Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pooja Saini, Nandana Chakinala, Praveen K. Surolia, Anand Gupta Chakinala
Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of metal oxide-doped clay composite for the sonocatalytic degradation of nitrobenzene. It was found that copper and iron oxide-modified clay performed better in the degradation of nitrobenzene compared to a zinc oxide/clay composite. Process optimization showed that neutral pH conditions and higher catalyst loadings were optimal for the efficient degradation of nitrobenzene. The catalyst was also found to be effective in the degradation of other pollutants. These findings contribute to the development of cost-effective strategies for the treatment of industrial effluents.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sahin Demirci, S. Duygu Sutekin, Olgun Guven, Nurettin Sahiner
Summary: Poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (p(AEM)) microgels were synthesized and used for metal nanoparticle preparation. These microgels were then incorporated into p(AEM) based poly ionic liquid (PIL) microgels, which served as catalysts for hydrogen production from sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reactions. The catalytic activity and regeneration ability of the microgels were analyzed, showing promising results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yu Hoshino, Tomohiro Gyobu, Kazushi Imamura, Akira Hamasaki, Ryutaro Honda, Ryoga Horii, Chie Yamashita, Yuki Terayama, Takeshi Watanabe, Shoma Aki, Yida Liu, Junko Matsuda, Yoshiko Miura, Ikuo Taniguchi
Summary: The development of defect-free hydrogel nanomembranes for CO2 separation is achieved through the autonomous assembly of deformable microgels, allowing water penetration to assist in forming a dense hydrogel layer. Membranes composed of amine-containing microgel particles exhibit selective CO2 permeation, showing potential for low-cost carbon capture from post-combustion gases and atmospheric air.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Made Budiarta, Wenjing Xu, Lukas Schubert, Maria Meledina, Alexander Meledin, Dominik Woell, Andrij Pich, Tobias Beck
Summary: The integration of ferritin containers into microgels can protect ferritin against degradation by protease and a stimuli-responsive microgel system can be designed by employing an acid-degradable crosslinker. Experimental results showed that around 80% of the ferritin containers were integrated into microgels with approximately 85% and 50% released in buffer pH 2.5 and 4.0, respectively.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alyssa Fu, Michael J. Serpe
Summary: Electrochromic devices (ECDs) are ideal for electronic paper displays and have various applications. By using etalons, optical devices designed in our lab, we have successfully created color-switchable ECDs with good color retention, fast switching kinetics, and localized color changes. Moreover, etalons can act as both the electrochromic layer and one of the conducting layers, eliminating the need for an extra conducting layer. These devices show promise as low-cost, low-power, and colored display options for the future.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bingrui Li, Haofei Li, Hongjie Chen, Yang Liu, Junlin Chen, Qi Feng, Xiaodong Cao, Hua Dong
Summary: A novel multi-functional microgel assembly powder (MAP) composed of oxidized dextran/methacrylate gelatin (ODex/GelMA) microgel powder and long-chain alkyl quaternized chitosan (LQCS) crosslinker powder is reported for acute hemostasis, antibacterial, and wound healing.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Remi Merindol, Nicolas Martin, Thomas Beneyton, Jean-Christophe Baret, Serge Ravaine
Summary: This study addresses the challenges of controlling the size of DNA microstructures and embedding them with fast responsiveness by combining arrested phase separation and microfluidic confinement to produce monodisperse DNA particles and implementing a light-controlled coil-globule transition of the microgel DNA network. The assembly of light-responsive microgel superstructures is demonstrated as proof-of-concept hierarchical all-DNA materials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yishu Yan, Qingqing Wu, Panpan Ren, Qiuyi Liu, Na Zhang, Yang Ji, Jingxian Liu
Summary: The microgel prepared with a precipitation method provides a porous and swollen microstructure for pulmonary delivery system with sustained release properties. It exhibits pH-sensitive behavior, high safety, and biocompatibility in vitro, with the ability to escape macrophage phagocytosis and achieve sustained drug release in the lung.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bei He, Lizhen Chen, Philip Biehl, Xintong Meng, Wenbo Chen, Dan Xu, Junli Ren, Kai Zhang
