Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunjin Zhong, Bingying Zhang, Zhexin Zhu, Gangqiang Wang, Xueting Mei, Yu Fang, Wangyang Lu
Summary: Plastic wastes pose a threat to the environment, and degradable materials are considered the most promising solution to plastic pollution. This study synthesized cationic dyeable polyester modified with photocatalyst g-C3N4/TiO2 by centrifugal electrospinning, which had the ability to degrade under solar illumination. The modified polyester showed excellent self-degradation ability in water environment after being modified with 5% g-C3N4/TiO2. After 400 hours of illumination, the polyester matrix could be almost completely degraded. Analysis of degradation products and pathway revealed that the macromolecular chain of polyester underwent chain scission, generating formic acid, sodium sulfate, and short chain substances, which were further degraded into CO2 and H2O. The design of degradable polyester materials helps reduce the generation of polyester micro plastic pollutants.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Peerapat Thongnuek, Sorada Kanokpanont, Pimpon Uttayarat, Siriporn Damrongsakkul
Summary: Gamma irradiation was used to induce the hydrogelation of silk fibroin, and the characteristics of the irradiation-induced hydrogels were investigated. The irradiation-induced hydrogels exhibited better thermal stability and contained more random coil structures and fewer beta-sheet structures. This finding suggests that the gelation mechanism induced by gamma irradiation may differ from the established mechanism. The study also demonstrates that gamma irradiation can be used as an alternative method to produce chemical-free, random coil-rich, and sterilized silk fibroin hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiang Wang, Tian -Tian Wang, Zheng-Hong Luo, Yin-Ning Zhou
Summary: In the field of polymer reaction engineering, a sectional strategy based on the method of moments with a newly defined critical chain length was proposed to simulate the degradation process of linear polymers. The model accurately simulates the evolution of average properties and concentration of polymer species during linear polymer degradation, as well as the molar mass distribution. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the rate coefficients of random scission and chain-end scission processes can tune the monomer yields and molecular properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ankit Singh, Javed Sheikh
Summary: Advancements in new protection methodologies against mosquito-borne diseases continue to capture public interest, with mosquito repellent textiles emerging as a potentially effective product. This study synthesized novel mosquito repellent dyes with significant repellency, antibacterial properties, and UV protection for polyester, presenting a multifunctional tool for modifying textile substrates.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Anna C. Overholts, Molly E. McFadden, Maxwell J. Robb
Summary: Accurate and quantitative characterization of structure-mechanochemical activity relationships is crucial for understanding mechanochemical reactivity and advancing the field of polymer mechanochemistry. Ultrasound-induced mechanical activation of polymers is a common method for studying mechanophore reactivity, but traditional methods for analyzing chain scission kinetics from GPC measurements may provide misleading results. This study demonstrates the importance of spectroscopic analysis in accurately determining mechanophore activation rates, highlighting the need for a unified approach to kinetic analysis in polymer mechanochemistry.
Article
Polymer Science
Dinoop S. Lal, Sunil T. Jose, C. Rajesh, K. J. Arun
Summary: Nano TiO2-graphene oxide (TiO2-GO) composites with varying weight percentages of GO were successfully developed using ultrasonication assisted hydrothermal approach. HRTEM analysis showed that the GO sheets associated with TiO2 had broken down into nano dimensions. Photodegradation experiments indicated that PS-TiO2-30%GO exhibited the highest degradation percentage, while mechanical and thermal properties decreased under UV irradiation.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Xianwen Yang, Xiaohui Liu, Xuan Yang, Qiuyan Zhang, Yunbo Zheng, Yuanlin Ren, Bowen Cheng
Summary: In this study, a new flame retardant monomer EPPEM was synthesized and applied to PET/CO fabrics using UV curing. The treated fabrics showed excellent flame retardancy and water-laundering resistance. The results also revealed that EPPEM promoted the production of non-combustible compounds and prevented the exchange of heat and combustible gas.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Youjie Zhang, Xiao-Qi Qiang, Jianguo Xu, Miao Miao, Dan Guo, Xinqi Wang, Xiaoyan Ma, Nana Li
Summary: This study presents the UV-initiated methods to graft PAM hydrogel onto PET fibers and evaluates the performance of the modified fibers. The results show that PET fibers modified by the two-step method exhibit better grafting efficacy and greater hydrophilicity.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yalcin Urfa, Ahmet Altindal
Summary: The study investigated the impedance changes of electrospun PEDOT:PSS nanofibres under beta irradiation and their frequency-dependent characteristics, finding that beta irradiation significantly decreased the real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric function, as well as the alternating current conductivity of the nanofibres. The impedance parameter changes are likely mainly achieved through chain scission and free radical formation.
