Article
Polymer Science
Arne Wolpers, Florian Baffie, Vincent Monteil, Franck D'Agosto
Summary: In this study, a dithiocarbamate chain transfer agent was used to synthesize statistical and diblock copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, achieving various polymer compositions through good chain growth control, including linear diblock copolymers and a three-arm star copolymer.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kyeong Min Kim, Masud, Jung-Min Ji, Hwan Kyu Kim
Summary: By varying the composition and molecular weight of the copolymers, the performance of polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) in quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells can be improved, with higher molecular weight enhancing ionic conductivity in the PGEs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pinar Akarsu, Stefan Reinicke, Anne-Catherine Lehnen, Marek Bekir, Alexander Boeker, Matthias Hartlieb, Martin Reifarth
Summary: The study demonstrates a feasible method to fabricate patchy silicon dioxide microspheres, which can be equipped with tailor-made polymeric materials as patches. The method relies on a solid-state supported microcontact printing (μCP) routine optimized for the transfer of functional groups to capillary-active substrates, introducing amino functionalities as patches to a monolayer of particles. Acting as anchor groups for polymerization, photo-iniferter reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) is used to graft polymer from the patch areas. The protocol promises a vast degree of freedom in engineering the surface properties of highly functional patchy particles, making it a platform technology for the fabrication of particles with locally precisely formed patches.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiuxian Zhao, Junhua Sun, Jiachen Ma, Tongyao Liu, Zeyi Guo, Zhen Yang, Wei Yao, Xuchuan Jiang
Summary: Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is considered as a promising material for smart windows. However, its real application is hindered by several limitations. In this study, core-shell structured VO2@PMMA-b-PHFBMA nanoparticles with excellent properties were prepared using a RAFT polymerization method. The addition of a F-containing polymer shell improved the stability and compatibility of the VO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, a photochromic and hydrophobic copolymer was synthesized and coated onto the VO2 nanoparticles to create an energy-saving composite film. The composite film showed high solar modulation efficiency, making it a highly promising application for smart windows.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Chengqiang Ding, Yuhan Yan, Yuhao Peng, Danming Wu, Hang Shen, Jiandong Zhang, Zhao Wang, Zhengbiao Zhang
Summary: In this study, a well-controlled piezoelectrically mediated reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization (piezoRAFT) was successfully conducted using piezoelectric ZnO nanoparticles as the mechanochemical transducer under ultrasonic agitation. The resulting polymer exhibited high end-group fidelity, low dispersity, and capacity for chain extension. The generation of alkyl radicals through electron transfer process from piezoelectric nanoparticles to alkyl bromide was confirmed by various characterization techniques.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhongyuan Wan, Lee Wai Hin, Ataulla Shegiwal, David Haddleton
Summary: An addition-fragmentation monomer (AFM) is utilized in 3D printer resins to reduce shrinkage during polymerization. The AFM enables reversible network formation and improves mechanical performance. The AFM is synthesized via catalytic chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) and characterized using NMR and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The incorporation of AFM as a crosslinker allows for rapid reversible covalent bond formation and reduces both polymerization shrinkage and stress buildup.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Elena Yu. Kozhunova, Anna V. Plutalova, Elena V. Chernikova
Summary: Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was successfully used to synthesize gradient copolymers of acrylic acid and vinyl acetate in selective solvents. The gradient of the copolymer was controlled by the monomer feed. The monomer conversion affected the ability of the copolymer to self-assemble in aqueous solutions and throughout copolymerization in selective solvents.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuma Ueno, Hayato Nakazaki, Hina Onozaki, Shingo Tamesue
