A series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites containing from 1 up to 6 weight % of montmorillonite layered silicate were prepared by melt compounding followed by compression moulding. The morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and it was confirmed that the nanocomposite structures were intercalated. The average aspect ratio of the compounded nanoclay was found to be 50. Water vapour transmission rates (WVTR) through the films were measured at 38°C and at a relative humidity of 90%. It was found that the measured values of WVTR decreased with increasing nanoclay content up to a value of 5 weight % and the results gave good agreement with predictions from the Nielsen 'tortuous path' model.
The moisture absorption and diffusion characteristics of epoxy-based nanocomposites containing nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO 3 ) are investigated. Although the moisture absorption decreased with increasing nano-CaCO 3 content except for 8 wt%, the moisture absorption and diffusion behaviors were different from each other. It was found that the incorporation of 2 wt% and 4 wt% nano-CaCO 3 decreased moisture absorption capacity effectively. This is due to the more uniform distribution of nano-CaCO 3 particles, which created a longer diffusion path of moisture molecules in the nanocomposites. For the diffusion rate of moisture, there is no significant change observed on adding nano-CaCO 3 . The effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical properties of nano-CaCO 3 -filled epoxy nanocomposites were investigated as a functional property of nano-CaCO 3 content. Due to moisture absorption, the flexural strength of epoxy/nano-CaCO 3 composites significantly impaired when compared to dry nanocomposites. However, the effect of nano-CaCO 3 on these mechanical properties was found to be positive, which allows the application of modified epoxy resin in high-humidity environments.
Acoustofluidic platforms for cell manipulation benefit from being contactless and label-free at potentially low cost. Particle concentration in a droplet relies on augmenting spatial asymmetry in the acoustic field, which...
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