BULLETIN OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaodong Zhang, Fei Chen, Zhimin Su, Taiping Xie
Summary: The effects of electron beam irradiation on ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE) were studied, showing lower thermal stability and altered crystallinity after irradiation. The analysis of mechanical properties, fracture surface morphology, visco-elastic properties, and volume resistivity reveal that radiation-induced cross-linking is vital to aging properties.
Article
Polymer Science
H. Manjunatha, R. Damle, G. N. Kumaraswamy
Summary: In this study, a PEO/PVDF-HFP/LiTFSI solid polymer electrolyte blend was subjected to microstructural modification by oxygen ion irradiation. The results showed that the ionic conductivity and segmental motion of the system increased after irradiation, while the ion activation energy decreased, crystallinity reduced, and possible scission of polymer chains occurred.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Robert T. O'Neill, Roman Boulatov
Summary: Fragmentation of macromolecular solutes in rapid flows is a significant issue with both fundamental and practical importance. In this study, the analysis of same-chain competition between fracture of a polystyrene chain and isomerization of a chromophore embedded in its backbone is used to characterize the distribution of molecular geometries of mechanochemically reacting chains in sonicated solutions. The results show that only a small portion of the backbone of a fragmenting chain is overstretched, with the maximum force and reaction probabilities located away from the chain center. This method of quantifying intrachain competition can provide mechanistic information for any flow fast enough to fracture polymer chains.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laxiang Yang, Zhenhua Zhang, Zemiao Chen
Summary: The study investigated the kinetics of nitrite and ammonium formation by VUV/UV irradiation of nitrate. The formation of nitrite and ammonium was influenced by factors such as direct UV photolysis, VUV photolysis, and initial nitrate concentration. Nitrate and alachlor presence affected the formation of nitrite and ammonium. High nitrate concentrations should be avoided during the VUV/UV water treatment process to prevent the formation of hazardous byproducts.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shuying Dong, Xuanxuan Yan, Yiying Yue, Wen Li, Wuyue Luo, Yuqing Wang, Jianhui Sun, Yifan Li, Menglin Liu, Maohong Fan
Summary: This study investigates the effects of H2O2 concentration and light source on the physicochemical properties of polystyrene microplastics before and after photoaging treatment. The results show that the UV/H2O2 system significantly alters the polystyrene and the fragmentation follows an initial-fast and then-slow trend. Direct photolysis dominates at low H2O2 concentrations or in the early aging stage, while indirect photolysis gradually takes over with increased H2O2 concentration or aging degree.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Po-Ying Huang, Yulin Zhang, Hao Ouyang, Fuqian Yang, Sanboh Lee
Summary: The study investigated the photo-stability of polylactide-poly(methyl methacrylate) blends after UV irradiation. It was found that UV irradiation decreases the crystallization temperature of PLA and demonstrates the interaction between the materials. The combination effect of UV irradiation and the interaction between PLA and PMMA determines the photo-stability of the blends.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bryan D. Vogt, Kristoffer K. Stokes, Sanat K. Kumar
Summary: The widespread use of plastics poses challenges for waste management, but innovative strategies and technologies can help achieve effective recycling and circular utilization.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyuan Gong, Nicole S. Zacharia, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: This study investigated the influence of SDS on the structure and properties of Pluronic F108-polyacrylic acid (PAA) coacervates, finding that increasing SDS concentration leads to changes in water content, relative concentration of PAA, and rheological properties. However, the change in rheological properties does not appear to be correlated with large scale structural differences in the coacervate.
