During the carbonization process of raw polymer precursors, graphitic structures can evolve. The presence of these graphitic structures affects mechanical properties of the carbonized carbon fibers. To gain a better understanding of the chemistry behind the evolution of these structures, we performed atomistic scale simulations using the ReaxFF reactive force field. Three different polymers were considered as a precursor: idealized ladder PAN (polyacrylonitrile), a proposed oxidized PAN and PBO (poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole)). We determined the underlying molecular details of polymers conversion into a carbon fiber structure. Since these are C/H/O/N-based polymers, we first developed an improved force field for C/H/O/N chemistry based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) data with a particular focus on N2 formation kinetics and its interactions with polymer-associated radicals formed during the carbonization process. Then, using this improved force field, we performed atomistic scale simulations of the initial stage of the carbonization process for the considered polymers. Based on our simulation data we determined the molecular pathways for the formation of low-molecular weight gas-species, all-carbon rings crucial for further graphitic structures evolution and possible alignment of the evolved all-carbon 6-membered rings clusters.

Human transport to Mars and deep space explorations demand the development of new materials with extraordinary high performance-to-mass ratios. Promising candidates to fulfill these requirements are ultra-high strength lightweight (UHSL) materials, which consist of polymer matrices fortified by pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Previous investigations have showed that with an increase in CNT diameter, its preferred configuration changes from a circular form to a flattened shape that can be obtained in high pressure or tension conditions. The ReaxFF reactive force field can reveal detailed chemical interactions at the atomistic scale. To enable ReaxFF simulations on CNT/polymer interfaces, we trained force field parameters to capture the proper structure of flattened carbon nanotubes (flCNTs), i.e. dumbbell-like shape CNTs, against available polymer consistent force fieldinterface force field (PCFF-IFF) data which had good proximity to density functional theory (DFT) data. In this study we used accelerated ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulation using the optimized force field to study the polymerization of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (Bis F) and diethyltoluenediamine (DEDTA) molecules in vicinity of circular and flattened carbon nanotubes. Our results indicate that the flat regions of flCNT are more favorable spots for the polymers to settle compared to curved regions due to higher binding energies. Moreover, higher dimer generation around flCNT results in more effective coating of the nanotube which leads to higher load transfer in compared to circular CNT. According to our results there is a high alignment between polymers and nanotube surface which is due to strong π-π interactions of aromatic carbon rings in the polymers and nanotubes. These atomistic ReaxFF simulations indicate the capability of this method to simultaneously observe the polymerization of monomers along with their interactions with CNTs.

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Integrins contribute to form focal adhesions complex. Therefore, simulation of integrin interactions can be helpful in clarifying the mechanism of focal adhesion formation. Interactions of integrins can also initiate signal transduction in the focal adhesions. Since integrins contain α and β subunits that are separated in an active state, studying both subunits separately is crucial, since, in the active state of integrins, the distance between these subunits is long enough that they do not influence one another significantly. Thus, this study aims to investigate the tendency of α subunits of integrins to form homodimers. All simulations were carried out via MARTINI coarse grain (CG) molecular dynamics technique. α subunits were placed in 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) lipid bilayer at a distance of 5 nm, and they were allowed to diffuse in the lipid bilayer. All simulations showed that α subunits have a tendency to form stable dimers.

Molecularly organized nanocomposites of polymers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have great promise as high-performance materials; in particular, conformal deposition of polymers can control interfacial properties for mechanical load transfer, electrical or thermal transport, or electro/chemical transduction. However, controllability of polymer–CNT interaction remains a challenge with common processing methods that combine CNTs and polymers in melt or in solution, often leading to nonuniform polymer distribution and CNT aggregation. Here, we demonstrate CNTs within net-shape sheets can be controllably coated with a conformal coating of meta-aramid by simultaneous capillary infiltration and interfacial polymerization. We determine that π-interaction between the polymer and CNTs results in chain alignment parallel to the CNT outer wall. Subsequent nucleation and growth of the precipitated aramid forms a smooth continuous layered sheath around the CNTs. These findings motivate future investigation of mechanical properties of the resulting composites, and adaptation of the in situ polymerization method to other substrates.

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is a lipid-protein complex responsible for transporting cholesterol and triglyceride molecules, as these compounds are unable to dissolve in aqueous environments such as a bloodstream. Among the most well-known possible structures, the belt-like structure is the most common shape proposed for this vital bimolecular complex. In this structure, the protein sca old encompasses the lipid bilayer and a planar circular structure is formed. Several HDL simulations with embedded components in the lipid section were performed. Here, we applied a series of molecular dynamic simulations using the MARTINI coarse grain force eld to investigate an HDL model, with pores of di erent radii in the bilayer section instead of embedded components. The results of such studies revealed the probable structural modes in HDL con gurations. In addition, totally, 2.5 s simulations led to a study of the ratio of lipids to protein in HDL conformation, determination of the structural shape of HDL, and the stability of each model due to atomic interaction. Furthermore, we proposed a new conformation for HDL during its initial steps of construction outside the cells and in peripheral tissue.