In this work, improved fracture toughness of tetra-functional epoxy polymer was obtained using two-dimensional (2H polytype) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nano-platelets as a filler. Simultaneous in-situ exfoliation and functionalization of MoS2 were achieved in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) via sonication. The aim was to improve the dispersion of MoS2 nanoplatelets in epoxy and enhance the interfacial interaction between nanoplatelets and epoxy matrix. Epoxy nanocomposites with CTAB functionalized MoS2 (f-MoS2) nanoplatelets, ranging in content from 0.1 wt% up to 1 wt%, were fabricated. Modified MoS2 improved the fracture properties (81%) of tetrafunctional epoxy nanocomposites. The flexural strength and compressive strength improved by 64% and 47%, respectively, with 0.25 wt% loading of f-MoS2 nanoplatelets compared to neat epoxy. The addition of f-MoS2 nanoplatelets enhanced the thermomechanical properties of epoxy. This work demonstrated the potential of organically modified MoS2 nanoplatelets for improving the fracture and thermal behavior of tetrafunctional epoxy nanocomposites.
The paper presents an application of the Wave Concept Iterative Process (WCIP) in the case of the study of the scattering of an electromagnetic plane wave by two metallic 2D obstacles. The application is made in order to validate the original method for two classical metallic obstacles diffraction. The case of an infinite circular cylinder is treated first. Modal and iterative convergences are studied. Current density is calculated and compared with the exact solution available for this particular case. The second studied obstacle is an infinite square section scattering obstacle. The 4 faces of the structure are studied independently, mutual influence being not taken into account. Current density results are presented and compared with those issued by the use of other scattering methods for several particular cases
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an essential structure for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Alterations to the BBB are linked with a myriad of pathological conditions and play a significant role in the onset and evolution of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, a deeper understanding of the BBB’s structure and function is mandatory for a better knowledge of neurodegenerative disorders and the development of effective therapies. Because studying the BBB in vivo imposes overwhelming difficulties, the in vitro approach remains the main possible way of research. With many in vitro BBB models having been developed over the last years, the main aim of this review is to systematically present the most relevant designs used in neurological research. In the first part of the article, the physiological and structural–functional parameters of the human BBB are detailed. Subsequently, available BBB models are presented in a comparative approach, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Finally, the new perspectives related to the study of Alzheimer’s disease with the help of novel devices that mimic the in vivo human BBB milieu gives the paper significant originality.
Abstract-The Wave Iterative Process is applied and validated for the study of the scattering of a plane wave by a multiple metallic dipole diffraction structure. The case of a single metallic dipole is treated, at first in normal incidence, than arbitrarily placed with respect to the incident wave. A double dipole scattering structure is studied, mutual influence being taken into account. The diffraction system is further enlarged to 5 randomly placed dipoles, the results issued from the WIP study being compared with those given by the Moments Method. Finally, the possibility of taking into account a very large number of dipoles is examined, by introducing an equivalent dipole distribution. The influence of this approximation on the WIP precision is presented.
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