Designed and tailor-made double hydrophilic block copolymer-graphene nanoplatelet hybrids for reinforcing epoxy thermosets.

Because of their propensity to build micellar nanostructures, amphiphilic block copolymers (ABCs) are an appropriate and unique toughening agent for epoxy systems individually on their own and in grafted form. The presence of epoxiphilic and phobic ends in ABCs is responsible for the self-assembly and the micellar structure. Nanofiller-grafted ABCs can effectively enhance the toughness of epoxy via the synergistic interaction of nanofillers and the ABCs. Even though there is sound literature supporting the effect of ABCs in epoxy, the action of double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBC) in the epoxy matrix is less handled. Hence, the grafting of nanofillers in DHBCs and their subsequent role in tuning the properties of epoxy is a new concept. Hence this paper tries to bridge the gap via studying the effect of grafted fillers based on DHBCs in epoxy matrix. As a result, the current study focuses on the synthesis of double hydrophilic graphene nanoplatelets (rGO-g-DHBC) via nitrogen oxide-mediated polymerization for epoxy toughening application. The prepared rGO-g-DHBC was effectively utilized for epoxy toughening applications, resulting in a 457% improvement in toughness without compromising its inherent tensile strength. The mechanism behind the improved toughness was elucidated with the help of a scanning electron microscope, and the thermal, and rheological characteristics were studied.

Effective role of tannic acid in the fabrication of hydrophobic, oleophilic, antibacterial, boron nitride/chlorobutyl rubber nanocomposite for reusable protective clothing and oil-water separation.

Boron Nitride (h-BN) possesses unique qualities like increased thermal conductivity, non-toxic nature, and environmental friendliness; hence, it is a good reinforcing agent for chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR). Tannic acid (TA) holds excellent bio-functional properties and is considered as an exceptional bio-exfoliating agent. Hence, in this study, we have utilized the bio-exfoliating ability of TA to exfoliate h-BN and evaluate its efficiency in reinforcing the CIIR matrix. Results demonstrate the exceptional role of tannic acid in imparting multifunctionality to chlorobutyl rubber. CIIR matrix introduced with h-BN:TA (h-BN:TA/CIIR) display excellent mechanical performance due to the reinforcing effect shown by excess TA in addition to the exfoliating effect. In addition, h-BN:TA/CIIR composite exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. The retention of thermal decontamination efficiency of the composites with increase in the number of cycles ensures their promising application in the field of reusable gloves and chemical protective clothing. The exfoliated filler created a tortuous path inside the matrix which prevents the permeation of solvent. Hence the work intends to synergize the hydrophobic nature of h-BN, exfoliating capacity of TA and the barrier abilities of CIIR for the adsorption of oil from oil-water mixture and portrays the future of the trio in water purification.

A review on recent advances towards sustainable development of bio-inspired agri-waste based cellulose aerogels.

Cellulose aerogel (CA) is considered to be the most promising material due to its extraordinary properties like unique microstructure, porosity, large specific surface area, biodegradability, renewable nature and lightweight. Cellulosic aerogels are thus found to have potential applications in different fields especially in water purification and biomedical field. Agricultural waste based cellulose aerogels are recently getting wider attention owing to its sustainability. The synthesis methods of agri-waste based cellulose aerogels, its properties and application in different fields especially in the field of water purification are detailed in a comprehensive manner. This review tries to bring light into the commercialization of value-added products from sustainable, cheap agricultural waste material and tries to motivate young researchers.

Prospective applications of two-dimensional materials beyond laboratory frontiers: A review.

The development of nanotechnology has been advancing for decades and gained acceleration in the 21st century. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are widely available, giving them a wide range of material platforms for technological study and the advancement of atomic-level applications. The design and application of 2D materials are discussed in this review. In order to evaluate the performance of 2D materials, which might lead to greater applications benefiting the electrical and electronics sectors as well as society, the future paradigm of 2D materials needs to be visualized. The development of 2D hybrid materials with better characteristics that will help industry and society at large is anticipated to result from intensive research in 2D materials. This enhanced evaluation might open new opportunities for the synthesis of 2D materials and the creation of devices that are more effective than traditional ones in various sectors of application.