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The magnetic properties of nanoparticles make them ideal for use in various applications, especially in biomedical applications. Herein, we describe the fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in polystyrene (PS) using two methods: a conventional batch and microfluidic synthesis. In particular, we present a simple synthesis method of magnetic composite nanoparticles, based on the use of a microfluidic elongational flow method in a continuous-flow apparatus where magnetite particles are embedded in a polystyrene matrix. Compared to conventional batch synthesis, microfluidics-based synthesis enables precise reaction control, enhanced mixing and rapid chemical reactions, allowing flow synthesis of particles in a controllable, sustainable, and cost-saving manner that is attractive to industry. The composite particles show a high encapsulation of magnetite nanoparticles, but with an inhomogeneous size distribution; instead, the sample obtained with microfluidic approach shows a homogenous composite particle size distribution although the magnetite content is lower compared to the miniemulsion batch methods.

Hydrophobic surfaces are highly desired for several applications due to their exceptional properties such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-friction and others. Such surfaces can be prepared via numerous methods including plasma technology, a dry technique with low environmental impact. In this paper, the effect of a one-step sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasma treatment upon the low velocity impact behavior of basalt/epoxy composites has been investigated by using several characterization techniques. A capacitive coupled radiofrequency plasma system was used for the plasma surface treatment of basalt/epoxy composites, and suitable surface treatment conditions were experimentally investigated with respect to gas flow rate, chamber pressure, power intensity, and surface treatment time by measuring the water droplet contact angle of treated specimens. The contact angle measurements showed that treating with SF6 plasma would increase the hydrophobicity of basalt/epoxy composites, moreover, the impact results obtained on reinforced epoxy basalt fiber showed damage in a confined area and higher impact resistance for plasma-treated basalt systems.

The Lifus 3 loop was designed and constructed in 2001/2002 in ENEA, to evaluate the corrosion behaviour of Fusion reference structural materials, and in particular AISI 316 and Eurofer, in flowing lithium environment. To fully accomplish the experimental program originally foreseen for Lifus 3 and not respected it was decided in 2010 to build a new experimental facility, simplified from the hydraulic point of view, capable of performing the set of tests required by the IFMIF community. The operating parameters of this loop, named Lifus 6 [1], are: isothermal loop with operating temperature of 350 C, maximum velocity in the test section of about 16 m/s, cold trap continuously operated to remove carbon and oxygen impurities, hot trap operated in batch to remove nitrogen ones. An integral measurement of impurities is made on line by using a resistivity meter. The Lifus 6 loop design is presented in the paper. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a photoluminescent material whose application in integrated optoelectronics has been strongly limited due to poor emission intensity and handling procedures not compatible with standard microelectronic ones. In this work, a hybrid GO-porous silicon (GO-PSi) structure is realized in order to investigate the emission properties of GO infiltrated into an aperiodic porous multilayered matrix. A photoluminescence enhancement by a factor 32, compared to the same amount of GO deposited on a flat silicon surface, is demonstrated. Photoluminescence measurements also show wavelength modulation of the emitted signal.

In this work a comparative study using Screen-Printed Electrodes (SPEs) modified by drop casting with Carbon Black, Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes[BOND]COOH, Graphene Oxide, and reduced Graphene Oxide is reported. The carbon nanomaterials employed were characterized by X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy, while the modified SPEs have been morphologically and electrochemically characterized. Nanoengineered SPEs have been tested with ferricyanide, NADH, ascorbic acid and cysteine. We observed valuable electroanalytical performances of Carbon Black with the advantage to be i) cost-effective ii) suitable to obtain stable and homogenous dispersion and iii) mass-producible following a well established route.

In this work we have explored the photoluminescence signal emitted by graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets infiltrated in silanized porous silicon (PSi) matrix. A strong enhancement of the PL emitted from GO by a factor of 2.5 with respect to GO on crystalline silicon was successfully demonstrated. In addition, a weak wavelength modulation of GO photoluminescence emission was observed, resulting in very attractive aspect for its exploitation in innovative optoelectronic devices and high sensible fluorescent sensors.