Nanomaterials are becoming increasingly prevalent in final use products as we continue to improve our understanding of their structure and properties and optimize their processing. The useful applications for these materials extend from new drug delivery systems to improved materials for various transport industries and many more. Nanoscale materials which are commonly used include but are not limited to carbon nanotubes, graphene, silica, nanoclays, and cellulose nanocrystals. The literature presented herein aims to investigate structure-process-property relationships of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) polymer composites. These CNC nanocomposites are unique in that they provide a dynamic mechanical response when exposed to H2O. Currently, these nanocomposite systems are most commonly solvent cast into their final geometry. In order to enable the use of these materials in more commercial processing methods such as extrusion, we must understand their inherent structure-process-property relationships. To do this, we first characterize the influence of temperature and shear orientation on the unique mechanical adaptive response. Next, the melt processability of the nanocomposite was characterized using material extrusion (MatEx) additive manufacturing (AM). Additionally, the diffusion behavior of water within the film, which controls the dynamic mechanical response, was probed to better predict the concentration dependent behavior. Finally, a literature review is presented which outlines the state of the art for melt extrusion AM of fiber filled polymer composite materials and provides insight into how we can further improve mechanical properties through further addition of composite filler materials. The initial focus of the dissertation is on the influence of melt processing CNC thermoplastic urethane (TPU) composites and the resulting impact on the mechanical adaptive response. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) fitted with a submersion clamp was used to measure the mechanical softening of the composite while submerged in water. Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and polarized raman spectroscopy were used to qualify the orientation of the various CNC/TPU composite samples. The results of the orientation measurements show that solvent casting the films orient CNCs into a mostly random state and melt extrusion induces some degree of uniaxial orientation. The DMA results indicate that at the processing conditions tested, the uniaxial orientation and thermal exposure from the melt processing do not significantly impact the mechanical responsiveness of the material. The next objective of this work was to expand upon the aforementioned learnings and determine the CNC composite material processability using MatEx. The ability to process mechanically dynamic CNC/TPU composites with a selective deposition process capable of generating complex geometries may enable new functionality and design freedom. To realize this potential, a two factor (extrusion temperature and extrusion speed) three level (240, 250 and 260 ℃/ 600, 1100 and 1600 mm/min) design of experiments (DOE) was utilized. The resulting printed parts were characterized by DMA to determine their respective mechanical adaptivity. Processing conditions did prove to have a significant impact on the mechanical adaptivity of the printed part. A correlation between applied energy and mechanical adaptivity demonstrates how increasing residence time and temperature can reduce mechanical performance. The shape fixity of the printed parts was calculated to be 80.4% and shape recovery was 44.2%. A 3D prototype part was also produced to demonstrate the unique properties of this material. Although the understanding of the melt processing behavior of these CNC composites had been improved, a stronger understanding of the moisture diffusion behavior within the composite is required to fully realize and control their potential. Therefore, a study was undertaken to capture the diffusion behavior and correlate it to the mechanical responsive mechanism. To do this, a thermogravimetric sorption analysis (TGA-SA) instrument was used to monitor the mass uptake as a function of time exposed to a humid environment. These data were then compared to DMA data collected for the same samples exposed to a similar degree of humidity. All studies were conducted as a function of concentration in order to better elucidate the influence that percolating network structures may have on the resultant properties. Interestingly, the results show how increasing addition of CNCs results in a decrease in the rate of diffusivity, which is counter to what has been commonly hypothesized. It is hypothesized that increasing CNC content restricts the mobility of surrounding amorphous matrix material, thus increasing the resistance for diffusion of a water molecule. However, the rate of mechanical adaptation was found to increase with increasing CNC content, which is believed to be a result of the increased connectivity, enabling further transport of water molecules. / Doctor of Philosophy / Nanomaterials are becoming increasingly prevalent in final use products as we continue to improve our understanding of their structure and properties and optimize their processing. The useful applications for these materials extend from new drug delivery systems to improved materials for various transport industries and many more. The literature presented herein aims to investigate structure-process-property relationships of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) polymer composites. These CNC nanocomposites are unique in that they provide a unique mechanical response when exposed to water. In order to enable the use of these materials in more commercial processing methods, we must understand their inherent structure-process-property relationships. The following documents multiple aspects of these unique composite materials which enables their commercial viability and scientific versatility.

