A hybrid material to spot organic contaminants in the atmosphere

31-Jul-2017 - Spain

The development of hybrid materials is an emerging field in materials science. As the researcher explained, the interest in these materials stems from "the success in combining that stability of inorganic components with the versatility of organic components. Blending them causes the properties of both to be combined and even improved," she pointed out. "What is more, hybrid materials can be processed in the form of gels, films, fibres, particles or powders. There is virtually no limit on the combinations of organic and inorganic components to produce hybrid materials, which have a huge number of applications in medicine, microelectronics, sensors, optical systems, the automotive industry and decorative surface coatings.

Paula Moriones resorted to a process (known as sol-gel) that allows hybrid materials to be synthesised; this results in porous materials with properties controlled at ambient temperature, and leads to savings with respect to other processes. The synthesis of these hybrid materials has resulted in a xerogel, a gel in a dehydrated state without any liquid inside it.

Nanometric-sized pores

As the researcher confirmed, gel formation time and the properties of the materials obtained are influenced by the conditions for synthesising these materials and the proportion of the ones that are organic. So, for example, the materials can have smaller or not so small pores, although always in nanometric sizes. "Pore size is crucial in the applications of these materials, because they can, for example, be used for the controlled release of drugs," she pointed out.

The research by Paula Moriones, which included a stay at the University of Lisbon (Portugal), also yielded other results. "Some of the synthesised materials are highly hydrophobic and repel water. This property enables them to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as elements for selectively trapping other materials on their surfaces or retaining them, and in the glass industry as protective coatings," concluded the researcher.

Other news from the department science

These products might interest you

OCA 200

OCA 200 by DataPhysics

Using contact angle meter to comprehensively characterise wetting behaviour, solids, and liquids

With its intuitive software and as a modular system, the OCA 200 answers to all customers’ needs

contact angle measuring instruments
Dursan

Dursan by SilcoTek

Innovative coating revolutionizes LC analysis

Stainless steel components with the performance of PEEK - inert, robust and cost-effective

HPLC accessories
Tailor-made products for specific applications

Tailor-made products for specific applications by IPC Process Center

Granulates and pellets - we develop and manufacture the perfect solution for you

Agglomeration of powders, pelletising of powders and fluids, coating with melts and polymers

toll manufacturing
Loading...

Most read news

More news from our other portals

All FT-IR spectrometer manufacturers at a glance

See the theme worlds for related content

Topic world Sensor technology

Sensor technology has revolutionized the chemical industry by providing accurate, timely and reliable data across a wide range of processes. From monitoring critical parameters in production lines to early detection of potential malfunctions or hazards, sensors are the silent sentinels that ensure quality, efficiency and safety.

4 products
1 whitepaper
4 brochures
View topic world
Topic world Sensor technology

Topic world Sensor technology

Sensor technology has revolutionized the chemical industry by providing accurate, timely and reliable data across a wide range of processes. From monitoring critical parameters in production lines to early detection of potential malfunctions or hazards, sensors are the silent sentinels that ensure quality, efficiency and safety.

4 products
1 whitepaper
4 brochures