Article
Robotics
Runsang Liu, Bryan D. Vogt, Hui Yang
Summary: This letter introduces a new method for quality monitoring in AM, using an Additive Gaussian Process with dependent layerwise correlation to model layerwise imaging data. The method demonstrates effectiveness in real-time modeling and monitoring of layerwise-correlated imaging data.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Siyuan Li, Mengxue Zhang, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: The addition of IPA, SDS, and CTAB at low concentrations increases the swelling of the hydrogel film, decreases the elastic modulus, and increases the rheological phase angle. However, at higher concentrations, a transition from swelling to (partial) dissolution may occur in the hydrogel.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Szu-Hao Cho, Piljae Joo, Chi Zhang, Elizabeth A. Lewis, Bryan D. Vogt, Nicole S. Zacharia
Summary: This study demonstrates a simple and practical approach to generate patterned slippery surfaces without the need for complex chemical modification. By preparing a super-hydrophobic base film and coating a BPEI patterning solution, a slippery surface with the ability to constrain liquid motion can be achieved.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jia-Ruey Ai, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: This study investigated the impact of print path and print sequence on the mechanical properties of polycarbonate and polypropylene. The results showed that the interlayer time between printed roads should be controlled within 5 seconds to observe statistical differences in mechanical response. Additionally, the specimen size and raster angle significantly influenced the mechanical properties, with larger effects observed when printing polycarbonate compared to polypropylene.
PROGRESS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fang Peng, Bryan D. Vogt, Miko Cakmak
Summary: The application of 3D printing using thermoplastics has been limited by their poor mechanical strength. This study demonstrates that core-shell structured filaments can improve interfacial bonding and enhance mechanical strength.
INTERNATIONAL POLYMER PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pablo I. Sepulveda-Medina, Chao Wang, Ruipeng Li, Masafumi Fukuto, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: The local environment within a hydrogel affects the properties of water, including ice crystallization. This study examined the antifreeze properties of equilibrium-swollen amphiphilic copolymers with different hydrophobic segments. The results showed that the strength of hydrophobic associations influenced the efficacy of ice inhibition. In general, the addition of ethylhexyl acrylate was less effective for ice inhibition compared to covalently crosslinked hydrogels.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Huseyin Kaya, Stephane Gin, Bryan D. Vogt, Seong H. Kim
Summary: This study investigates the aqueous corrosion mechanism of a model boroaluminosilicate glass at ground water relevant pHs. The results reveal that alteration layers formed under different pH conditions exhibit similar porous network structures, but with differences in bond lengths and bond angles in the glass network. Furthermore, the relative abundance of hydrous species within the alteration layer appears to be pH-dependent.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jia-Ruey Ai, Siyuan Li, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: Rapid microwave post-processing is shown to greatly improve the mechanical properties of 3D printed PEEK, particularly in terms of elastic modulus and stress at break. The method does not affect the crystallinity of the material, but improves the interfaces between printed roads, resulting in increased mechanical properties. This simple post-processing technique can be applied to other commercial engineering plastic filaments containing carbon or other microwave active fillers.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sierra F. Yost, Christian W. Pester, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: By controlling the molecular mass distribution, the mechanical properties of 3D printed thermoplastics can be improved, providing a simple and effective approach compared to more complex methods.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mario. V. V. Ramos-Garces, Dodangodage Ishara Senadheera, Karthik Arunagiri, Polyxeni. P. P. Angelopoulou, Georgios Sakellariou, Ke Li, Bryan. D. D. Vogt, Revati Kumar, Christopher. G. G. Arges
Summary: Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are widely used in various applications in electrochemical systems. The chemical composition and macromolecular architecture of ion-conducting polymers play a crucial role in ion and water transport. This study focuses on the preparation of different microphase separated block copolymer electrolytes (BCEs) with distinct side chain chemistries. The results show that the more hydrophobic alkyl side chains exhibit significantly higher ionic conductivity compared to alkoxy and zwitterionic side chains.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jia-Ruey Ai, Fang Peng, Piljae Joo, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: The study explores the trade-offs between mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy in 3D printing of plastics using a core-shell filament structure. Increasing the glass transition temperature of the core polymer significantly improves dimensional accuracy, while impact resistance of the core-shell structure depends on the core polymer selected.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bing Li, Chao Zhang, Fang Peng, Wenzhi Wang, Bryan D. Vogt, K. T. Tan
Summary: This study introduces and demonstrates a tunable, locally resonant structural waveguide based on 3D printing, using shape memory polymer modules to achieve active vibration bandgap switching and elastic wave manipulation successfully.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vincent M. Torres, Jacob A. LaNasa, Bryan D. Vogt, Robert J. Hickey
Summary: The in situ polymerization method successfully increases the number of effective junctions per chain by grafting poly(styrene) onto a commercial thermoplastic elastomer, SBS, resulting in enhanced mechanical performance. Nanostructural transitions from disordered spheres to lamellar structures were identified with increasing styrene content, with samples exhibiting lamellar structures showing maximum mechanical performance at 61-77 wt% PS.This work demonstrates the use of RIPT to transform standard SBS materials into polymer systems with improved mechanical properties.