PTMO-urethane and urea diacrylates (UtDA, UrDA) were synthesized from a two-step reactions of bis (4-isocyanatocyclohexyl) methane (HMDI) with either α,Ï -hydroxy-terminated poly (tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO Mn 250, 1000, 2000 and 2900 g/mol) or α,Ï -aminopropyl-terminated PTMO and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). PTMO-based ester precursors (EtDA) were also synthesized from α,Ï -hydroxy-terminated PTMO (Mn 1000 and 2000 g/mol). Two bis acetoacetates were synthesized from acetoacetylation of 1,4-butanediol and 250 g/mol hydroxy-terminated PTMO with tert-butyl acetoacetate. ¹H NMR spectroscopy confirmed the structure and average molecular weights (Mn)of diacrylates. Mn of these precursors were in the range of 950 to 3670 g/mol by ¹H NMR. The rheological properties of diacrylates were studied and activation energies for flow were calculated. Activation energies increased with increasing Mn and hydrogen-bond segment content. Michael carbon addition was employed to covalently crosslink the precursors resulting in networks with gel fractions better than 90%. DSC and DMA experiments revealed that networks had a broad distribution of glass transition temperatures depending on Mn and degree of hydrogen bonding present in the diacrylates. Their Tg's varied from -61 ºC to 63 ºC depending on the crosslinking density and hydrogen-bonding segment content. TGA revealed that UtDA and UrDA networks had an improved thermal stability compared to their EtDA counterparts. Tensile properties showed a variation depending on the structure and Mn of diacrylate and BisAcAc precursors. The storage moduli of networks precursor change from 25.3 MPa to 2.0 MPa with increasing Mn of the urethane diacrylate Elongation at break increased from 255% to 755 % for the same networks. The Young's moduli increased from 3.27 MPa for EtDA 2000 to 311.1 MPa for UrDA 2000 which was attributed to increasing degree of hydrogen-bonding. Acid functionalization of C70 P Baytubes multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) generated acid-functionalized nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH). Suspension of MWCNT-COOH in organic solvents (chloroform, toluene, THF, DMF and 2-propanol) were prepared. DLS indicated average particle diameters of MWCNT-COOH in DMF and in 2-propanol were 139 nm and 162 nm respectively. FESEM of suspensions revealed aggregate free dispersion of MWCNT-COOH in DMF and 2-propanol. MWCNT-COOH containing composite networks were prepared. FESEM images of fracture surfaces of UtDA showed MWCNT-COOH were well-dispersed in the composites. DMA showed an increase in the rubbery plateau modulus which correlated with the MWCNT-COOH content in the networks. Tensile testing also revealed a relationship between MWCNT-COOH content and young's moduli and strain at break of networks. Storage moduli of networks increased from 25 MPa to 211 MPa with increasing MWCNT-COOH content whereas elongation at break decreased from 255 % to 146 %. UtDAs and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA) were crosslinked under UV radiation (6 passes, 1.42 ± 0.05 W.cm2 for each pass) in the presence of 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA) (1 wt. % of the mixture) UV initiator. DMA demonstrated the presence of broad glass transition regions with a range of Tg's which varied from -60 °C to -30°C. Tensile testing also revealed the relationship between Young's moduli, strain at break and the molecular weight of the diacrylates. The increasing molecular weight of urethane diacrylate precursors caused a drop in the storage moduli of networks from 15.8 MPa to 1.4 MPa and an increase in elongation at break from 76 % to 132 %. / Master of Science

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has the ability to utilize several different nitrogenous compounds to fulfill its metabolic requirements. Based upon different growth rates of the yeast in a particular nitrogen source, nitrogen compounds have been classified as either good or poor nitrogen sources. In an environment which contains different quality nitrogen sources, such as grape must, the yeast first utilizes good and then the poor nitrogen sources. This discrimination between good and poor nitrogen sources is referred to as nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR). Examples of good nitrogen sources are ammonia, glutamine and asparagine. Nitrogen sources such as allantoin, y-aminobutyrate (GABA), arginine and proline are poor quality nitrogen sources. Several regulatory proteins, Ure2p, Gln3p, Da180p,Gat1pand Deh1p, mediate NCR in S. cerevisiae. These trans-acting factors regulate transcription of NCR sensitive genes. All these proteins, except Ure2p, bind cis-acting elements in the promoters of genes that are responsible for degradation of poor nitrogen sources. Gln3p is an activator of NCR sensitive genes in the absence of good nitrogen sources. The predominant mechanism by which NCR functions is by using Ure2p to inactivate the activator Gln3p in the presence of a good nitrogen source. Several research groups have studied the Ure2p, mainly due to its prion-like characteristics. The Ure2p has two domains: a prion inducing domain located in the N-terminal region and a NCR regulatory domain located in the C-terminal domain. