Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Beihang Ding, Shengyu Dai
Summary: In this study, hyperbranched polar functionalized polyethylene was conveniently synthesized using the chain-walking polymerization (CWP) strategy. The ethylene chain walking polymerization catalyzed by Pd(II) complexes produced high molecular weight hyperbranched polyethylenes (HBPEs), and copolymerization of ethylene and methyl acrylate resulted in polar functionalized HBPEs with high density hydrophilic groups.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ke Xu, Bo Fan, Kevin Putera, Michaela Wawryk, Jing Wan, Bo Peng, Mark M. Banaszak Holl, Antonio F. Patti, San H. Thang
Summary: This study demonstrates a new surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method, using surface cross-linking technology to achieve high cross-linking efficiency and prevent surfactant migration. This approach produces films with improved physical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Emmanouil Mygiakis, Emmanouil Glynos, Georgios Sakellariou
Summary: A novel approach for synthesizing miktoarm copolymer stars with divinylbenzene cross-linked core via anionic polymerization is presented, leading to polymers with low dispersity values and improved structural homogeneity. The proposed synthetic route involves the synthesis of a triblock terpolymer PS-b-PDVB-b-PEO, followed by cross-linking of DVB block vinyl groups and formation of miktoarm copolymer stars. The use of potassium alkoxide co-initiator allows for controlled polymerization of both DVB and EO without end group modification, providing benefits such as molecular characteristics control and structural integrity confirmation.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Junkun Fan, Ning Ren, Chongyin Zhang, Mao Li, Xinyuan Zhu, Gangsheng Tong
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of hyperbranched polyolefins using a one-pot process and a bi-functional acyclic olefin as a chain-transfer agent. The method provides a new route for the synthesis of functional hyperbranched polyolefin materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Sun Hwa Lee, Jae Hong Seo, Eunhye Shin, Se Hun Joo, Onur Buyukcakir, Yi Jiang, Minhyeok Kim, Hyunju Nam, Sang Kyu Kwak, Rodney S. Ruoff
Summary: We describe a method for structural analysis of a hyperbranched polyhydrocarbon (PHC) synthesized by electrochemical polymerization. Experimental techniques including NMR, elemental analysis and FTIR were used to determine the polymer's structure, and a simulated structure was also developed. The results showed good agreement between the experimental and simulated values for density, refractive index, melting temperature, and IR spectrum. The calculated solubility parameters rationalized the observed solubility in different solvents at room temperature. This comprehensive elucidation of the structure of a randomly branched polymer using experimental and theoretical methods is a significant contribution and has potential for wide application in the future.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuxing Zhang, Zhongbao Jian
Summary: A polar additive strategy using nitrile compounds has been developed to facilitate the copolymerization of ethylene with various polar monomers, mediated by a single alpha-diimine palladium(ii) catalyst. The catalytic activities, copolymer molecular weights, branching densities and microstructures, and co-monomer incorporations can be modulated by varying the amount of the polar additive. Possible mechanistic insights were proposed based on the copolymerization results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mitchell D. Nothling, John E. Daniels, Yen Vo, Ivan Johan, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Piezocatalysis is capable of converting mechanical energy into chemical potential, driving redox reactions using physical force. In this study, we demonstrate that piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles in the solid state can generate reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH) by transducing mechanical load, leading to the initiation of solid state free radical polymerization. Chemisorbed water on the surface of BaTiO3 nanoparticles plays a crucial role by being oxidized to (·OH) via mechanoredox catalysis. This force-induced radical production in dry piezoelectric materials offers a promising new approach for harnessing mechanical energy in solid state radical synthesis.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sjoerd J. Rijpkema, Rik van Egeraat, Wei Li, Daniela A. Wilson
Summary: This study reports a synthesis method for stable and catalytically active polymer vesicle nanoreactors. By cross-linking the polymer vesicle membranes, the stability and permeability issues are addressed, allowing the incorporation of functional handles. Additionally, co-assembly with specific ratios of polymers also results in the formation of pores, further expanding the application of this nanoreactor.
