Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rose J. Miller, Vanessa M. Smith, Stacy A. Love, Sarah M. Byron, David Salas-de la Cruz, Kevin M. Miller
Summary: By functionalizing cellulose with 1,2,3-triazolium groups, derivatives were obtained with observed T-g values inversely related to the size of the counteranions, indicating dependence on anion basicity and hydration for thermal and ionic conductivity properties.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abneris Morales, Sneha Seelam, Stacy A. Love, Sean M. O'Malley, Xiao Hu, David de la Cruz
Summary: In recent years, the research on biomaterials such as silk and cellulose has rapidly expanded due to their abundance, low cost, and tunable properties. This study investigated how the addition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) affects the properties of cellulose-silk composites, such as carbohydrate crystallinity, protein secondary structure formation, and ionic conductivity. The results showed that the addition of rGO influenced the morphological and thermal properties of the composites and impacted the ionic conductivity by modifying the cellulose crystallinity and silk beta-sheet content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Xiaojuan Lu, Mingyang Duan, Jing Li
Summary: Solid-state lithium-ion conductors have high grain-boundary resistance, but this study successfully reduced the resistance and improved the conductivity of LLTO by using bacterial cellulose as a template.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tiago Outerelo Corvo, Antoine Jourdain, Shona O'Brien, Frederic Restagno, Eric Drockenmuller, Alexis Chenneviere
Summary: This study investigates the influence of nanostructure of poly(ionic liquid)s on the macromolecular conformation of polymer chains using small-angle neutron scattering. The results show that the nanostructure of poly(ionic liquid)s leads to an increase in the radius of gyration of polymer chains in solution and a nonmonotonic evolution in bulk. Furthermore, evidence of interdigitation of alkyl side chains is observed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antti Paajanen, Aleksi Zitting, Lauri Rautkari, Jukka A. Ketoja, Paavo A. Penttila
Summary: Understanding nanoscale moisture interactions is crucial for the study of cellulosic nanomaterials. By combining experiments and simulations, this study investigated the effects of moisture on softwood cell walls and provided new insights. The simulation-assisted scattering analysis proved to be an efficient tool for nanoscale characterization.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nicolas Zapp, Denis Sheptyakov, Alexandra Franz, Holger Kohlmann
Summary: Substituting hydrogen for oxygen atoms in metal oxides influences the solid-state properties, and holmium hydride oxide exhibits high thermal stability and inertness towards air, with an ordered fluorite superstructure.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Masahide Kaneko, Kakeru Ninomiya, Tomoko Hishida, Yuki Takeuchi, Kazushi Otani, Maiko Nishibori
Summary: The conductivity enhancement of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO), an oxide-based solid electrolyte with excess Li, was investigated experimentally through subvalent cation substitution. Sr-substituted Li-rich LLZO with high conductivity of the order of 10(-4) S/cm was prepared using a solid-state method. Detailed structural analysis through Sr K-edge X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and neutron powder diffraction analyses revealed that the conductivity enhancement is a result of the change in Li+ arrangement caused by the incorporation of excess Li into the LLZO lattice.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nicolas Montoya-Escobar, Daniel Ospina-Acero, Jorge Andres Velasquez-Cock, Catalina Gomez-Hoyos, Angelica Serpa Guerra, Piedad Felisinda Ganan Rojo, Lina Maria Velez Acosta, Juan Pablo Escobar, Natalia Correa-Hincapie, Omar Triana-Chavez, Robin Zuluaga Gallego, Pablo M. Stefani
Summary: In this study, the crystallinity of three different types of cellulose was investigated using FTIR and XRD methods. A deconvolution method was developed to accurately estimate the crystallinity index. The effect of milling time on crystallinity was observed.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Housei Akazawa
Summary: This report introduces a method to evaluate the crystallographic orientation and crystallinity of HAp thin films using Raman scattering spectroscopy. By analyzing the Raman spectra, the presence or absence of certain signals can indicate the orientation of HAp crystals. Another approach involves evaluating crystallinity based on the line width of specific Raman signals.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. Eliaz, S. Paul, D. Benyamin, A. Cernescu, S. R. Cohen, I. Rosenhek-Goldian, O. Brookstein, M. E. Miali, A. Solomonov, M. Greenblatt, Y. Levy, U. Raviv, A. Barth, U. Shimanovich
Summary: This study investigates the structural characteristics and evolution of the mechanical properties of silk protein supramolecular phases. The formation of nanoscale compartments is found to be a key step in silk fiber production, and this process is reversible, enabling the modification of silk materials' mechanical characteristics. The findings offer a new route for tailoring silk processing for various new material formats by controlling the structural transitions and self-assembly of silk protein supramolecular phases.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
I. P. Studenyak, A. Pogodin, V. Studenyak, O. P. Kokhan, Yu M. Azhniuk, D. Solonenko, L. Daroczi, S. Kokenyesi, D. R. T. Zahn