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the part of the C-terminal domain which is responsible for NCR, (ii) to establish if ure2 deletion mutants produce less ethyl carbamate during wine fermentations and (iii) if NCR functions in industrial yeast strains. Nested deletions of the URE2 gene revealed that the NCR regulatory domain resides in the last ten amino acids of the Ure2p. This was established by Northern blot analysis on the NCR sensitive genes DAL5, CAN1, and GAP1 genes. Ethyl carbamate in wine is produced by spontaneous chemical reaction between urea and ethanol in wine. Urea is produced by S. cerevisiae during the metabolism of arginine. Arginine is degraded to ornithine and urea by arginase, the product of the CAR1 gene. Degradation of urea by S. cerevisiae is accomplished by urea amidolyase, a bi-functional enzyme and product of the DUR1,2 gene which is subject to NCR. This study investigated if a ure2 mutant strain produced less ethyl carbamate during wine fermentations. Wine fermentations were conducted with diploid laboratory strains: a ure2 mutant strain and its isogenic wild type strain. GC/MS analysis of the wine revealed that the ure2 mutant produced less ethyl carbamate but more ethanol than the wild type strain when arginine, di-ammoniumphosphate, asparagine or glutamine were added as nitrogen sources, in combinations and separately. There was no significant difference between the wild type fermentation and the ure2 mutant fermentation when no nitrogen was added. It was found that a combination between the deletion of URE2 and the addition of a good nitrogen source resulted in lower levels of ethyl carbamate. High density micro array analysis done on an industrial strain wine yeast in Chardonnay grape must revealed that the GAP1, CAN1, CAR1 and DUR1,2 genes, responsible for transport and metabolism of arginine and degradation of urea, are NCR sensitive. These data strongly suggest that NCR functions in industrial yeast strains. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die wyngis Saccharomyces cerevisiae kan verskillende stikstofbronne gebruik om in sy stikstofbehoeftes te voldoen. Stikstofbronne word as goeie of swak stikstofbronne geklassifiseer op grond van die groeitempo van die gis op die betrokke stikstofbron. 'n Goeie stikstofbron laat die gis vinniger groei as wat dit op 'n swak stikstofbron sou groei. In omgewings soos druiwemos waar daar 'n verskeidenheid van stikstofbronne teenwoordig is, sal die gis eers die goeie bronne en daarna die swak bronne benut. Stikstofbronne soos ammonium, asparagien en glutamien word geklassifiseer as goeie bronne. Allantoïen, y-amino-butaraat (GABA), prolien en arginien word as swak stikstofbronne geklassifiseer. Die meganisme waarmee S. cerevisiae tussen die stikstofbronne onderskei, staan as stikstof kataboliet onderdrukking (NCR) bekend. Die proteïene wat vir verantwoordelik is NCR naamlik Ure2p, Gln3p, Gat1 p, Dal80p en Deh1 p, bind met die uitsondering van Ure2p, almal aan cis-werkende elemente in die promoters van NCR-sensitiewe gene. Die trans-werkende faktore reguleer die transkripsie van NCR-sensitiewe gene. NCR werk hoofsaaklik deur die inhibering van Gln3p deur Ure2p in die teenwoordigheid van 'n goeie stikstofbron. Die oorgrote meerderheid NCR-sensitiewe gene word deur Gln3p in die afwesigheid van 'n goeie stikstofbron geaktiveer. Heelwat navorsing is op die prionvormings vermoë van Ure2p gedoen. Ure2p het twee domeine: 'n N-terminale domein wat vir prionvorming verantwoordelik is en die C-terminale domein waar die NCR funksie van Ure2p gesetel is. Die doel van die studie was (i) om te bepaal waar in die C-terminale domein van Ure2p die NCR regulering geleë is, (ii) of ure2 delesie mutante minder etielkarbamaat tydens wynfermentasies produseer en (iii) of NCR in industriële gisrasse funksioneel is. Delesie analises van URE2 het getoon dat die NCR regulerings domein in die laaste tien aminosure gesetel is. Dit is vas gestel m.b.v. noordlike klad tegniek analises op die OALS, CAN1 en GAP1 gene.Etielkarbamaat in wyn word deur die spontane chemiese reaksie tussen ureum en alkohol geproduseer. Ureum word gedurende die metabolisme van arginien in S. cerevisiae geproduseer. Arginien word deur arginase, produk van die CAR1 geen, na ornitien en ureum afgebreek. Die bi-funksionele ureum amidoliase, gekodeer deur die DUR1,2 geen, breek ureum na CO2 en NH/ af. As gevolg van die NCRsensitiwiteit van dié gene is ondersoek ingestel na In ure2 mutant se vermoë om minder etielkarbamaat tydens wynfermentasies te produseer. Chardonnay druiwemos is met In diploiede laboratorium ras en die isogeniese ure2 mutant gefermenteer. GC/MS analise op die wyn het getoon dat die ure2 mutant minder etielkarbamaat, maar meer alkohol in vergelyking met die wilde tipe gis produseer, as arginien, di-ammoniumfosfaat, asparagien en glutamien, afsonderlik of gesamentlik byvoeg is. Daar was egter nie In merkwaardige verskil tussen die fermentasies waar geen stikstof bygevoeg is nie. Dit dui daarop dat In kombinasie van In URE2 delesie en die byvoeging van stikstof etielkarbamaat vlakke verlaag. Mikro-skyfie analise van In industriële gis in Chardonnay mos het getoon dat die GAP1, CAN1, CAR1 en DUR1,2 gene wat verantwoordelik is vir die transport en metabolisme van arginien en degradasie van ureum, wel NCR-sensitief is. Dit dui daarop dat NCRwel in industriële gisrasse funksioneel is.