Article
Polymer Science
Hyun Jin Kim, Fumi Ishizuka, Rhiannon P. Kuchel, Shunsuke Chatani, Hiroshi Niino, Per B. Zetterlund
Summary: The synthesis of high-strength and tough polymer nanocomposites has attracted significant interest for industrial applications. In this study, the authors successfully synthesized polymer nanocomposites reinforced with nanodimensional polymeric worms using a simple and environmentally friendly synthesis process. The results showed that the cross-linking of the core-segments significantly influenced the reinforcement efficiency. This research expands the understanding of using PISA-derived worms as reinforcing fillers.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yixin Zhang, Yuxing Zhang, Xiaoqiang Hu, Chaoqun Wang, Zhongbao Jian
Summary: This article discusses key advances in controlling chain walking and suppressing chain transfer reactions in late-transition-metal-mediated olefin polymerization to achieve precise control over polymer architectures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yixin Zhang, Yuxing Zhang, Xiaoqiang Hu, Chaoqun Wang, Zhongbao Jian
Summary: This article highlights the key advances in controlling chain walking and suppressing chain transfer reactions in late-transition-metal-mediated olefin polymerization to achieve precise synthesis of polyolefin materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Sara Munana-Gonzalez, Antonio Veloso-Fernandez, Leire Ruiz-Rubio, Leyre Perez-Alvarez, Jose Luis Vilas-Vilela
Summary: Due to environmental concerns with petroleum-derived polymers, the use of natural polymers is increasing. Cellulose and chitin are the most commonly found biopolymers, with chitosan being a promising candidate for nanocarrier development. However, chitosan's solubility in aqueous medium at physiological pH limits its biomedical applicability. In this study, nanogels were successfully synthesized from different chitosan systems using the reverse microemulsion method and a cross-linking agent. The properties of the nanogels were analyzed and their potential use as drug delivery substrates was demonstrated.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Boetje, Xiaohong Lan, Jur van Dijken, Gerbrich Kaastra, Michael Polhuis, Katja Loos
Summary: In this study, biobased films were synthesized using different cross-linkers for starch, showing the potential for tuning the mechanical and thermal properties of the films. These films may have applications in packaging due to their increased flexibility.
Article
Polymer Science
Yaroslav Kobzar, Kateryna Yu. Fatyeyeva
Summary: Polybenzoxazines (PBzs) are highly cross-linked thermostable resins with remarkable physical-chemical properties. However, their high brittleness limits their real-world applications. This study investigated the influence of the length of polypropylene glycol/polyethylene glycol blocks on the properties of PBz-based flexible films. The regulation of molecular weight provides freedom for polymer subchain movement and the formation of organized structures with tunable material properties, making the synthesized polymer resins attractive for industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengfei Liu, Banruo Xianyu, Yiheng Dai, Shuojiong Pan, Tianyu Li, Huaping Xu
Summary: Polymerization inside living cells provides chemists with a multitude of possibilities to modulate cell activities. We reported a hyperbranched polymerization in living cells based on the oxidative polymerization of organotellurides and intracellular redox environment. The obtained hyperbranched polymer aggregated into branched nanostructures in cells, which could effectively evade drug pumps and decrease drug efflux, ensuring the polymerization for persistent treatment.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anton B. Kornberg, Michael R. Thompson, Shiping Zhu
Summary: An approach using controlled crazing and post-polymerization was used to incorporate a nanoscaled conductive co-continuous network into commercial ENGAGE(TM) Polyolefin Elastomers (POEs). This approach involved stretching POE films in a reactive mixture of acrylic polymerization precursors to promote crazing and grow a rigid acrylic hydrogel phase. The hydrogel phase provided ion conductivity to the POE.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Chemical
Andrew Nick Hrymak, Robert Pelton, Shiping Zhu
