Spectroscopy is the study of matter interacting with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light). The electromagnetic spectrum in Figure 1 illustrates the many different types of electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays (γ-rays), X-rays, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, infrared (IR) radiation, microwaves, and radio waves. The frequency (ν) and wavelength (λ) ranges associated with each form of radiant energy are also indicated in Figure 1.

Introduction to Spectroscopy

Flame retardant polymeric nanocomposites through the combination of nanomaterials and conventional flame retardants

Recent Advances in durability of superhydrophobic self-cleaning technology: A critical review

Despite the enormous research efforts in recent years regarding lignin depolymerisation and functionalisation, few commercial products are available. This review provides a summary and viewpoint of extensive research in the lignin-to-product valorisation chain, with an emphasis on downstream processing of lignin derived feedstock into end products. It starts with an introduction of available platform chemicals and polymeric derivatives generated from lignin via existing depolymerisation and functionalisation technologies. Following that, detailed analyses of various strategies for the downstream processing of lignin derived platform chemicals and materials into fuels, valued-added chemicals and functional polymers are provided. A concise techno-economic analysis of various downstream processes is conducted based on the market demand of the end product, economic potential and technological readiness, enabling the identification of processes that are potentially both economically competitive and commercially feasible, and shedding light on processes which deserve further technological development. We wish this review will stimulate further advances in the sustainable production of value-added products from lignin to integrate this invaluable “bio-waste” into the chemical/materials supply chain.

Downstream processing of lignin derived feedstock into end products.

History of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials: Prehistory, Art, Science, and Advanced Applications

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) dispersed epoxy resin was reinforced with unidirectional glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) grafted ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ﬁbers. Tensile tests were performed on unfilled, and CNF filled epoxy to identify the effect of adding CNFs on the mechanical properties of epoxy. The highest improvement in strength was obtained with 1 wt% of CNF. Tensile and ﬂexural properties improvements in three-component nanocomposites were confirmed by obtained results. The combined use of CNFs and GMA-grafted UHMWPE fibers leads to a signiﬁcant synergy in the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. The mechanisms of such synergism were analyzed by fracture studies using scanning electron microscopy.

Mechanical property characterization of carbon nanofiber/epoxy nanocomposites reinforced by GMA-grafted UHMWPE fibers

A sustainable approach to scalable production of a graphene based flame retardant using waste fish deoxyribonucleic acid

In this study, we have developed a rapid, cost-effective, environmentally green, and yet efficient approach for the complete reclamation of the carbon fibre composites through a microwave assisted chemical method. It was found that in a catalyst-free and one-step process using microwave irradiation, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and tartaric acid (TA) can initiate decomposition of the epoxy matrix up to 95% yield, leaving behind CFs with ~92% tensile strength and ~94% strain-to-failure retentions compared to the original CFs. Less than 2 min microwave irradiation was used which makes this approach considerably promising for the fast reclamation of the carbon fibre composites. The repetition of reclamation for the second and third times, which have been performed on the composite laminates re-manufactured using the reclaimed CFs, indicated that further reductions in the CFs mechanical performance are typically less than 5% after first reclamation process. Our proposed reclamation process changed surface properties of the reclaimed CFs compared to original CFs, which led to a significant increase in interfacial performance of the recycled CFs-epoxy composites. Moreover, the re-manufactured composite laminates using the reclaimed CFs showed highly comparable flexural strength and modulus, compared to its original composite laminates.

Development of a low cost and green microwave assisted approach towards the circular carbon fibre composites

Interfacial properties of glycidyl methacrylate grafted ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and nano clay/epoxy resin were characterized by a microdroplet test. Nano clay (1, 3 and 5 wt%) was dispersed in both acetone and an acetone epoxy solution to form pastes. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that agglomerates of nano clay (1 and 3 wt%) were broken down to form small particles consisting of several clay platelets. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the GMA-grafted fiber/epoxy system has been greatly enhanced with the addition of nano clay. With the addition of only 3 wt% of clay, the IFSS increased by 228.8% up to the original composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the characteristics of the fracture surfaces after the microdroplet test.

Interfacial shear strength characterization of GMA-grafted UHMWPE fiber/epoxy/nano clay hybrid nanocomposite materials

Self-assembly of quaternized chitosan nanoparticles within nanoclay layers for enhancement of interfacial properties in toughened polymer nanocomposites

Mojtaba Ahmadi

Papers

Mechanical property characterization of carbon nanofiber/epoxy nanocomposites reinforced by GMA-grafted UHMWPE fibers

A sustainable approach to scalable production of a graphene based flame retardant using waste fish deoxyribonucleic acid

Development of a low cost and green microwave assisted approach towards the circular carbon fibre composites

Interfacial shear strength characterization of GMA-grafted UHMWPE fiber/epoxy/nano clay hybrid nanocomposite materials

Self-assembly of quaternized chitosan nanoparticles within nanoclay layers for enhancement of interfacial properties in toughened polymer nanocomposites