallowdimethylammonium chloride. The nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation technique in a mix internal chamber. Besides the mechanical, thermal and rheological properties, the modifications in the crystallinity of PA6 phase were investigated, being detected the variations in the degree of crystallinity and in the melt temperature and crystallization. The diffractograms of x-ray (XRD) revealed occurrence of intercalation/exfoliation as well as modification of the crystalline form of PA 6, indicating the formation of &#61543; crystals

Submitted by Cássia Santos (cassia.bcufg@gmail.com) on 2017-07-10T11:42:20Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Raphael Lucas de Sousa e Silva - 2017.pdf: 3882688 bytes, checksum: 6b33233b331ed11ce579c9148910d0d4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-07-10T11:46:08Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Raphael Lucas de Sousa e Silva - 2017.pdf: 3882688 bytes, checksum: 6b33233b331ed11ce579c9148910d0d4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T11:46:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Raphael Lucas de Sousa e Silva - 2017.pdf: 3882688 bytes, checksum: 6b33233b331ed11ce579c9148910d0d4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-03 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Among the various iron oxides studied, a magnetite (Fe3O4) stands out due to its superparamagnetic behavior and its high biocompatibility. Luminescent properties working cooperatively in magnetic nanoparticles with which the material converts certain types of energy into emission of electromagnetic radiation at the same time, which enables an interaction by magnetic fields. In the present work, an investigation and structural, elemental and morphological analysis of superparamagnetic / luminescent particles formed by coating of iron oxide by an SiO2 base network was carried out. The Fe3O4 oxide was synthesized by the coprecipitation method, and in the Eu3+ rare earth together with the 1,10-phenanthroline linker in the network, were responsible for energy transfer processes in systems that checked as optical materials for materials. The nanocomposites synthesized obeyed the formation of a core-shell system and was verified by micrographs obtained by Electron Transmission Electron Microscopy, evidencing a formation of nanoparticles of varied sizes. As the compositions of the phases of the materials were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Radiated Spark Energy and Absorption Spectroscopy in the Infrared region, showing a crystal phase of the magnetic oxide and a formation of nanocomposite. The properties of interest (magnetism and photoluminescence) were evaluated and the respective results presented agreed with each other, with characteristic emissions of Eu3+ emitting a pink coloration, and an emission intensity for a concentration of this species in the material. The materials presented a superparamagnetic behavior, evidencing that the oxide coating did not change as Fe3O4 magnetic characteristics, and is in turn presented in a saturation magnetization of 55 emu / g with a magnetic domain of 8.9 nm. As nanoparticles have dimensions that indicate that a part has a magnetic domain. / Entre os diversos óxidos de ferro estudados, a magnetita (Fe3O4) destaca-se, devido ao seu comportamento superparamagnético e a sua alta biocompatibilidade. Propriedades luminescentes trabalhando de forma cooperativa em nanopartículas magnéticas faz com que o material converta certos tipos de energia em emissão de radiação eletromagnética ao mesmo tempo, que possibilita a interação por campos magnéticos. No presente trabalho, foi investigada a síntese e a caraceterização estrutural, elementar e morfológica de partículas superparamagnéticas/luminescentes formadas pelo revestimento do óxido de ferro por uma rede a base de SiO2. O óxido Fe3O4 foi sintetizado pelo método de coprecipitação, e o íon terra-rara Eu3+ juntamente com ligante 1,10-fenantrolina na rede, foram responsáveis por processos de transferência de energia inter e intrasistemas que conferiram as propriedades ópticas aos materiais. Os nanocompósitos sintetizados obedeceram a formação de um sistema core-shell sendo comprovado pelas micrografias obtidas por Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão, evidenciando a formação de nanopartículas de tamanhos variados. As composições das fases dos materiais foram caracterizadas por Difração de Raios X, Energia Dispersiva de Raios X e Espectroscopia de Absorção na região do Infravermelho, mostrando a fase cristalina do óxido magnético e a formação do nanocompósito. As propriedades de interesse (magnetismo e fotoluminescência) foram avaliadas e seus respectivos resultados apresentaram concordância entre si, com emissões características do íon Eu3+ emitindo uma coloração rosa, e a intensidade de emissão foi equivalente a concentração desta espécie no material. Os materiais apresentaram um comportamento superparamagnético, evidenciando que o recobrimento do óxido não alterou as características magnéticas do Fe3O4, e este por sua vez apresentou uma magnetização de saturação de 55 emu/g com domínio magnético de 8,9 nm. As nanopartículas apresentaram dimensões que indicaram que majoritariamente uma partícula possui apenas um domínio magnético.

