scholarly journals Recent advances in biomimetic sensing technologies

2009 ◽  
Vol 367 (1893) ◽  
pp. 1559-1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.A.C Johnson ◽  
R.H.C Bonser ◽  
G Jeronimidis
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Biological Materials ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Innovative Technologies ◽  
Engineering Community ◽  
Levels Of Organization ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Development Structure

The importance of biological materials has long been recognized from the molecular level to higher levels of organization. Whereas, in traditional engineering, hardness and stiffness are considered desirable properties in a material, biology makes considerable and advantageous use of softer, more pliable resources. The development, structure and mechanics of these materials are well documented and will not be covered here. The purpose of this paper is, however, to demonstrate the importance of such materials and, in particular, the functional structures they form. Using only a few simple building blocks, nature is able to develop a plethora of diverse materials, each with a very different set of mechanical properties and from which a seemingly impossibly large number of assorted structures are formed. There is little doubt that this is made possible by the fact that the majority of biological ‘materials’ or ‘structures’ are based on fibres and that these fibres provide opportunities for functional hierarchies. We show how these structures have inspired a new generation of innovative technologies in the science and engineering community. Particular attention is given to the use of insects as models for biomimetically inspired innovations.

scholarly journals Smart covalent organic networks (CONs) with “on-off-on” light-switchable pores for molecular separation

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (34) ◽  
pp. eabb3188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangtao Liu ◽  
Shaofei Wang ◽  
Tiefan Huang ◽  
Priyanka Manchanda ◽  
Edy Abou-Hamad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visible Light ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Membrane Selectivity ◽  
Molecular Separation ◽  
Stimuli Response ◽  
Dye Rejection ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Azobenzene Derivatives

Development of the new-generation membranes for tunable molecular separation requires materials with abilities beyond strict separation. Stimuli response could remotely adjust the membrane selectivity. Azobenzene derivatives can be photo-switched between trans and cis isomers under ultraviolet or visible light. Here, the azobenzenes were implanted as light switches to bridge the flexible cyclen building blocks. The smart covalent organic network membranes fold and unfold as origami that can be photo-switched between on-state (large) and off-state (small) pores. The cis membranes with off state under ultraviolet (UV) light have higher dye rejection than trans membranes with on-state channels. By controlling the trans-to-cis azobenzene isomerization via UV/Vis light, the pore size can be remotely controlled at the molecular level and the solvent permeance and dye rejection can be dynamically tuned.

scholarly journals Self-Assembly of Organic Nanomaterials and Biomaterials: The Bottom-Up Approach for Functional Nanostructures Formation and Advanced Applications

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Lombardo ◽  
Pietro Calandra ◽  
Luigi Pasqua ◽  
Salvatore Magazù
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Functional Nanostructures ◽  
Cooperative Interactions ◽  
Nanostructured Systems ◽  
Organic Nanomaterials

In this paper, we survey recent advances in the self-assembly processes of novel functional platforms for nanomaterials and biomaterials applications. We provide an organized overview, by analyzing the main factors that influence the formation of organic nanostructured systems, while putting into evidence the main challenges, limitations and emerging approaches in the various fields of nanotechology and biotechnology. We outline how the building blocks properties, the mutual and cooperative interactions, as well as the initial spatial configuration (and environment conditions) play a fundamental role in the construction of efficient nanostructured materials with desired functional properties. The insertion of functional endgroups (such as polymers, peptides or DNA) within the nanostructured units has enormously increased the complexity of morphologies and functions that can be designed in the fabrication of bio-inspired materials capable of mimicking biological activity. However, unwanted or uncontrollable effects originating from unexpected thermodynamic perturbations or complex cooperative interactions interfere at the molecular level with the designed assembly process. Correction and harmonization of unwanted processes is one of the major challenges of the next decades and requires a deeper knowledge and understanding of the key factors that drive the formation of nanomaterials. Self-assembly of nanomaterials still remains a central topic of current research located at the interface between material science and engineering, biotechnology and nanomedicine, and it will continue to stimulate the renewed interest of biologist, physicists and materials engineers by combining the principles of molecular self-assembly with the concept of supramolecular chemistry.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Graphene/Copper Nanocomposites Using a Molecular-Level Mixing Process