The synthesis of p-lactams has been of foremost importance since the discovery of penicillin by Sir Alexander Fleming, in 1928, and its susequent structure elucidation in 1945. Ethyl N-2-bromo-alkylcarbamates show considerable potential as precursors to p- lactams. In the past, p-lactams have been prepared by many methods, none of which have involved 2-3 bond formation. The proposed ring closure using ethyl N-2-bromoalkylcarbamate involves 2-3 bond formation, making this method of synthesis novel. This work describes two attempted methods of cyclisation. The first using a Grignard reagent, and the second, using abstraction of an acidic proton a to a phosphonate group. These methods of intramolecular cyclisation were based on analogous intermolecular additions, which are also described. The second method was also used to determine the general potential of ethyl N-bromo- alkylcarbamtes as precursors to other heterocyclic systems. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001. / NRF & NRF/DEA & T.

As junções comunicantes são canais protéicos formados entre células adjacentes que permitem a passagem de moléculas e íons menores do que 1kDa; conexinas são proteínas que formam estas junções. Vêm sendo demonstradas na literatura a diminuição da capacidade de comunicação celular e alterações na expressão e/ou localização das conexinas em neoplasias. Este estudo foi realizado com o intuito de se verificar a influência da deleção de um dos alelos da Cx43 na carcinogênese pulmonar. Para tanto, camundongos geneticamente manipulados heterozigotos (Cx43± ou selvagens (Cx43±) de ambos os sexos receberam 3g/kg de uretana aos 15 e 17 dias de idade, e foram sacrificados após 25 semanas. As quantificações macro e microscópicas das lesões revelaram que os camundongos Cx43± apresentaram maior multiplicidade de adenomas pulmonares. Estes apresentavam também maior taxa de proliferação celular, avaliada pela quantificação de núcleos positivos para o PCNA. As expressões das Cxs 26, 32, 43 e 46, presentes no epitélio pulmonar, foram avaliadas por PCR em tempo real (RT-PCR) e por imunoistoquímica. A expressão da Cx43 revelou-se cerca de 50% menor em camundongos Cx43± quando comparada à dos correspondentes Cx43+/+, como esperado. Estudos in vitro mostraram que os pneumócitos de tipo II (APTII) extraídos de camundongos Cx43±, apresentaram capacidade de comunicação menor do que os APTII de camundongos Cx43+/+. Quando submetidos ao tratamento com uretana, a expressão de Cx 43 aumentou em 100% no tecido pulmonar. As demais Cxs tiveram a expressão reduzida pelo tratamento e não foram evidenciadas no epitélio pulmonar livre de lesões após o tratamento com uretana. Não foi detectada a expressão da Cx43 e da Cx32 nos adenomas provenientes dos camundongos Cx43±. A expressão das Cxs 26 e 46 foi correlacionada com o fenótipo papilífero das lesões. Constatou-se que a Cx32 acumulava-se no citoplasma das células epiteliais pulmonares e teve sua expressão, juntamente com a da Cx43, associada ao sexo, provavelmente contribuindo para a menor susceptibilidade das fêmeas aos adenomas induzidos pela uretana. Em conclusão, a redução da expressão da Cx43 conferiu maior susceptibilidade ao desenvolvimento de adenomas pulmonares pela uretana. Este foi o primeiro estudo in vivo mostrando a influência da deleção de um único alelo da Cx43 na carcinogênese / Gap junctions are communicating protein channels formed between adjacent cells that allow the exchange of molecules and ions smaller than 1kDa; connexins are proteins that form these junctions. Studies in the literature have been showing the lower level of cell communication capacity and alterations in the expression and/or localization of connexins in neoplasia. This study was performed to verify the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43 on lung carcinogenesis. Genetically manipulated heterozygous (Cx43Gap junctions are communicating protein channels formed between adjacent cells that allow the exchange of molecules and ions smaller than 1kDa; connexins are proteins that form these junctions. Studies in the literature have been showing the lower level of cell communication capacity and alterations in the expression and/or localization of connexins in neoplasia. This study was performed to verify the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43 on lung carcinogenesis. Genetically manipulated heterozygous (Cx43± or wild type mice (Cx43+/+) were injected with 3g/kg of at the age of 15 and 17 days and were euthanized after 25-weeks. Macroscopic and microscopic quantification of pulmonary lesions revealed that Cx43± mice presented higher multiplicity of pulmonary adenomas. These presented also a higher cell proliferation index, as evaluated by counting PCNA positive nuclei. Cxs 26, 32, 43 and 46 expressions in the pulmonary epithelium were investigated by Real-Time PCR and by immunohistochemistry. Cx43 expression was about 50% lower in Cx43± mice, in comparison to Cx43+/+ mice, as expected. In vitro