Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mahdi Hasanzadeh, Hossein Shahriyari Far, Aminoddin Haji, Giuseppe Rosace
Summary: This study aimed to fabricate superhydrophobic fabric using a simple immersion technique. Silica nanoparticles prepared from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were coated on textile fabrics to achieve sufficient roughness and hydrophobic surface chemistry. The coated fabrics were further treated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to reduce surface energy. The effects of PDMS concentration on the surface morphology and superhydrophobicity of the fabric were investigated. Characterization of the superhydrophobic fabric revealed the formation of spherical silica nanoparticles with an average size of 250 nm on the fabric surface. The hydrophobicity of the treated fabric, measured through water contact angle, showed excellent water repellency with a high contact angle of 151 degrees and a low sliding angle. The treated fabric also maintained its hydrophobicity after repeated washing cycles. Additionally, the comfort properties of the superhydrophobic fabric were not significantly affected.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hikmet Okkay, Sadik Sat, Ugur Cengiz
Summary: In this study, optically transparent and mechanically stable superhydrophilic composite thin films were fabricated via a low-cost one-step one pot microwave-assisted sol-gel technique. The wettability performance and antifogging behavior of the films were investigated by varying the PVA content, with the findings showing that a PVA content of 0.096 (wt,%) resulted in higher mechanical performance and a transparent superhydrophilic surface.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Matteo Poddighe, Plinio Innocenzi
Summary: The fabrication of hydrophobic thin films from a liquid phase is a widely discussed topic with critical technological issues. The interest in producing hydrophobic surfaces is growing steadily due to their vast applications in various industrial fields. The synthesis of hydrophobic films through sol-gel processing allows for multifunctional design and fine-tuning of properties, leading to significant advancements in the field.
Review
Materials Science, Ceramics
J. Balaji, P. Bothi Raja, M. G. Sethuraman, T. H. Oh
Summary: This review discusses the application of sol-gel coatings for corrosion protection of copper. Sol-gel coatings are preferred over other types of metallic coatings due to their cost effectiveness, simple preparation methodology, and eco-friendliness.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Deepa Devapal, Viola B. Morris, S. Suraj, S. Packirisamy
Summary: Epoxyborosiloxane resins were synthesized by reacting boric acid and 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The resulting resins showed high ceramic residue and their properties varied based on reaction conditions and mole ratios.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Satoshi Nakamura, Hiroshi Kakiuchida, Masahisa Okada, Atsushi Hozumi
Summary: This article reports a facile method for preparing surfaces that are statically very hydrophilic but dynamically hydrophobic, and exhibit excellent water sliding performance using a sol-gel method and alkali-treatment.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
M. Narasimha Murthy, V. Ganesh, G. Ravinder, S. Anusha, G. Chandrakala, C. J. Sreelatha
Summary: Aluminum and rubidium-doped zinc oxide thin films were deposited on glass substrates using sol-gel dip coating method. The effect of dopant content on structural, surface morphological, vibrational, and optical properties was studied using X-ray diffraction, SEM-AFM, and Raman spectrometer. It was observed that introducing Rb impurities into the ZnO lattice resulted in a deterioration in crystal quality and a blue shift in the bandgap. The increase in dopant concentration led to a change from hydrophilic to hydrophobic nature and showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dejian Zhang, Satoko Takase, Gyoko Nagayama
Summary: This study developed an electrochemical impedance method to evaluate the effective wetting area at a hydrophobic solid-liquid interface, finding a positive correlation between electrochemical impedance and surface hydrophobicity, and a negative correlation with effective wetting area. Patterned Si surfaces exhibited an intermediate wetting state, with the predicted effective wetting area matching well with the partial wetting model.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kui Zheng, Jie Zhu, Haifeng Liu, Xingquan Zhang, Enze Wang
Summary: A superhydrophobic material was prepared using a sol-gel method, showing excellent superhydrophobic properties and thermal resistance, with good repairability and wide application prospects.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Baoming Zhou, Yongling Wu, Hongyu Zheng
Summary: In this study, a two-step method utilizing electrochemical assisted deposition (EAD) and dip coating was used to create a superhydrophobic self-cleaning surface on copper substrate. The method involved forming a porous and hierarchical silica basecoat using a precursor solution, and then applying a superhydrophobic top-coat. The resulting coating exhibited excellent stain resistance and chemical stability, making it a promising option for protective coatings on complex surfaces.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jaya Sharma, Shivangi Shukla, Javed Sheikh, B. K. Behera
Summary: Replacing the solvent with air in silica aerogel production is crucial for desired physical properties. Drying by evaporation under ambient pressure leads to shrinkage and collapse of the gel network. This research prepared uniform sol using sonication and modified the wet gel surface with trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). Characterization techniques were used to evaluate the properties of the prepared aerogels. The results showed that the silica aerogel was thermally stable up to 800°C and remained hydrophobic up to 350°C, with a porous structure confirmed by FE-SEM and XRD.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Joseph Raj Xavier, S. P. Vinodhini, J. Raja Beryl
Summary: The newly synthesized PMMA/silane/RuO2 nanocomposite coatings exhibit excellent anticorrosion properties by significantly reducing the corrosion current density in chloride media. The silane-functionalized RuO2 embedded in PMMA coating provides improved protective properties, making these nanocomposites promising coating materials for the aerospace industry. The coatings also demonstrate superior mechanical properties, confirming their potential for industrial anticorrosive applications.