Neste trabalho nanocompósitos de copolímero em bloco foram estudados. Os copolímeros em bloco utilizados foram o SEBS (poliestireno-b-poli(etileno-co-butileno)-b-poliestireno) e SEBSMA (que contém cerca de 2% de anidrido maléico no bloco de PEB) e as nanocargas argilas organofílicas: Cloisite 20A (modificada com 95 meg/100g de argila do sal di(alquil de sebo hidrogenado) dimetil amônio) e Cloisite 30B (modificada com 90 meq/100g de argila do sal (alquil de sebo) dihidroxietil metil amônio). Os nanocompósitos foram obtidos pelo método de mistura no estado fundido utilizando uma extrusora dupla rosca. Foram utilizados dois tipos de matrizes, sendo uma de filamento e a outra de fita. As microestruturas e propriedades dos materiais resultantes foram caracterizadas pelas técnicas de Espalhamento de Raios X a Baixo Ângulo (SAXS), Difração de Raios X (XRD), Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão (TEM). Foram realizados ensaios de Cisalhamento Oscilatório em Pequenas Amplitudes (SAOS) e Varredura de tempo (Time Sweep). Também, foram realizadas séries de ensaios reológicos para estudar um possível alinhamento das estruturas durante o fluxo. Em particular as amostras foram submetidas a Cisalhamento Oscilatório em Grandes Amplitudes (LAOS) e a estabilidade estrutural do material após o alinhamento. As amostras foram também testadas em fluxos extensionais utilizando-se uma geometria apropriada para gerar fluxos elongacionais. Esses últimos ensaios foram realizados utilizando dois tipos de amostras: amostras obtidas com a matriz de fita e cortadas paralelamente à direção do fluxo (longitudinal) ou perpendicularmente a direção do fluxo (transversal). As análises de caracterização estrutural (XRD e TEM) indicaram uma estrutura intercalada para o nanocompósito SEBS/20A, esfoliada para o SEBS-MA/20A e parcialmente esfoliada para o nanocompósito SEBS-MA/30B. Os resultados mostraram que as estruturas estão bem ordenadas com empacotamento hexagonal cilíndrico para ambos os copolímeros e nanocompósitos. Os resultados de caracterização estrutural mostraram que o processo de extrusão alinhou os cilindros (PS) na direção do fluxo de extrusão e as partículas de argila também sofreram uma orientação preferencial em menor escala. A caracterização reológica das amostras em cisalhamento mostrou que as morfologias dos nanocompósitos são estáveis com o tempo de cisalhamento, e permitiu confirmar as morfologias dos nanocompósitos. Os ensaios reológicos mostraram que é possível orientar as morfologias em cisalhamento e extensão. / In this work nanocomposites block copolymer were studied. The block copolymers used were SEBS (polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene) and SEBS-MA (containing about 2% of maleic anhydride in the block EB), the nanocharges were organoclays namely: Cloisite 20A (modified with 95 meg/100g clay salt di (hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium) and Cloisite 30B (modified with 90 meq/100 g clay salt (tallow alkyl) methyl ammonium dihidroxietil). The nanocomposites were obtained by melt mixing using a twin-screw extruder. Two types of matrices, filament and ribbon were used. The microstructures and properties of the resulting materials were characterized by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (SAOS) and Time Sweep were carried out. Sequences of rheological tests were conducted to study a possible alignment of the structures during flow. In particular, the samples were submitted to Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (LAOS) and recovery. The samples were also tested in extensional flows using an appropriate geometry. These latest tests were conducted using two types of samples: tape samples cut along the flow direction (longitudinal) or cut perpendicular to the flow direction (transverse). The analysis of structural characterization (XRD and TEM) indicated an intercaled structure of the nanocomposite SEBS/20A, exfoliated for SEBS-MA/20A and partially exfoliated nanocomposite for SEBS-MA/30B. The results showed that the structures are well ordered with hexagonal cylindrical packing for both copolymers and nanocomposites. The results of structural characterization showed that the extrusion process aligned cylinders (PS) in the flow direction of extrusion and the clay particles also suffered a preferred orientation on a smaller scale. The rheological characterization of the samples in shear showed that the morphologies of the nanocomposites are stable with time of shearing, and it confirmed the morphologies of the nanocomposites. The rheological tests showed that it is possible to guide the morphologies in shear and extension.

