Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Antonia Georgopoulou, Silvain Michel, Bram Vanderborght, Frank Clemens
Summary: Combining conductive fillers with elastomers allows the development of soft elastomer strain sensors that can reach large elongations; however, introducing conductive filler into the polymer significantly increases stiffness and affects mechanical properties.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Antonia Georgopoulou, Anton W. Bosman, Joost Brancart, Bram Vanderborght, Frank Clemens
Summary: Self-healing materials can prolong the lifetime of structures and products by enabling the repairing of damage, but detecting damage and monitoring the healing process remains a critical issue. In this study, self-healing, piezoresistive strain sensor fibers were embedded in an elastomeric matrix to develop sensor fiber composites with up to 100% elongation at break. These composites showed reproducible responses and were used as sensorized electronic skin on soft robotic modules. The sensors demonstrated successful deformation detection and damage monitoring, with superior recovery and minimal relaxation after healing.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Josu Fernandez Maestu, Ander Garcia Diez, Carmen R. Tubio, Ainara Gomez, Joanes Berasategui, Pedro Costa, M. Mounir Bou-Ali, Jon Gutierrez Etxebarria, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: Advances in the development of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) with self-sensing characteristics are reported in this study. Conductive fillers were added to increase the applicability of MREs. The SEBS matrix with embedded Fe3O4 nanoparticles as magnetically responsive materials and MWCNT as conductive fillers were used to prepare multifunctional MREs. The addition of MWCNT improved the mechanical, electrical, magnetorheological, and piezoresistive properties of the composites, making them suitable for self-sensing deformation in magnetorheological actuators.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Dan Zhao, Jin Cui, Xinying Dai, Shaogang Liu, Liqiang Dong
Summary: The study investigated the influence of graphene content on the magneto-piezoresistive characteristics of GR/RTV-MRE, showing that the piezoresistive coefficients of samples with different graphene content decrease with an increase in magnetic flux density within a certain range. When the volume fraction of graphene is less than 12%, the piezoresistive coefficient is positively correlated with it, but the increase in graphene content has little effect on the piezoresistive characteristics after exceeding 12%.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Leipeng Liu, Haochen Yun, Kangning Zhang, Zhe Ji, Jinru Liu, Shenghua Lv, Shaobo Tan
Summary: Dielectric elastomers, such as the aluminum hydroxide@graphene oxide (Al(OH)(3)@GO)/PDMS composite, show excellent performance and can be used as the next generation drives due to their ability to undergo reversible deformation under external electric fields. The presence of insulating Al(OH)(3) layer in the composite helps impede conductive pathways and leakage currents, resulting in a high dielectric constant value and improved actuated strain under low electric fields.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenhao Xie, Feichong Yao, Hongbo Gu, Ai Du, Qin Lei, Nithesh Naik, Zhanhu Guo
Summary: A novel three-dimensional nanocomposite aerogel with outstanding magnetoresistance and piezoresistance was manufactured by surrounding magnetic reduced graphene oxide (rGO/Fe3O4) aerogel with in-situ polymerized polyaniline nanoarrays (PANI NAs). The aerogel exhibited excellent mechanical strength, preserved its porous structure, and showed a promising performance in terms of recovery ratio, piezoresistive performance, and magnetoresistance.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Blake Herren, Vincent Webster, Eric Davidson, Mrinal C. Saha, M. Cengiz Altan, Yingtao Liu
Summary: Porous piezoresistive sensors were developed using a microwave-based rapid porogen removal technique, allowing for customization of electrical properties by varying porogen amounts and CNT loadings. Sensors with 3 wt% CNT loading demonstrated the highest piezoresistive sensitivity, while those with low porosity showed long-term durability.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wooseok Kim, Doyoung Kim, Jihwan Kim, Sang Uk Park, Hee Kyu Lee, Janghoon Joo, Se Gi Lee, Jeong Woo Chae, Jeonghyun Kim, Seungyong Han, Hyoung Won Baac, Sang Min Won
Summary: This article introduces a pressure sensor made on a mechanically deformable substrate, which is widely used in health monitoring systems, tactile sensors, and human-machine interfaces. By optimizing the geometrical configuration, the sensor can effectively reduce the mechanical distortion caused by non-pressure related stimuli, enabling independent perception of normal force.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bryce J. Stottlemire, Jonathan D. Miller, Jonathan Whitlow, Sebastian G. Huayamares, Prajnaparamita Dhar, Mei He, Cory J. Berkland
