PNIPAM hydrogels are widely studied materials which swell in a great extent in water and water like solvents (e.g. alcohols). The hydrophilic nature of PNIPAM networks is very attractive however it is an important disadvantage at the moment of encapsulating hydrophobic drugs, which minimize their use in other fields. In this work we studied the swelling in different solvent mixtures with water and also in pure nonaqueous solvents, some of them immiscible with water. Accordingly, PNIPAM gels swell strongly in highly polar solvents (e.g. chloroform) but it does not swell in slightly polar solvents (e.g. toluene). The main interaction between the solvent and the polymer chain seems to involve the hydrogen bonding with the amide group, according to the calculated Hansen parameters (δh). It is possible to swell the gel in binary or ternary mixtures containing toluene. In that way, non-polar substances can be loaded inside the gel to change its properties. As a proof of concept, polyaniline (PANI) solubilized in chloroform using camphorsulfonate as solubilizing counterion. The obtained nanocomposites become sensitive to pH changing color and conductivity when exposed to basic or acidic aqueous solutions.

The variation of the molecular architecture of multiblock copolymers has enabled the introduction of functional behaviour and the control of key mechanical properties. In the current study, we explore the synergistic relationship of two structural components in a shape-memory material formed of a multiblock copolymer with crystallizable poly(ε-caprolactone) and crystallizable poly[oligo(3S-iso-butylmorpholine-2,5-dione)] segments (PCL-PIBMD). The thermal and structural properties of PCL-PIBMD films were compared with PCL-PU and PIBMD-PU, investigated by means of DSC, SAXS and WAXS measurements. The shape-memory properties were quantified by cyclic, thermomechanical tensile tests, where deformation strains up to 900% were applied for programming PCL-PIBMD films at 50 °C. Toluene vapor treatment experiments demonstrated that the temporary shape was fixed mainly by glassy PIBMD domains at strains lower than 600%, with the PCL contribution to fixation increasing to 42±2% at programming strains of 900%. This study into the shape-memory mechanism of PCL-PIBMD provides insight into the structure-function relation in multiblock copolymers with both crystallizable and glassy switching segments.

In this study, the synthesis of a clay-polymer composite was carried out by the in-situ polymerization method of two biopolymers, Alginate-Chitosan (Alg-Chit), with the intercalation of an organo-modified clay, for the removal of bromophenol blue dye (BP-Dye). For this purpose, a natural Montmorillonite clay from Mexico was modified with a cationic surfactant, in order to exchange the cations of the clay galleries with those of the surfactant, and to change its nature from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Moreover, the synthesis of the copolymer was carried out using different ratios between both biopolymers. Once the copolymer was obtained, it was characterized through FTIR technique. On the other hand, the modified clay was used to obtain the polymer-clay composites using a ratio of 2%-wt of the homopolymer, and the obtained material was characterized with the same technique. Finally, a contact test was carried out by preparing a solution of BP-Dye at a concentration of 5 mg/L, with and without initial pH adjustment, for 1 h, in a bath at controlled room temperature and constant stirring (100 rpm). After this time, phases were separated, and the quantification of the dye was carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Composites from carbon nanotubes and polymers have been synthesized and studied. The composites were obtained joining carbon nanotubes with polymethyl methacrylate, nylon-6 and polystyrene. The materials were observed through scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the carbon nanotubes dispersion in the polymeric matrices. FTIR and Raman spectroscopies were used to analyze the interactions among functionalized and non-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polymers, demonstrating affinity and peculiar spectra behaviors for each composite with different carbon nanotubes loads.

Poly (methyl methacrylate)/hydroxyapatite (PMMA/HAp) nanocomposites with HAp nanoparticles content of 12 wt.% were obtained by free-radical polymerization synthesis. Three different concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (PBO) of 3, 6, and 12 wt.% were studied. The results showed that the concentration of PBO has an effect on the performance of composites. In particular, the nanocomposite with the highest concentration of PBO presented the best mechanical and tribological behavior, as well as the lowest values of water absorption and porosity percent.

