The crystallization and mechanical properties of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) hard elastic film with different melt draw ratios

To study the effect of the melt-draw ratios (MDRs) on the structure and properties of the poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP) film, the crystal structure evolution and mechanical properties of the PMP film with an MDR of 40–160 were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and mechanical test. The results show that with the increase of MDR, the spherulite to platelet transition occurs in the PMP. When the MDR exceeds 100, a parallel platelet structure appears. Due to the side chains, with the increase of MDR, the distribution density of tie chains in PMP decreases and the entanglement density of amorphous chains increases. This leads to a decrease in the yield strength and the strain hardening becomes noticeable. Although the crystalline network becomes loose due to the decrease in tie chain density, the elastic recovery (ER) value still increases with the increase of MDR. This result indicates that the entanglement density of the amorphous region greatly contributes to the ER.

Chlorides Entrapment Capability of Various In-Situ Grown NiAl-LDHs: Structural and Corrosion Resistance Properties

In this work, various NiAl-LDH thin films, exhibiting specific surface morphologies, were developed directly on aluminum AA 6082 substrate to understand the two main characteristics of layered double hydroxide (LDH), i.e., ion-exchange behavior and barrier properties, which are found to have a significant influence on the LDH corrosion resistance properties. The as-prepared NiAl-LDH films were analyzed through the scanning electronic microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the corrosion behavior of the synthesized films was investigated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic curves. The results indicated that NiAl-LDH microcrystals grow in various fashions, from porous relatively flat domains to well-developed platelet structure, with the variation of nickel nitrate to ammonium nitrate salts molar ratios. The LDH structure is observed in all cases and is found to cover the aluminum surface uniformly in the lamellar order. All the developed NiAl-LDHs are found to enhance the corrosion resistance of the aluminum substrate, specifically, a well-developed platelet structure is found to be more effective in chloride adsorptive and entrapment capabilities, which caused higher corrosion resistance compared to other developed NiAl-LDHs. The comparison of the synthesized NiAl-LDH morphologies on their ion-exchange capabilities, barrier effect and their combined effect on corrosion resistance properties is reported.

Platelet Function and Therapeutic Applications in Dogs: Current Status and Future Prospects

Significant progress has been made in the functional characterization of canine platelets in the last two decades. The role of canine platelets in hemostasis includes their adhesion to the subendothelium, activation, and aggregation, leading to primary clot formation at the site of injury. Studies on canine platelet function and advancements in laboratory testing have improved the diagnosis and understanding of platelet-related disorders as well as the knowledge of the mechanisms behind these diseases. This review focuses on the most recent discoveries in canine platelet structure, function, and disorders; and discusses the efficacy of various tests in the diagnosis of platelet-related disorders. With the relatively recent discovery of angiogenetic and reparative effects of growth factors found in platelets, this review also summarizes the use of canine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) alone or in association with stem cells in regenerative therapy. The characterization of proteomic and lipidomic profiles and development of platelet gene therapy in veterinary species are areas of future study with potential for major therapeutic benefits.

Histone H4 induces platelet ballooning and microparticle release during trauma hemorrhage

Trauma hemorrhage is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Platelets are fundamental to primary hemostasis, but become profoundly dysfunctional in critically injured patients by an unknown mechanism, contributing to an acute coagulopathy which exacerbates bleeding and increases mortality. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of platelet dysfunction in critically injured patients. We found that circulating platelets are transformed into procoagulant balloons within minutes of injury, accompanied by the release of large numbers of activated microparticles which coat leukocytes. Ballooning platelets were decorated with histone H4, a damage-associated molecular pattern released in massive quantities after severe injury, and exposure of healthy platelets to histone H4 recapitulated the changes in platelet structure and function observed in trauma patients. This is a report of platelet ballooning in human disease and of a previously unrecognized mechanism by which platelets contribute to the innate response to tissue damage.

Preparation of Nanoplatelet-Like MoS2/rGO Composite as High-Performance Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this paper, we report a facile strategy to design and prepare reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported MoS2 nanoplatelet (MoS2/rGO) via a solvothermal co-assembly process. It is found that in the as-obtained MoS2/rGO nanocomposite, MoS2 possesses unique platelet structure and rGO is exfoliated due to the in situ growth of MoS2 nanoplatelet, leading to a large specific surface area, facilitating rapid diffusion of lithium ions. The nanocomposite is used as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries and displays a high initial charge capacity (1382[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]), excellent rate capability and cycling stability. The remarkable lithium storage performance of MoS2/rGO nanocomposite is mainly ascribed to the inherent nanostructure of the MoS2, and the synergistic effect between rGO nanosheets and MoS2 nanoplatelets.

Effect of TiO2 and MgO on Microstructure of α-Alumina Ceramics and its Sintering Behavior

Observation on the effect of adding titanium oxide (TiO2) and magnesium oxide (MgO) on the sintering of α-alumina (Al2O3) has been performed. In this study, technical alumina used as basic material in which the sample is formed by the pressureless sintering/cold press and sintered at 1500°C which is lower than alumina sintering temperature at 1700°C. Elemental analysis, observation of microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness and density measurements were carried out to determine the physical and mechanical properties of alumina. The results indicate a change in the microstructure where the content of the platelet structure are much more than the equilateral structure. At sintering temperature of 1500°C, neck growth occurs at ceramics grain, supported by the results of the density test which indicate perfect compaction has occurred in this process.