Summary: The study presents a silicone elastomer with a suspension of ferromagnetic nickel nanorods capable of sensing deformation and altering stiffness when exposed to an external magnetic field. This material can be used as a soft load cell for detecting the rate, duration, and magnitude of force applied, and lattice structures with the same sensing capacity can be 3D printed using the same material composition.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Changrok So, Jong Uk Kim, Haiwen Luan, Sang Uk Park, Hyochan Kim, Seungyong Han, Doyoung Kim, Changhwan Shin, Tae-il Kim, Wi Hyoung Lee, Yoonseok Park, Keun Heo, Hyoung Won Baac, Jong Hwan Ko, Sang Min Won
Summary: Continued research on the epidermal electronic sensor aims to develop sophisticated platforms that reproduce key multimodal responses in human skin. With the help of deep learning technology, the customized regression and classification model can accurately predict the magnitude of the external force, epidermal hardness, and object shape.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Thomas Searle, Vitor Sencadas, Jonathan Greaves, Gursel Alici
Summary: This work demonstrates the synthesis of multi-wall carbon nanotube-silicone nanocomposites with dynamic metal-ligand self-healing chemistry, providing skin-like mechanical elasticity for biomedical devices. The composites achieve tunability in mechanical stiffness and conductivity while maintaining high flexibility and repairability.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wolfgang Klimm, Kawai Kwok
Summary: This study evaluates the modeling assumptions of piezoresistivity in carbon nanotube polymer composites to establish an approach with improved predictive accuracy. The effects of CNT extensibility, tunneling cross-section, and conduction channels on piezoresistive response are investigated.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ling Wang, Xuewu Huang, Dong Wang, Weimiao Zhang, Shijie Gao, Junchen Luo, Zhen Guo, Huaiguo Xue, Jiefeng Gao
Summary: The flexible electrically conductive polymer foam composite (CPFC) with lotus leaf inspired microstructure shows excellent performance in harsh environments, stable electrical conductivity, and high compressibility.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linhua Li, Yunxia Li, Zhanqi Liu, Tao Chen, Xiao Jiang, Zemin Zhang, Fangcong Wang, Weihua Han
Summary: In this study, a multilevel porous structure is proposed to improve the sensing range and pressure sensitivity of a force sensor. The results demonstrate that the sensor exhibits superior performance and excellent stability and durability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Mahdi Kiaee, Thomas Maeder, Juergen Brugger
Summary: The study introduces chemiresistive sensors made of a thermoplastic elastomer and high-structure carbon black for detecting hydrocarbons at or near room-temperature. These sensors demonstrate fast response and recovery to nonpolar compounds, showing potential for low-cost, low-power consumption applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Cecilia Prudkin-Silva, Jimena H. Martinez, Florencia Mazzobre, Cinthya Quiroz-Reyes, Erwin San-Juan, Eduardo San-Martin, Oscar E. Perez
Summary: The objective of this study was to encapsulate Insulin in Chitosan-based nanoparticles using nanospray drying method. The results showed that the nanoparticles formed after rehydration exhibited significant differences in size and physical properties compared to standalone Insulin, indicating the effectiveness of nanodrying technology in protecting Insulin in a Chitosan matrix.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Natalia Pacho, Eugenio Nahuel Pugni, Johanna Briyith Diaz Sierra, Maria Laura Morell, Claudia Soledad Sepulveda, Elsa Beatriz Damonte, Cybele Carina Garcia, Norma Beatriz D'Accorso
Summary: The encapsulation of curcumin in PLGA nanoparticles showed promising antiviral activity against Zika virus, indicating that PLGA-CUR NPs are potential candidates for a drug formulation against human pathogenic flaviviruses.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Beatriz Guerrero-Leon, Graciela Corbino, Alain Dufresne, Maria Ines Errea, Norma D'Accorso, Nancy L. Garcia
Summary: The peel of Arapey Sweet Potato was utilized as a source of phenolic compounds for antioxidant activity, resulting in nanocapsules with high stability and thermal properties that demonstrated improved mechanical characteristics of PLA films when used as additives, suggesting potential applications for controlled release of antioxidants.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Joana E. Tasque, Isabel N. Vega, Simon Marco, Pablo A. Raffo, Norma B. D'Accorso
Summary: The study compared the performance of polymer proppants synthesized with different fillers, and found that the composites prepared in presence of carbon black showed the most promising results, meeting the requirements for hydraulic fracturing with good conductivity and permeability similar to commercial polymeric and natural sand, as well as no generation of fines observed in the crushing test.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL GAS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Milagros Lucia Gomez Mattson, Rocio Corfield, Leonardo Bajda, Oscar Edgardo Perez, Carolina Schebor, Daniela Salvatori
Summary: By optimizing the combined process of enzyme-assisted extraction and freeze-drying, elderberry powder with high bioactive content was developed, retaining polyphenols and anthocyanins from the original fruits. The in vitro digestion and transepithelial transport demonstrated high bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of the bioactive compounds.