Summary: Sodium halogenthiophosphates Na6PS5Br and Na6PS5Cl, as well as halogen-free Na7PS6, were synthesized using a two-step technique. The crystal structure was confirmed through X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, showing similarities to chemically related compounds. The electrical conductivity of the synthesized compounds was found to be predominantly ionic.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Jaegyeom Kim, Junho Ha, Fouzia Khefif, Jong-Young Kim, Seung-Joo Kim
Summary: A new sodium tantalum phosphate, NaTa2PO8, was synthesized via ion exchange reaction in molten NaNO3 medium. The compound exhibited different crystal structures, ionic conductivities, and conduction pathway characteristics between the low-temperature and high-temperature phases.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuta Ito, Isao Tsuyumoto
Summary: Nanocrystalline lithium niobate, LiNbO3, is prepared through an aqueous solution process, starting from peroxo - polyniobic acid solution. The crystalline LiNbO3 has the same structure as conventional LiNbO3 with a small crystallite size. The nanocrystalline LiNbO3 prepared at 500 degrees Celsius exhibits a high ionic conductivity.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Qiujie Zhao, Christopher M. Evans
Summary: A series of PILs with imidazolium cations and TFSI anions were synthesized, and their molecular weights were determined to study their rheological properties and ionic conductivity. The higher the molecular weight of PILs, the lower the ionic conductivity, but normalization to the calorimetric glass transition temperature showed an overlap in ionic conductivity regardless of molecular weight.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hak Jeon Kim, Won Jun Lee
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), derived from natural resources, show promise as a bio-based reinforcement for natural-fiber-reinforced composites (NFRPs) due to their high crystallinity and aspect ratio. The mechanical performance of CNCs was investigated in relation to their specific parameters using regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) to fabricate high-performance nanocomposite fibers. It was found that the high aspect ratio of CNCs (about 9) significantly increased the tensile strength and stiffness. At a 1 vol% of CNCs, the strength and stiffness reached approximately 300 MPa and 10.5 GPa, respectively, due to both stable dispersion and alignment. This approach has the potential to evaluate natural reinforcement parameters and aid in the construction of high-performance NFRPs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayaz Mahmood, Dev Patel, Brandon Hickson, John DesRochers, Xiao Hu
Summary: Hydrogels from biopolymers have various characteristics and find wide applications in biomedicine, contributing to patient treatments and outcomes. Different types of biopolymer hydrogels can be synthesized for specific purposes, such as cell delivery and drug delivery, in the field of biomedicine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bowen Cai, Janine Mazahreh, Qingyu Ma, Fang Wang, Xiao Hu
Summary: There is an urgent need to develop technologies that can physically manipulate the structure of biocompatible and green polymer materials in order to improve their performance. Ultrasound technology, through cavitation effects, can generate free radicals, fracture chemical chain segments, and promote rapid morphological changes. Ultrasound has high efficiency, cleanliness, and reusability, making it highly applicable in the field of natural polymer-based materials. This study explains the basic principle of ultrasonic cavitation, analyzes the influence of ultrasound strength, temperature, frequency, and induced liquid surface tension on the physical and chemical properties of biopolymer materials, and discusses the mechanism and impact of ultrasonic modification on these materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hanling Gu, Fang Wang, Hao Liu, Kyle Printon, Xiao Hu
Summary: In this study, a composite of silk fibroin and poly(L-lactic acid) was electrospun together to form a porous nanofiber biomaterial. Varying the silk fibroin content allowed for tuning of the nanopore structure, thermal stability, and hydrophilicity of the composite fibers. The study provides a unique method for tuning the properties of electrospun protein-polymer fibers with potential applications in biomedicine and sustainable materials.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Tina Adams, Karl F. Schoch, Elizabeth Pelczar, Han Xia, Xiao Hu, Sara Reynaud, Stephen Sauerbrunn
Summary: This passage announces the venue and schedule of the 2022 NATAS Conference, expressing the hope to meet attendees in person. The conference will take place at Case Western Reserve University in downtown Cleveland, featuring lecture sessions and a short course.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Maria S. Meza, Ingrid M. Michel, Ronald A. Rivas, Gloria B. Benitez, Sandra M. Solaeche, David Salas-de la Cruz, Kimberlee S. Moran
Summary: This study investigates the practices of obtaining human teeth for teaching and research in Paraguay. The findings suggest a high proportion of dental students and dentists pay for teeth acquired from dental clinics and cemeteries, raising ethical concerns. Despite this, there is a willingness among students, dentists, and the general population to donate teeth for teaching and research purposes. However, there is a lack of awareness about informed consent and the role of a human tooth bank (HTB).
JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adriano A. Conte, Xiao Hu, Vince Beachley
Summary: This study investigates the effects of molecular weight, draw rate, and residual solvent content on the properties of polymer nanofibers. The amount of retained solvent at collection is found to be relevant to the postprocessing approach.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abneris Morales, Sneha Seelam, Stacy A. Love, Sean M. O'Malley, Xiao Hu, David de la Cruz
Summary: In recent years, the research on biomaterials such as silk and cellulose has rapidly expanded due to their abundance, low cost, and tunable properties. This study investigated how the addition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) affects the properties of cellulose-silk composites, such as carbohydrate crystallinity, protein secondary structure formation, and ionic conductivity. The results showed that the addition of rGO influenced the morphological and thermal properties of the composites and impacted the ionic conductivity by modifying the cellulose crystallinity and silk beta-sheet content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shrey Dalwadi, Arnav Goel, Constantine Kapetanakis, David Salas-de la Cruz, Xiao Hu
Summary: Biopolymers are emerging as a new class of materials with diverse applications due to their sustainability and tunability. This review paper focuses on the applications of biopolymers in energy storage devices such as lithium-based batteries, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. The integration of biopolymers in energy storage solutions offers a promising alternative to traditional energy sources with reduced environmental impact.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Futian Yang, Fang Wang, Janine Mazahreh, Xiao Hu
Summary: Ultrasound technology offers a non-radiation approach to access cheap, reliable, and sustainable modern energy. By combining ultrasonic technology with air-spray spinning, this study successfully produces soy and silk fibroin protein composite nanofibers. Various tests show that ultrasound affects the surface morphology, structures, thermal properties, hydrophilicity, water-uptake, enzymatic degradation, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility of the material. Ultrasound enhances the hydrophilicity, water retention, and enzymatic degradation rate, providing a favorable environment for cell attachment and proliferation. This study presents a promising method for the development of biopolymer nanofibrous materials with tunable properties and high biocompatibility, with applications in wound dressings and drug-carrying systems.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Fang Wang, Ping Lin, Wen Jiang, Xiao Hu
Summary: This study investigates the melting behavior of silk fibroin/polylactic acid (SF/PLA) composite foam materials and discusses their isothermal crystallization kinetics. The results indicate the presence of α and α'-type crystals in the composite material, with their contents being adjustable by isothermal crystallization temperature. The shortest crystallization time and fastest crystallization rate were observed at an isothermal crystallization temperature of approximately 105 degrees C. Silk fibroin was found to shorten the crystallization half-life of the composite foam and enhance its crystallinity. However, higher isothermal temperatures hindered the diffusion, folding, and crystallization of the PLA segments through interaction with the SF segments. This study provides valuable insights into the crystallization behavior of protein-synthetic polymer biocomposite materials and offers guidance for the design of new biocomposite materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wanying Wei, Michael Wildy, Kai Xu, John Schossig, Xiao Hu, Dong Choon Hyun, Wenshuai Chen, Cheng Zhang, Ping Lu
Summary: In this study, we investigated the impact of molecular interactions and solvent evaporation kinetics on the formation of porous structures in electrospun nanofibers. Using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polystyrene (PS) as model polymers, the coaxial electrospinning technique was employed to control the injection of water and ethylene glycol (EG) as nonsolvents into the polymer jets. The results revealed the crucial role of intermolecular interactions and the size and polarity of nonsolvent molecules in governing phase separation and porous structure formation. Moreover, the solvent evaporation kinetics were found to significantly affect the phase separation and the formation of distinct porous structures.
Article
Polymer Science
Jordan C. Pierce, George M. Timmermann, Creston Singer, David Salas-de la Cruz, Kevin M. Miller
Summary: This article presents the synthesis and characterization of a series of polyurethane ionenes using a non-isocyanate approach. The ionenes were prepared by reacting carbonyl diimidazole with poly(propylene glycol) diols and subsequent reaction with 3-aminopropylimidazole. The ionenes exhibited a single glass transition temperature and microphase separation, and their conductivity depended on both temperature and phase separation.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dev Patel, Wanying Wei, Harmann Singh, Kai Xu, Christopher Beck, Michael Wildy, John Schossig, Xiao Hu, Dong Choon Hyun, Wenshuai Chen, Ping Lu
Summary: Coaxial electrospinning was used to encapsulate natural phase change material in polymer nanofibers for thermal energy storage. The resulting core-sheath nanofibers exhibited a high heat storage capacity and maintained structural integrity after cycling. This technique has potential applications in building insulation, smart textiles, and electronic cooling systems.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Stacy A. Love, Xiao Hu, David Salas-de la Cruz
Summary: This study reports the tuning of semi-crystallinity in a blended cellulose/silk-fibroin biocomposite using ionic liquids and coagulation agents. The results show that the solvent anion type and hydrogen peroxide concentration affect the morphology and thermal stability of the regenerated materials. The size of carbohydrate microcrystals is also influenced by the solvent anion type and hydrogen peroxide concentration.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Karleena Rybacki, Stacy A. Love, Bailey Blessing, Abneris Morales, Emily McDermott, Kaylyn Cai, Xiao Hu, David Salas-de la Cruz
Summary: This study investigates the properties of biocomposite films made of wool keratin and cellulose mixed with ionic liquids and coagulation agents. The results show that the structure and interactions of both wool keratin and cellulose can be manipulated during the fabrication process, leading to different physical and thermal properties. This research contributes to the development of biomaterials and has potential applications in electrolyte batteries and implantable bionics.
