Synthesis and in-situ functionalization of metal oxide nanoparticles
In recent years, the prime
objective of nanochemistry has been the development of improved methods
for the synthesis of nobel metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and
their characterization with a major focus on the control over particle
size, shape, size distribution and crystallinity. Though nanoparticles
have excellent physical and chemical bulk properties, they do not
possess appropriate surface properties for specific applications.
Consequently it is necessary to modify the surface of these
nanoparticles. Such functionalized nanomaterials have already found
various applications; for instance in catalysis, chemical sensing,
bio-labeling and nanocomposites. Current project is, therefore, focused
on the synthesis and characterization of metal oxide nanoparticles, and
in-situ functionalization of their surfaces with various organic
functional groups.
Super‐toughened elastomeric coatings: role of metal oxide nanoparticles in property enhancement
Perfection of end-use
properties of the polymeric coatings, including their mechanical
strength and thermal stability, is a lasting challenge. Organic
polymers are hence modified by the addition of inorganic component at
molecular (or nanometer) level. Resulting organic-inorganic hybrid
materials have unique properties due to the combination of mechanical
toughness and flexibility of the organic polymer and the hardness and
thermal stability of the inorganic component. These materials are also
called nanocomposites as the inorganic phase is dispersed in the
polymer matrix at the nanometer scale. However, unlike hybrids prepared
by in situ hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxide precursors,
the nanocomposites are formed by mixing pre-existing nano-sized fillers
into the matrix. The prime objective of proposed research is therefore
to synthesize high-performance elastomeric coatings based on epoxy
resins cured with various diamines and metal oxide reinforcements.
"Every-day I remind myself that my inner
and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that
I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and
am still receiving"
Albert Einstein
