Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jose Marin-Beloqui, Guanran Zhang, Junjun Guo, Jordan Shaikh, Thibaut Wohrer, Seyed Mehrdad Hosseini, Bowen Sun, James Shipp, Alexander J. Auty, Dimitri Chekulaev, Jun Ye, Yi-Chun Chin, Michael B. Sullivan, Attila J. Mozer, Ji-Seon Kim, Safa Shoaee, Tracey M. Clarke
Summary: This study investigates the bimolecular recombination characteristics of the conjugated polymer PDTSiTTz blended with various fullerenes. The results show that the trap-limited decay dynamics of PDTSiTTz become slower across the fullerene series, while those of Si-PCPDTBT remain unchanged. Additionally, the blends of PDTSiTTz with ICBA and ICTA exhibit similar density of states to Si-PCPDTBT, which is attributed to the increased interchain separation caused by bulky fullerenes.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Akihiro Kurima, Thu Anh Nguyen, Kenji Kinashi, Wataru Sakai, Naoto Tsutsumi
Summary: By using spin-trapping electron spin resonance (ST-ESR) technique, we successfully detected the radical intermediates produced during the thermo-oxidative degradation of polyamide 66 (PA66) in air. The presence of oxygen, which interferes with ESR measurements, did not hinder the ST-ESR analysis. We found the presence of two new radical intermediates, -(CH)-C-circle-NH- and (circle)(C=O)NH-, in addition to the previously reported ones, under air.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Thu Anh Nguyen, Shota Ichise, Kenji Kinashi, Wataru Sakai, Naoto Tsutsumi, Satoko Okubayashi
Summary: The thermal degradation mechanism of poly(propylene) fabric was analyzed using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping technique. The results showed that the degradation of poly(propylene) starts from the tertiary carbon positions and involves various pathways of radical formation, which further participate in the degradation process of poly(propylene).
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Benito Gonzalez, Luis C. Nunes, Joao L. Gomes, Joana C. Mendes, Jose L. Jimenez
Summary: This letter proposes a new method for extracting the thermal resistance of GaN-based HEMTs using pulse recovery data. The recovery time of the drain current is measured to extract the thermal resistance of the device. The method has been applied to a Schottky-gate HEMT on SiC, and a thermal resistance of 15.7 ?-mm/W was extracted, which is in good agreement with others reported for similar devices. The uncertainties of the proposed method related to pulse width, temperature, percentage of the drain current recovery time, and averaging procedure are discussed.
IEEE ELECTRON DEVICE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher Woepke, Clemens Goehler, Maria Saladina, Xiaoyan Du, Li Nian, Christopher Greve, Chenhui Zhu, Kaila M. Yallum, Yvonne J. Hofstetter, David Becker-Koch, Ning Li, Thomas Heumueller, Ilya Milekhin, Dietrich R. T. Zahn, Christoph J. Brabec, Natalie Banerji, Yana Vaynzof, Eva M. Herzig, Roderick C. MacKenzie, Carsten Deibel
Summary: The stability of organic solar cells is crucial for their commercialization. This study investigates the thermal degradation of inverted photovoltaic devices based on the PM6:Y6 non-fullerene system and identifies trap-induced transport resistance as the primary cause of the drop in fill factor. By suppressing trap formation, device lifetimes could be significantly increased, offering a promising future for organic solar cells.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Distler, K. -S. Cheon, D. Waller, D. Guldi, J. Hauch, H. -J. Egelhaaf
Summary: The study shows that the LUMO level of the fullerene significantly affects the stability of P3HT in organic solar cells, with the electron affinity of the fullerene determining the degree of stabilization. Different P3HT:fullerene blends exhibit similar morphology, and there is a good correlation between fullerene LUMO level and open-circuit voltage in inverted solar cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Shuhei Sumino, Fukashi Matsumoto, Toshiyuki Iwai, Takatoshi Ito
Summary: This work describes the synthesis of PCBM and other methanofullerene derivatives by generating fullerene radical anions under photoirradiation controlled by photoswitching, without the need for preparation of a strong reducing agent or precise control of reaction conditions.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yixuan Xue, Harold S. Park, Jin-Wu Jiang
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate that the interfacial thermal resistance in graphene/fullerene/graphene sandwiches can be switchable and show a step-like change by varying the number of fullerenes. This switchable phenomenon is achieved by a structural transition between the graphene layers. The study also shows that mechanical strain or temperature variation can achieve the same switchable effect. This work highlights the potential application of sandwich-like nanoscale heterostructures in switchable thermal devices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Thu Anh Nguyen, Hui Ming Lim, Kenji Kinashi, Wataru Sakai, Naoto Tsutsumi, Satoko Okubayashi, Satoru Hosoda, Tetsu Sato
