Date of Last Revision
2023-05-02 23:49:44
Major
Chemical Engineering
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2017
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to begin to determine properties of polymer nanocomposites that make a suitable substrate for nanofiber sensors. In this work, sensitivity of a sodium ion selective sensor constructed with polyurethane was used as a benchmark for comparison with sensors constructed with nylon-6. The sensors were characterized using contact angle and chronoamperometry. Using an ANOVA analysis, the results showed that the multi-walled carbon nanotube type was a significant factor on sensor response both with and without additional functionalization of the polymer by calixarene. The weight percentage of polyurethane in the electrospinning solution was also statistically significant for sensors made with calixarene. The p-values were 0.031, 0.004, and 0.108, respectively with an alpha value of 0.05. While the p-value of 0.108 is higher than the alpha value, it was concluded to be significant due to its close proximity. Conclusions made from this project include that the nanotube types affect both the conductivity of the sensor as well as the Na+ binding to calixarene. The PU wt.% also affects sensor response, possibly due to the geometry of the sensor. The experimental parameters (nanotube type, nanotube loading, or PU wt.%) do not have a statistically significant effect on adhesion.
Research Sponsor
Chelsea Monty
First Reader
Hani Usm
Second Reader
Ed Evans
Recommended Citation
Theaker, Megan, "Characterization of Polyurethane for Use as Substrate in Nanofiber Sensor for Biomedical Applications" (2017). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 537.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/537