Summary: Researchers developed a growable adhesive gel system using RAFT polymerization, which can change its characteristics similar to human growth. The adhesive joint grown by RAFT polymerization showed higher adhesive strength and a function of thermal responsiveness compared to non-RAFT-polymerized adhesive joint. These growable adhesive gel systems enable long-term use of gel materials while adapting to environmental changes.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiyeong Yeo, Jihoon Woo, Seungyeon Choi, Kiyoung Kwon, Jin-Kyun Lee, Myungwoong Kim
Summary: In this study, we conducted thorough investigations on the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of industrially relevant functional monomers using propylene glycol monomethyl ether as a solvent in a continuous flow system. The kinetic studies showed that the flow mode RAFT copolymerization exhibited pseudo-first-order kinetics with a significantly increased propagation rate constant compared to the conventional batch process. The obtained copolymer products showed excellent homogeneity in molecular weight, dispersity, and composition. Additionally, flow chemistry allowed the determination of reactivity ratios for eight different monomer pairs, and the results were validated by comparison with the experimentally determined compositions. The applicability of flow copolymerization in practical photolithography was confirmed by positive tone pattern formation in a chemically amplified resist formulation. Our comprehensive exploration provided fundamental insights into the reactivity and kinetics of continuous flow RAFT copolymerization, enabling the precise control of structural and compositional parameters on a large scale and addressing the challenges in pioneering technologies such as photolithography for single-nanometer digit pattern development.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zexi Zhang, Kaixuan Chen, Bruno Ameduri, Mao Chen
Summary: Fluorinated polymeric nanoparticles (FPNPs) combine the properties of fluorocarbon and polymeric nanoparticles. Well-defined FPNPs with complex structures, compositions, morphologies, and functionalities can be obtained through reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRPs). These FPNPs have promising applications in magnetic resonance imaging, biomedical delivery, energy storage, etc.
Article
Polymer Science
Jungyeon Kim, Beatrice Cattoz, Alice H. M. Leung, James D. Parish, C. Remzi Becer
Summary: The synthesis of a new 2-oxazoline monomer and its application in RAFT polymerization are reported in this study. Brush copolymers with different architectures were prepared by adjusting the monomer ratios.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joji Tanaka, Noel Edward Archer, Michael Jeffery Grant, Wei You
Summary: In this study, RAFT step-growth polymerization was achieved by combining RAFT and step-growth polymerization mechanisms, resulting in backbone repeat units with a pendant RAFT agent that can form molecular brush polymers in a second polymerization step. The cleavable backbone functionality allows the transformation of brushlike polymers into linear chains of uniform size under stimuli.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhiying Li, Qianjin Lian, Youwei Xu, Yichuan Zhang, Pengfei Zhang, Jin Geng
Summary: A robust aggregation-induced emission luminogen photoaddition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization was investigated, resulting in the preparation of a variety of well-defined polymers with narrow polydispersities (D < 1.20). The use of low concentrations of a donor-acceptor (D-A) type aggregation-induced emission luminogen as a photocatalyst enabled polymerization under visible light at ambient temperature. Previous studies have mainly focused on organic solvents, with fewer investigations conducted in aqueous environments. This study successfully demonstrated the polymerization strategy in water with or without oxygen, leading to the synthesis of structure-controlled polymers. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of DCDPP-2TPA increased linearly with the degree of polymerization.
