Sudarsan Neogi

Effect of carbon nanotubes on mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of plasma-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyimide nanocomposites

A nanocomposite of polyimide based surface modified multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been prepared. The surface modified MWCNTs were synthesized by exposing MWCNTs to radio frequency (RF) plasma discharge of oxygen, nitrogen and ammonia gases. Raman spectra studies evidences the inclusion of defects onto the surface of carbon nanotubes. A homogenous dispersion of plasma modified MWCNTs was achieved in polyimide matrix. Owing to the strong interfacial interaction between the polymer matrix and incorporated plasma modified MWCNTs the mechanical, electrical and thermal property of the polyimide was enhanced. These results indicate that the plasma surface modified MCNTs incorporated into the polyimide matrix acts as an effective reinforcement filler material in the polyimide matrix.

“Biosteel”: an exciting product from nature that is superior to many manmade alternatives

Abstract Biotechnology continues to offer routes for many exciting and unique products. Researchers genetically altered goats with a spider gene. These goats produce milk that contains a protein that can be extracted to produce biosteel fibers for use in bulletproof vests. It is referred to as “biosteel” to highlight its strength comparable to steel. This review paper describes the important aspects of produced dragline spider silk proteins via cell culture techniques using silk genes derived from two species of weaving spiders. These fibers were tested for a number of mechanical properties and compared to natural spider silk. In effect, fibers of biosteel were able to absorb similar amounts of energy as natural spider silk by stretching further. As opposed to most other synthetic fibers, biosteel is ecofriendly both in terms of its composition and production process.