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This study surveys the characteristics of the nanocomposite film for PU/MWNT. For this purpose, several kinds of PU/MWNT nanocomposite films were prepared with four kinds of MWNT, MWNT contents and two kinds of dispersion times and ESD (Electrostatic Dissipation) films composed with polyurethane (PU) block copolymer and selected multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) were also prepared by disperse processing with various MWNT contents and dispersion times, and their mechanical and chemical properties were investigated with electrical conductivity. The tensile properties and chemical properties of PU/MWNT nanocomposite films were measured using UV-visible spectrometer and discussed with the manufacturing conditions of nanocomposite film. Furthermore, the PU/MWNT films were made by dispersing with five kinds of CNT content and six kinds of dispersion time under the DMF (dimethylformamide) solution, and the mechanical properties of the PU/MWNT films were analyzed by Instron and discussed with various dispersion conditions.

This paper presents a study on the sensing properties of a conductive polymer composite (CPC) that is processed by an electrospinning technique. The CPC is obtained by mixing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) with a poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix. Sensors made of this composite are characterised by measuring their electrical properties as a function of external stimuli. In particular, their responses to vapours of toluene, methanol and dioxan are investigated. As studied, the PEO/MWNT material shows high and stable sensitivity over three testing cycles for the selected vapours. An increase in electrical resistance is observed under the influence of chemical substances. This paper supports the concept that penetration of molecules of selected chemical substances leads to the partial disorder of contact between neighboured nanotubes located in the polymer matrix. The electro-spun non-woven fabric with a low amount of MWNT (3 wt.%) in the PEO matrix seems to be a good textile product for application as sensing membranes in personal protective clothing.

Uniform dispersion, orientation and adhesion between carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix are essential for the improved mechanical properties in the nanocomposite. We prepared multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT)-nylon 6 nanocomposites using an in-situ polymerization technique, assisted with a few minutes (3-4 minutes) of ultrasonication. Fibers were then extruded from prepared nanocomposite using a single screw extruder and stretched for draw ratio 3 and 4 respectively. Uniform dispersion was achieved due to the effect of ultrasonication and quick polymerization. DSC studies indicated the presence of interactions between nylon 6 polymer and MWNTs. SEM studies showed the nearly oriented carbon nanotubes inside the nanocomposite fibers. Improved mechanical properties were observed as a result of proper dispersion, orientation and interfacial interactions. However at higher MWNT loadings (> 0.5 %), molecular weight of the synthesized nylon 6 reduced significantly, resulting in decreased mechanical properties.

To develop a method for the preparation of multi‐walled carbon nanotube reinforced low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites (MWNTs/LDPE), based on ultrasonic vibration, solution casting and melt mixing.

The preparation for MWNTs/LDPE composites was carried out by vibration of carbon nanotubes (CNT), solution casting and melt mixing for MWNTs and LDPE. The physical chemical properties of the composites were characterised using a variety of techniques including scanning electron microscopy, resistance and tensile measurement.

It was found that the preparation method reported had significantly improved the dispersion of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in LDPE matrix, resulting in the improvement of tensile strength of the composite. The percolation of MWNTs in LDPE matrix was between 10 and 15 wt% (10¹⁶‐10⁸ Ω cm).

The preparation method reported addressed a problem concerning the dispersion of CNT in polymer matrix. The method developed provided a practical and effective solution to such a problem.

The preparation method for MWNTs/LDPE composites involving vibration of CNT, solution casting and melt mixing for MWNTs and LDPE was novel. The method could be adapted for use in industrial scale.

Live non-invasive monitoring of biomarkers is of great importance for the medical community. Moreover, some studies suggest that there is a substantial business gap in the development of mass-production commercial sweat-analysing wearables with great revenue potential. The objective of this work is to quantify the concentration of biomarkers that reaches the area of the garment where a sensor is positioned to advance the development of commercial sweat-analysing garments.

Computational analysis of the microfluidic transport of biomarkers within eccrine sweat glands provides a powerful way to explore the potential for quantitative measurements of biomarkers that can be related to the health and/or the physical activity parameters of an individual. The numerical modelling of sweat glands and the interaction of sweat with a textile layer remain however rather unexplored. This work presents a simulation of the production of sweat in the eccrine gland, reabsorption from the dermal duct into the surrounding skin and diffusion within an overlying garment.

The model represents satisfactorily the relationship between the biomarker concentration and the flow rate of sweat. The biomarker distribution across an overlying garment has also been calculated and subsequently compared to the minimum amount detectable by a sensor previously reported in the literature. The model can thus be utilized to check whether or not a given sensor can detect the minimum biomarker concentration threshold accumulated on a particular type of garment.

The present work presents to the best of our knowledge, the earliest numerical models of the sweat gland carried out so far. The model describes the flow of human sweat along the sweat duct and on to an overlying piece of garment. The model considers complex phenomena, such as reabsorption of sweat into the skin layers surrounding the duct, and the structure of the fibres composing the garment. Biomarker concentration maps are obtained to check whether sensors can detect the threshold concentration that triggers an electric signal. This model finds application in the development of smart textiles.