Summary: Highly tough microgel membranes with rough surfaces are fabricated using loosely chemically cross-linked dihydroxypropyl cellulose (cDHPC) microgels. These membranes exhibit strong, instant, and persisting adhesion to various substrates with different surface roughness. They also have high tensile strength, toughness, adhesive strength, and debonding work, surpassing most bio-based and petroleum-based adhesive gels.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Gaizhen Kuang, Qingfei Zhang, Yunru Yu, Luoran Shang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: To address the issues of recurrence and metastasis in post-surgery treatment of malignant tumors, researchers have developed a novel type of microgel that can carry cryo-shocked cancer cells, immunoadjuvant, and immune checkpoint inhibitor using microfluidic electrospray technology and liquid nitrogen treatment. These microgels can recruit and activate dendritic cells, leading to a strong immune response. Additionally, the combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor enhances the antitumor immune response. In an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model, the microgels demonstrate excellent efficacy in preventing recurrence and metastasis, and their biocompatibility and degradation performance also support tissue reconstruction.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Amanda Carmelo da Rocha, Adila de Oliveira Sampaio Dantas, Patricia Angelica Vieira, Vicelma Luiz Cardoso
Summary: This study employed basalt powder as a photocatalyst to degrade atrazine under UV-C and visible light irradiation. The optimal conditions were identified as an initial pH of approximately 6, basalt sintered at 600 degrees C with specific dosages, and an initial H2O2 concentration of 1.6 mM. The results showed high removal efficiency of ATZ under both UV-C and visible light, with the toxicity of the process effluent being lower than the initial sample.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Evgenios Gryparis, Georgios C. Georgiou
Summary: This study investigates the annular Poiseuille flow of a Bingham fluid with wall slip. The analytical solution is derived for the case of using Navier-slip conditions on two cylinders. It is observed that a sliding regime occurs below a critical pressure gradient, while a yielding regime is encountered above another critical pressure gradient. Additionally, an intermediate semi-sliding regime is observed when different slip laws are applied at the two walls.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sahin Demirci, Selin S. Suner, Mustafa Yildiz, Nurettin Sahiner
Summary: In this study, polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) forms of polyethyleneimine (PEI) microgels were prepared and used as metal-free catalysts for hydrogen production from sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution in methanol. The PEI-based PIL microgels exhibited excellent catalytic performances and regenerability, enabling hydrogen production at various temperatures and easy recovery of catalytic activities through regeneration treatments.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yijun Yao, Dan Zhou, Yanqin Shen, Hailiang Wu, Hongru Wang
Summary: A self-dispersed cellulose-based microgel was prepared by chemically bonding gelatin peptide chain onto cellulose glucose chain, leading to the production of highly transparent, foldable, and writable photoluminescent polymer films. These films exhibit good dispersion and stability, emitting bright fluorescence under UV light.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Nestor A. Perez-Chavez, Alberto G. Albesa, Gabriel S. Longo
Summary: In this study, the behavior of microgels of NIPAm and MAA copolymers was systematically examined using a thermodynamic theory, with a focus on temperature, pH, and salt concentration. The microgels exhibited swelling with increasing pH and a nonmonotonic dependence on salt concentration, showing initial swelling followed by deswelling. A volume phase transition was observed with increasing temperature, which was influenced by copolymer composition, cross-linking, pH, and salt concentration. The charge inside the polymer backbone played a crucial role in controlling the volume phase transition temperature. Additionally, the absorption of two chemotherapeutic drugs, Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin, into multiresponsive microgels was studied to identify the optimal conditions for drug incorporation.