Organic compounds such as azo dyes have been detected in wastewater due to their use in industries without regulation. Conventional wastewater treatments are not always effective in the removal of these pollutants. Among the innovative materials that deal with this problem, are the polymer-zeolitic composites used as adsorbents. Modified natural zeolites have been proven to be efficient for the removal of yellow 6; on the other hand, biopolymers such as alginate offer their potential use as a polymer matrix for the synthesis of biocomposites. In this study, the adsorbent properties of a ferric zeolite and an alginate-ferric zeolite composite were determined for the removal of yellow 6 dye from aqueous solutions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of both natural and modified zeolites indicated the presence of clinoptilolite. The characteristic bands of these materials were identified through the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique. Moreover, the presence of iron in the ferrous zeolite was verified by elemental analysis (EDS). Adsorption tests showed that the composite has a lower removal capacity than the zeolitic material; however, in the case of water treatment systems, the composite would be easier to handle than the zeolite without supporting it in a polymer matrix.

Over the last decade, polymer composites reinforced with natural fibers gained interest, both from the academic world and from various industries. Due to the demanding needs for environmentally friendly composites, the automotive industry is now searching for biodegradable and renewable composite materials and products. There are a wide variety of different natural fibers which can be applied as reinforcement or fillers, showing potential as a replacement for inorganic fibers in automotive components. The fact that plastics are often economical to produce implies an advantage especially in very complex shapes, make them promising for obtaining composite materials, achieving short demolding times, as no chemical reaction is required. Moreover, polymers are used increasingly for stressed tribological components, whereby plastic parts replace metallic bearings, gear wheels or sliding elements. In this regard, the objective of this work was to produce composite materials based on natural fibers and to characterize the influence of the addition of different amounts of filler. To do so, composites of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and peanut shells (PS), at different proportions (2, 4 6, 8 and 10% wt.), were prepared. The composites were produced by injection molding and molded into a particular tension test simple mold. Although the FTIR presented an increment on the O-H vibration and a band around 1600 cm-1, the HDPE structure did not present modification. The mechanical properties of the HDPE were affected with the inclusion of the fibers. The tensile performance of the HDPE decrease with the increment of the fibers inclusion whiles the elastic modulus increases. The sample with 2% of natural fibers presented the lowest wear rate (k) and coefficient of friction (µ).

The incorporation of inorganic particles in a polymer matrix has been established as a method to adjust the mechanical performance of composite materials. We report on the influence of covalent integration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) on the actuation behavior and mechanical performance of hybrid nanocomposite (H-NC) based shape-memory polymer actuators (SMPA). The H-NC were synthesized by reacting two types of oligo(ω-pentadecalactone) (OPDL) based precursors with terminal hydroxy groups, a three arm OPDL (3AOPDL, Mn = 6000 g mol·1-1) and an OPDL (Mn =3300 g · mol-1) coated magnetite nanoparticle (Ø = 10 ± 2 nm), with a diisocyanate. These H-NC were compared to the homopolymer network regarding the actuation performance, contractual stress (σcontr) as well as thermal and mechanical properties. The melting range of the OPDL crystals (ΔTm,OPDL) was shifted in homo polymer networks from 36 °C – 76 °C to 41°C – 81 °C for H-NC with 9 wt% of MNP content. The actuators were explored by variation of separating temperature (Tsep), which splits the OPDL crystalline domain into actuating and geometry determining segments. Tsep was varied in the melting range of the nanocomposites and the actuation capability and contractual stress (σcontr) of the nanocomposite actuators could be adjusted. The reversible strain (εrev) was decreased from 11 ± 0.3% for homo polymer network to 3.2±0.3% for H-NC9 with 9 wt% of MNP indicating a restraining effect of the MNP on chain mobility. The results show that the performance of H-NCs in terms of thermal and elastic properties can be tailored by MNP content, however for higher reversible actuation, lower MNP contents are preferable.

The generation of filaments constituted by nanocomposites allows printing pieces with functional properties. A method is proposed for incorporating nanoparticles in plastic filaments (thermoplastic polyurethane, PU) by diffusion in the swollen material. The nanoparticles must be dispersed in solvents (or solvent mixtures) in which the polymer swells but does not dissolve. Nanoparticles are incorporated mainly at the surface as revealed by SEM/EDS mapping. The thermal properties (studied by DSC and TGA) of the PU are only slightly affected by the presence of NPs. Test pieces successfully are printed using the modified filaments. Incorporation of solid lubricant (MoS2) nanoparticles decreases the coefficient of friction of the printed test samples.