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yichen Wan, Wenlian Qiu, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: Adhesive materials are extensively used in various industries, and the design principles for high-performance adhesives involve regulating adhesion and cohesion strengths. Compared to permanent covalent bonds, dynamic bonds, such as dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonds, are vulnerable to mechanical stimuli but rebuildable, making them promising for manipulating internal and interfacial energy. This review mainly focuses on discussing the application of dynamic bonds in adhesive materials to regulate adhesion and cohesion, and provides a perspective on future research directions for engineered construction of advanced adhesive materials.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Kaka Zhang, Shuaishuai Huang, Qi Zhang, He Zhu, Shiping Zhu
Summary: POSS-based coatings have gained significant attention for their unique structure and desirable properties. The integration of the inorganic POSS cage with organic functional groups allows for different approaches to blend them with polymers. The resulting coatings exhibit excellent mechanical, anti-wetting, anti-corrosive, icephobic, and fire-retardant properties. This review focuses on the latest developments in POSS-based functional coatings and discusses their challenges and future research directions.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jierui Wang, Jialin Yang, He Zhu, Bo-Geng Li, Shiping Zhu
Summary: The construction of MOF monoliths can overcome the limitations of MOF powders, such as pressure drop, mass transfer inefficiency, and operational complexities. However, challenges still exist in terms of pore clogging, pore structure tuning, and mechanical properties. In this study, nearly pure ZIF-8 monoliths with hierarchical pore structure were successfully prepared by converting amorphous ZIF-8/ZnO nanoparticles into continuous ZIF-8 skeleton. These monoliths exhibited low bulk densities, high BET surface areas, and good mechanical properties. They also demonstrated high catalytic activity and stability in a continuous flow reactor for the Knoevenagel reaction. This work presents a valuable approach for the application of MOF-based monoliths in adsorption, separation, catalysis, and effluent treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guoqing Chen, Xiwei Guo, Chang Yang, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: This paper reports the preparation of a novel type of underwater adhesive through in situ coacervation using commercially available materials. The adhesive exhibits superstrong underwater adhesion and excellent water-resistant performance, making it suitable for versatile applications in different environments.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiwei Guo, Jiaheng Liang, Zhifen Wang, Jianliang Qin, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu, Kun Zhang, He Zhu
Summary: A polycaprolactone-based polyurethane elastomer is designed and prepared to meet the demand for tough, recyclable, and degradable elastomers. It exhibits high toughness and fracture energy, can be recycled multiple times without losing mechanical properties, and can be degraded by lipase. The elastomer also possesses good biocompatibility and promotes wound healing, making it suitable for applications in biomedicine, flexible electronics, and robotics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Chemical
Joao B. P. Soares, Alexander Penlidis, Hidetaka Tobita, Shiping Zhu
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jierui Wang, He Zhu, Shiping Zhu
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered much attention for their unique properties, but their powder form limits their industrial applications. This review explores the use of interfacial techniques to shape MOFs into ordered superstructures, such as 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D structures. The advancements in gas-solid, gas-liquid, liquid-solid, and liquid-liquid interfaces are comprehensively summarized, and future research directions and challenges are discussed briefly.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Qinyao Chang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: Inspired by human vision attention mechanism, this study proposes a saliency detection model, TSFP-Net, which utilizes multilevel features and time information to improve accuracy. The model extracts multiscale temporal-spatial features from input video frames and generates a saliency map through hierarchical decoding. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods on video saliency benchmarks.
