No abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are best known for their great structural diversity. The uniformity in the properties of MOFs is mainly governed by the size and morphology of the particles. In the present research, iron-MIL-88A was prepared by a modulator-assisted solvothermal method, and the role of modulating agents in the formation process of MOF particles was investigated. Acetic acid and formic acid were chosen as monoligand modulating agents. The changes in morphology and size distribution of the products were scrutinized by using SEM micrographs. Both modulators clearly interfered with the crystallization process through their attachment to the reactive sites. At low modulator content, the primary diamondlike char- [a]

Investigating the kinetics of crystallization, growth behavior and morphological changes through statistical studies of Fe-MIL-88A suggested an autocatalytic nucleation mechanism.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Bone tissue engineering is a practical approach to repairing broken or damaged bones that combines scaffold, cells, and growth factors for treatment. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin (Ge)/hydroxyapatite (HA) core‐shell nanocomposites have been produced by the coaxial electrospinning method. Coaxial electrospinning is an efficient method for scaffold preparation to provide an interconnected porous fibrous scaffold. The prepared nanocomposite simultaneously benefited from the good mechanical behavior of the core PCL polymer. The desired biological properties also originated from the outer layer of the Ge/HA nanocomposite. Nanofibrous scaffolds' properties were characterized using SEM, TEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC, tensile test, contact angle, and MTT assay. The morphology of the as‐electrospun nanofibers was investigated using SEM and TEM, which revealed a defect‐less fibrous morphology. TEM images showed the core‐shell structure of the prepared scaffold nanofibers. The contact angle test showed that the presence of HA nanoparticles has improved the wettability of fibrous composites. In addition, HA nanoparticles could effectively strengthen the polymer scaffolds. The highest UTS value of 4.1 MPa was obtained in the PCL/(Ge+10%HA) sample. The cytotoxicity results revealed that the prepared scaffolds were utterly biocompatible. Moreover, significant cell proliferation of osteosarcoma cells was observed at high HA contents. The interconnected pores allowed cells to migrate into the scaffolds and grow inside. Based on the obtained results, PCL/(Ge/ HA) core‐shell nanofibers could be a promising candidate for bone scaffolds.

Water crisis is undoubtedly one of the main global challenges and water membranes can be used to tackle this issue. In this study, electrospun polysulfone (PSU)/nanoclay membranes were fabricated. The fabrication process was optimized to achieve desirable fibers using response surface methodology, considering nanoclay concentration, electrospinning feeding rate, and voltage as the influencing factors on the membrane properties. SEM images was used to determine the average fiber diameter and imperfection factor of the fibrous composites and their hydrophilicity was assessed based on their water contact angle (CA) values. A suitable model was proposed for each property to predict its variation with the influencing parameters. The results showed that the voltage and feed rate are directly related to the average fiber diameter and CA of the membranes. Moreover, introducing hydrophilic nanoclay to the membranes improved their wettability. The optimum properties were achieved in the membrane containing 5.63 wt% nanoclay, which was electrospun at a feed rate and voltage of 0.7 mL/h, and 16 kV, respectively. Comparing the mechanical properties and water flux performance of pure PSU membranes with the optimal sample confirmed that the presence of nanoclay improved the mechanical strength and toughness of the membranes and enhanced the attainable water flux.