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (46) ◽  
pp. 6724-6729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaewon Hwang ◽  
Taeshik Yoon ◽  
Sung Hwan Jin ◽  
Jinsup Lee ◽  
Taek-Soo Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Mixing Process ◽  
Copper Nanocomposites

Stress-responsive properties of metallocenes in metallopolymers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye Sha ◽  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Zhou Zhou ◽  
Zhenyang Luo
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Level ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Stress Responsiveness

This review article combines the field of metallopolymers and stress-responsiveness on a molecular level, namely, metallocenes, as emerging stress-responsive building blocks for materials.

scholarly journals Molecular-Level Investigation of Cycloaliphatic Epoxidised Ionic Liquids as a New Generation of Monomers for Versatile Poly(Ionic Liquids)

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1512
Author(s):  
Baris Demir ◽  
Gabriel Perli ◽  
Kit-ying Chan ◽  
Jannick Duchet-Rumeau ◽  
Sébastien Livi
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Liquids ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Polymer Materials ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Cycloaliphatic Epoxy ◽  
Polymer Models ◽  
Mechanical Performances ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
New Generation

Recently, a new generation of polymerised ionic liquids with high thermal stability and good mechanical performances has been designed through novel and versatile cycloaliphatic epoxy-functionalised ionic liquids (CEILs). From these first promising results and unexplored chemical structures in terms of final properties of the PILs, a computational approach based on molecular dynamics simulations has been developed to generate polymer models and predict the thermo–mechanical properties (e.g., glass transition temperature and Young’s modulus) of experimentally investigated CEILs for producing multi-functional polymer materials. Here, a completely reproducible and reliable computational protocol is provided to design, test and tune poly(ionic liquids) based on epoxidised ionic liquid monomers for future multi-functional thermoset polymers.

Recovery, Recrystallization, and Grain-Growth

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Iqra Zubair Awan Iqra Zubair Awan
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
State Physics ◽  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Grain Growth ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Physical And Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Deformation ◽  
Solid State Physics ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Thermally Activated

This is a brief review of the important phenomena of recovery, recrystallization as well as grain-growth. The three mentioned phenomena are the mechanisms by which metals and alloys fix the structural damage introduced by the mechanical deformation and, as a consequence, in the physical and mechanical properties. These rehabilitation mechanisms are thermally activated. For this process, the materials have to be heated and any such heat-treatment is meant to reduce deformation-induced break is termed annealing. Other or different heat-treatments lead to recovery and recrystallization. It is rather strange that, though these phenomena are extremely important in metallurgical science and engineering, not so much work has been done as that in corrosion and shape memory technologies. An attempt has been made here to summarize all important aspects of these phenomena for the benefits of students of metallurgy, chemistry and solid state physics.

Physical Properties of Building Blocks from Hemp Shives Aggregate and Cementitious Binder, Manufactured in the Expanded Clay (Vibro Pressing) Production Line

2017 ◽  
Vol 908 ◽  
pp. 118-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giedrius Balčiūnas ◽  
Viktor Kizinievič ◽  
Justinas Gargasas
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Production Line ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Cementitious Binder ◽  
Pressing Technology

Scientific literature mostly aims at investigation of composites with fibre hemp shives (FHS) aggregate and lime binder, although, such materials are characterised by pretty low mechanical properties. In order to obtain higher mechanical properties of a composite, it is appropriate to use cementitious binder. This work investigates physical properties of blocks from hemp shives aggregate and cementitious binder, manufactured in the expanded clay production line using vibro pressing technology. Following properties of the blocks are determined: freeze-thaw resistance, compressive strength, thermal conductivity and density. Thermal resistance according to EN ISO 6946 for the block with cavities is calculated as well. It is found that compressive strength of FHS-cement blocks may be up to 3.18 MPa when the density is of ~850 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity up to 0.135 W/(m∙K). It is found as well that the decrease of compressive strength is 8.7% after 25 freeze-thaw cycles.