COGNITIVE COMPUTATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyang Liu, Qi Zhang, He Zhu, Shiping Zhu
Summary: The increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has led to global warming, and adsorption is considered an effective method for CO2 capture and stabilization. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for carbon capture, but using MOF powders directly may lead to practical issues. A phase inversion strategy is reported here to prepare SIFSIX-3-Ni@PAN composite beads with hierarchically porous structure and good mechanical stability. The obtained materials have high CO2 capture capacity even at low CO2 concentrations.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Tian-Tian Wang, Yin-Ning Zhou, Zheng-Hong Luo, Shiping Zhu
Summary: This article introduces the importance of dispersity in the field of polymerization and traces the development of explicit equations for calculating dispersity. It highlights the application and mathematical manipulations of these equations in reversible-deactivation radical polymerization. Additionally, it showcases their role in emerging applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuanfeng Wang, Zilin Yu, Jinhao Xie, Lei Ding, Jiechang Liang, Wenqing He, Shiguo Chen, Shiping Zhu
Summary: By imitating the muscle-cartilage structure of Skate fin and using a twill cotton fabric as the supporting cartilage, the mechanical strength and environmental tolerance of SRP actuators are improved. With the unique twill pattern and micro-nano substructure of the fabric layer, the prepared SRP actuator exhibits anisotropic actuation and fast wet recovery, enhancing its versatility.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wenlian Qiu, Yi Huang, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: We report a biomimetic dry underwater adhesive that is free of catechol chemistry and can adhere well to various substrate surfaces underwater. The adhesive is prepared by ternary copolymerization of monomers with nonphenolic aromatic groups, cations, and polar side chains, and exhibits hydrophobicity, mechanical toughness, and good interfacial bonding in water.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Le Yao, Xiaoqing Ming, Chengjiang Lin, Xiaozheng Duan, He Zhu, Shiping Zhu, Qi Zhang
Summary: This article reports a humidity-responsive ionogel based on a poly(benzyl methacrylate) matrix, which shows an anomalous decrease in ionic conductivity upon increased humidity. The conductive pathway within the ionogel can be shut down spontaneously above a critical relative humidity but perfectly reverses when the ambient humidity drops.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanzhang Jiang, Xuyi Wang, Yanting Han, Dakai Gong, Yingchun Gu, Lin Tan
Summary: In this study, FeCl3 and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were doped into waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) to create multifunctional materials with self-healing and antimicrobial properties. WPU/Fe/PAA-5.5, containing 5.5 wt % PAA, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, strong self-healing capabilities, and an impressive antimicrobial rate of over 90%. These supramolecular films were also highly recyclable through hot-pressing.
Article
Polymer Science
Longyu Tian, Min Wang, Guangming Liao, Baoliang Liu, Sujuan Zhang, Yucheng Sun, Zhen Meng, Jintao Zhang, Zaijun Lu
Summary: Two kinds of benzoxazine monomers were synthesized and used to prepare polybenzoxazine anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with quaternary ammonium functionalization. The LQPBZ AEM exhibited better ion conductivity and alkaline stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Claire A. Lemarchand
Summary: This study investigates the shock behavior of three different polymers through molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal specificities in the shock behavior of polymers, including deviations from the linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity, as well as differences in shear stress relaxation behind the shock front. It is found that the deviation of the Hugoniot locus is related to the change in the relative contribution of bonding and non-bonding potential energies, while polymers with higher glass transition temperatures exhibit slower shear stress relaxation.