Article
Polymer Science
Catalina Molano-Lopez, Susanne Braun, Michael Kather, Alexander Toepel, Gil van Wissen, Andrij Pich
Summary: This work focuses on the pH-triggered disassembly of supramacromolecular microgels. The properties of the microgels can be easily tuned by varying the ratio between the temperature-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) and the natural polyphenol tannic acid. The pH and temperature can precisely control the degradation profile of the microgels.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jonas Dittrich, Fabian Kolodzy, Alexander Toepel, Alexander Hofmann, Georg Groth, Andrij Pich, Holger Gohlke
Summary: The constant growth of the world population has led to an increased demand for food, posing multiple challenges to modern agriculture. The use of agrochemicals is necessary to combat pests such as weeds and improve crop yield. However, the environmental impact of these chemicals necessitates the development of more efficient formulations. This study focuses on investigating pVCL-based microgels as potential carriers for delivering the agrochemical okanin. Experimental, simulation, and computational approaches were used to analyze the behavior and interactions of the microgels and okanin, leading to insights on their collapse, rigidification, and potential for controlled release. The findings provide a basis for optimizing pVCL-based microgels as carriers for polyphenolic agrochemicals.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Dan E. Demco, Andrij Pich
Summary: Stimuli-responsive polymer networks such as microgels and hydrogels have diverse properties that require analysis for their design and application. Nanoscale characterization of gels can be achieved using selective and sensitive techniques like high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. This review focuses on recent results using H-1 and C-13 1D and 2D NMR techniques to provide chemically site selective information about polymer networks. NMR can offer insights into the internal structure, phase transition, mesh size, and aggregation of microgels and hydrogels.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ritabrata Ganguly, Pabitra Saha, Lea Antonia Kringe, Andrij Pich, Nikhil K. K. Singha
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of temperature-responsive microgels containing a high content of zwitterionic poly(phosphorylcholine) (PMPC). Through a three-step reaction process, high loadings of polyzwitterionic chains are achieved by using PMPC-based macromonomers. These microgels exhibit an unprecedented extent of protein-repelling behavior, which is of great importance for the fabrication of protective coatings with anti-fouling properties.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaolei Hu, Pit van Bonn, Dan E. E. Demco, Carsten Bolm, Andrij Pich
Summary: This article demonstrates for the first time that mechanochemically triggered free-radical polymerization allows solvent- and initiator-free syntheses of complex functional macro molecular architectures, namely stimuliresponsive microgels. The developed mechanochemical polymerization approach is applicable to a variety of monomers and allows synthesizing microgels with tunable chemical structure, variable size, controlled number of crosslinks and reactive functional end-groups.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jacek J. Walkowiak, Casper van Duijnhoven, Pia Boeschen, Nadja A. Wolter, Joanna Michalska-Walkowiak, Martin Dulle, Andrij Pich
Summary: Raspberry-like poly(oligoethylene methacrylate-b-N-vinylcaprolactam)/polystyrene (POEGMA-b-PVCL/PS) patchy particles (PPs) and complex colloidal particle clusters (CCPCs) were successfully fabricated using a two-step or one-step cascade flow process. The internal structure and surface morphology of the particles were studied under different polymerization conditions. The use of a tubular flow reactor for photo-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation transfer precipitation polymerization (Photo-RPP) provided advantages over heat dissipation and homogeneous light distribution.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jannika Brinkmann, Hanna Malyaran, Miriam Aischa Al Enezy-Ulbrich, Shannon Jung, Chloe Radermacher, Eva Miriam Buhl, Andrij Pich, Sabine Neuss
Summary: Fibrin-based hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as scaffolds due to their biocompatibility and relevance in wound healing and clot formation. Modulating the chemical and mechanical properties of these hydrogels can address challenges such as gel shrinkage and degradation processes. By adding fibrin-binding peptides, hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties and controllable degradation profiles can be fabricated, which can be beneficial for tissue regeneration and cell-based therapies.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fabian Meyer, Fabian Kolodzy, Marie Luise Scheck, Anke Kaletsch, Tetiana Kharandiuk, Andrij Pich, Christoph Broeckmann
