Article
Polymer Science
Shogo Tachibana, Kei Hashimoto, Haruna Mizuno, Kazuhide Ueno, Masayoshi Watanabe
Summary: The effects of polymer structure on CO2 separation and mechanical properties of ion gel membranes composed of ionic liquids and sulfonated polyimides were investigated. It was found that polymers with multiblock structure exhibited higher IL uptake and CO2 permeability, while those with fluorinated non-ionic part showed improved mechanical properties without sacrificing CO2 permeability. These results suggest that polyimide sequence and non-ionic structure play important roles in the performance of the composite membranes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jesse H. Hsu, Cheyenne R. Peltier, Megan Treichel, Jamie C. Gaitor, Qihao Li, Renee Girbau, Alexandra J. Macbeth, Hector D. Abruna, Kevin J. T. Noonan, Geoffrey W. Coates, Brett P. Fors
Summary: This study presents a direct coordination-insertion polymerization method for synthesizing ionic polymers with high ion incorporations, enabling the rapid generation of a library of solution processable ionic polymers for use as anion exchange membranes (AEMs). The investigation shows that AEMs with piperidinium cations exhibit the highest performance, with excellent alkaline stability and hydroxide conductivity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sanna Lander, Johan Erlandsson, Mikhail Vagin, Viktor Gueskine, Leena Korhonen, Magnus Berggren, Lars Wagberg, Xavier Crispin
Summary: This study explores the use of chemical modification to obtain cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from oxidatively sulfonated softwood fibers. The degree of sulfonation has a collective effect on multiple properties of the membranes, including morphology, water uptake and swelling, and ionic transport. The higher sulfonation level leads to increased cation transport and ionic conductivity.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isabel Ruiz, Carlos Corona-Garcia, Arlette A. Santiago, Mohamed Abatal, Mercedes Gabriela Tellez Arias, Ismeli Alfonso, Joel Vargas
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and application of novel polymers as adsorbents for heavy metal ions in water. The polymers demonstrated good adsorption capacities for Pb2+, Cd2+, and Ni2+, with the trityl-bearing polymer showing higher removal amounts. The outcomes suggest that these sulfonic acid-containing polymer-based adsorbents are effective in removing heavy metallic elements from water.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhuoyu Yin, Haobo Geng, Pengfei Yang, Benbing Shi, Chunyang Fan, Quan Peng, Hong Wu, Zhongyi Jiang
Summary: A sulfonated covalent organic framework nanosheets (TpPa-SO3H) were synthesized and incorporated into SPEEK matrix to prepare proton exchange membranes with increased ion exchange capacity and reduced swelling ratio. The SPEEK/TpPa-SO3H-5 membrane exhibited significantly improved proton conductivity and mechanical strength, leading to favorable performance in a single H-2/O-2 fuel cell.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xinyi Wang, Trevor J. Wilson, Dmitry Alentiev, Maria Gringolts, Eugene Finkelshtein, Maxim Bermeshev, Brian K. Long
Summary: Polynorbornenes are ideal for systematic structure-property investigations related to gas transport, with recent focus shifting towards the development of highly selective materials for multiple targeted gas separations. Advances have been made in the preparation of stable and highly selective polynorbornenes for membrane-based gas separations since 2017.
Article
Polymer Science
Timothy P. Lodge, Claire L. Seitzinger
Summary: By incorporating a photoactive moiety into a block polymer, the phase behavior of the polymer solution can be controlled with light. The positioning of the pendant azobenzene groups along the polymer backbone significantly affects the order-disorder transition of the polymer in the ionic liquid. Adjusting the location of the azobenzene units within the thermo-and photoresponsive polymer solution changes the overall behavior of the solutions and the ability to control that behavior with light and temperature.
Article
Polymer Science
Yeasmin Nahar, James Horne, Vinh Truong, Alex C. Bissember, Stuart C. Thickett
Summary: Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (polyNIPAM) hydrogels were prepared via free radical polymerization in deep eutectic monomer solvents (DEMs) for the first time, where NIPAM served as a polymerizable hydrogen bond donor. The hydrogels prepared with DEMs showed increased cross-linking density and mechanical strength compared to those prepared in aqueous polymerization, exhibiting unique thermoresponsive swelling behavior.
Article
Polymer Science
Asmaa M. Ahmed, Tuomo P. Kainulainen, Juho Antti Sirvio, Juha P. Heiskanen
Summary: A novel biobased sulfur-bridged polyester with high oxygen barrier properties was synthesized using a new furfural-based monomer, methyl 5-[(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfanyl]furan-2-carboxylate (MSF), through self-condensation. The resulting polyester showed significant improvements in oxygen barrier and UV light filtering capabilities due to the introduction of sulfur heteroatom. The monomer, MSF, was also utilized to enhance the barrier performance of poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) and poly(ethylene bifuranoate) (PEBF) copolymers, indicating its potential for sustainable biobased packaging materials.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Saeed Mahdisoltani, Ramin Golestanian
Summary: This study shows that electrolytes driven by an external electric field exhibit scale invariance despite Debye screening. Long-range correlations result in a Casimir-like fluctuation-induced force between neutral boundaries that can be controlled by the electric field, behaving differently from other fluctuation-induced forces.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Nand Kumar, Krishna Pratap Singh, Atanu Giri, Shatrughan Prasad Singh
Summary: Blends of polynorbornene rubber and natural rubber with varying compositions were examined for their swelling behavior in kerosene at different temperatures. Transport parameters and sorption kinetics were estimated, and the experimental data were best fitted with the Peppas-Sahlin model. SEM analysis revealed the morphology of the blends, and mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate their stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Osung Kwon, JaeHyoung Park
Summary: This study used electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) to investigate the impact of ionic channel distribution on the proton conductivity of Nafion-sulfonated silica (SSA) composite membranes. The results showed that Nafion-SSA had twice the average local ionic channel density compared to pristine Nafion, and the distribution of the ionic channel density was non-uniform. Additionally, local agglomerations were observed in approximately 10% of the scanned area, attributed to the presence of SSA. These findings are significant for the quantitative assessment of proton exchange membranes (PEMs).