studies showed that the APTII cells extracted from Cx43± mice presented a reduced communication capacity. When treated with urethane, the expression of Cx43 was increased by 100%. Other Cxs were down-regulated after the treatment with urethane, and were not observed lung areas devoid of adenomas after the treatment with urethane. Cx43 and Cx32 were not detected in Cx43± mouse adenomas. However, Cx26 and Cx46 were correlated with papillary lesions. Cx32 was cumulated in the cytoplasm of the lung epithelial cells and its expression, together Cx43, were associated with the sex, maybe contributing to the lower susceptibility of the female mice to urethane. In conclusion, the reduced expression of Cx43 determines a higher susceptibility to the development of pulmonary adenomas by urethane. This study was the first in vivo showing the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43± or wild type mice (Cx43+/+) were injected with 3g/kg of at the age of 15 and 17 days and were euthanized after 25-weeks. Macroscopic and microscopic quantification of pulmonary lesions revealed that Cx43± mice presented higher multiplicity of pulmonary adenomas. These presented also a higher cell proliferation index, as evaluated by counting PCNA positive nuclei. Cxs 26, 32, 43 and 46 expressions in the pulmonary epithelium were investigated by Real-Time PCR and by immunohistochemistry. Cx43 expression was about 50% lower in Cx43± mice, in comparison to Cx43+/+ mice, as expected. In vitro studies showed that the APTII cells extracted from Cx43± mice presented a reduced communication capacity. When treated with urethane, the expression of Cx43 was increased by 100%. Other Cxs were down-regulated after the treatment with urethane, and were not observed lung areas devoid of adenomas after the treatment with urethane. Cx43 and Cx32 were not detected in Cx43± mouse adenomas. However, Cx26 and Cx46 were correlated with papillary lesions. Cx32 was cumulated in the cytoplasm of the lung epithelial cells and its expression, together Cx43, were associated with the sex, maybe contributing to the lower susceptibility of the female mice to urethane. In conclusion, the reduced expression of Cx43 determines a higher susceptibility to the development of pulmonary adenomas by urethane. This study was the first in vivo showing the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43 in carcinogenesis

As junções comunicantes são canais protéicos formados entre células adjacentes que permitem a passagem de moléculas e íons menores do que 1kDa; conexinas são proteínas que formam estas junções. Vêm sendo demonstradas na literatura a diminuição da capacidade de comunicação celular e alterações na expressão e/ou localização das conexinas em neoplasias. Este estudo foi realizado com o intuito de se verificar a influência da deleção de um dos alelos da Cx43 na carcinogênese pulmonar. Para tanto, camundongos geneticamente manipulados heterozigotos (Cx43± ou selvagens (Cx43±) de ambos os sexos receberam 3g/kg de uretana aos 15 e 17 dias de idade, e foram sacrificados após 25 semanas. As quantificações macro e microscópicas das lesões revelaram que os camundongos Cx43± apresentaram maior multiplicidade de adenomas pulmonares. Estes apresentavam também maior taxa de proliferação celular, avaliada pela quantificação de núcleos positivos para o PCNA. As expressões das Cxs 26, 32, 43 e 46, presentes no epitélio pulmonar, foram avaliadas por PCR em tempo real (RT-PCR) e por imunoistoquímica. A expressão da Cx43 revelou-se cerca de 50% menor em camundongos Cx43± quando comparada à dos correspondentes Cx43+/+, como esperado. Estudos in vitro mostraram que os pneumócitos de tipo II (APTII) extraídos de camundongos Cx43±, apresentaram capacidade de comunicação menor do que os APTII de camundongos Cx43+/+. Quando submetidos ao tratamento com uretana, a expressão de Cx 43 aumentou em 100% no tecido pulmonar. As demais Cxs tiveram a expressão reduzida pelo tratamento e não foram evidenciadas no epitélio pulmonar livre de lesões após o tratamento com uretana. Não foi detectada a expressão da Cx43 e da Cx32 nos adenomas provenientes dos camundongos Cx43±. A expressão das Cxs 26 e 46 foi correlacionada com o fenótipo papilífero das lesões. Constatou-se que a Cx32 acumulava-se no citoplasma das células epiteliais pulmonares e teve sua expressão, juntamente com a da Cx43, associada ao sexo, provavelmente contribuindo para a menor susceptibilidade das fêmeas aos adenomas induzidos pela uretana. Em conclusão, a redução da expressão da Cx43 conferiu maior susceptibilidade ao desenvolvimento de adenomas pulmonares pela uretana. Este foi o primeiro estudo in vivo mostrando a influência da deleção de um único alelo da Cx43 na carcinogênese / Gap junctions are communicating protein channels formed between adjacent cells that allow the exchange of molecules and ions smaller than 1kDa; connexins are proteins that form these junctions. Studies in the literature have been showing the lower level of cell