Article
Polymer Science
Akihiko Toda
Summary: The crystallization kinetics of poly(butylene terephthalate) under high supercooling was investigated using Temperature-Modulated Fast Scanning Calorimetry (TM-FSC). The study found a temperature dependence of crystal growth rate and compared it with the peak time of heat flow during isothermal crystallization. The crystal growth rate was found to be practically determined by a mobility factor near the glass transition.
Article
Polymer Science
Dario Heidrich, Michael Gehde
Summary: According to the study, the structural composition of both PBT and PET is mainly characterized by a large fraction of the rigid amorphous phase. The rigid amorphous phase is mainly formed during the primary or secondary crystallization processes at different temperature ranges.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Guodong Zhang, Yifan Zheng, Haonan Wang, Yifeng Shi, Mengjie Sun, Xiaorong Ma, Hu Wang, Qingyuan Li, Tao Li, Junsheng Yu, Yuchuan Shao
Summary: The achievement of high-performance solar cell production requires a reliable and effective perovskite crystallization approach compatible with large-scale processing. A pressure-assisted fast crystallization technique is presented, which reduces the thermal annealing time to less than 2 minutes and forms micrometer-sized vertical-monolithic perovskite crystals. The technique utilizes confined space and pressure to hinder volatilization of solvents and enhance crystal growth, resulting in rapid grain growth. The technique significantly enhances the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells and shows great potential for commercialization.
Article
Polymer Science
Li Qian, Yaxian Wang, Ying Lu, Yongfeng Men
Summary: Research on the crystallization behaviors of two impact copolymer polypropylenes (ICP) revealed differences in their crystallization peaks at different cooling rates, with ICP-A and ICP-B showing distinct behaviors. These differences can be attributed to their different chain microstructures.
Article
Polymer Science
Chiah-Hsiung Tseng, Ping-Szu Tsai
Summary: The crystallization kinetics and behavior of solvent-precipitated nylon 66 (SP PA66) were studied using DSC, POM, and XRD. The Avrami equation and modified Avrami equations were used to describe the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization of SP PA66. The results showed that SP PA66 had higher crystallization rate constant, crystal perfection, and different crystal morphology and size compared to neat PA66.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Agnieszka Dolega, Piotr M. Zielinski
Summary: In this study, the kinetics of non-isothermal cold-crystallization of quench-cooled carbamazepine (CBZ) were investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry under different heating rates. Various models were discussed for describing the mechanism of nucleation and growth, with the Matusita model being considered the most versatile one. It was found that the Matusita model properly described both surface and bulk crystallization mechanisms in different conditions of heating rates.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
S. P. Magalhaes da Silva, Monica A. Silva, Jose M. Oliveira
Summary: This study investigated the non-isothermal cold crystallization behaviors of cork-polymer composites based on polylactic acid matrix. The results showed that cork powder residues act as a nucleating agent, accelerating the crystallization rate and reducing the half-time crystallization values. Additionally, the addition of cork was found to decrease the cold crystallization temperature of the PLA matrix.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Akihiko Toda, Yoshitomo Furushima, Rene Androsch, Christoph Schick
Summary: The experimental results showed that the dominant process during the secondary crystallization stage at T-c1 in the two-step isothermal crystallization process is the stabilization of already formed crystals, with the growth of new crystals only having a secondary effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Shouang Wu, Bocheng Wang, Xiaoling Xu, Chonggang Wu, Tao Hu, Xuan Zheng, Xinghou Gong
Summary: The addition of S-MA compatibilizer had a positive impact on the dispersion and crystallization behavior of SBS in PLA blends. The study found that SBS exhibited both plasticization and dilution effects under different conditions, with the effects being enhanced with increasing S-MA content.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Timur A. Mukhametzyanov, Ruslan A. Andrianov, Dmitrii N. Bolmatenkov, Mikhail I. Yagofarov, Boris N. Solomonov, Christoph Schick
Summary: The nucleation and crystallization of the rapidly crystallizing organic compound benzocaine show different behaviors under different supercooling conditions, and the temperature transition of nucleation and crystallization is sharp and sample-dependent.
THERMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nengxu Li, Xiuxiu Niu, Liang Li, Hao Wang, Zijian Huang, Yu Zhang, Yihua Chen, Xiao Zhang, Cheng Zhu, Huachao Zai, Yang Bai, Sai Ma, Huifen Liu, Xixia Liu, Zhenyu Guo, Guilin Liu, Rundong Fan, Hong Chen, Jianpu Wang, Yingzhuo Lun, Xueyun Wang, Jiawang Hong, Haipeng Xie, Devon S. Jakob, Xiaoji G. Xu, Qi Chen, Huanping Zhou
Summary: The liquid medium annealing (LMA) technology shows promise in producing high-quality perovskite films and photovoltaic devices with improved crystal growth modulation and film uniformity. This method opens up an effective avenue for scalable and reproducible quality improvement in perovskite films and devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lukasz Kolek, Malgorzata Jasiurkowska-Delaporte, Ewa Juszynska-Galazka, Tomasz Rozwadowski
Summary: The isothermal cold crystallization of liquid crystalline substance (3F5BFBiHex) from an antiferroelectric phase was studied through DSC, BDS, and POM methods. Two-dimensional crystal growth was observed, with two different crystallization mechanisms depending on temperature range. The activation energy values differed significantly between low and high-temperature ranges.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rasmus Nielsen, Tobias H. Hemmingsen, Tobias G. Bonczyk, Ole Hansen, Ib Chorkendorff, Peter C. K. Vesborg
Summary: This study presents a laser-annealing strategy for crystallizing selenium thin-films, improving their optoelectronic quality and providing a new approach for high-efficiency selenium solar cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tamaki Miyazaki, Ryo Mizoguchi, Keisuke Ueda, Taeko Shinozaki, Mie Kamoto, Yoshihiro Takeda, Satoshi Sakuma, Naoya Ito, Michiko Momo, Kohsaku Kawakami
Summary: High inter-laboratory reproducibility is crucial for collaborative experiments among multiple laboratories. In this study, we aimed to establish a protocol for isothermal storage tests to ensure consistent data quality from all participating laboratories. Sharing a detailed protocol similar to the experimental section of general papers was not sufficient for achieving high inter-laboratory reproducibility. By investigating the causes of data variations among laboratories, we gradually refined the protocol to improve reproducibility. Specific instructions on sample temperature control during transfer contributed to reducing variability. Our findings also revealed differences in the physical stabilities of amorphous drugs when prepared in differently shaped aluminum pans designed for various differential scanning calorimeters.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yoshitomo Furushima, Christoph Schick, Akihiko Toda, Hideaki Takahashi, Toshiumi Tatsuki, Satoshi Fujiwara, Kazuma Okada, Masatoshi Ohkura
Summary: Fast scanning calorimetric experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of pre-nucleation on the crystallization and melting kinetics of low-isotacticity polypropylene (LT-PP). The presence of crystal nuclei accelerated the isothermal crystallization rate of LT-PP, but had no effect on the melting kinetics of secondary crystallized LT-PP. Moreover, increasing amounts of crystal nuclei resulted in a decrease in the maximum primary crystallization, which can be attributed to the formation of uncrystallizable defects between the crystalline domains.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ellen Roels, Seppe Terryn, Pasquale Ferrentino, Joost Brancart, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght
Summary: In the field of soft robotics, knowledge of material science is becoming increasingly important. This tutorial provides a complete process, from polymer synthesis to fabrication and testing, to aid researchers in understanding both domains. The use of self-healing polymers showcased in this tutorial demonstrates their accessibility and ability to significantly increase the lifespan of soft robots by enabling them to recover from fatal damage.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng Chen, Ali Pourkazemi, Wu Zhao, Niko Van den Brande, Tom Hauffman, Zhiyong Zhang, Johan Stiens
Summary: As the scale of graphene fabrication expands, the limitations of existing mass characterization techniques for large-scale homogeneity characterization become more prominent. The author's group combines terahertz vector network analysis technology with the detection of graphene film homogeneity and quantitative characterization of line-shaped defects to explore a quality inspection technology for graphene film production line.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Negin Madelat, Benny Wouters, Ehsan Jalilian, Guy Van Assche, Annick Hubin, Herman Terryn, Tom Hauffman
Summary: This study characterized the separate diffusion of water and ions in a polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) coating using an integrated spectro-electrochemical technique. The ingress front position profile of ions in the coating was determined by fitting odd random phase electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ORP-EIS) data with a physically relevant electrochemical equivalent circuit (EEC). The arrival time of ions at the coating/metal oxide interface was obtained from the EEC and verified through in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) measurements in the Kretschmann geometry integrated in the ORP-EIS set-up.
Article
Polymer Science
Ali Safaei, Seppe Terryn, Bram Vanderborght, Guy Van Assche, Joost Brancart
Summary: The thermophysical properties, mechanical behavior, and healing performance of Diels-Alder-based polymer networks can be widely tuned through changes in the molar mass, functionality, and stoichiometric ratio of the multifunctional diene and dienophile monomers. Blending furan-functionalized monomers with different molar masses allows for tuning the properties of the resulting reversible polymer network blends, providing a balance of elastomeric and thermoset phases with various crosslink densities and glass transitions. Increasing the thermoset content enhances the mechanical properties of the elastomers, while the addition of the elastomer phase improves the toughness of the thermosets by dissipating stress. The phase-separated morphologies of the blends can be observed through DSC and DMA.
