Algy Kazlauciunas

Characterization of cellulose derivatives — Relevance to sensor development

With the aim of developing a urea biosensor, several cellulose derivatives were used to coat an all-solid-state potentiometric electrode for ammonium ion determination. In this work the physical and chemical characterization of the cellulose derivatives, as well as the changes that the activation and immobilization procedures induced in the polymers, were studied.

Investigation into digital print hard copy quality, longevity and durability

The main purpose of the research project was to investigate whether deskjet ink jet printing could produce A-4 size images on a par with conventional silver halide continuous tone photographic media prints. To this end, equivalent images were produced using both dye-based and pigment-based deskjet ink jet prints. To assist the research project, a multi-cultured array of observers were enlisted to give individual responses to a range of specific questions appertaining to the image characteristics of the A-4 size images produced. In addition, in order to assess the image stability and print durability of both the conventional silver halide prints and the ink jet prints, a range of laboratory tests were undertaken in the areas of light fastness, water fastness and both dry and wet rub fastness.

Curing of Epoxy Resin with Styrene–Maleic Anhydride Copolymer: A Differential Scanning Calorimetric Investigation:

Curing reactions of epoxy resin (EP-450) with stryene–maleic anhydride copolymer (St–MAn) samples are investigated by differential scanning calorimetry at a scan rate of 10 °C min−1 in an N2 atmosphere. The overall kinetic parameters of the curing reactions are estimated using Barrett as well as Freeman–Carroll methods based on a single dynamic scan. The curing reactions are found to follow overall first-order kinetics up to about 60–70% completion. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of all the cured samples of epoxy resin (EP-450) with St–MAn copolymer samples has also been carried out at a heating rate of 10 °C min−1 in air.

A bifunctional smart material: the synthesis of a metal-free black pigment for optoelectronic applications from an organic semiconducting molecular rod

This paper aims to synthesise and evaluate the properties of a novel smart material consisting of a metal-free organic black pigment with a unique chromophore for bifunctional applications in optoelectronics.,A robust and highly efficient organic reaction, namely, a double [2 + 2] cycloaddition, was deployed to transform a rod-like structure for charge-transfer applications to a strongly conjugated light-absorbing molecule for both optical and electronic applications.,The synthesis and characterisation of an air-stable metal-free black pigment is reported, which contains an unconventional donor–acceptor panchromatic chromophore with an absorption window spanning 600 nm; the compound was synthetically converted from an organic semiconducting molecular rod and retains strong charge-transfer properties. The chromophore comprises tetracyanoquinodimethane adduct on either side of a dithienothiophenyl core, capped with hexyl thiophenes that ensure solubility in common organic solvents. Its propensity to form excellent thin films on different substrates such as glass and paper, with a total opacity in organic solvent, gives it the potential for wide-ranging applications in organic optoelectronics.,The synthetic chemistry and fundamental properties are investigated in the present study, with more detailed treatments and analysis to be soon developed. One leading smart material is presented, with further derivatives under investigation.,The work presented shows the possibility of converting structures from one application to another with relative ease, but how they retain properties for both, using well-known and facile conditions.,The structures are novel and an enhanced air-stable organic panchromatic chromophore is reported for processing in common organic solvents.