The synergistic effect of functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) using KMnO4 oxidation and initial tensile deformation on the electrical resistance of nanotube network/polyurethane composite subjected to elongation was studied.

Though the initial deformation irreversibly changed the arrangement of carbon nanotube network, subsequent cyclic elongation confirmed stable resistance values. The increased strain-dependent resistance of stimulated nanotube network/polyurethane composite was demonstrated by monitoring vibration of tambour leather after a bead impact and finger flexion.

The results showed a tenfold composite resistance increase for the composite prepared from KMnO₄ oxidized nanotubes, quantified by a so-called gauge factor, from a value of about 20 in comparison to the network prepared from pristine nanotubes. This is a substantial increase, which ranks the stimulated composite among materials with the highest electromechanical response.

The results in this paper are new and have not been published yet. The paper combines different ideas which are developed together. It presents a new concept of synergistic effect of CNT oxidation and application of pre-strain simulation. Oxidation and pre-strain increases by several times the sensitivity of the tested composites which are predetermined for use as strain sensors of various sizes and shapes.

This paper aims to investigate effects of acrylic functionalisation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on properties of carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposites.

A number of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, were used to assess the effects of acid treatment on MWCNTs. Ultraviolet-curable coatings were fabricated by sonication and cast moulding process. The mechanical properties of MWCNTs/epoxy composites at different weight fractions were evaluated by performing tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis tests. Also, gel contents were examined.

It was found that addition of nanotubes monomer to epoxy formulations had significant effect on the viscoelastic and mechanical properties.

Improving dispersion and alignment of MWCNTs in the composite matrix will contribute to the development of resin/MWCNTs nanocomposites and promote the applications.

The paper establishes a method to introduce MWCNTs into epoxy matrix as a monomer to enhance the photo curable and dispersion properties of the MWCNT/epoxy films.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate numerically the thermal and hydrodynamics performance of circular microchannel heat exchanger (CMCHE) using various nanofluids.

The three‐dimensional steady, laminar developing flow and conjugate heat transfer governing equations of a balanced MCHE are solved using finite volume method.

The results are shown in terms of temperature profile, heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, wall shear stress, pumping power, effectiveness and performance index. The addition of nanoparticles increased the heat transfer rate of the base fluids. The temperature profiles of the fluids have revealed that higher average bulk temperatures were obtained by the nanofluids compared to water. The addition of nanoparticles also increased the pressure drop along the channels slightly. The increase in nanoparticle concentrations yielded better heat transfer rate while the increase in Reynolds number decreased the heat transfer rate.

The tested nanofluids are Ag, Al₂O₃, CuO, SiO₂, and TiO₂. Reynolds number range varied from 100 to 800 and the nanoparticle concentration varied from 2 per cent to 10 per cent.

Parallel flow in CMCHEs is used in thermal engineering applications and the design and performance analysis of these CMCHE are of practical importance.

This paper provides the details of the thermal and hydrodynamics performance analysis of flow heat exchangers using nanofluids, which can be used for heat transfer augmentation in thermal design.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the anti-wear (AW) and extreme pressure (EP) performances of CuO and graphite nanoparticles as a palm oil additive.

In this study, the AW and EP performances of CuO and graphite nanoparticles as additives in palm oil were evaluated using four ball tribotester in accordance to ASTM D4172 and ASTM D2783, respectively. The wear worn surfaces of the steel balls were analysed using high resolution microscope.

The results obtained demonstrate that CuO and graphite nanoparticles improved the AW and EP performances of the palm oil up to 2.77 and 12 per cent, respectively. The graphite nanoparticles provide better AW and EP performance than that of CuO nanoparticles.

This demonstrates the potential of CuO and graphite nanoparticles for improving AW and EP performances of palm oil base lubricant. Different morphology of nanoparticles will affect the AW and EP performances of nanolubricants.

This paper aims to discover the novelties in biosensor fabrication brought about by breakthroughs in nanomaterials and process techniques, the resulting enhancement in biosensor functionalities, new applications and future possibilities.

The impact of nanotechnology on biosensor advancement has been examined. Different directions of biosensor research in the nano era have been highlighted. These include the efforts made through nanotechnology to improve the performance parameters of the existing biosensors, and for implementation of innovative biosensor concepts.

Nanotechnology is a key technology in biosensor development. It has permeated into the biosensor field and brought in its wake far‐reaching changes.

Biosensor science and engineering are central to virtually all aspects of life including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and biotechnological process control. Therefore, the progress in biosensors brought about by nanotechnology influences one's everyday life.

The study helps in understanding the applications of nanotechnology in fabricating a new generation of biosensors with improved characteristics. It provides information of value to those involved in biosensor research.