Article
Polymer Science
Jessica Mangialetto, Niko van den Brande, Bruno Van Mele, Michael Wuebbenhorst
Summary: This study systematically investigated the molecular dynamics of the reversible network 4F230-2M230 using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The cooperative segmental dynamics in the network were studied through the dielectric alpha-relaxation. The study showed an excellent agreement between the dynamic T(g) derived from relaxation times and the thermal T(g) derived from dielectric spectra, confirming the equivalence of both quantities in glass-forming materials.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seyedreza Kashef Tabrizian, Seppe Terryn, Aleix Costa Cornella, Joost Brancart, Julie Legrand, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght
Summary: This paper introduces a new type of self-healing soft robot, using a shape memory alloy reinforced soft bending actuator, which can recover from large incisions through shape memory assisted healing. This healing method is achieved by the contraction of alloy wires to bring the fracture surfaces into contact and promote healing. Mechanical and ultrasound tests on the specimen level, as well as bending characterization of the pneumatic robot in multiple damage healing cycles, are conducted to study this novel healing approach.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mehrdad Lotfi Choobbari, Jennifer Ferguson, Niko van den Brande, Tim Smith, Tatevik Chalyan, Wendy Meulebroeck, Heidi Ottevaere
Summary: The blending of different polymers has long been used in the plastic industry. However, research on microplastics has mainly focused on particles made of single polymers. This study focuses on the blending of Polypropylene (PP) and Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE), two commonly used polymers, and applies 3-D Raman mapping to visualize their distribution and estimate concentrations. The precision of the quantitative analysis is evaluated using a parameter called the concentration estimate error (CEE). Additionally, the impact of different excitation wavelengths and a line-shaped laser beam profile on measurement time are investigated.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aleix Costa Cornella, Seyedreza Kashef Tabrizian, Pasquale Ferrentino, Ellen Roels, Bram Vanderborght, Seppe Terryn, Guy Van Assche, Joost Brancart
Summary: Self-healing polymers improve sustainability by recovering their properties, and can be recycled. However, there are still sustainability issues, including the use of fossil-derived materials and hazardous chemicals.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bjorn Joos, Ken Elen, Jonathan van den Ham, Nicole Meulendijks, Pascal Buskens, Andreas Paulus, Koen Wouters, Jean Manca, Jan D'Haen, Sudhanshu Shukla, Bart Vermang, Marlies Van Bael, An Hardy
Summary: A benign aqueous route for bismuth-containing photoelectrodes using CuBi2O4 as a photocathode is proposed. The method offers advantages of elemental homogeneity, ease of fabrication, and production of phase-pure kusachiite crystalline phase. The fabricated CuBi2O4 photocathodes demonstrate competitive photocurrent densities, comparable to non-aqueous organic synthesis routes.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. Meeusen, J. P. B. van Dam, N. Madelat, E. Jalilian, B. Wouters, T. Hauffman, G. Van Assche, J. M. C. Mol, A. Hubin, H. Terryn
Summary: In this study, a new finite element modelling (FEM) approach is used to simulate the spatiotemporally resolved water uptake in organic coatings. A physical model is developed considering both Fickian diffusion and the adsorption/desorption reaction of water on the polymer matrix. The model is validated and improved by comparing the calculated water concentration and virtual capacitance values with experimental measurements.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Marlies Thys, Gorkem Eylul Kaya, Lise Soetemans, Guy Van Assche, Serge Bourbigot, Bilge Baytekin, Richard Vendamme, Niko van den Brande
Summary: Using lignin as a macro-monomer with partially preserved phenolic groups, functional materials with properties such as antioxidant, antistatic, antimicrobial, UV-blocking, hydrophobic, and flame-retardant can be designed. By incorporating partially modified Kraft lignin into Diels-Alder formulations, the effect of residual phenolic groups on material properties was systematically studied. The lignin-containing networks demonstrated improved radical scavenging activity, antistatic and antioxidant properties, UV absorbance, and antimicrobial capability.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Zhanwei Wang, Seppe Terryn, Huijiang Wang, Julie Legrand, Ali Safaei, Joost Brancart, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght
Summary: In this article, a comprehensive approach to address the environmental impact of energy waste in vacuum grippers is presented. The approach involves the development of a self-closing, multi-material, and self-healing system based on reversible elastomers. The system effectively prevents energy waste, achieves versatility and stability, and enables self-repair within a short period of time.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Pasquale Ferrentino, Ellen Roels, Joost Brancart, Seppe Terryn, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght
Summary: This article presents a tutorial on how to build a soft-robot model using an open source finite element analysis (FEA) simulator called SOFA. The tutorial explains the basic working principles of SOFA and demonstrates its capability to generate a simulation scene from Python or XML code. It also highlights the importance of knowledge of constitutive material properties for good modeling of the mechanical system and the ability of SOFA to handle multidisciplinary subjects and teach simulation and programming language principles to engineering students.
IEEE ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION MAGAZINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaat Valkeneers, Jorne Raymakers, Quan Liu, Jochen Vanderspikken, Yuming Wang, Jurgen Kesters, Tyler James Quill, Zhen Liu, Niko van den Brande, Laurence Lutsen, Koen Vandewal, Wouter Maes
Summary: This study investigates the use of extended π-conjugated backbone in organic photodetectors, resulting in higher hole mobility, better donor-acceptor intermixing, and improved external quantum efficiency and detectivity.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Utrera-Barrios, N. Steenackers, S. Terryn, P. Ferrentino, R. Verdejo, G. Van Asche, M. A. Lopez-Manchado, J. Brancart, M. Hernandez Santana
Summary: This study introduces mechanically strong, self-healing, and recyclable ionic elastomers for soft robotics, which possess excellent mechanical properties, high self-healing capabilities, and recyclability. These materials can be molded and scaled easily, making them promising for various soft robotics applications.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
