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The assembly of galaxy clusters is understood to be a hierarchical process with a continuous accretion of galaxies over time, which increases the cluster size and mass. Late-type galaxies that fall into clusters can undergo ram-pressure stripping, forming extended gas tails within which star formation can happen. The number, location, and tail orientations of such galaxies provide clues about the galaxy infall process, the assembly of the cluster over time, and the consequences of infall for galaxy evolution. Here, we utilise the ∼0.5-degree diameter circular field of the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope to image six galaxy clusters at z < 0.06 that are known to contain 'jellyfish' galaxies. We searched for stripping candidates in the ultraviolet images of these clusters, which revealed 54 candidates showing signs of unilateral extra-planar emission, due to ram-pressure stripping. Seven candidates had already been identified as likely stripping based on optical B-band imaging. We identified 47 new candidates through UV imaging. Spectroscopic redshift information is available for 39 of these candidate galaxies, of which 19 are associated with six clusters. The galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts that are not part of the clusters appear to be within structures at different redshifts identified as additional peaks in the redshift distribution of galaxies, indicating that they might be ram-pressure stripped or disturbed galaxies in other structures along the line of sight. We examine the orbital history of these galaxies based on their location in the position-velocity phase-space diagram and explore a possible connection to the orientation of the tail direction among cluster member candidates. There are limitations due to different integration times and imaging different regions with respect to the cluster centre. The tails of confirmed cluster member galaxies are found to be oriented away from the cluster centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which offered a comprehensive floristic account of the grasses of Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah in West Bengal, India. It enumerates grasses dwelled in the garden premises along with correct nomenclature and synonyms available if any including Apluda mutica, Arundo donax L., and Axonopus compressus.

A comprehensive study of the nucleus and western hotspot of Pictor A is carried out using AstroSat observations, 13 yr of Fermi , and archival Swift observations along with other published data. We report the first detection of the western hotspot of Pictor A in the far-UV band using observations from AstroSat -UVIT. The broad-band SED of the western hotspot is explained by a multizone emission scenario, where X-ray emission is caused by synchrotron emission process in the substructures embedded in the diffuse region, while the emission in radio to optical is caused by synchrotron emission process in the diffuse region. We do not notice any excess in the IR band and an additional zone (beyond 2-zone) is not required to account for the X-ray emission. Our broad-band spectro-temporal study and associated modelling of the core and hotspot of Pictor A suggests that (a) γ-rays originate in the nuclear jet and not from the hotspot (b) X-ray emission from the core of Pictor A has nuclear jet-origin instead of previously reported disc-origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) is one of the most widely cultivated crops in different parts of Saudi Arabia. The midribs rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are often burnt in the farms, causes severe environmental problems. In the present study, date palm midrib (DPM), these waste materials were powdered and incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Composites were prepared by varying the DPM loading (0–10 wt.%) using the solution casting method. Tensile and thermal properties were analyzed for the composites with respect to filler loading. Addition of DPM as filler enhanced the tensile modulus while an inverse effect was observed in the elongation values. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis showed a gradual increase in melting temperature (Tm) and crystallinity values for PVA. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the incorporation of DPM into PVA can increase the thermal stability of PVA. Morphology of the composites was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiral galaxies undergo strong ram-pressure effects when they fall into the galaxy cluster potential. As a consequence, their gas is stripped to form extended tails within which star formation can happen, giving them the typical jellyfish appearance. The ultraviolet imaging observations of jellyfish galaxies provide an opportunity to understand ongoing star formation in the stripped tails. We report the ultraviolet observations of the jellyfish galaxies JW39, JO60, JO194 and compare with observations in optical continuum and Hα. We detect knots of star formation in the disc and tails of the galaxies and find that their UV and Hα flux are well correlated. The optical emission line ratio maps of these galaxies are used to identify for every region the emission mechanism, due to either star formation, LINER or a mix of the two phenomena. The star-forming regions in the emission line maps match very well with the regions having significant UV flux. The central regions of two galaxies (JW39, JO194) show a reduction in UV flux which coincides with composite or LINER regions in the emission line maps. The galaxies studied here demonstrate significant star formation in the stripped tails, suppressed star formation in the central regions and present a possible case of accelerated quenching happening in jellyfish galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supermassive black holes at the centre of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) produce relativistic jets that can affect the star formation characteristics of the AGN hosts. Observations