Phd Degree / Doktora

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11147/2869

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  • Doctoral Thesis
    Macromolecular Design of Hydroxyl Functional Linear and Star-Shaped L-Lactide and ?-Caprolactone Biodegradable Polyesters Utilizing Biosafe Catalysts for Biomedical Applications
    (Izmir Institute of Technology, 2017) Başalp, Dildare; Tıhmınlıoğlu, Funda
    In the present study, macromolecular design of homo and copolymers of lactide (LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL) in different structures by the use of biocompatible catalysts and co-initiators were performed to satisfy a need of tailor-made bioassimilable polymeric structures without any hazardous metal contaminants for various medical applications. Linear and star shaped (di, tetra and hexa functional) poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) homo/copolymers were synthesized by using bismuth(III)acetate (Bi(III)Ac) and creatinine as biosafe catalysts and ethylene glycol, pentaerythritol and myo-inositol as co-initiators. The effect of catalyst type on polymer properties was observed by differences in crystalline structure. Crystalline and amorphous linear and star shaped PLLAs were obtained by using Bi(III)Ac and creatinine as catalysts, respectively. The activity of creatinine was very low comparing to Bi(III)Ac and SnOct2 catalysts. The reactivity of LA monomer was found to be higher than that of CL monomer. The high molecular weight polymers having low PDI values were obtained by using Bi(III)Ac catalyst contary to creatinine catalyst. The decrease in glass transition temperatures and molecular weights of synthesized PLLA and PCL homo/copolymers were observed with the increase in amount of co-initiators due to the decrease in chain length and disruption of crystal formation. The cytotoxicity properties of the catalysts and synthesized linear and functional homo/co PLLAs and PCLs were carried out according to MTT assay. Cytotoxicity of Bi(III)Ac was found as lower than that of SnOct2. Creatinine and the synthesized polymers did not show any cytotoxic properties. The observation of no cytotoxic effect of creatinine catalyst results in the biosafe usage of creatinine catalyst instead of toxic SnOct2 for the synthesis of moderate or low molecular weight homo/co PLLAs and PCLs in bioapplications.
  • Doctoral Thesis
    Enhancement of Thermal, Electrical and Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Filled Polymer Matrix Nano Composites
    (Izmir Institute of Technology, 2009) Özmıhçı, Filiz; Balköse, Devrim
    The purpose of this study is to enhance the electrical, thermal and optical properties of polyethylene and polypropylene by the addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) filler.Embedding ZnO in a polymeric matrix could make an economic, weight saving, chemically resistive, optical, flexible and conductive materials which possesses the properties of zinc oxide.Composites with higher electrical and thermal conductivity having luminescence properties were prepared using commercial and hydrothermally synthesized ZnO powders with different particle size and conductivity. Effect of ZnO loading and surface treatment on composite properties was investigated. Luminescence effects in green and blue regions were detected in all powders due to the defects on the structure of ZnO.The powders were found to be moderately conductive materials, as well. Un-homogenously dispersed composites were prepared using rheomixer since especially nano powders tended to be agglomerated in the composite. On the other hand, different surface properties of powder and polymer caused adhesion and wetting problems. Microvoids were detected in the interphase, as well.Composites can be used as an electrostatic dissipation and moderate electrical conductive applications in the field of electrical conductivity, as a heat sink in the field of thermal conductivity and as a solid state lamp due to luminescence properties. Stiffness of the composites was very high compared to neat polymer and can be properly used as an engineering material.