Neste trabalho, pós magnéticos nanoestruturados de PrxFe94-xB6 (x = 6, 8, 10 e 12) foram preparados a partir da combinação do processo de hidrogenação, desproporção, dessorção e recombinação (HDDR) e moagem de alta energia entre uma liga em estado bruto de fusão (Pr14Fe80B6) e Fe-&alpha; em pó. As nanopartículas produzidas apresentaram propriedades magnéticas e microestruturais comparáveis aos estudos realizados em hipertermia. O tempo ideal para obtenção de nanopartículas magnéticas é de 5 horas (a 900 rpm). Foi constatado que quanto maior o tempo de moagem, maior o percentual de carbono nas partículas (0,05 - 3,43 % C). O carbono é proveniente do ácido oléico adicionado como surfactante na etapa de moagem. Os nanocompósitos obtidos exibiram forças coercivas entre 80 Oe (6,5 kAm-1) e 170 Oe (13,5 kAm-1), e momentos magnéticos variando entre 81 - 129 Am2kg-1. A partir da difração de raios X foram identificadas apenas duas fases em todas as amostras: Fe-&alpha; e a fase magnética Pr2Fe14B. Nanopartículas isoladas com diâmetro aproximado de 20nm foram analisadas. Todas as composições estudadas apresentaram aquecimento proveniente da exposição a um campo magnético alternado (f = 222 kHz e Hmax ~3,7 kAm-1) comparáveis aos reportados na literatura. As variações de temperaturas (&Delta;T) dos pós foram: 51 K referente à composição de Pr6Fe88B6, 41 K para Pr8Fe86B6, 38 K no composto com 10% at. Pr (Pr10Fe84B6) e 34 K em Pr12Fe82B6. As taxas de absorção específicas estimadas foram de 201 Wkg-1 para a composição Pr6Fe88B6, 158 Wkg-1 para a composição Pr8Fe86B6 e 114 Wkg-1 para as composições Pr10Fe84B6 e Pr12Fe82B6. / In this work, PrxFe94-xB6 (x = 6, 8, 10 and 12) nanostructured powders were prepared by a combination of hydrogenation, disproportionation, desorption and recombination (HDDR) process with high energy milling applied to the mixture of an as-cast alloy (Pr14Fe80B6) and &alpha;-Fe. The produced nanoparticles showed magnetic properties comparable to those reported in hyperthermia studies. The optimal time to obtain the magnetic nanoparticles is 5 hours (at 900 rpm). It was verified that longer milling times cause an increase in carbon percentage on the particles. The carbon is derived from oleic acid added as a surfactant in the milling step. The nanocomposites exhibit coercive force ranging from 80 Oe (6.5 kAm-1) to 170 Oe (13.5 kAm-1) and magnetic moments in the range of 81 129 Am2kg-1. From the x-ray diffraction analyses, only two phases were found in all samples: &alpha;-Fe and the magnetic phase Pr2Fe14B. Individual nanoparticles with diameter of about 20 nm were verified. The samples studied presented heating when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (f = 222 kHz e Hmax ~3.7 kAm-1) comparable to reported in literature. Temperature variations (&Delta;T) of the powders were: 51 K for Pr6Fe88B6, 41 K for Pr8Fe86B6, 38 K for Pr10Fe84B6 and T = 34 K for Pr12Fe82B6. The specific absorption rates (SARs) of the powders were 201 Wkg-1 for Pr6Fe88B6 composition, 158 Wkg-1 on the composition Pr8Fe86B6, and 114 Wkg-1 for Pr10Fe84B6 and Pr12Fe82B6 compositions.

Three dimensional (3D) ground reaction force (GRF) are an essential component for gait analysis. Current methods for measuring 3D GRF involve using a stationary force plate embedded in the ground, which captures the forces as subjects walk across the platform. This approach has several limitations, a few being: it can only capture a few steps at a time, it is expensive to purchase and maintain, it can't reflect forces caused by natural uneven surfaces, etc. Previous research has attempted to develop wearable force sensors to overcome these problems; however, these endeavors have resulted in devices that are expensive, bulky, and fail to accurately measure forces when compared to static force plates. This thesis presents the implementation and validation of novel nanocomposite piezoresponsive foam (NCPF) sensors for measuring 3D GRF. Four NCPF sensors were embedded in a shoe sole at four locations: heel, arch, ball, and toe. The signals from each sensor were used in a functional data analysis (FDA) to develop a statistical model for estimating 3D GRF. The process of calibrating the sensors to model GRF was validated through a study where 9 subjects (4 females, 5 males) walked on a force-sensing treadmill for two minutes. Two approaches were used to model the GRF response. The first approach was based on functional decomposition of the data. Using a tenfold cross validation process a statistical model was developed for each subject with the ability to predict walking 3D GRF with less than 7% error. The second approach used machine learning to model 3D GRF. Using the same walking data for the statistical models, an artificial neural network (ANN) was used to create subject-specific models that could predict walking 3D GRF with less than 11% error. The predictive capabilities of ANN were tested using a pilot study where a single subject performed a calibration procedure by running at seven different speeds for thirty seconds each on the force-sensing treadmill. This calibration data was used to train a model, which was then used to estimate vertical GRF (VGRF) for three additional running trials at randomly selected speeds from within the calibration range. The ANN model was able to predict VGRF for three running speeds after calibration with less than 4% error. The use of NCPF sensors to estimate 3D GRF was shown to be a viable alternative to static force plates. It is recommended, in future work, that 3D GRF and subsequent sensor data be collected from a large sample of subjects to create a baseline of 3D GRF characteristics for a population that will enable a robust cross-subject model capable of performing real-time ground reaction force analysis across the general population, which will greatly benefit our understanding of human gait.

