University of Akron

About: University of Akron is a education organization based out in Akron, Ohio, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Polymer & Polymerization. The organization has 17401 authors who have published 29127 publications receiving 702386 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Akron.

Nanoassembly of a Fractal Polymer: A Molecular "Sierpinski Hexagonal Gasket"

Abstract: Mathematics and art converge in the fractal forms that also abound in nature. We used molecular self-assembly to create a synthetic, nanometer-scale, Sierpinski hexagonal gasket. This nondendritic, perfectly self-similar fractal macromolecule is composed of bis-terpyridine building blocks that are bound together by coordination to 36 Ru and 6 Fe ions to form a nearly planar array of increasingly larger hexagons around a hollow center.

Simultaneously Strong and Tough Ultrafine Continuous Nanofibers

Abstract: Strength of structural materials and fibers is usually increased at the expense of strain at failure and toughness. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated improvements in modulus and strength of electrospun polymer nanofibers with reduction of their diameter. Nanofiber toughness has not been analyzed; however, from the classical materials property trade-off, one can expect it to decrease. Here, on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of long (5–10 mm) individual polyacrylonitrile nanofibers, we show that nanofiber toughness also dramatically improves. Reduction of fiber diameter from 2.8 μm to ∼100 nm resulted in simultaneous increases in elastic modulus from 0.36 to 48 GPa, true strength from 15 to 1750 MPa, and toughness from 0.25 to 605 MPa with the largest increases recorded for the ultrafine nanofibers smaller than 250 nm. The observed size effects showed no sign of saturation. Structural investigations and comparisons with mechanical behavior of annealed nanofibers allowed us to attribute ul...

Ecological consequences of early Late Pleistocene megadroughts in tropical Africa.

Abstract: Extremely arid conditions in tropical Africa occurred in several discrete episodes between 135 and 90 ka, as demonstrated by lake core and seismic records from multiple basins [Scholz CA, Johnson TC, Cohen AS, King JW, Peck J, Overpeck JT, Talbot MR, Brown ET, Kalindekafe L, Amoako PYO, et al. (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:16416–16421]. This resulted in extraordinarily low lake levels, even in Africa's deepest lakes. On the basis of well dated paleoecological records from Lake Malawi, which reflect both local and regional conditions, we show that this aridity had severe consequences for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. During the most arid phase, there was extremely low pollen production and limited charred-particle deposition, indicating insufficient vegetation to maintain substantial fires, and the Lake Malawi watershed experienced cool, semidesert conditions (<400 mm/yr precipitation). Fossil and sedimentological data show that Lake Malawi itself, currently 706 m deep, was reduced to an ≈125 m deep saline, alkaline, well mixed lake. This episode of aridity was far more extreme than any experienced in the Afrotropics during the Last Glacial Maximum (≈35–15 ka). Aridity diminished after 95 ka, lake levels rose erratically, and salinity/alkalinity declined, reaching near-modern conditions after 60 ka. This record of lake levels and changing limnological conditions provides a framework for interpreting the evolution of the Lake Malawi fish and invertebrate species flocks. Moreover, this record, coupled with other regional records of early Late Pleistocene aridity, places new constraints on models of Afrotropical biogeographic refugia and early modern human population expansion into and out of tropical Africa.

Tunnel Enlargement After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

Abstract: Bone tunnel enlargement has been reported after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Although the long-term outcome of this phenomenon is not yet known, tunnel lysis or expansion may be clinically significant in revision surgery because the enlarged tunnels may complicate graft placement and fixation. There any many proposed theories for tunnel lysis. The most accurate statement is that this condition has a multifactorial etiology. Mechanical and biological causes have been reported, and both contribute to enlarged graft tunnels. This article describes the multiple causes of bone tunnel enlargement after ACL surgery. Future techniques and advances in primary ACL surgery must seek to eliminate this phenomenon.

Elastomeric Nanofibers of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Triblock Copolymer

Abstract: Nanofibers of a commercial styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer were electrospun from solution, and collected either as a nonwoven elastomeric fabric, or on a layer of graphite that was evaporated onto a glass microscope slide. The resulting nanofibers were elastic, birefringent, and most had diameters around 100 nm. A few thin, beaded fibers were found among the smooth nanofibers. The diameter of the fibers between the beads was as small as 3 nm. After staining with osmium tetroxide, the nanofibers were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Separated phases of styrene and butadiene blocks were observed. The single-phase domains were irregular in shape, but elongated along the axis of the fiber. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterns showed a weak indication of molecular orientation along the fiber axis, and the birefringence confirmed that such orientation was present. The single-phase domains grew larger in nanofibers that were held at room temperature (∼ 25 °C) for several days. Annealing at a temperature 70 °C greatly accelerated the growth of the single-phase domains. The nanofibers softened and flattened on the evaporated graphite during annealing.