in the ultraviolet (UV) band can provide an excellent view of the effect of AGN jets on star formation. Here, we present a census of star formation properties in the Northern Star-forming Region (NSR) that spans about 20 kpc of the large radio source Centaurus A hosted by the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 5128. In this region, we identified 352 UV sources associated with Cen A using new observations at an angular resolution of <1.5 arcsec observed with the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) onboard AstroSat. These observations were carried out in one far-ultraviolet (FUV; λmean = 1481 Å) and three near-ultraviolet (NUV; with λmean of 2196, 2447, and 2792 Å, respectively) bands. The star-forming sources identified in UV tend to lie in the direction of the jet of Cen A, thereby suggesting jet triggering of star formation. Separating the NSR into Outer and Inner regions, we found the stars in the Inner region to have a relatively younger age than the Outer region, suggesting that the two regions may have different star formation histories. We also provide the UVIT source catalogue in the NSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently discovered SARS-CoV-2 caused a pandemic that triggered researchers worldwide to focus their research on all aspects of this new peril to humanity. However, in the absence of specific therapeutic intervention, some preventive strategies and supportive treatment minimize the viral transmission as studied by some factors such as basic reproduction number, case fatality rate, and incubation period in the epidemiology of viral diseases. This review briefly discusses coronaviruses' life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in a human host cell and preventive strategies at some selected source of infection. The antiviral activities of synthetic and natural polymers such as chitosan, hydrophobically modified chitosan, galactosylated chitosan, amine-based dendrimers, cyclodextrin, carrageenans, polyethyleneimine, nanoparticles are highlighted in this article. Mechanism of virus inhibition, detection and diagnosis are also presented. It also suggests that polymeric materials and nanoparticles can be effective as potential inhibitors and immunization against coronaviruses which would further develop new technologies in the field of polymer and nanoscience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has an expanding program in using space as a platform for research. Astrophysics research from satellites increasingly complement ground-based observations with unique wavelength coverage, more frequent temporal coverage and diffraction-limited observations. India’s first dedicated space astronomy mission, AstroSat has completed five years in orbit and continues to generate important results. Most onboard systems are healthy and the mission is expected to continue to operate for many more years. Plans for space astronomy missions beyond AstroSat, are under discussion for some time. These are based on responses from the Indian research community to an announcement of Opportunity call in early 2018. Here we discuss, an outline of the science focus of future space astronomy missions, under consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of laser irradiation on the thermal properties and morphological structure of starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and their blends were studied. Laser irradiation has an insignificant effect on the thermal behaviour of starch and PVA, but it causes an increase in crystallization and melting temperature (Tcry and Tm) for blends as a function of irradiation time. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) further indicates breakdown of the intermolecular attractive forces on laser irradiation, causing a decrease in the blend homogeneity. Fourier infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies corroborate the above findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to the study of the effect of date palm seed (DPS) powder on the properties of recycled linear low-density polyethylene (RLLDPE) matrix. A series of composites was developed with a different filler loading varying from 0 to 30 wt% using twin screw extruder followed by compression molding. The result analysis showed that the addition of DPS decreases the percentage of crystallinity of RLLDPE (from 49.4 to 29.8). However, there were no changes in the heat of melting (T m) and crystallization (T cry) temperature which was determined by differential scanning calorimeter. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a decrease in thermal stability for RLLDPE with an increase in filler loading which was supported by the change in activation energy (700–456 kJ mol−1) calculated using Broido's plot. Due to the poor fiber–matrix adhesion, the mechanical properties of the DPS/RLLDPE decreased as function of the filler content and the result was corroborated by the images taken by scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elemental abundances in the solar corona are known to be different from those observed in the solar photosphere. The ratio of coronal to photospheric abundance shows a dependence on the first ionization potential (FIP) of the element. We estimate FIP bias from direct measurements of elemental abundances from soft X-ray spectra using data from multiple space missions covering a range of solar activity levels. This comprehensive analysis shows clear evidence for a decrease in FIP bias around the maximum intensity of the X-ray flare with coronal abundances briefly tending to photospheric values and a slow recovery as the flare decays. The departure from coronal abundances are larger for the low FIP elements Ca, Fe and Si than for S which have a mid FIP value. These changes in the degree of fractionation might provide inputs to model wave propagation through the chromosphere during flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Some post-merger galaxies are known to undergo a starburst phase that quickly depletes the gas reservoir and