A range of chemical pollutants now contaminate drinking water sources and present a public health concern, including organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, and both metalloids and heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead. Metalloids and heavy metals have been detected in private drinking water wells, which do not fall under federal drinking water regulations, as well as in urban tap water, due to the introduction of contamination to the drinking water distribution system. Further, many so-called “emerging organic contaminants,” which are present in drinking water sources at detectable levels but have unknown long-term health implications, do not fall under federal drinking water regulations. To protect the health of consumers, drinking water treatment at the point-of-use (POU) (i.e., the tap) is essential. Next-generation POU treatment technologies must require minimal energy inputs, be simple enough to permit broad application among different users, and be easily adaptable for removal of a wide range of pollutants. Nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and iron oxide nanoparticles, are ideal candidates for next-generation drinking water treatment, as they exhibit unique, high reactivity and necessitate small treatment units. However, concerns regarding water pressure requirements and nanomaterial release into the treated supply limit their application in traditional reactor designs. To bridge the gap between potential and practical application of nanomaterials, this study utilizes electrospinning to fabricate composite nanofiber filters that effectively deploy nanomaterials in drinking water treatment. In electrospinning, a high voltage draws a polymer precursor solution (which can contain nanomaterial additives, in the case of nanocomposites) from a needle to deposit a non-woven nanofiber filter on a collector surface. Using electrospinning, we develop an optimized, macroporous carbon nanotube-carbon nanofiber composite that utilizes the sorption capacity of embedded carbon nanotubes, and achieves a key balance between material strength and reactivity towards organic pollutants. Additionally, via single-pot syntheses, we develop two optimized polymer-iron oxide composites for removal of heavy metal contamination by inclusion of iron oxide nanoparticles and either cationic or anionic surfactants in the electrospinning precursor solution. In hybrid materials that contain a well-retained quaternary ammonium surfactant (tetrabutylammonium bromide) and iron oxide nanoparticles, ion exchange sites and iron oxide sites are selective for chromate and arsenate removal, respectively. We demonstrated that a sulfonate surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, acted as a removable porogen and an agent for surface segregation of iron oxide nanoparticles, thus enhancing composite performance for removal of lead, copper, and cadmium. Notably, nanoparticles embedded in composites exhibited comparable activity to freely dispersed nanoparticles. Collectively, the composites developed in this work represent a substantial advance towards the overlap of effective nanomaterial immobilization and utilization of nanomaterial reactivity. Outcomes of this work advance current knowledge of nanocomposite fabrication, and contribute to the responsible and effective deployment of nanomaterials in POU drinking water treatment.

La grande surface développée du silicium poreux fait de lui un hôte potentiel pour l'incorporation de molécules organiques. Les nanocomposites hybrides à base de molécules conjuguées luminescentes pourraient se prêter à des applications en optoélectronique.<br />L'étude comprend deux parties : la première est consacrée à l'étude morphologique et optique des couches minces et des membranes auto-supportées de silicium poreux fabriquées au laboratoire en utilisant la microscopie électronique, l'ellipsométrie spectroscopique et l'absorption. L'analyse microstructurale des couches poreuses par diffusion Raman nous a permis d'estimer la distribution de tailles des nanocristallites via le modèle de confinement des phonons et de confirmer l'absence de porteurs de charges libres. Une étude de Raman polarisé sur des membranes poreuses libres permet de sonder les inhomogénéités de propagation de la lumière dans ce milieu.<br />La seconde partie présente les études concernant l'imprégnation de molécules fluorescentes dans les pores. La photoluminescence donne un moyen de vérifier l'efficacité de l'incorporation de molécule de Rodhamine R6G et son homogénéité. L'excitation sélective permet une approche des transferts d'énergie entre les deux matériaux. La photoluminescence résolue en temps montre que la présence de la R6G crée de nouveaux canaux de désexcitation non radiative.<br />Le THD est incorporé dans des membranes libres rendues organophiles, puis polymérise spontanément in situ en son poly-Diacétylène. La variation angulaire de la photoluminescence et du Raman témoignent de la présence de chaînes de polymères dont le degré d'orientation est compatible avec une croissance le long des pores.