communication capacity and alterations in the expression and/or localization of connexins in neoplasia. This study was performed to verify the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43 on lung carcinogenesis. Genetically manipulated heterozygous (Cx43Gap junctions are communicating protein channels formed between adjacent cells that allow the exchange of molecules and ions smaller than 1kDa; connexins are proteins that form these junctions. Studies in the literature have been showing the lower level of cell communication capacity and alterations in the expression and/or localization of connexins in neoplasia. This study was performed to verify the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43 on lung carcinogenesis. Genetically manipulated heterozygous (Cx43± or wild type mice (Cx43+/+) were injected with 3g/kg of at the age of 15 and 17 days and were euthanized after 25-weeks. Macroscopic and microscopic quantification of pulmonary lesions revealed that Cx43± mice presented higher multiplicity of pulmonary adenomas. These presented also a higher cell proliferation index, as evaluated by counting PCNA positive nuclei. Cxs 26, 32, 43 and 46 expressions in the pulmonary epithelium were investigated by Real-Time PCR and by immunohistochemistry. Cx43 expression was about 50% lower in Cx43± mice, in comparison to Cx43+/+ mice, as expected. In vitro studies showed that the APTII cells extracted from Cx43± mice presented a reduced communication capacity. When treated with urethane, the expression of Cx43 was increased by 100%. Other Cxs were down-regulated after the treatment with urethane, and were not observed lung areas devoid of adenomas after the treatment with urethane. Cx43 and Cx32 were not detected in Cx43± mouse adenomas. However, Cx26 and Cx46 were correlated with papillary lesions. Cx32 was cumulated in the cytoplasm of the lung epithelial cells and its expression, together Cx43, were associated with the sex, maybe contributing to the lower susceptibility of the female mice to urethane. In conclusion, the reduced expression of Cx43 determines a higher susceptibility to the development of pulmonary adenomas by urethane. This study was the first in vivo showing the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43± or wild type mice (Cx43+/+) were injected with 3g/kg of at the age of 15 and 17 days and were euthanized after 25-weeks. Macroscopic and microscopic quantification of pulmonary lesions revealed that Cx43± mice presented higher multiplicity of pulmonary adenomas. These presented also a higher cell proliferation index, as evaluated by counting PCNA positive nuclei. Cxs 26, 32, 43 and 46 expressions in the pulmonary epithelium were investigated by Real-Time PCR and by immunohistochemistry. Cx43 expression was about 50% lower in Cx43± mice, in comparison to Cx43+/+ mice, as expected. In vitro studies showed that the APTII cells extracted from Cx43± mice presented a reduced communication capacity. When treated with urethane, the expression of Cx43 was increased by 100%. Other Cxs were down-regulated after the treatment with urethane, and were not observed lung areas devoid of adenomas after the treatment with urethane. Cx43 and Cx32 were not detected in Cx43± mouse adenomas. However, Cx26 and Cx46 were correlated with papillary lesions. Cx32 was cumulated in the cytoplasm of the lung epithelial cells and its expression, together Cx43, were associated with the sex, maybe contributing to the lower susceptibility of the female mice to urethane. In conclusion, the reduced expression of Cx43 determines a higher susceptibility to the development of pulmonary adenomas by urethane. This study was the first in vivo showing the influence of the deletion of one allele of Cx43 in carcinogenesis

This dissertation focuses on the versatility and integrity of a novel, ultrasoft polycarbonate polyurethane (PCPU) by the introduction of nanoparticles and lithium salts. Additionally, the research takes into account the use of electrospinning as a technique to create PCPU and polyimide (PI) fibers. These polymers are of interest as they offer a wide range of properties and uses within the medical and industrial fields. An industrial batch of an ultrasoft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was synthesized using a two-step process. The first was to create an end capped pre-polymer from methylene bis (4-cyclohexylisocyanate), and a polycarbonate polyol made up of 1,6- hexanediol and 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol. The second step was done by reacting the pre-polymer with an excess of the polycarbonate polyol with a chain extender, 1,4-butanediol. Biocompatibility testing such as USP Class VI, MEM Elution Cytotoxicity and Hemolysis toxicology reported that PCPU showed no toxicity. This novel type of polyurethane material targets growing markets of biocompatible polymers and has been used for peristaltic pump tubing, but also can be utilized as balloon catheters, enteral feeding