Summary: The purpose of this study is to investigate the thermo-oxidative degradation behavior of polypropylene (PP) by comparing three types of pristine PP granules with their corresponding oxidized analogues. The degrees of oxidation were evaluated using chemiluminescence intensity. In the pristine PP samples, a small amount of hydroperoxides were unintentionally formed, while in the oxidized PP granules, the higher hydroperoxide concentration led to two-stage cage reactions and bimolecular decomposition.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
B. Sena da Fonseca, A. P. Ferreira Pinto, A. Rodrigues, S. Picarra, D. Fonseca, M. F. Montemor
Summary: The study investigated the thermal behavior of marbles, finding that ultrasonic pulse velocity decreases with increasing porosity in sound and decayed marbles. It proposed using drilling resistance to characterize technical properties and degradation levels of marbles, providing empirical relations for on-site estimation. Additionally, a classification based on drilling resistance was suggested to assess the weathering level of marbles.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ding Chen, Xinyuan Cao, Santosh K. Tiwari, Oluwafunmilola Ola, Nannan Wang, Yanqiu Zhu
Summary: This study developed inorganic nanoparticle-reinforced polymer nanocomposites, which enhanced mechanical and thermal properties by improving compatibility and increasing thermal stability.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhen Hern Boon, Yin Yin Teo, Desmond Teck-Chye Ang
Summary: The increasing demand for durable rubber and rapid advancement in the automotive sector has made oil-resistant rubber an increasingly important material. Among them, nitrile rubber (NBR) is the most iconic due to its extraordinary oil resistance contributed by the polar nitrile pendant groups. However, the synthesis of NBR is highly hazardous due to the explosive nature of the gaseous monomer butadiene.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aidin R. Balo, Alessio Caruso, Lizhi Tao, Dean J. Tantillo, Mohammad R. Seyedsayamdost, R. David Britt
Summary: Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, this study dissected the mechanism of SuiB and revealed the essential role of the auxiliary [4Fe-4S] cluster in catalysis, confirming the proposed radical electrophilic aromatic substitution (rEAS) mechanism for the formation of the Lys-Trp cross-link. The findings provide direct evidence for the involvement of the SPASM domain auxiliary cluster and support rEAS as the mechanistic paradigm for rSAM enzyme-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seonkwon Kim, Seongchan Kim, Dong Hae Ho, Dong Gue Roe, Young Jin Choi, Min Je Kim, Ui Jin Kim, Manh Linh Le, Juyoung Kim, Se Hyun Kim, Jeong Ho Cho
Summary: This paper proposes an artificial reciprocal inhibition system that successfully emulates the human motor control mechanism through the integration of artificial synapses, enabling precise control of soft robot movements.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wei Cheng, Peizhi Wang, Yuhao Zhang, Haorui Wang, Jun Ma, Tao Zhang
Summary: In this study, the oxidation resistance of fully aromatic (NF90) and semi-aromatic (NF270) polyamide NF membranes to reactive oxidative species including SO4. and HO. was investigated. The results showed that SO4. was more reactive to the N moieties of the NF90 membrane, while HO. reacted unselectively with polyamides. The radicals also affected the permselectivity of the membranes differently. Fully aromatic polyamide membrane exhibited higher resistance to oxidative radicals than semi-aromatic polyamide membrane.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Guofeng Ye, Siqi Huo, Cheng Wang, Pingan Song, Zhengping Fang, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: In this study, a novel hyperbranched, P-P synergetic, bio-based flame retardant (DIT) was synthesized, which could enhance the fire safety, mechanical properties, thermal resistance and transparency of epoxy resins. The addition of 2 wt% DIT enabled the EP/2DIT sample to achieve a UL-94 V-0 rating and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 36.6%. DIT demonstrated durable flame retardancy and improved the elongation at break, tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of the EP/2DIT sample. The high efficiency of DIT as a flame retardant was attributed to the synergism between DOPO and THPO.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Di Zhang, Weihong Cao, Zhenghong Guo, Hongqiang Yan, Zhengping Fang, Peng Chen, Juan Li