Hydrogels made of sodium 2-acrylamide-2-methypropanesulfonate were synthesized with the goal of creating a polymer for tissue engineering applications. The hydrogels were doped with silver nanoparticles to create hydrogel/Ag with possible antibacterial properties. We varied the weight/volume percentage of Laponite from 3 to 10 w/v% to alter the rheological properties of the hydrogels. Raman spectroscopy was used to study the progress of the chemical reaction at different polymerization times under ultraviolet radiation. By comparing the changes in the intensities of the Raman bands corresponding to C=C and C–C bonds with reaction time, we found that the optimal polymerization time to obtain chains of poly(2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonate) was 3 to 4 h. Characterization of the hydrogels with scanning electron microscopy indicated pore sizes of 1 to 6 µm.

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanotubes (NTT) with chitosan (CS). In a first stage, electrochemical anodization of titanium foils was used to generate NTT in a membrane-type arrangement. From these experiments, suitable experimental conditions were selected. In a second stage, the synthesized NTT were detached from the titanium foils by sonication. In the third stage, the detached NTT were dispersed in an acid solution containing CS in various concentrations. Finally, the nanotubes-chitosan (NTT/CS) samples were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). Our results showed that the NTT presented very regular tube morphology with -OH and Ti-O- functional groups on the surface. The interaction of NTT and chitosan was enhanced by increasing the time of contact during the synthesis of the titanium composites.

A thermoset polymer can be used for specific applications by creating a unique chemical composition that is designed for certain characteristic environments. To know the behavior of a thermoset polymer, it is necessary to thermally analyze its behavior during the curing process, as well as its mechanical behavior under certain loads that are applied in its field of application. In this study, the epoxy resin X was created at high temperatures, which there was no record of its thermal or mechanical behavior; the resin was analyzed to determine if it was possible to make a reduction in its curing cycle that was at temperature of 425° F with a time of 24 hours. As a result, through thermal analysis such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), rheometry, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA); as well as mechanical analysis, such as stress, hardness and planar cutting tests; it was possible to reduce the curing cycle of resin X, which is used in aerospace generators, from 24 hours at 425 ° F to 8 hours at 425 ° F. In the same way, this reduction of the cure cycle was verified by means of a qualification of a product that involved the reduction of the curing cycle of the epoxy resin obtaining very similar results to the original ones, verifying that the change of curing in the epoxy resin did not affected the functioning of the component. This methodology can be used and applied for the study of thermoset polymers that are used in several industries such as aerospace, automotive, among others.

The non-equilibrium self-consistent generalized Langevin equation (NE-SCGLE) theory of irreversible processes in liquids has been proposed as a theoretical framework capable of predicting the age- and preparation-dependent properties of highly ubiquitous non-equilibrium amorphous solids, such as like glasses and gels. By this formalism, we discuss the main kinetic features of the irreversible relaxation of simple liquids involved in the arrested spinodal decomposition of suddenly and deeply quenched. At some lower temperature we identify, by means of a latency time within which particles retain a finite apparently stationary mobility, the crossover from full phase separation to arrested spinodal decomposition which leads to recognize the onset of gelation.

Rosin resin is constituted by rosin acids, in particular, abietic acid, which is an inexpensive substance. This paper concerns the study of the molecular interactions between a bifunctional monomer of abietic acid with isocyanate to form polyurethane. Polyurethane is a varnish that can be applied to any timber surface protecting it from chemical and environmental factors. Furthermore, the polar groups (OH´s) of the diol have a direction along the molecular axis thus, increasing their intermolecular interactions with the isocyanate groups. The varnish named as (PAR), was synthesized in the laboratory and applied to a timber surface whereby its functionality was evaluated. Morphological and spectroscopic studies were carried out on the diol obtained and the polyurethane. Likewise, we behaved several of physical and chemical analyses of vanish. The comparative SEM showed a homogeneous phase on the PAR surface and FTIR between the diphenylmethane, 4-4, diisocyanate (MDI) and the varnish from hydroxylated rosin resin (HAA) showed that the reaction was carried out in its entirety, exhausting the limiting reagent (MDI). The obtained varnish which was labelled as PAR has very suitable characteristics for indoor use. It has a transparent and bright appearance, a solids percentage of 44-45%, a drying time for application between layers and layers of 15-20 minutes.

Polysulfone (Pfu) films were modified by grafting poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by the oxidative pre-irradiation technique. To achieve this modification, some parameters were modified such as the radiation dose, the concentration of PVA, the temperature and the reaction time. It was found that the grafted films with 12% presented a greater grafting percentage (0.86%). The modified films were characterized by means of the contact angle, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques.