Article
Polymer Science
Zengquan Liu, Xiaochun Yin, He Zhang, Shuo Gao, Qinglin Kuang, Yanhong Feng
Summary: A powder solid-state extension (PSSE) technology was proposed to address the high melt viscosity issue of UHMWPE. By uniaxial extension and sintering in the solid state, a highly self-reinforced material was prepared. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques were used to study the structural evolution during the PSSE process, and a solid-phase induced transformation model was established.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhike Li, Anyu Luo, Rui Zhou, Xin Li, Haiyan Li
Summary: A novel high temperature resistance IL@SiO2 nanocapsules were successfully prepared and their friction and wear properties in PA6 composites were studied. The addition of IL@SiO2 nanocapsules reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate without affecting the mechanical properties of PA6. The synergy between the IL core and SiO2 wall in the nanocapsules improved the self-lubricating performance of the PA6 composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Liu, Xuhong Guo, Qi Liao
Summary: In this study, an algorithm for accurately estimating viscosity is developed using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green-Kubo formula. This algorithm can be applied to complex systems with long correlations, such as macromolecular and biological simulation systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Pu, Yun-Lei Hou, Jing -Zhou Chen, Dong -Lin Zhao
Summary: The use of modified graphene improves the interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix in CF/EP composites, as well as increased interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chung Ke, Jin-Wei Lin, Manohar Reddy Busireddy, Yueh-Hsing Lee, Jiun-Tai Chen, Chain-Shu Hsu
Summary: This study introduces a crosslinkable monomer, TAIC, to synthesize three crosslinked polyimide films, which exhibit improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. The introduction of TAIC enhances the tensile strength, reduces the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polyimide films.
Article
Polymer Science
Alex Kwasi Kumi, Ruiling Fan, Ye Chen, Yumei Zhang
Summary: The difference in leaching of amylopectin from cellulose/amylopectin/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) blends during regeneration in water and aqueous ethanol has been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the dissolution and regeneration mechanisms of amylopectin in [Bmim][Cl] are similar to cellulose in ionic liquids. Water regeneration leads to weak electrostatic interactions, resulting in high leaching of amylopectin. In contrast, ethanol-water interactions enhance electrostatic interactions among amylopectin chains, limiting amylopectin leaching in aqueous ethanol.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zeng, Junwei Zhou, Junbiao Peng, Chunsheng Zhang, Danling Wang, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: This study utilizes an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on polyethylene glycol to regulate the vulcanization kinetics of rubber. The results show that the DES can accelerate vulcanization at low temperatures without affecting the crosslinking density and Mullins effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianqian Yue, Yongfei Peng, Xingjian Liu, Aihua He, Huarong Nie
Summary: The addition of metal deactivators can effectively suppress the aging of TBIR, prolong its lifespan, and have no negative effects on its physical and processing properties. These research findings are of great importance for improving the stability and aging resistance of polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
J. Gomez-Caturla, J. Ivorra-Martinez, R. Tejada-Oliveros, V Moreno, D. Garcia-Garcia, R. Balart
Summary: This work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PLA formulations by using different esters derived from geraniol as plasticizers. The results show that these esters have good compatibility with PLA, and they can effectively enhance the elongation and plasticity of PLA, reduce its glass transition temperature, and slightly improve its water absorption capabilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Dandan Li, Zhaohui Lu, Zhao Ke, Ke Xu, Fengna Dai, Youhai Yu, Guangtao Qian, Chunhai Chen
Summary: In this study, cross-linked PI aerogel membranes with low dielectric constant and high moisture resistance were prepared by co-polymerization and scraping coating technology. The incorporation of fluorinated blocks and benzimidazole ring structures resulted in novel PI aerogel membranes with fascinating dielectric properties and outstanding moisture resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyang Chu, Qing Zhang, Haihua Luo, Han Zhou, Fapei Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: Multi-physical fields solution processing strategy is a universal and facile method for preparing various conjugated polymer films and high-performance devices. In this study, we employed a combined microfluidic flow and ultrasonication strategy (FU) for processing CP solutions, and found a pronounced synergetic effect in promoting the pre-ordering of chains in solution. The conformation order and anisotropy of the solution were revealed through various characterizations. A non-classical nucleation model for polymer crystallization in non-equilibrium solution processing was confirmed. The roles of microfluidic flow and ultrasonication in chain aggregation and crystallization were addressed through multi-physical simulations. Compared to pristine solutions, the FU strategy showed improved solution anisotropy and crystallization kinetics, resulting in higher crystallinity in films and increased mobilities in OFET devices. The FU processing strategy provides a universal approach for regulating chain conformation and aggregation in conjugated polymer solutions.