JOURNAL OF BERRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Roxana E. Coppola, Fabricio N. Molinari, Norma B. D'Accorso, Graciela C. Abuin
Summary: The study presents a facile preparation method of an AEM using glutaraldehyde crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers and poly[2-2'- (m-phenylene)-5-5' -bibenzimidazole] polymer reinforcement, showcasing good chemical stability and swelling resistance in a liquid alkaline water electrolyzer. The AEM exhibited high ionic conductivity and stable performance in terms of current density under different operating temperatures, indicating its potential as a cost-effective alternative material for electrolyzers.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Gabriel Lombardo, Mariana D. Sosa, Antonela Canneva, Nicolas G. Saggion, Graciela Rojas, Andrea Kaplan, R. Martin Negri, Norma B. D'Accorso
Summary: Superhydrophobic/oleophilic membranes based on covalent silanization of silica nanoparticles on metallic meshes were obtained to achieve highly efficient separation of oil/water mixtures. The membranes were prepared in a scalable two-step process and characterized using various techniques. The modified nanoparticles provided chemical resistance to hard water while maintaining strong hydrophobicity, enabling the separation of oil-water mixtures.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
C. A. Rodriguez-Ramirez, Alain Dufresne, Norma D'Accorso, Nancy Lis Garcia
Summary: A chemical modification method was developed to modify the surface of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from an ordinary bamboo. The modified CNFs were used as nano-fillers to improve the properties of films based on polylactic acid (PLA). The study showed that the addition of 5% modified CNFs resulted in improved thermal, mechanical, and surface properties of the films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Roxana E. Coppola, Hernan E. Lozano, Mario Contin, Antonela Canneva, Fabricio N. Molinari, Graciela C. Abuin, Norma B. D'Accorso
Summary: Thin films of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) were prepared and studied for their sorption properties with aqueous CuSO4 solutions. Spectroscopic analysis revealed a strong interaction between Cu(II) and the nitrogen groups of ABPBI. The best conditions for Cu(II) uptake were found to be pH = 5 and a soaking time of 60 min, with the sorption isotherm fitting well to the Langmuir equation and a maximum sorption capacity of 1.5 mmol g(-1). Elution studies using hydrochloric acid solution resulted in the complete removal of bonded Cu(II). The surface morphology of the membranes remained unchanged after sorption and elution experiments. ABPBI shows potential as an alternative polymer for the development of materials for heavy metal removal.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Leila M. Saleh M. Medina, Antonela Canneva, Fabricio N. Molinari, Norma D'Accorso, R. Martin Negri
Summary: The objective of this study is to develop absorbent materials based on PDMS for efficient absorption of organic solvents. The materials showed high absorption capacities for various solvents and exhibited demulsification properties and absorption of oleophilic compounds. The reusability of the materials makes them suitable for water remediation applications.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Gonzalo N. Cagnola, J. Nicolas Cabrera, R. Martin Negri, Norma B. D'Accorso, Leonardo Lizarraga, M. Julia Pettinari
Summary: Different strategies including the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and exposure to bromine vapors in the presence and absence of UV irradiation were tested to reduce biofilm formation of Cobetia marina and Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus on PDMS coated aluminum and cellulose acetate surfaces. The surface modifications led to significant reductions in biofilm formation, with the highest reduction of 30% observed with exposure to Br-2(g). A quantitative theoretical model based on the effective roughness parameter, Ra-eff, was introduced to correlate biofouling reduction with surface properties. The model accounted for morphological changes and the inclusion of bacteria into large surface wells observed with AFM.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Rocio Corfield, Gabriel Lalou, Santiago Di Lella, Karina D. Martinez, Carolina Schebor, Mariana C. Allievi, Oscar E. Perez
Summary: Complexes of β-lactoglobulin or whey protein isolate with folic acid were developed as potential food ingredients. The binding sites of the vitamin on the protein were elucidated using dilute concentrations. The zeta potential, aggregation kinetics, and particle size distributions were studied, and in silico studies were carried out. The bioaccessibility of the vitamin was also assessed.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Veronica E. Manzano, Norma B. D'Accorso
Summary: Basic science plays a crucial role in driving new developments across various industries, and the increasing interaction between academic science and industry has drawn significant attention in recent years. This article highlights the development and transfer of rational materials from basic science to the productive sector, including hydrophobic coatings for aerospace applications, hydrogels for the oil and gas industry, and polymers for the removal of heavy metals. The inspiration drawn from nature, such as superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity, has also paved the way for the creation of membranes for separating hydrocarbons and water in subterranean water treatment for the oil and gas industry. The article emphasizes the importance of basic science as the foundation for generating new technology and materials, presenting interesting examples of laboratory research that have successfully addressed industry challenges.
Article
Polymer Science
Ramon Silva Nieto, Cecilia Samaniego Lopez, Marcela A. Moretton, Leonardo Lizarraga, Diego A. Chiappetta, Agustina Alaimo, Oscar E. Perez
Summary: This study successfully encapsulated beetroot extract in chitosan-based nanogel for controlled release of betanin. The nanogel exhibited stability, controlled release, and demonstrated antioxidant and cell-protective properties, making it suitable for ophthalmic use.
Article
Biology
M. Carolina di Santo, Agustina Alaimo, Ana Paula Dominguez Rubio, Oscar E. Perez
Summary: Chitosan-based nanocarriers play a crucial role in improving drug delivery, with their effects at the cellular level influenced by factors like size, shape, concentration, and surface chemistry. The mechanism of uptake and cytoskeletal impact of CS-NCs vary among different cell types, affecting intracellular responses. Understanding the relationship between CS-NCs and cytoskeletal changes in cells is important for designing safer biomedical formulations, with potential anti-tumoral effects.