turns it into a red-sequence galaxy, though the details are still unclear. Aims. Here we explore the pattern of recent star formation in the central region of the post-merger galaxy NGC7252 using highresolution ultraviolet (UV) images from the UVIT on ASTROSAT. Methods. The UVIT images with 1.2 and 1.4 arcsec resolution in the FUV and NUV are used to construct a FUV-NUV colour map of the central region. Results. The FUV-NUV pixel colour map for this canonical post-merger galaxy reveals a blue circumnuclear ring of diameter ~1000 (3.2 kpc) with bluer patches located over the ring. Based on a comparison to single stellar population models, we show that the ring is comprised of stellar populations with ages ≲300 Myr, with embedded star-forming clumps of younger age (≲150Myr). Conclusions. The suppressed star formation in the central region, along with the recent finding of a large amount of ionised gas, leads us to speculate that this ring may be connected to past feedback from a central super-massive black hole that has ionised the hydrogen gas in the central ~400 ~1:3 kpc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray reflectivity of single layer coated X-ray mirror is confined to small grazing angles (< 1°) grazing incidence X-ray telescopes usually are bulky and have large focal lengths in trade of effective area which is expensive for a space based telescope. Critical angle for total external reflection of a mirror varies inversely with the energy of the incident photon. This practically limits the possibility of making an X-ray telescope sensitive to higher energy X-rays (<10keV). Use of multilayer mirrors makes it possible to operate the instrument at higher angles and also significantly improves the high energy sensitivity (80 keV). Fabricated W/B4C multilayer mirror provides a peak reflectivity of 19% at first Bragg peak (2.3°) when tested with 8.047 keV X-rays. Multi-wavelength reflectivity analysis of W/B4C multilayer mirror from 9 to 16 keV is presented with a discussion on applications of multilayer mirrors in high energy astronomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the long-term (~10 years) γ-ray variability of blazars observed by the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) and Fermi and find that 10 EGRET-detected flatspectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) were not present in any part of the Fermi catalogue (during the first four years of Fermi observations). Six of these 10 EGRET sources show possible Fermi counterparts, based on overlap with error circles given in the third Fermi catalogue. A seventh EGRET source is positionally consistent with a newly discovered Fermi source from our analysis. Unlike the high luminosity state exhibited during 1991-1995, our analysis using seven years of Fermi data showed that five of these sources are in a low luminosity state in the GeV band. This result indicates that FSRQs exhibit a long-term quiescent state (lasting more than seven years). In addition, 37 new γ-ray sources are also detected during the course of this analysis. On the basis of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) being the most dominant source class in γ-rays, many of these new sources could be associated with AGNs and may exhibit long-term variabilities in γ-rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of the ultraviolet telescope (UVIT) on-board AstroSat is reported. The performance in orbit is also compared with estimates made from the calibrations done on the ground. The sensitivity is found to be within $$\sim $$ 15% of the estimates, and the spatial resolution in the NUV is found to exceed significantly the design value of $$1.8^{\prime \prime }$$ and it is marginally better in the FUV. Images obtained from UVIT are presented to illustrate the details revealed by the high spatial resolution. The potential of multi-band observations in the ultraviolet with high spatial resolution is illustrated by some results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hilar cholangiocarcinoma is relatively rare, it can be diagnosed on imaging by identifying its typical pattern. In most cases, the tumor appears to be centered on the right or left hepatic duct with involvement of the ipsilateral portal vein, atrophy of hepatic lobe on that side, and invasion of adjacent liver parenchyma. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are commonly used imaging modalities to assess the longitudinal and horizontal spread of tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The X-ray Solar Monitor (XSM) on the Indian lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 was flown to complement lunar elemental abundance studies by the X-ray fluorescence experiment C1XS. XSM measured the ≈ 1.8 - 20 keV solar X-ray spectrum during its nine months of operation in lunar orbit. The soft X-ray spectra can be used to estimate absolute coronal abundances using intensities of emission-line complexes and the plasma temperature derived from the continuum. The best estimates are obtained from the brightest flare observed by XSM: a C2.8-class flare. The well-known first-ionization potential (FIP) effect is observed; abundances are enhanced for the low-FIP elements Fe, Ca, and Si, while the intermediate-FIP element S shows values close to the photospheric abundance. The derived coronal abundances show a quasi-mass-dependent pattern of fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation of the blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with a starch-based additive namely, polystarch N was studied under various environmental conditions such as natural weather, soil and sea water in Saudi Arabia. Stress-strain properties and thermal behavior were investigated for the LDPE and LDPE/polystarch N blend having 40% (w/w) of polystarch N. Environmental ageing resulted in the reduction of percentage of elongation and crystallinity for the blend. Rheological studies and scanning electron microscope photomicrographs of the polymer samples retrieved after ageing showed that addition of polystarch N enhanced the