New Insights into the Applications of Nanotubes, Nanofibers, and Nanocomposites

Abstract:

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and electropsun nanofibrous membranes of polymers such as polyacronitrile (PAN), chitosan and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) have been used in different applications for the past few years in our research group. In a study electrospun nanofibrous mats of PAN carrying epoxy and amine dual healing solutions were incorporated into an epoxy matrix to impart self-healing functionality. In another study a multilayered porous PLA/HNT membrane encapsulated with gentamicin was prepared by electrospinning technique to be utilized in prevention of infection in bone regeneration applications. In another application in collaboration with University of Newcastle electrospun PAN nanofibrous membranes were modified by halloysite in order to improve their mechanical properties and water filtration performance for possible application as water filtration membranes specially for rural and flooded areas. Moreover, in a collaborative project with University of Palermo, an electrospun nanofibrous PAN membrane encapsulated with HNTs was applied between the work of art and the cleaning agent to avoid the release of encapsulated residues on the marble surface. This work represents a further step toward the use of emulsions for cleaning protocols for stone-based artefacts.

Speaker's Profile:

Associate Professor Pooria Pasbakhsh got his Bachelor and Master degrees in Material Science and Engineering in Iran. He obtained his PhD in Polymer nanocomposites from University of Science Malaysia in 2010. He published more than 50 journal papers, edited two books and presented in more than 30 conferences and seminars. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with Engineering Council Australia and he is working at Monash University Malaysia, School of Engineering since 2011. In 2010 he did a short postdoc with Geological Survey of South Australia Resources and Energy Group on characterization of various halloysite nanotubes from different origins at University of Adelaide and since 2007 he is working on halloysite nanotubes to be used in different applications such as rubber reinforcement, food packaging, drug delivery, bone regeneration, water filtration, cultural heritage restoration and etc. His current research interests at Monash concern the preparation, characterization and modelling of polymer nanocomposites for various applications including self-healing, super-elastomer coatings, water filtration, built environment, 3D printing, automotive and biomaterials.