A new class of hydrogels made from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and amino acid was formed into porous tissue engineering scaffolds by the colloidal gas aphron (CGA) method. CGA microfoams are formed using high speed stirring to generate uniform, micrometer scale bubbles. CGAs offer several advantages over conventional scaffold fabrication techniques including room temperature processing, aqueous conditions and utilization of air bubbles to create uniform pores. This technique eliminates the need for toxic solvents and salt templates. In addition, the novel poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels are inherently strong, eliminating the need for crosslinkers.
Recently, there has been increased interest in polymer-based photovoltaic devices due to their promise for the creation of lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive electrical power. We examined the possibility of using nanoparticles and nanoparticles with tailored interfaces for the creation of hybrid polymer-based devices with enhanced photovoltaic response. Initially, we investigated the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) in the poly(benzimidazo-benzophenanthroline) ladder (BBL) layer of two-layer poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV)-BBL photovoltaic devices. Subsequently, we explored the possibility of tuning polymer-particle interfaces through the creation of core-shell particles fabricated using electrostatic self-assembly. For the PPVIBBL(MWNT) devices, a doubling of the photocurrent and a drastic reduction in photovoltage with MWNT incorporation is observed for a range of BBL layer thickness values. This behavior is consistent with the MWNTs functioning as a three dimensional extension of the top aluminum electrode. Fabrication studies on core-shell particles demonstrate that the interfacial properties of a variety of particles can be manipulated, shells of up to 10 bilayers can been achieved, and Ti02 nanoparticles with PPV polymer shells are possible.
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01 025This repot has boon reviewed by the RAW Public Affairs Office (PA) and is releasable to the National Tecblical Information Service (NTIS).At NTiS it will be releasable to the general public, Including foreig n nations.RADC-TI-80-407 has been reviewed and is approved for publication.
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