Nano-fibrous scaffolds which could potentially mimic the architecture of extracellular matrix (ECM) have been considered a good candidate matrix for cell delivery in tissue engineering applications. In the present study, a semicrystalline diblock copolymer, poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PCL-b-PLLA), was synthesized and utilized to fabricate nano-fibrous scaffolds via a therm...

With a specific capacity of 3600 mA h g(-1), silicon is a promising anode active material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, because of the huge volume changes undergone by Si particles upon (de)alloying with lithium, Si electrodes suffer from rapid capacity fading. A deep understanding of the associated failure mechanisms is necessary to improve these electrochemical performances. To reach ...

To fabricate high-strength diatomite-based ceramics for dental applications, the layer-by-layer technique was used to coat diatomite particles with cationic [poly(allylamine hydrochloride)] and anionic [poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)] polymers to improve the dispersion and adsorption of positively charged nano-ZrO(2) (zirconia) as a reinforcing agent. The modified diatomite particles had reduc...

A novel metallic porous medium with improved thermal and electrical conductivities and controllable porosity was developed based on micro/nano echnology for its potential application in PEM fuel cells. In this work to demonstrate its applicability, the gas diffusion medium, made of 12.5 m hick copper foil, was tested in an operational fuel cell. The small thickness and straight-pore feature of ...

The electrochemical behavior of polycrystalline TiO₂ anatase coatings prepared by a one-step hydrothermal synthesis on commercially pure (CP) Ti grade 2 and a Ti13Nb13Zr alloy for bone implants was investigated in Hank's solution at 37.5 °C. The aim was to verify to what extent the in-situ-grown anatase improved the behavior of the substrate in comparison to the bare substrates. Tafel-plot extr...

Atomistic and meso scale computer simulations of nanoparticle aggregation are combined to describe the self-assembly of supraparticles in bulk and on surfaces under vacuum conditions. At the nano scale, atomic resolution molecular dynamics simulations provide the structures of 30 nm-diameter nanoparticles bound to each other and to coated hydrophobic surfaces, through the physical contacting of...

In this study, new nano-fluor-hydroxyapatite (nFHA)/polyurethane composite scaffolds were fabricated for potential use in bone tissue engineering. Polyester urethane samples were synthesized from polycaprolactone, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and 1,4-butanediol as chain extender. Nano fluor-hydroxyapatite (nFHA) was successfully synthesized by sol-gel method. The solid-liquid phase separation an...