Summary: Researchers have developed a flame-retardant polymer called vitrimer by incorporating an epoxy monomer with a phosphonate group. By adding specific acid monomers, they were able to regulate the structure and properties of the polymer. The vitrimer showed excellent flame retardancy, recyclability, and shape memory performance.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Miaohong Yao, Linghui Liu, Changchang Ma, Huan Zhang, Yan Zhang, Ruiyin Song, Zhengping Fang, Pingan Song
Summary: In this study, a bio-based sol solution was designed and prepared to improve the flame retardancy and crystallinity of polylactide (PLA), and enhance its degradability in water. The addition of a bio-based flame retardant and polyethylene glycol (PEG) resulted in PLA achieving UL94 V-0 flame retardant rating and a limited oxygen index (LOI) value of 29.4%. Furthermore, the sol solution accelerated the degradation rate of PLA in water. The study also found that degraded PLA and the flame retardant were released as oligomers during the hydrolysis process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yao Xu, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Zhengping Fang, Peng Chen, Juan Li
Summary: A bio-based copolymer (TDDL) containing lysine, dopamine, triazine was synthesized and used as a charring agent, while ammonium polyphosphate (APP) served as an acid source to improve the flame retardancy of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Tests showed that TPU blends with 8 wt% APP achieved a UL-94 V0 rating and a LOI value of 30.0 vol%, while TPU blends containing 6 wt% APP/TDDL exhibited a UL-94 V0 rating and a LOI of 29.6 vol%, indicating a synergistic effect between TDDL and APP. In addition, TDDL reduced the heat release rate of TPU/APP blend, promoted the formation of a char layer, and suppressed combustible gas and smoke release. Moreover, TPU blends demonstrated better modulus and elongation at break compared to TPU.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lingfeng Yu, Siqi Huo, Cheng Wang, Guofeng Ye, Pingan Song, Jiabing Feng, Zhengping Fang, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: Introducing a bio-based, furan-containing polyphosphoramide (DFDP) enhances the flame retardancy of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) while maintaining its mechanical properties. PLA with 2 wt% DFDP achieved a UL-94 V-0 rating and an increased limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 30.8%. DFDP effectively improved the strength, toughness, and UV protection of PLA. This study provides a sustainable and comprehensive strategy for creating flame-retardant biomaterials with improved UV protection and preserved mechanical properties, making them suitable for various industrial applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Guofeng Ye, Zhengping Fang, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: Novel ZrP-D nanosheets were synthesized and used in intumescent fire-retardant coatings (IFRCs), showing improved fire resistance, smoke suppression, thermal stability and water tolerance. The introduction of 3wt% ZrP-D reduced the backside temperature of IFRC by approximately 43.4% and significantly reduced peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke release. The IFRC also exhibited enhanced thermal stability and water tolerance with char yield reaching 64% and water contact angle of 82.7 degrees. This study provides a rational design for creating IFRCs with smoke suppression and water resistance, which has promising industrial applications.
JOURNAL OF COATINGS TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bingtao Wang, Runfeng Ye, Zhenghong Guo, Juan Li, Zhengping Fang, Shiya Ran
Summary: CeHPP was synthesized and introduced into PC/DBDPO to improve the flame retardancy. The flame retardancy of PC/DBDPO/Sb2O3 and PC/DBDPO/CeHPP composites were compared. CeHPP showed a better synergistic effect with DBDPO than Sb2O3. The char-barrier effect of CeHPP transferred the free-radical-trapping effect of BFRs from the gaseous phase to the condensed phase, inhibiting the release and spread of gases and smoke.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jinhao Sun, Di Zhang, Yong Yang, Zhenghong Guo, Zhengping Fang, Peng Chen, Juan Li
Summary: A bio-based flame retardant TFD was synthesized and used to improve the flame retardancy of polyamide 6 (PA6). A bio-based chain extender EDPDO was utilized to regulate the mechanical properties of PA6. A combination of 8 wt% TFD and 1 wt% EDPDO in PA6 achieved a UL-94 V0 rating, with improved mechanical properties. The improved flame retardancy in the UL-94 test was mainly attributed to the melting-away effect, while poor adhesion among char particles resulted in the formation of smoke.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junhua Ding, Jinggang Wang, Weihong Cao, Huajun Zheng, Zhenghong Guo, Zhengping Fang, Peng Chen, Juan Li