tubes and medical equipment gaskets and seals. This material is ideal for replacing materials such as soft plastisols containing diethylhexyl phthalate for use in biomedical and industrial applications. After extensive characterization of this polymer system another dimension was added to this research. The addition of nanoparticles and nanofillers to polyurethane can express enhanced mechanical, thermal and adhesion properties. The incorporation of nanoparticles such as nanosilica, nanosilver and carbon black into polyurethane materials showed improved tensile strength, thermal performance and adhesion properties of the PCPU. Samples were characterized using contact angle measurements, Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), parallel plate rheology and tensile testing. The second chapter entails the fabrication and characterization of PCPU nanofibers and nanomembranes through a process known as electrospinning. The resulting PCPU nanomembranes showed a crystalline peak from the WAXS profile which is due to electrospun and solution strain induced crystallinity. The PCPU nanocomposite nanomembranes displayed increased thermal stability and an increase in tensile performance at higher weight percent. The nanomembranes were investigated using contact angle measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), DSC, WAXS, SAXS and tensile testing. The final chapter focuses on investigating the rheological properties of PCPU/lithium electrolytes as well as transforming an unprocessable polyimide powder into a nanomembrane. The PCPU/ lithium composite electrolyte showed an increase in the activation energy and conductivity, while the PI/lithium showed increased conductivity over time. Dynamic mechanical analysis and four-point probe was used to investigate the samples.

This study is concerned with the mechanical behavior of open-cell aluminum foams. In particular the compressive response of aluminum foams is analyzed through careful experiments and analyses. The microstructure of foams of three different cell sizes was first analyzed using X-ray tomography. This included characterization of the polyhedral geometry of cells, establishment of the cell anisotropy and statistical distribution of ligament lengths, and measurement of the ligament cross sectional area distribution. Crushing experiments were performed on various specimen sizes in the principal directions of anisotropy. The compressive response of aluminum foams is similar to that of many other cellular materials. It starts with a linearly elastic regime that terminates into a limit load followed by an extensive stress plateau. During the plateau, the deformation localizes in the form of inclined but disorganized bands. The evolution of such localization patterns was monitored using X-ray tomography. At the end of the plateau, the response turns into a second stable branch as most cells collapse and the foam is densified. The crushing experiments are simulated numerically using several levels of modeling. The ligaments are modeled as shear-deformable beam elements and the cellular microstructure is mainly represented using the 14-sided Kelvin cell in periodic domains of various sizes. Other geometries considered include the perturbed Kelvin cell, and foams with random microstructures generated by the Surface Evolver software. All microstructures are assigned geometric characteristics that derive directly from the measurements. Unlike elastic foams, for elastic-plastic foams the prevalent instability is a limit load. The limit load can be captured using one fully periodic characteristic cell. The predicted limit stresses agree with the measured initiation stresses very well. This very good performance coupled with its simplicity make the characteristic cell model a powerful tool in metal foam mechanics. The subsequent crushing events, the stress plateau and desification were successfully reproduced using models with larger, finite size domains involving several characteristic cells. Results indicate that accurate representation of the ligament bending rigidity and the base material inelastic properties are essential whereas the randomness of the actual foam microstructure appears to play a secondary role. / text

A variety of paint products are used for their aesthetic and anti-corrosive properties. Isocyanates are consistently found in automobile paint products, particularly in clear coat polyurethane products. Clear coat is typically sprayed via pressurized air by means of an auto-spray robot. In clear coat repair situations, manual, air-powered spray guns are used, and manual spray Operators administer the clear coat material. The isocyanates are a primary anti-corrosive agent in polyurethane products. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not established a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have set Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) and Threshold Limit Value (TLV), respectively. NIOSH recommends a 0.005 parts per million (ppm), 10-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA), and a ceiling exposure of 0.020 ppm in a 10 minute period. Similarly, ACGIH recommends a 0.005 ppm, 8 hour TWA. Automobile manufacturers use clear coats in a variety of ways. Some may use clear coats with blocked isocyanates, or isocyanates that are completely reacted, and others may use clear coat products that allow isocyanates to be liberated during an application, baking, and curing process. The research objective of this study was to characterize exposure, focusing on a single manufacturer’s use of isocyanate-containing clear coats in their Paint Department. A newly evaluated medium (ISO 17734) using di-n-butylamine as a derivative agent, in a denuder tube, was selected instead of NIOSH methods 5521, 5522, and 5525. The ISO evaluated medium was selected to reduce secondary hazard exposure to toluene in impingers. Second, a medium developed by SKC, Inc., called ISO-CHEK®, was not selected because of the short collection time, sensitivity of the medium after collection, and storage and shipping requirements for analysis. Sampling took place over two days, one day for manual spray operations with 2 personal samples from Operators, and 4 area samples collected, and the second day for auto-sprayer Inspectors with 4 personal samples collected. The samples were then analyzed for hexamethylene diisocyanates (HDI) monomer and homopolymer species. The 0.005 ppm, 10 hour TWA; the 0.020 ppm ceiling limit (10 minutes); and the 0.005 ppm 8-hour TWA TLV were not exceeded on either day of sampling. Neither the area nor the personal samples exceeded the 10 hour TWA, ceiling limit, or TLV. In fact, the results had to be recalculated in to parts per billion (ppb). The average exposure for manual spray Operators was 0.052 ppb for the homopolymer, and 0.024 ppb for the monomer species. For auto-spray Inspectors, the average was 0.053 ppb for the homopolymer component and 0.021 ppb for the monomer species. Though the average isocyanate concentration was similar for both Operators and Inspectors, the averages are still below REL and TLV recommendations. These data provided preliminary information regarding the exposure to isocyanates from clear coat use, and also provide context for future evaluation of isocyanate use at this automobile manufacturer. The low concentration of isocyanates could indicate working ventilation systems, liberation of isocyanate species to non-hazardous forms, or low volatilization of isocyanates from the clear coat.

Four novel high performance soft thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers utilizing methylene bis(4-cyclohexylisocyanate) as a hard segment, 1,4 butanediol as a chain extender and modified low crystallinity carbonate copolymer as a soft segment were synthesized. The samples were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile, elongation, hardness, abrasion resistance and atomic force microscopy (AFM). SAXS data shows evidence of an interdomain "center-to-center" distance of 45Å. DSC traces show evidence of one glass transition temperature and a weak melting region. DMA analysis reveals a low temperature secondary relaxation and the glass to rubber transition followed by a rubbery plateau. All samples demonstrated the ability to maintain excellent physical and mechanical properties in hardness below 70 Shore A. Thermoplastic polyurethanes in this study do not possess surface tackiness usually observed in soft polyurethanes. Biocompatability testing showed no toxicity of these samples as indicated by USP Class VI, MEM Elution Cytotoxicity and Hemolysis toxicology reports. This novel type of polyurethane material targets growing markets of biocompatible polymers and can be utilized as peristaltic pump tubing, balloon catheters, enteral feeding tubes and medical equipment gaskets and seals. Polyimides are a family of engineering polymers with temperature stability, high polarity and solvent resistance. These high-performance materials are used in aerospace applications, in the production of semi-dry battery binders, and in a host of other high temperature demanding situations. However, their glass transition and melt temperatures are characteristically very high and close to one another, making them difficult to melt process and limiting them to thin film formulations from their polyamic acid precursors. Here, a new series of thermoplastic polyether-polyimides (PE-PIs) are synthesized by incorporating a polyetherdiamine monomer to reduce rigidity and break up an otherwise fully aromatic backbone as seen with most conventional polyimides. It will be shown that control of the stoichiometric ratio between the aromatic 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-dimethylaniline) and aliphatic polyetherdiamines relative to PMDA (pyromellitic dianhydride), along with the molecular weight of the polyetheramine, can be used to tune the Tg to best balance between temperature performance and processability.