PCM microcapsules containing n‐eicosane were prepared by complex coacervation of silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CHI). Chemical characterization of microcapsules was carried out using Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Thermal properties and thermal stability of microencapsulated n‐eicosane were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra confirmed the encapsulation of n‐eicosane within the microcapsules. Results from thermal analyses showed that microcapsules consisted of an average of 45.7 wt % n‐eicosane, and had a thermal energy storage and release capacity of about 93.04 J/g and 89.68 J/g, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, are localized areas of tissue damage that develop due to pressure usually over a bony prominence. They are associated with adverse health outcomes and high treatment costs. This study focused on developing a functional fabric for pressure ulcer prevention. For this purpose, face-to-face velour weaving technique was utilized to produce a spacer fabric from the different combinations of engineered polyester, polypropylene, cotton and viscose fibers. Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, thermal absorptivity, water vapor permeability, wicking ability, compressibility and fabric hand properties of the resultant 32 fabrics were examined. Based on the results, channeled polyester, cotton and polypropylene were determined as the most promising fiber types for the final product.

The silk fibroin (SF)/chitosan (CHI) blend films were prepared by dissolving them in formic acid. The morphology of the films was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The roughness of the membranes was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). These films were treated with the extracts of Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia lentiscus, and Hypericum empetrifolium. Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the amount of total phenols adsorbed on these blend films. The antibacterial properties of films were tested using disc diffusion and turbidity measurement methods against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The release of adsorbed phenolics from the film surface resulted in antibacterial properties.

A novel membrane consisting of cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microparticles is successfully fabricated by simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying. The CA/PNIPAM membrane has highly effective gravity‐driven separation performances for both oil/water mixtures and oil‐in‐water emulsions. It separates oil droplets from oil‐in‐water mixtures and oil‐water emulsions with rejection rates of 99.83% and 96%, respectively. In order to examine the contribution of PNIPAM particles, the performance of the CA/PNIPAM membrane is compared with the CA membrane. Increased hydrophilicity due to the inclusion of the PNIPAM particles between CA nanofibers results in a higher rejection ratio and superior antifouling performance. While the CA membrane becomes unusable after 10 cycles during the separation of the oil–water emulsion, the CA/PNIPAM membrane is still in good shape after 20 cycles. The self‐cleaning ability of the membrane is examined through the permeation flux below and above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. The reversible thermo‐responsive flux variation proves that the pore sizes increase at temperatures above the LCST of PNIPAM. Moreover, when the lubricating oil–water emulsion is filtered through the membrane, the permeate changes from clear to turbid due to the nonretained oil particles as the temperature passes through the LCST.