Ioannis Zuburtikudis

Bio: Ioannis Zuburtikudis is an academic researcher from Abu Dhabi University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nanocomposite & Montmorillonite. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 44 publications receiving 1484 citations. Previous affiliations of Ioannis Zuburtikudis include University College London & United Arab Emirates University.

Superhydrophobic composite films produced on various substrates.

Abstract: Hydrophilic silica (SiO2) nanoparticles were dispersed in solutions of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and in solutions of a commercial poly(alkyl siloxane) (Rhodorsil 224), and the suspensions were sprayed on glass surfaces. The effect of the particle concentration on the hydrophobic character of PMMA−SiO2 and Rhodorsil−SiO2 films was investigated and showed the following: (i) Static contact angles (θs), measured on surfaces that were prepared from dilute dispersions (particle concentration <1% w/v), increase rapidly with particle concentration and reach maximum values (154 and 164° for PMMA−SiO2 and siloxane−SiO2, respectively). Further increases in particle concentration do not have any effect on θs. (ii) The effect of particle concentration on the contact angle hysteresis (θΑ − θR) is more complicated: as the particle concentration increases, we first notice an increase in hysteresis, which then decreases and finally becomes constant at elevated particle concentrations. The lowest θΑ − θR values were...

Fabrication of super-hydrophobic surfaces for enhanced stone protection

Abstract: In the current study, we demonstrate that the modification of a commercial siloxane protective composition by the addition of silica nanoparticles substantially enhances its protective efficiency and renders the treated stone surface super-hydrophobic and self-cleaning. The extent of surface hydrophobization depends on nanoparticle concentration and reaches a maximum value of ~ 160° at 1% w/v of nanoparticles for the case of white Greek marbles (Naxos, Pentelic and Thassos) treated with the modified composition. The investigation of the surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the presence of micron-sized protrusions (10–100 μm in diameter) formed by nanoparticle aggregates consolidated by the siloxane polymer. The diameter and surface density of the protrusions depend on nanoparticle concentration. The developed nanostructure of the protrusions was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nano-dimensions of the silica particles are essential for the superhydrophobization of the treated marble surfaces. In the case of micron-sized silica particles that were mixed with siloxane and were applied accordingly on similar white Greek marbles, the superhydrophobic effect was not achieved and the observed water contact angles were substantially lower. In the event that hydrophobicity is not the sole parameter of optimal stone and stone-monuments protection, other important parameters, such as water vapor permeability, water capillary absorption and stone color alterations, were also investigated and their dependence on nanoparticle concentration was established.

Superhydrophobic films for the protection of outdoor cultural heritage assets

Abstract: A very simple method that can be used to impart superhydrophobicity to stone surfaces of monuments using common and low-cost materials that are already employed or are easy to be found by conservators is presented. A siloxane-nanoparticle dispersion is sprayed on a stone, and this process can result in the formation of a rough two-length-scale hierarchical structure that exhibits water repellent properties, provided that the nanoparticle concentration in the dispersion is higher than a critical value. Superhydrophobicity (static contact angle >150° and contact angle hysteresis <7°) is achieved, by this simple method (i) on the surfaces of three types of stones, Opuka, Božanovský and Hořický, which have been used for the restoration of the castle of Prague, (ii) using two poly (alkyl siloxane) products such as Rhodorsil 224 and Porosil VV plus, which are utilized by conservators and (iii) using common nanoparticles such as silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), tin oxide (SnO2) and titanium oxide (TiO2). It is shown that the stone substrate and the nanoparticle size (5–50 nm) or type have almost no effect on the wettability of the superhydrophobic surfaces, as comparable contact angles were measured on the three stone substrates, treated with any siloxane-particle composite. Treatments of the stones with pure (hydrophobic) siloxanes and siloxane-SiO2 (superhydrophobic) composites result in comparable reductions of the water vapor permeability and the water amounts absorbed by capillarity. Consequently, the use of nanoparticles in the protective coatings does not have any obvious effect on the results of the aforementioned tests. However, the aesthetic appearance of the three stones, included in this study, is highly affected by the nanoparticles.

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Abstract: THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

Catalysis as an Enabling Science for Sustainable Polymers

Abstract: The replacement of current petroleum-based plastics with sustainable alternatives is a crucial but formidable challenge for the modern society. Catalysis presents an enabling tool to facilitate the development of sustainable polymers. This review provides a system-level analysis of sustainable polymers and outlines key criteria with respect to the feedstocks the polymers are derived from, the manner in which the polymers are generated, and the end-of-use options. Specifically, we define sustainable polymers as a class of materials that are derived from renewable feedstocks and exhibit closed-loop life cycles. Among potential candidates, aliphatic polyesters and polycarbonates are promising materials due to their renewable resources and excellent biodegradability. The development of renewable monomers, the versatile synthetic routes to convert these monomers to polyesters and polycarbonate, and the different end-of-use options for these polymers are critically reviewed, with a focus on recent advances in c...