Many of the recent advances in enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit are linked to nanoscale phenomena found both in bulk samples containing nanoscale constituents and in nanoscale samples themselves. Prior theoretical and experimental proof-of-principle studies on quantum-well superlattice and quantum-wire samples have now evolved into studies on bulk samples containing nanostructured constituents prepared by chemical or physical approaches. In this Review, nanostructural composites are shown to exhibit nanostructures and properties that show promise for thermoelectric applications, thus bringing together low-dimensional and bulk materials for thermoelectric applications. Particular emphasis is given in this Review to the ability to achieve 1) a simultaneous increase in the power factor and a decrease in the thermal conductivity in the same nanocomposite sample and for transport in the same direction and 2) lower values of the thermal conductivity in these nanocomposites as compared to alloy samples of the same chemical composition. The outlook for future research directions for nanocomposite thermoelectric materials is also discussed.

https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/schools/cas_sites/physics/pdf/Ren/AdvMater_19_1043_2007.pdf

New Directions for Low-Dimensional Thermoelectric Materials**

PEEK Biomaterials in Trauma, Orthopedic, and Spinal Implants

Progress in preparation, processing and applications of polyaniline

In this article, several applications of nanomaterials in food packaging and food safety are reviewed, including: polymer/clay nanocomposites as high barrier packaging materials, silver nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, and nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant analytes (gasses, small organic molecules and food-borne pathogens). In addition to covering the technical aspects of these topics, the current commercial status and understanding of health implications of these technologies are also discussed. These applications were chosen because they do not involve direct addition of nanoparticles to consumed foods, and thus are more likely to be marketed to the public in the short term.

Applications of nanotechnology in food packaging and food safety: Barrier materials, antimicrobials and sensors

Mucus-penetrating nanoparticles for drug and gene delivery to mucosal tissues.

The article presents the state-of-the-art of alternating physisorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, the so-called "layer-by-layer" method or "electrostatic self-assembly" (ESA), for the preparation of thin polymer coatings. In comparison to other, more established self-organization techniques, this recent method is distinguished by its simplicity, versatility, and speed. In particular, the tendency for self-healing is unique. Emphasis is given to the role of the molecular structure of the polyelectrolytes, and to the nature of the support. Also, various parameters for the preparation of multilayer films are highlighted, which are very important due to the kinetic control of the build-up process. The structure of the resulting coatings, their quality and stability, chemical reactions in the films, and potential applications are discussed.

Ultrathin polymer coatings by complexation of polyelectrolytes at interfaces: suitable materials, structure and properties

Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) is observed in a new type of nanostructured material consisting of magnetic multilayered nanowires formed by electrodeposition into nanometer-sized pores of a template polymer membrane. The composition of these nanowires is modulated over nanometer length scales with distinct magnetic and nonmagnetic metallic layers. Magnetoresistance measurements with the current perpendicular to the layers were performed on the array of parallel nanowires. GMR of about 15% was observed at room temperature on Co/Cu multilayered nanowires. (C) 1994 American Institute of Physics.

Giant magnetoresistance in magnetic multilayered nanowires

This work deals with the molecular characterization of maleic anhydride melt-functionalized polypropylene (PP-g-MA). The functionalization mechanism, the nature, the concentration, and the location of grafted anhydride species onto the polypropylene chain are discussed. The polypropylene functionalization was performed using a pre-heated Brabender Plastograph (190 degrees C, 4 min of mixing time). Several concentrations of maleic anhydride and organic peroxide were used for this study. In those experimental conditions, the organic peroxide undergoes an homolytic rupture and carries out a polypropylene tertiary hydrogen abstraction. The resulting macroradical undergoes a beta-scission leading to a radical chain end which reacts with maleic anhydride. When a termination reaction occurs at this first step a succinic type anhydride chain end is obtained. However, oligomerization of maleic anhydride is found to occur more frequently leading to poly( maleic anhydride) chain end. Concentration of both anhydride types and minimal length of the grafted poly(maleic anhydride) were determined. A fraction of maleic anhydride does not react with polypropylene or homopolymerize leading to nongrafted poly(maleic anhydride). (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Roger Legras

Papers

Ultrathin polymer coatings by complexation of polyelectrolytes at interfaces: suitable materials, structure and properties

Giant magnetoresistance in magnetic multilayered nanowires

Molecular characterization of maleic anhydride-functionalized polypropylene

Chemical synthesis of polypyrrole: structure–properties relationship

Chemical and electrochemical synthesis of polyaniline micro- and nano-tubules