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS A-PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Leodoro P. dos Santos Filho, de F. P. Maria P. Nascimento, Liziane Marcal, Katia J. Ciuffi, Marcio L. A. e Silva, Eduardo J. Nassar, Lucas A. Rocha
Summary: The sol-gel process is an interesting strategy to obtain hybrid materials, with mesoporous silica showing large specific area and pore volume, and demonstrating efficient antimicrobial properties. Mesoporous silica matrixes prepared via the sol-gel process using surfactants and copolymers as structure-driving agents showed the most significant effects in the study.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
B. B. Kazemian, P. Cheng
Summary: A variable solid-fluid interaction strength scheme compatible with the lattice Boltzmann method is introduced to investigate contact angle hysteresis phenomena numerically. The method is demonstrated to accurately reproduce the observed behaviors during droplet sliding and evaporation processes, and the results are in agreement with previous experimental investigations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Karol Szubert, Agnieszka Dutkiewicz, Marek Nowicki, Hieronim Maciejewski
Summary: Protective coatings based on OFTES were tested for their effectiveness in protecting concrete surfaces against water. The coatings permanently increase the hydrophobicity of the concrete through the formation of chemical bonds and the fluorine chains in the coatings act as a barrier to prevent water access and reduce water impact.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Giuseppe Mancuso, Michela Langone, Rosa Di Maggio, Attilio Toscano, Gianni Andreottola
Summary: Sewage sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment processes which, if not properly treated, can pose a threat to crop production and human health. Hydrodynamic cavitation is an eco-friendly and cost-efficient pretreatment that can enhance sewage sludge stabilization, making its management and disposal safe. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of hydrodynamic cavitation in gradually disintegrating activated sludge and solubilizing dissolved organic matter, ultimately leading to a reduction in sludge particle size.
BIOREMEDIATION JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Francesco Parrino, Massimiliano D'Arienzo, Emanuela Callone, Riccardo Conta, Barbara Di Credico, Simone Mascotto, Andreas Meyer, Roberto Scotti, Sandra Dire
Summary: The introduction of modified TiO2 into the polymer matrix significantly enhances the oxygen uptake rate, while different oxidation mechanisms were observed. Materials containing modified TiO2 showed higher activity and can be widely used for the protection of electronic devices.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Davide Barreca, Lorenzo Bigiani, Max Klotzsche, Alberto Gasparotto, Roberta Seraglia, Christian Jandl, Alexander Pothig, Ettore Fois, Laura Vanin, Gloria Tabacchi, Marco Roverso, Sara Bogialli, Emanuela Callone, Sandra Dire, Chiara Maccato
Summary: Iron(III) oxide nanomaterials show great potential in various applications, and the versatile iron(II) precursor Fe(tfa)(2)TMEDA can be used to fabricate high purity iron oxide nanomaterials with metastable phase and tunable nano-organization. This precursor combines molecular stability, volatility, and clean decomposition, making it ideal for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Oscar Cotini, Rosa Di Maggio, Daniel Tonelli, Roger Nascimben, Narges Ataollahi
Summary: The study found that the continuous C-S-H nucleation in cement mortar changes the shape of capillary pores, improving impermeability. Adding superabsorbent polyacrylate can improve mortar flowability, but result in a different pore size distribution compared to standard mortar. Over time, permeability in air and water is affected by the presence of superabsorbent polyacrylate residues.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Narges Ataollahi, Eleonora Tomasino, Oscar Cotini, Rosa Di Maggio
Summary: A series of modified polyketone anion exchange membranes were synthesized and their performance was enhanced by the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles. The presence of modified silica led to increased hydroxide conductivity, even in highly alkaline conditions. Fuel cell performance showed a high peak power density at 80 degrees C.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Olga Sacco, Paola Franco, Iolanda De Marco, Vincenzo Vaiano, Emanuela Callone, Riccardo Ceccato, Francesco Parrino
Summary: This study aimed to determine the structural and optical properties of Eu-doped ZnO powders prepared by supercritical antisolvent precipitation route and correlate them with the photocatalytic activity. The introduction of novel defects by Eu-doping enhanced the hydrophilicity of the samples, while Eu3+ ions led to the quenching of visible light emission in ZnO. The higher photocatalytic activity of Eu-doped ZnO was attributed to the stabilization of photogenerated holes and their higher hydrophilicity due to the generation of defective sites induced by Eu3+ ions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nico Zamperlin, Andrea Bottacini, Emanuela Callone, Alessandro Pegoretti, Marco Fontana, Sandra Dire