degradation of LDPE. This is ascribed to high extent of chain scission and leaching out of starch present in polystarch N, which was corroborated by the results of morphology and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. In the case of underground soil ageing, microbes present in the soil consume the starch in the blend, thus accelerating the degradation process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The present paper reports the results of studies on the effect of laser irradiation on the morphology and thermal properties of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend, with varying glycerol concentration. Differential scanning calorimeter results showed that laser irradiation increased the heat of fusion (ΔHfus), heat of crystallization (ΔHcry), temperature of melting (Tm), temperature of crystallization (Tcry) and percentage crystallinity as a function of the amount of glycerol. It is believed that breakdown of the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the starch and PVA causes an increase in the blend heterogeneity. These results are corroborated with the findings from thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope images. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the effect of glycerol on thermal, mechanical and morphology of the wheat-flour based thermoplastic sheets (<3 mm) fabricated using single screw extrusion followed by compression molding. The amount of glycerol (plasticizer) added during the formulation varies from 20 to 35 % w/w (20, 23, 25, 30 and 35 % w/w). Results indicate that increase in the amount of glycerol in the starch based thermoplastic sheets, lowers its hardness and tensile properties while an increase in the melt flow index. Variation in the glycerol content from 20 to 25 % w/w increases the impact strength of the thermoplastic sheets beyond this limit it decreases. The contact angle analysis shows that glycerol has effect on the surface energy and work of adhesion of the thermoplastic sheets. However, the presence of glycerol has no significant influence on the thermal stability of thermoplastic sheets above 200 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the long-term (∼10 yr) γ-ray variability of blazars observed by EGRET and Fermi and find that for six sources the average flux varied by more than an order of magnitude. For two of these sources (PKS 0208−512 and PKS 0528+134), there were extensive observations (at various observing periods) by EGRET. Hence, these dramatic variations are not due to a single short time-scale flare, but reflect long-term changes in the average flux. Over the past 20 years, these two sources were also the target of several X-ray observatories (e.g. ROSAT, ASCA, RXTE, BeppoSAX, Chandra, Suzaku, XMM–Newton and Swift). While the ratios of the average γ-ray fluxes between EGRET and Fermi observations are 22.9 ± 1.9 and 12.6 ± 1.5, their estimated 2–10 keV X-ray flux does not show such dramatic variations. The X-ray emission from such flat spectrum radio quasars are believed to be due to synchrotron self-Compton, while γ-rays originate from inverse Comptonization of external soft photons from an accretion disc and/or broad line region. We argue that in this scenario, the only explanation for the uncorrelated variability is that there was an order of magnitude decrease in the external soft photons, while the jet parameters remained more or less constant. This result indicates that perhaps the accretion and jet processes are not tightly coupled in these sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with Polystarch N were prepared by extrusion. Tensile properties, thermal behavior, and natural weathering of these blends were investigated as a function of blend composition. The addition of Polystarch N to the matrix decreased the tensile properties and the degree of crystallinity of LDPE when the proportion of Polystarch N increased in the blend, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetric studies. Scanning electron microscope analysis of the blends retrieved after being exposed to natural weathering showed that natural degradation increased with increase in the amount of Polystarch N in the LDPE and is ascribed to higher extent of chain scission as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spacecraft and their subsystem components are subject to a very hazardous radiation environment in both near-Earth and deep space orbits. Knowledge of the effects of this high energy particle and electromagnetic radiation is essential in designing sensors, electronic circuits and living habitats for humans in near Earth orbit, en route to and on the Moon and Mars. This paper discusses the use of Monte Carlo simulations to optimize system design, radiation source modeling, and determination of background in sensors due to galactic cosmic rays and radiation from the Moon. The results demonstrate the use of Monte Carlo particle transport toolkits to predict secondary production, determine dose rates in space and design required shielding geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since it was theorized by Kerr in 1963, determining the spin of black holes from observed data was paid very little attention until few years back. The main reasons behind this were the unavailability of adequate data and the lack of appropriate techniques. In this paper, we explore determining/predicting the spin of several black holes in X-ray binaries (XRBs) and in the center of galaxies, using X-ray and gamma-ray satellite data. For X-ray binaries, in order to explain observed quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), our model predicts the spin parameter of underlying black holes. On the other hand, the nature of spin parameters of black holes in BL Lacs and flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) is predicted by studying the total luminosities of systems based on Fermi γ-ray data. All sources considered here exhibit characteristics of spinning black holes, which verifies natural existence of the Kerr metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports the results of studies on the effect of chitosan (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt %) on thermal and mechanical properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate) composites. The addition of chitosan causes an increase in the glass transition temperature ( T g) while a decrease in the enthalpy of fusion (Δ Hfus), crystallization (Δ Hcry) and percentage of crystallinity as determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The thermogravimetric analysis reveals that high amount of chitosan decreases the thermal stability of the composites. The Young's modulus of the composite increases and is high for the composite having 40 wt % of chitosan. Increase in the amount of chitosan decreases the elongation at break and impact strength of composites. Finally, the Young's modulus of the composites has been compared with the theoretical predictions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports the results of studies on the effect of glycerol content on thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties of blends of starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Degree of crystallinity of the starch/PVA blends (4 g/4 g ratio) remains almost constant up to 3.78 g of glycerol as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction studies. At higher loading of glycerol the crystallinity decreases. DTG thermograms revealed occurring of one maximum degradation temperature closer to that of starch in blends containing up to 3.78 g of glycerol. At higher glycerol content there gradually occur two distinct peaks of maximum degradation temperature, one occurring close to that of starch and other occurring close to the PVA peak, indicating phase separation of the blend components. Results of stress-strain studies indicate lowering of tensile properties and energy at break particularly at higher glycerol content (beyond 3.78 g). Dynamic mechanical studies reveal a sharp drop in dynamic modulus at higher glycerol content at all temperatures. The blend with low glycerol content shows transitions of starch, while the blend containing high glycerol content beyond 3.78 g display the transitions due to both starch and PVA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene polymerization was done to form polyethylene nano-composite with nanoaluminum nitride using zirconocene catalysts. Results show that the catalytic activity is maximum at a filler loading of 15 mg nanoaluminum nitride. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that percentage crystallinity was also marginally higher at this amount of filler. Thermal behavior of polyethylene nanocomposites (0, 15, 30, and 45) mg was studied by DSC and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA). Morphology of the component with 15 mg aluminium nitride is more fibrous as compared to 0mg aluminium nitride and higher filler loading as shown by SEM images. In order to understand combustibility behavior, tests were performed on microcalorimeter. Its results showed decrease in combustibility in polyethylene nanocomposites as the filler loading increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) based nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer with nanoparticles of calcium phosphate. Contact angle measurements of the composites with water and methylene iodide were measured. Parameters such as total solid surface free energy, work of adhesion, interfacial free energy and spreading coefficient were calculated. The interaction parameter between the polymer and the liquid has been calculated using Girifalco-Good's equation. Water diffusion studies of the composites were done at two different temperatures, 27 °C and 50 °C to know the solvent uptake behaviour. Water diffusion showed remarkable reduction with respect to the filler content. Gas permeability studies with oxygen and nitrogen also showed improvement in barrier properties for the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the result of the effect of banana fiber on the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of polyester composites. Composites were prepared using resin transfer molding by varying the fiber content (20, 30, 40, and 50 vol.%). Studies revealed that increase in the fiber content will increase the storage modulus (E′) and the maximum is given by the composites having a fiber loading of 40 vol.% at all temperature ranges. The peak height of loss modulus (E″) and damping curves (tan δ) were lowered with respect to the fiber content. Glass transition temperature (Tg) calculated from the E″ and tan δ shifted toward high temperature with the addition of fiber. An attempt has been made to correlate the experimental and theoretical values of storage modulus and tan δ. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that incorporation of fiber to the matrix will affect the thermal stability of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Poly(ethylene- co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)-based nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer with nanocalcium phosphate in different weight percentages. The nanocalcium phosphate with 10-nm size was prepared by the polymer-induced crystallization technique. The mechanical properties as well as the gas permeability tests were performed to analyze the effect of nanofiller incorporation in to the polymer. Molecular transport of different solvents such as water, benzene, and n-heptane was undertaken at room temperature for EVA nanocomposites with 0, 3, and 5% filler loading. Among the three, water showed less uptake and benzene showed maximum uptake. Transport parameters such as diffusion coefficient, sorption coefficient, and permeation coefficient were calculated, and all of them showed a decrease with respect to the filler loading. First-order kinetics model was applied to investigate the transport kinetics. Also, the sorption curves were compared to theoretical predictions and found to be in good agreement except for water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]