Summary: A bio-based phosphonate, DPGE, was synthesized and used to enhance the flame retardancy of PEFT20. PEFT20 containing 8 wt% DPGE exhibited excellent flame retardant properties with a UL-94 V0 rating and a limiting oxygen index of 29.8 vol %. The mechanical performance of PEFT20/DPGE was regulated by incorporating TGIC, which improved the flexural and impact strengths of the blend but also counteracted the melting-away effect caused by DPGE, resulting in a decrease in flame retardancy.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Li Zhang, Qian Zhang, Weihong Cao, Zhenghong Guo, Zhengping Fang, Juan Li, Peng Chen
Summary: A phosphorous-silicon hybrid microsphere (SiP-M) was synthesized using a phosphorous-silicon precursor, and it was employed to enhance the flame retardancy of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The addition of SiP-M reduced the flammability of PBAT, and the use of a coupling agent KH560 improved the interface adhesion between PBAT and SiP-M, enhancing the tensile strength and elongation at the break of PBAT blends. This work provides an efficient method for preparing flame retardant PBAT without compromising its mechanical properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Hui Li, Weihong Cao, Zhenghong Guo, Zhengping Fang, Juan Li, Peng Chen
Summary: In this study, an organophosphorus flame retardant (BHD) and a charring-coupling agent (DE) were synthesized and coated on aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) to form BD-ADP. PA6 blended with 12 wt% BD-ADP achieved a UL-94 V-0 rating and a limiting oxygen index of 30.0 vol%. By substituting 1.0 wt% DE for BD-ADP, PA6-1.0E not only achieved a UL-94 V-0 rating, but also exhibited a longer ignition time and improved mechanical properties compared to PA6-12A.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Juan Chai, Wei Feng, Hongqiang Yan, Yan Xia, Yong Yang, Bingtao Wang, Juan Li, Zhengping Fang, Zhenghong Guo
Summary: A lamellar cerium phenylphosphonate (CeHPP) was synthesized through a reflux method and combined with aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) to prepare flame retardant carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/CF) composites, achieving improved flame retardancy and elimination of the candlewick effect caused by CFs.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yao Xu, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Zhengping Fang, Juan Li, Peng Chen
Summary: A dopamine-triazine compound (TTD) was synthesized using dopamine and cyanuric chloride to improve the flame retardancy of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Combining TTD and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) also enhanced the mechanical properties of TPU blends. TPU containing 8 wt% APP achieved a UL-94 V0 rating and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 30.0 vol%. When APP and TTD were combined at a ratio of 7/1 (wt%/wt%), TPU only required 5 wt% flame retardant to achieve a UL-94 V0 rating, demonstrating a synergistic effect between APP and TTD.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jinhao Sun, Di Zhang, Bingtao Wang, Yan Xia, Yanhui Zhang, Zhenghong Guo, Zhengping Fang, Juan Li, Peng Chen
Summary: A star-shaped flame retardant containing Si/P/B (SiFAD) was synthesized to enhance the performance of epoxy (EP) in terms of flame retardancy, toughness, and transparency. The addition of 6 wt% SiFAD to EP resulted in UL-94 V0 rating and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 34.7 vol%. SiFAD promoted early degradation of EP, increased char formation at high temperature, and improved flame retardancy through both gas and condensed phase actions. Tensile and impact strength of EP were enhanced, with EP containing 4 wt% SiFAD showing 139% higher impact strength (15.8 kJ/m2) compared to pure EP. Furthermore, SiFAD facilitated microphase separation in EP composites, enabling good transparency.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bingtao Wang, Yu Zhang, Juan Li, Zhengping Fang, Zhenghong Guo, Shiya Ran
Summary: In this study, a flame retardant containing sulfonate and phosphazene moieties (HSPP) was synthesized and applied to PC to improve flame retardancy properties without sacrificing transparency. The results showed that a low loading of HSPP (0.04wt%) could significantly improve the flame retardancy of PC, achieving a 30.4% increase in LOI, V-0 rating in UL-94, 25% reduction in THR, and 45% reduction in COY in the cone calorimetry test. The flame retardancy mechanism was attributed to the synergistic carbonization of sulfonates and phosphazene moieties from HSPP and the enhanced barrier effect of PC residual char layer with high graphitization and integrity quality. The transparency and mechanical properties of the PC composite were well maintained due to the low-loading of HSPP.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)