07/18/2024
By Danielle Fretwell

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Plastics Engineering, invites you to attend a Master's Thesis defense by Md. Al-Amin on: "Advanced Multifunctional NYCO with Chem-Bio Protection and Flame Retardancy Employing Electrospun Membranes."

Candidate Name: Md. Al-Amin
Degree: Master’s
Defense Date: Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: Perry Hall 215

Committee:

  • Advisor: Amir Ameli, Ph. D., Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • James Whitten, Ph. D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Ramaswamy Nagarajan, Ph. D., Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Brief Abstract:

This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the development of advanced multifunctional NYCO fabrics employing electrospun membranes to provide chemical-biological protection and flame retardancy. The research addresses the critical need for protective materials in hazardous environments such as battlefields, hospitals, and fire departments in terms of chemical and biological threats. The study begins with an in-depth literature review on the threats posed by chemical and biological agents, highlighting the importance of effective countermeasure technologies. The core of the research focuses on optimizing the electrospinning process to incorporate Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and flame retardants (tannic acid) into Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) matrices enhancing their dispersion and functional properties. Various optimization techniques, including ultrasonication and the application of a primer layer were introduced and explored to improve the adhesion and performance of the electrospun membranes. The findings demonstrate significant advancements in the uniformity and effectiveness of the electrospun membrane on NYCO fabrics with better adhesion, stability, filtration, thermal behavior, flame protection, and chem-bio protection paving the way for their application in protective clothing with superior chemical-biological protection and flame retardancy. This work contributes to the field by providing innovative solutions and detailed methodologies for developing high-performance protective textiles.