Abstract This work aims in developing carboxyl functionalised graphene based PP nanocomposites by using melt mixing method to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was used as a compatibilizer to achieve better compatibility between the non-polar polymer and polar nanofiller. FTIR study confirms the presence of functional groups at corresponding absorption levels. TEM and SEM image shows the uniform distribution of COOH-Gr onto the PP matrix with the addition of MA-g-PP onto it. The tensile strength and young’s modulus of PMG5 depicts better improvement of 62% and 20% compared to neat sample. The increase in storage modulus of 19.02% was obtained for PG and 43.48% for PMG samples. The reduction in tan δ peak confirms the minimum heat buildup and as a result, leads to better damping characteristics of the nanofiller incorporated PP matrix.

Abstract The objective of this work is to develop graphene oxide (GO) incorporated butyl rubber (IIR) nanocomposites by three different methods: direct addition approach (DAAM), single step method (SSM) and two step method (TSM). Chlorobutyl rubber was used as a compatibilizer in SSM and TSM. Mechanical properties of developed nanocomposites was increased and gas permeability co-efficient was decreased up on addition of GO content in IIR matrix. Maximum technical properties was achieved for the nanocomposite with 1.6 wt.% of GO in all methods was achieved due to better interfacial bonding with IIR matrix. When GO content increases above 1.6 wt.% in IIR matrix leads to agglomeration which resulted in deterioration of mechanical properties. HR-TEM studies revealed that nanocomposites prepared by TSM shows exfoliated structure of GO in IIR matrix due to homogenous distribution when compared to the nanocomposites prepared with DAAM and SSM.

Abstract The blending of nanoclay in polymers has potential prospects in the recent development of composite technology. In this present research work, Nanoclay was added to Glass fiber and Abaca fiber reinforced hybrid epoxy composites to enhance the wear resistance of the material. Nanoclay at weight ratios of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% was reinforced and the composite was fabricated into laminates using compression moulding. Nanoclay reinforced composites were tested for mechanical characteristics and wear rate in comparison to the non nanoclay reinforced hybrid composites. Water absorption character and morphology were also studied. It was observed that the 4% nanoclay reinforced composites showed the optimum results, with an increase in tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strengths of 6.6%, 19.6%, and 22.6% respectively when compared with EGA composite. Similarly the wear rate of the 4% nanoclay reinforced composite also was better than the EGA composite, showing an increase of 22.1% improved resistance.

Abstract Nylon composites were developed using 5-20 wt.% of Talc, Kaolin, Mica and Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) particulates. Mechanical and free vibration characteristics of nylon composites were examined through experimental and analytical approach. Particulate filled nylon composites exhibited enhancement in tensile strength, specific stiffness, natural frequency and damping factor compared to pure nylon. As a whole, talc reinforced nylon composites especially 15 wt.% filler content (T15) portrayed significant performance in mechanical and vibrational characteristics. This is followed by nylon composites based on kaolin (K15) and mica (M20) compared to CaCO3 based nylon composites. T15 depicted 18.13%, 33.33%, 81.2% increment in tensile strength, natural frequency and damping factor compared to pure nylon. The simulated ANSYS results are in agreement with experimental results. Among four different particulates, talc is proven as appropriate reinforcing agent for nylon owing to larger surface area of talc particles and polar-polar interaction between talc and nylon matrix.

Abstract The major impact in the clinical field is the harm posed by cancer. One most common type of cancer occurs in the skin. Though the conventionally existing modalities are successful in some cases, there is a need for new sensible methods to detect tumors at their initial stage. In accordance to these reasons and in addition to the incapability of the drugs to cross cellular barriers in skin the conventional administration methods are often compromised. To eradicate these problems the research work aims to develop the electrical analogue of skin involving layers like dermis, subcutaneous tissues, bones and muscular layers. The mathematical model has been developed to determine the electrical network of skin. The response of different skin layers are analyzed through simulation studies. It is observed that the cells present in each layer absorbs some amount of drug and let out the remaining to the neighboring layers. Further to minimize the diffusion rate of the drug a conventional controller has been incorporated and the results are analyzed by the contrast of the absorption and diffusion capacities for different layers of skin.