The effect of large area graphene oxide (LAGO) nanosheets on the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Nawaz ◽  
Muhammad Ayub ◽  
Noaman Ul-Haq ◽  
M.B. Khan ◽  
Muhammad Bilal Khan Niazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Graphene Oxide ◽  
Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Graphene Oxides ◽  
Elongation At Break ◽  
Graphene Oxide Sheets ◽  
Excellent Improvement

Abstract Large area graphene oxide sheets were synthesized, dispersed in water and used as nanofiller for mechanical improvement in terms of Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at low loading. The molecular level dispersion and interfacial interactions between the graphene oxides and polymeric matrix PVA were the real challenges. An excellent improvement in mechanical properties at 0.35 wt% loading was observed. Modulus improved from 1.58 GPa to 2.72 GPa (~71% improvement), UTS improved from 120 MPa to 197 MPa (~65% improvement), and in spite of these improvements, interestingly, there was no fall in elongation at break at this loading.

Topological Interlocking in Design of Structures and Materials

2009 ◽  
Vol 1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Estrin ◽  
Arcady Dyskin ◽  
Elena Pasternak ◽  
Stephan Schaare
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Fracture Resistance ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Engineering Applications ◽  
Topological Interlocking ◽  
Novel Structures ◽  
Promising Avenue

AbstractSince its introduction in 2001 [1], the concept of topological interlocking has advanced to reasonable maturity, and various research groups have now adopted it as a promising avenue for developing novel structures and materials with unusual mechanical properties. In this paper, we review the known geometries of building blocks and their arrangements that permit topological interlocking. Their properties relating to stiffness, fracture resistance and damping are discussed on the basis of experimental evidence and modeling results. An outlook to prospective engineering applications is also given.

scholarly journals ROBUSTNESS-STRENGTH PERFORMANCE OF HIERARCHICAL ALPHA-HELICAL PROTEIN FILAMENTS

2009 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 85-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZHAO QIN ◽  
STEVEN CRANFORD ◽  
THEODOR ACKBAROW ◽  
MARKUS J BUEHLER
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Hierarchical Structures ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Material Design ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Biological Materials ◽  
Strength Performance ◽  
Synthetic Materials ◽  
Helical Protein ◽  
Bioinspired Nanomaterials

An abundant trait of biological protein materials are hierarchical nanostructures, ranging through atomistic, molecular to macroscopic scales. By utilizing the recently developed Hierarchical Bell Model, here we show that the use of hierarchical structures leads to an extended physical dimension in the material design space that resolves the conflict between disparate material properties such as strength and robustness, a limitation faced by many synthetic materials. We report materiomics studies in which we combine a large number of alpha-helical elements in all possible hierarchical combinations and measure their performance in the strength-robustness space while keeping the total material use constant. We find that for a large number of constitutive elements, most random structural combinations of elements (> 98%) lead to either high strength or high robustness, reflecting the so-called banana-curve performance in which strength and robustness are mutually exclusive properties. This banana-curve type behavior is common to most engineered materials. In contrast, for few, very specific types of combinations of the elements in hierarchies (< 2%) it is possible to maintain high strength at high robustness levels. This behavior is reminiscent of naturally observed material performance in biological materials, suggesting that the existence of particular hierarchical structures facilitates a fundamental change of the material performance. The results suggest that biological materials may have developed under evolutionary pressure to yield materials with multiple objectives, such as high strength and high robustness, a trait that can be achieved by utilization of hierarchical structures. Our results indicate that both the formation of hierarchies and the assembly of specific hierarchical structures play a crucial role in achieving these mechanical traits. Our findings may enable the development of self-assembled de novo bioinspired nanomaterials based on peptide and protein building blocks.

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