Summary: Barium titanate nanoparticles (BT NPs) were surface functionalized to enhance their compatibility with polymeric matrices, leading to improved physical properties of the epoxy- and PDMS-based nanocomposites. The functionalization process was optimized to increase grafting yield and surface reactivity. The results showed that functionalization improved particle dispersibility and alignment in the PDMS matrix. The nanocomposites also demonstrated potential for use in dielectric elastomer applications.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Silvia Mostoni, Paola Milana, Massimiliano D'Arienzo, Sandra Dire, Emanuela Callone, Cinzia Cepek, Silvia Rubini, Ayesha Farooq, Carmen Canevali, Barbara Di Credico, Roberto Scotti
Summary: The interaction between ZnO activators and stearic acid co-activators plays a critical role in the vulcanization process. The study investigates the reactivity of pure ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO nanoparticles anchored on SiO2 with SA. The results demonstrate the formation of Zn(II)-SA complexes with different thermal stability and structural properties, which contribute to faster kinetics and higher curing efficiency of isoprene rubber nanocomposites. This research provides valuable insights for the design and implementation of ZnO-based materials to enhance the rubber vulcanization process.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Lorenzo Mirizzi, Massimiliano D'Arienzo, Roberto Nistico, Giulia Fredi, Sandra Dire, Emanuela Callone, Andrea Dorigato, Luca Giannini, Silvia Guerra, Silvia Mostoni, Barbara Di Credico, Roberto Scotti
Summary: This study develops a new filler system, Al2O3@POSS, using alumina nanoparticles and polyhedral silsesquioxane units. The goal is to improve heat transport and mechanical properties in rubber nanocomposites for potential application in tire formulations.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gianluca Maracchini, Rocco Di Filippo, Rossano Albatici, Oreste S. S. Bursi, Rosa Di Maggio
Summary: Fluorocarbons, which are banned due to their contribution to ozone depletion potential, continue to emit greenhouse gases in the environment from existing buildings. Proper disposal of CFCs/HFCs can limit their environmental impact. However, there is a lack of studies quantifying the achievable environmental savings in this case.
Article
Polymer Science
Daniele Bugnotti, Sara Dalle Vacche, Leandro Hernan Esposito, Emanuela Callone, Sara Fernanda Orsini, Riccardo Ceccato, Massimiliano D'Arienzo, Roberta Bongiovanni, Sandra Dire, Alessandra Vitale
Summary: The effect of processing method and sepiolite filler amount on the microstructure of starch-based nanocomposites was investigated. The processing method disrupted the rigid lattice structure of semicrystalline starch, resulting in amorphous flexible films with high transparency and good thermal resistance. The microstructure of the bio-nanocomposites depended on complex interactions among sepiolite, glycerol, and starch chains, which also affected the final properties of the composite materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui P. C. L. Sousa, Rita B. Figueira, Emanuela Callone, Sandra Dire, Susana P. G. Costa, Maria Manuela M. Raposo
Summary: In this study, four novel organic-inorganic hybrid materials were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The materials were based on different molecular weights of Jeffamines and ECHETMS, and characterized using various techniques. The influence of Jeffamine molecular weight on the suitability of these materials as a supporting matrix for heteroaromatic probes was assessed and discussed, and the materials were found to exhibit interesting properties for a wide range of sensing applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Pietro Mingarelli, Chiara Romeo, Emanuela Callone, Giulia Fredi, Andrea Dorigato, Massimiliano D'Arienzo, Francesco Parrino, Sandra Dire
Summary: This study utilized ladder-like silsesquioxanes to produce composites with remarkable thermal conductivity. The addition of functionalized nanoparticles and blending with polybutadiene proved to be effective strategies for incorporating a higher ceramic filler amount and increasing thermal conductivity.
Article
Polymer Science
Devid Maniglio, Elia Bissoli, Emanuela Callone, Sandra Dire, Antonella Motta
Summary: Damages to the intervertebral disc (IVD) due to improper loading or degeneration result in back pain. Hydrogels, with their ability to simulate soft tissues and tunable properties, are attractive materials for IVD remediation. In this study, hydrogels were produced through the crosslinking of different mixtures of polymers, allowing for the control of both shear properties and hydrophilicity. NMR and DSC were used to investigate the structure and properties of the hydrogels.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Laura Tripaldi, Emanuela Callone, Massimiliano D'Arienzo, Sandra Dire, Luca Giannini, Simone Mascotto, Andreas Meyer, Roberto Scotti, Luciano Tadiello, Barbara Di Credico
Summary: Hairy nanoparticles (HNPs) are inorganic NPs functionalized with polymer chains that self-organize into anisotropic structures, improving the functional properties of the materials they are embedded in. A three-step colloidal synthesis method for spherical SiO2-HNPs was developed, showing controlled particle morphology and surface chemistry. The surface PB brushes play a crucial role in influencing the special arrangement of SiO2-HNPs, leading to alternative structures in polymer NCs with unique functional properties.