This work presents a study of the chemical structure, morphology, electromagnetic absorption and electric conductivity of thin films. The electrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole/surfactant (PPy/SDS) films doped with iodine is carried out by glow discharge plasma in aqueous solution, at different reaction times. The morphology shows agglomerations of particles dispersed in the surface. Infrared spectroscopic analysis shows absorption on the wavenumbers 2915,2362 and 2082 cm-1 corresponding to chemical groups C-H, C=O and R/N=C=S, respectively. The electromagnetic absorption had higher response sensitivity between 340 to 800 nm in the visible region, and the electric conductivity of samples oscillated between 5.0x10-6 and 2.0x10-5 S/cm. The thickness films significantly increased when doping with iodine, reaching values up to 50 μm.

This work presents a study about synthesis of polypyrrole films electrochemically doped with iodine by luminescent discharge plasma in aqueous sodium sulfate solution, and its structural, morphological and electrical characterization. The synthesis is carried out at atmospheric pressure with square pulse from -1.06 to 1.16 V for 120 minutes. Doping times of the films are 10, 30 and 50 minutes. The films have thicknesses of 6, 12.7, 20.32 and 25.4 μm, and linear growth trend according to the time exposure of their synthesis. The main chemical groups exhibited in the films are C-H, N-H and CH2I, which are characteristics of film doped with Iodine. The electrical conductivity calculated of polypyrrole films is in the range 10-5-10-3 S/cm, and its activation energy is between 0.052 and 1.77 eV.

The aim of the present research was to evaluate pectin-gelatine and pectin-collagen polymeric compounds as encapsulating and releasing matrices for whey active peptides with antioxidant properties. Active peptides were obtained by hydrolysis of whey proteins with thermolysin and proteinase enzymes from B. subtilis. The hydrolysates were fractioned and encapsulated in the pectin composite matrices to obtain particles loaded with active whey peptides. The composite particles were analysed by SEM and IR techniques. In addition, they were also tested under simulated gastric conditions to evaluate the encapsulation efficiency and delivering power of the composite materials. The results showed that both encapsulation particles were excellent supports, because they retained to-the peptides and maintained their antioxidant activity during the simulated gastric process (120 min). However, the pectin gelatine particles were digested faster than those of pectin-collagen. The peptides from-encapsulated in pectin-gelatine were released within this time, showing an increment in the-antioxidant activity. Peptides from gelatine protein were also released by the gastric enzymes, and thus also they contributed to the antioxidant activity; in addition to the whey peptides.

Humanoid robots, prosthetic limbs and exoskeletons require soft actuators to perform their primary function, which is controlled movement. In this work, we explored whether crosslinked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] (cPEVA) fibers, with different vinyl acetate (VA) content can serve as torsional fiber actuators, exhibiting temperature controlled reversible rotational changes. Broad melting transitions ranging from 50 to 90 °C for cPEVA18-165 or from 40 to 80 °C for cPEVA28-165 fibers in combination with complete crystallization at temperatures around 10 °C make them suitable actuating materials with adjustable actuation temperature ranges between 10 and 70 °C during repetitive cooling and heating. The obtained fibers exhibited a circular cross section with diameters around 0.4±0.1 mm, while a length of 4 cm was employed for the investigation of reversible rotational actuation after programming by twist insertion using 30 complete rotations at a temperature above melting transition. Repetitive heating and cooling between 10 to 60 °C or 70 °C of one-end-tethered programmed fibers revealed reversible rotations and torsional force. During cooling 3±1 complete rotations (Δθr = + 1080±360°) in twisting direction were observed, while 4±1 turns in the opposite direction (Δθr = - 1440±360°) were found during heating. Such torsional fiber actuators, which are capable of approximately one rotation per cm fiber length, can serve as miniaturized rotary motors to provide rotational actuation in futuristic humanoid robots.

Three sizes of beads 1, 2 and 3 mm of chitosan and poly (vinyl alcohol) were generated and crosslinked with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether. The modification was carried out using a glass reactor, in which the beads were exposed to the glow discharge plasma (GDP). The adsorption experiments were carried out in triplicate at 30 °C, 200 rpm, 72 h at different pH values in the range between 2 and 7. The concentrations of the dye in the supernatants were determined by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The 1 mm beads with and without modification, as well as those adsorbed and without adsorbing were characterized by FTIR and SEM. A higher and constant adsorption capacity was observed using modified beads (814, 857 and 1509 mg/g for the 3, 2 and 1 mm beads, respectively). For unmodified beads the adsorption capacity decreased when the initial pH value was increased. This makes the beads modified by GDP a robust material with respect to pH variation and a good candidate to be used in the removal of synthetic dyes.