Article
Polymer Science
Mengmeng Zhang, Jiajia Li, Miao Chen, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: The article introduces a new method for controlling the molecular weight distribution of polymers through photocontrol, allowing for the transformation from a latent initiator to an initiator during polymerization. This approach can produce polymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow distributions under mild conditions, demonstrating the potential for tuning MWDs in batch polymerization.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sarthik Samanta, Sovan Lal Banerjee, Koushik Bhattacharya, Nikhil K. Singha
Summary: A new waterborne epoxy-based fluorescent adhesive, synthesized via surfactant-free miniemulsion polymerization and decorated with graphene quantum dots, shows transparency, easy detection, and excellent adhesion strength. The addition of GQDs enhances the adhesive performance, making it a promising contrivance for art conservators in repairing or reconstructing artifacts.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiannan Cheng, Qing Yu, Kai Tu, Jinying Wang, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This study presents a controlled method for the formation of ellipsoidal micelles, disklike micelles, and sheets by hierarchical self-assembly of triphilic main-chain-type semifluorinated alternating graft copolymers. The possible self-assembly mechanism of these micron-level aggregates is proposed, providing new insights for the synthesis of main-chain-type fluorinated graft copolymers and the research field of solution self-assembly of fluorinated copolymers.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xin Pan, Shubei Ma, Xiaowen Sui, Lili Xie, Furong Li, Zhengping Cheng, Li Cui, Hongling Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of intravenous thrombolytic therapy (ITT) for acute ischemic stroke patients in Dalian, China in 2020. The results showed an increase in the number of patients receiving ITT in 2021 compared to 2020, along with a decrease in door-to-needle time. It was also found that in 2020, a significant number of patients did not use ambulance transport, while in 2021, a higher percentage of patients used ambulance transport.
Article
Polymer Science
Jiannan Cheng, Xiang Xu, Qing Yu, Chaojie Li, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: We report a facile method to synthesize graft copolymers with a semi-fluorinated alternating backbone via simultaneous CuAAC reaction and ATRP. The synthesis of fluorinated backbone from START polymerization can be introduced to the graft copolymers due to the powerful tolerance and designability of semi-fluorinated alternating copolymers. This strategy provides a new and facile approach for the synthesis of fluorinated graft copolymers under mild conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiang Xu, Haihui Li, Jiannan Cheng, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: We presented a near-infrared light-responsive hydrogel material composed of two monomers, an ionic liquid monomer (TVBP) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), with a diacrylate crosslinker containing poly(propylene glycol), all of which are temperature sensitive. The ionic liquid monomer TVBP demonstrated the ability to generate high osmotic pressure, enabling the hydrogel to extract fresh water from brackish water. By using photothermal conversion through irradiation with NIR LED light on croconaine dye-doped silica nanoparticles (NIR-800@SiO2 NPs), around 95% of fresh water could be skillfully recovered from the hydrogel. The proposal of this scheme is expected to be a significant reference for continuous water desalination.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bowen Zhao, Jiajia Li, Guangliang Li, Xinrui Yang, Shaopu Lu, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: The application of reversible deactivation radical polymerization techniques in 3D printing allows for the creation of living polymer networks with various functionalities. However, the speed at which these systems can build objects is still limited. This article presents a digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing system that uses photoinduced free radical-promoted cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl ethers to build living objects at a relatively fast speed (12.99 cm h(-1)) using a commercial DLP 3D printer. The polymerization behavior and printing conditions are studied, and the livingness of the printed objects is demonstrated through spatially controlled postmodification with a fluorescent monomer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qing Yu, Jinying Wang, Jiannan Cheng, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: Amphiphobic coating surfaces were fabricated by simple spin coating of fluorinated reversed micelles synthesized via a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) strategy. The influence of reaction solvent and polymerization conditions on the wettability of the reversed micelles was investigated. The method showed high water contact angles (151.9 degrees) and low sliding angle (5.0 degrees), making it a promising approach for fabricating amphiphobic surfaces.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Qing Yu, Jiannan Cheng, Xiang Xu, Yu Li, Chaojie Li, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, fluorinated macromolecular coupling agents were prepared and decorated on the surface of silica nanoparticles to create superhydrophobic coatings. The coatings exhibited excellent stability against acidic, basic, and high salty solutions, and demonstrated self-cleaning and oil/water separation capabilities. The findings have promising implications for practical applications on a large scale.