Zinc oxide can be called a multifunctional material thanks to its unique physical and chemical properties. The first part of this paper presents the most important methods of preparation of ZnO divided into metallurgical and chemical methods. The mechanochemical process, controlled precipitation, sol-gel method, solvothermal and hydrothermal method, method using emulsion and microemulsion enviroment and other methods of obtaining zinc oxide were classified as chemical methods. In the next part of this review, the modification methods of ZnO were characterized. The modification with organic (carboxylic acid, silanes) and inroganic (metal oxides) compounds, and polymer matrices were mainly described. Finally, we present possible applications in various branches of industry: rubber, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile, electronic and electrotechnology, photocatalysis were introduced. This review provides useful information for specialist dealings with zinc oxide.

Zinc Oxide-From Synthesis to Application: A Review.

Surface modification of inorganic nanoparticles for development of organic–inorganic nanocomposites—A review

Nanofluids, the fluid suspensions of nanomaterials, have shown many interesting properties, and the distinctive features offer unprecedented potential for many applications. This paper summarizes the recent progress on the study of nanofluids, such as the preparation methods, the evaluation methods for the stability of nanofluids, and the ways to enhance the stability for nanofluids, the stability mechanisms of nanofluids, and presents the broad range of current and future applications in various fields including energy and mechanical and biomedical fields. At last, the paper identifies the opportunities for future research.

/pdf/a-review-on-nanofluids-preparation-stability-mechanisms-and-427pko83jc.pdf

A review on nanofluids: preparation, stability mechanisms, and applications

A review on the application of inorganic nano-structured materials in the modification of textiles: focus on anti-microbial properties

We report the synthesis and characterization of nanosized zinc oxide particles and their application on cotton and wool fabrics for UV shielding. The nanoparticles were produced in different conditions of temperature (90 or 150 °C) and reacting medium (water or 1,2-ethanediol). A high temperature was necessary to obtain small monodispersed particles. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) were used to characterize the nanoparticles composition, their shape, size and crystallinity. The specific surface area of the dry powders was also determined. ZnO nanoparticles were then applied to cotton and wool samples to impart sunscreen activity to the treated textiles. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed through UV–Vis spectrophotometry and the calculation of the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Physical tests (tensile strength and elongation) were performed on the fabrics before and after the treatment with ZnO nanoparticles.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles: application to textiles as UV-absorbers

Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticle by PMAA and its dispersion in aqueous system

Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(ethylene glycol) multiblock copolymers

Interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber and epoxy resin plays an important role in determining performance of carbon–epoxy composites. The objective of this research is to determine the effect of fiber surface treatment (oxidization in air) on the mechanical properties (flexural strength and modulus, shear and impact strengths) of three-dimensionally (3D) braided carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy (C3D/EP) composites. Carbon fibers were air-treated under various conditions to improve fiber–matrix adhesion. It is found that excessive oxidation will cause formation of micropits. These micropits are preferably formed in crevices of fiber surfaces. The micropits formed on fiber surfaces produce strengthened fiber–matrix bond, but cause great loss of fiber strength and is probably harmful to the overall performance of the corresponding composites. A trade-off between the fiber–matrix bond and fiber strength loss should be considered. The effectiveness of fiber surface treatment on performance improvement of the C3D/EP composites was compared with that of the unidirectional carbon fiber–epoxy composites. In addition, the effects of fiber volume fraction (Vf) and braiding angle on relative performance improvements were determined. Results reveal obvious effects of Vf and braiding angle. A mechanism was proposed to explain the experimental phenomena. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1040–1046, 2002

Three-dimensionally braided carbon fiber–epoxy composites, a new type of materials for osteosynthesis devices. II. Influence of fiber surface treatment

In recent years, three-dimensionally (3D) braided composites have attracted a great deal of attention because of their high-impact damage tolerance and fatigue life, superior fracture toughness, and so forth, and have been used in aeronautics, military, and transportation. These advantages make them strong candidates for osteosynthesis devices. In this study, 3D braided carbon fiber–epoxy (C3D/EP) composites were produced via a simple vacuum impregnation technique. The load-deflection curve, mechanical properties, and influence of fiber volume fraction, braiding angle, and axial reinforcing fibers were examined to determine their suitability for internal fixation devices. It is found that the C3D/EP composites have excellent toughness and do not show brittleness when fractured because of their relatively high void content. The flexural, shear, and impact strengths of the C3D/EP composites are excellent. It was shown that a C3D/EP composite with a stiffness similar to load-bearing bones can be made while maintaining enough strength. It is concluded that a relatively higher void content and braiding angle is more suitable for the C3D/EP composites from the viewpoint of requirements of fracture fixation materials. The moisture absorption behavior and changes in mechanical properties caused by moisture uptake were evaluated. Results show that absorbed moisture slightly decreases mechanical properties of the C3D/EP composites. Contrary to the unreinforced epoxy, the moisture absorption behavior of the C3D/EP composites cannot be described with Fick's law of diffusion, probably because of the presence of voids and/or 3D fiber structure. The exact mechanisms should be proposed in further investigations. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1031–1039, 2002

Three‐dimensionally braided carbon fiber–epoxy composites, a new type of material for osteosynthesis devices. I. Mechanical properties and moisture absorption behavior

G. X. Cheng

Papers

Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticle by PMAA and its dispersion in aqueous system

Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(ethylene glycol) multiblock copolymers

Three-dimensionally braided carbon fiber–epoxy composites, a new type of materials for osteosynthesis devices. II. Influence of fiber surface treatment

Three‐dimensionally braided carbon fiber–epoxy composites, a new type of material for osteosynthesis devices. I. Mechanical properties and moisture absorption behavior

Crystallization behavior and biodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(ethylene glycol) multiblock copolymers