Summary: In order to expand the range of alloys that can be processed by laser-based powder bed fusion, reinforced alloys have been the focus of attention. The satelliting method, which uses a bonding agent to add fine additives to larger parent powder particles, was introduced to prevent local demixing caused by size and density effects. This study investigates the use of the satelliting method with a functional polymer binder (pectin) to add Cr3C2 to AISI H13 tool steel. The results suggest that pectin is a suitable binder for the satelliting process, reducing the demixing behavior observed in simple powder blends. However, the alloy becomes enriched with carbon, resulting in the retention of austenite. Further research will explore the use of a reduced binder content.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hannah F. Mathews, Maria I. Pieper, Se-Hyeong Jung, Andrij Pich
Summary: In this study, pH-responsive drug carriers were successfully fabricated and it was demonstrated that the distribution of charges has an impact on delivery efficiency. By synthesizing polyampholyte nanogel-in-microgel colloids, the arrangement of nanogels could be easily manipulated by adjusting synthesis conditions. The obtained nanogels, with positive and negative charges, were incorporated into microgel networks. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the formation of colloids with different nanogel arrangements depending on nanogel concentration, pH value, and ionic strength. This research is a significant advancement in the uptake and release of oppositely charged drug molecules.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaolei Hu, Andrij Pich
Summary: Light, temperature, and pH-multiresponsive microgels were successfully fabricated by mAzo post-modification on poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) microgels. The synthesized mAzo-modified microgels exhibit reversible photoswitching behavior and light-triggered size change. They also demonstrate temperature responsiveness and charge reversal behavior due to the incorporated hydrophobic mAzo units and carboxyl groups.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Selin Bulut, Se-Hyeong Jung, Thomas Bissing, Florian Schmitt, Michelle Bund, Susanne Braun, Andrij Pich
Summary: In this study, highly monodisperse meso- and macroporous microgels with uniform and defined pores were synthesized using modified natural polysaccharide dextran. The size of mesopores was controlled by the concentration of dextran methacrylate chains, while the size of macropores was regulated by pH-degradable supramacromolecular nanogels as sacrificial templates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Se-Hyeong Jung, Fabian Meyer, Sven Hoernig, Michelle Bund, Bernhard Haessel, Luis Paulo Busca Guerzoni, Laura De Laporte, Ghazi Ben Messaoud, Silvia P. Centeno, Andrij Pich
Summary: A versatile method for creating colloidal suprastructures is demonstrated using droplet-based microfluidics to assemble and interlink microgels. The behavior of the microgels is investigated to understand their distribution between the continuous phase, droplet phase, and interface. On-chip gelation using natural polyphenol tannic acid (TA) is introduced to stabilize the colloidal suprastructures by supramolecular interactions. This work allows for the on-chip fabrication of defined colloidal suprastructures with various morphologies, and the resulting supracolloidal structures exhibit pH-responsive behavior.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anjali Sharma, Yulia D. Gordievskaya, Nino Lomadze, Marek Bekir, Se-Hyeong Jung, Andrij Pich, Svetlana Santer
Summary: We studied the photo-responsiveness of p(NIPAM-AA) microgels by forming complexes with a spiropyran (SP) containing surfactant. The complexation results in charge compensation within the gel, leading to a decrease in size and volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the microgel. Under irradiation, the spiropyran undergoes photo-isomerization and generates a more hydrophobic surfactant, causing reversible size change of the microgel. The size and VPTT changes during irradiation are due to a combination of heating by the surfactant and the change in hydrophobicity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enzo Pichon, David De Smet, Paul Rouster, Kim Freulings, Andrij Pich, Katrien V. Bernaerts
Summary: In this study, non-isocyanate polyurethane(urea)s with high bio-based content were synthesized and used as cationic waterborne dispersions in a sustainable coating system. The functionality and hydrophobicity of the neutralization agent as well as the dicarbamate monomer structures were investigated. The results showed that the combination of a monofunctional and hydrophilic neutralization agent led to stable dispersions with better properties compared to the commercial waterborne polyurethane dispersion reference.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Selin Bulut, Daniel Guenther, Michelle Bund, Christina Haats, Thomas Bissing, Celine Bastard, Matthias Wessling, Laura De Laporte, Andrij Pich
Summary: Microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds are investigated for their application in regenerative medicine and tissue repair. Traditional MAP scaffolds limit cell infiltration depth and space, and hinder cell remodeling of the environment. This study presents a cell-induced interlinking method to allow for self-organization of cells and microgels into dynamic tissue constructs.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(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.