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shuaijie Chen, Minghui Yang, Haihui Li, Haitao Zhao, Xiang Xu, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This work presents a facile and efficient strategy for preparing block copolymers by combining near-infrared light-controlled bromine-iodine transformation reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (BIT-RDRP) and purple LED light induced ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The macroinitiator was first synthesized via NIR light-controlled BIT-RDRP, and then the block copolymers with narrow dispersity (as low as 1.06) were prepared by combining purple LED light induced ROP through two step or one pot process. Importantly, the one pot strategy greatly simplifies the operation process and improves the synthesis efficiency, facilitating the batch preparation of block copolymers.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiang Xu, Jiannan Cheng, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this work, a series of near-infrared light (NIR)-responsive vitrimers are synthesized using carboxyl-bearing croconaine dye (CR-800) as a photothermal agent. NIR-responsive liquid crystalline elastomers (CR-vitrimer-LCEs) are further prepared under NIR laser without a template. The dynamic covalent bonding properties of vitrimer allow for the fabrication of a hand-shaped actuator with fingers of different NIR-response threshold values, which successfully achieve local and sequential control under a uniform NIR light field.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shusu Ren, Xiang Xu, Jiyuan Sun, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This study synthesized a series of cationic porphyrin-based star-shaped copolymers using photo-controlled bromine-iodine transformation reversible-deactivation radical polymerization. The effects of alkyl chain length, degree of polymerization, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance on the antibacterial activity of the polymers were investigated. The resulting copolymer Zn@P6 showed excellent photodynamic inhibition activity against both S. aureus and E. coli, with low cytotoxicity and promising biological application prospects.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shunhu Zhang, Chun Tian, Xiaowu Jiang, Xiang Xu, Haitao Zhao, Jiyuan Sun, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: Two synthetic strategies were developed to improve the solubility and recyclability of NIR photocatalyst: living polymers with permanent NIR photocatalyst by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and non-living polymers with recyclable NIR macro-photocatalyst by conventional radical polymerization. The living macro-PCs obtained from RAFT polymerization showed permanent NIR photocatalysis, while the water-soluble non-living macro-PCs from conventional radical polymerization exhibited only NIR photocatalysis but could be easily recycled by centrifugation.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Haitao Zhao, Guoqing Bian, Xiang Xu, Ran Liu, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, a high-efficiency NIR-photocontrolled bromine-iodine transformation RDRP (BIT-RDRP) system was developed by using persistent radical anions (PRAs) as catalysts. The electron-deficient species NTCDA can be reduced to PRAs, which are activated by NIR light to initiate polymerizations. The catalytic system achieved a monomer conversion of over 97.0% within 180-240min, demonstrating controllable polymerization. Other types of PRA catalysts were also developed, confirming the catalytic mechanism. This study opens up a new direction for the further development of NIR-photocontrolled RDRP.
Article
Polymer Science
Sisi Chen, Mengyao Zhang, Qingyuan Li, Jiachen Li, Shengpeng Wu, Jian Zhou, Guoqing Jin, Zhengbiao Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are versatile polymer materials used in various applications, but the contradiction between reprogrammability and stable actuation performance remains a challenge. Introducing photoactivated dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) into thermotropic LCEs can help address this issue. This study utilizes allyl selenide chemistry to achieve multiple network reconfigurations of LCEs under visible light conditions (405-450nm). The mild stimulation conditions and sustainable dynamic exchange capability offer great potential for the application and design of covalently adaptable LCEs.
Article
Polymer Science
Xia Lin, Qianxi Gu, Jiajia Li, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a facile and robust method for living cationic polymerization using zinc wire as a catalyst precursor was developed. Well-defined poly(vinyl ether)s with various molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained at room temperature. The in situ generation of trace zinc ions was found to be the key to the mild conditions of the polymerization. The utilization of zinc wire offered advantages of reusability, easy separation, and low metal residue. Moreover, the method was successfully applied in continuous flow polymerization, showing potential for scalable and efficient industrial production under mild conditions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Li, Shusu Ren, Qing Yu, Tao Wang, Xiang Xu, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, antibacterial and nonflammable melamine sponges with high throughput were prepared for emulsion separation. The modified sponges exhibited excellent oil absorption rate, high flux, and thermal stability, making them ideal for practical applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
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.