Article
Polymer Science
Magdalena Stepien, Aleksandra Marszalek-Harych, Malgorzata Gazinska, Anna Gagor, Lukasz John, Jolanta Ejfler
Summary: We investigated the catalytic effect of N-activatedbenzoxazinemonomers on the ring-opening polymerization of 1,3-benzoxazine. A series of novel ionic and neutral benzoxazine monomers was synthesized and characterized using advanced X-ray and spectroscopic techniques. These specially designed monomers act as latent catalyst systems that are activated during heating, significantly reducing the ROP temperature. We conducted simultaneous Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetry measurements to study the catalytic performance of ionic monomers, revealing their immense potential and effectiveness.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Malo Dufay, Maude Jimenez, Mathilde Casetta, Feng Chai, Nicolas Blanchemain, Gregory Stoclet, Frederic Cazaux, Severine Bellayer, Stephanie Degoutin
Summary: Abdominal hernia reparation is the second most common surgery globally, with postoperative adhesions often causing pain for patients. Therapeutic solutions are needed to prevent adhesions. Techniques like electrospinning and cold plasma treatment are used to design biomedical implants to prevent adhesions.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rongming Xu, Yuan Kang, Weiming Zhang, Bingcai Pan, Xiwang Zhang
Summary: Inspired by biological potassium ion channels, researchers have developed a biomimetic ion channel membrane using MXene nanosheets and EDTA molecules, which achieves efficient separation of ions. This membrane shows high ion permeability and selectivity, making it significant for sustainable water treatment, resource extraction, and energy storage.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Jorge Galvan, F. Sergio Sellschopp, Alberto Beltran, Joel Vargas, Michel Rivero
Summary: This technical brief investigates the feasibility of using a cost-effective system to study frictional losses in hydro- and magnetohydrodynamic flows. Experiments are conducted in rectangular channels with different aspect ratios, utilizing water and GaInSn as working fluids. Characterization is done in terms of the Darcy friction factor, with uncertainties associated with the fabrication and characterization methodology being presented.
JOURNAL OF FLUIDS ENGINEERING-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Carlos Corona-Garcia, Alejandro Onchi, Arlette A. Santiago, Araceli Martinez, Daniella Esperanza Pacheco-Catalan, Ismeli Alfonso, Joel Vargas
Summary: This study focused on developing partially renewable aromatic-aliphatic polyamides using oleic acid as a renewable source and investigating their properties for proton exchange membranes. The results demonstrated that adjusting the feed molar ratio of the diamines effectively tailored the degree of sulfonation of the materials, leading to a polymer membrane with a proton conductivity of 1.55 mS cm(-1) at 30℃ after activation.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Laura Rodriguez-Jardon, Mar Lopez-Gonzalez, Marta Iglesias, Eva M. Maya
Summary: Polycarbonate (PC) based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) loaded with porous organic polymers as fillers demonstrate excellent gas separation performance, with increased gas permeability coefficients and maintained or improved selectivity. MMMs prepared by controlled addition of fillers under ultrasound stirring and magnetic stirring sequences show time-saving advantages compared to traditional methods. The use of different functionalized fillers enhances gas permeability and separation selectivity in various gas pairs.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Arlette A. Santiago, Joel Vargas, Luis Perez, Carlos Corona-Garcia, Ismeli Alfonso
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the effect of reinforcement percentage on Young's modulus for polymer-clay nanocomposite membranes. Models were used to simulate different reinforcement contents and found that the elastic modulus of the nanocomposites significantly increases as the volume fraction of MMT increases. DEM-FEA generated predictions closest to experimental values with relative errors below 10%, highlighting the importance of this approach for obtaining accurate models and better estimations of mechanical behavior for real composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isabel Ruiz, Carlos Corona-Garcia, Arlette A. Santiago, Mohamed Abatal, Mercedes Gabriela Tellez Arias, Ismeli Alfonso, Joel Vargas
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and application of novel polymers as adsorbents for heavy metal ions in water. The polymers demonstrated good adsorption capacities for Pb2+, Cd2+, and Ni2+, with the trityl-bearing polymer showing higher removal amounts. The outcomes suggest that these sulfonic acid-containing polymer-based adsorbents are effective in removing heavy metallic elements from water.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohamed Abatal, M. T. Olguin, Ioannis Anastopoulos, Dimitrios A. Giannakoudakis, Eder Claudio Lima, Joel Vargas, Claudia Aguilar
Summary: In this study, biomass from Moringa oleifera seeds and leaves was used as low-cost biosorbents to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The experimental kinetic data for both S-MO and L-MO were best described by the pseudo-second-order model, and the Langmuir model was used to determine the maximum sorption capacities for different metal ions. Overall, the biosorbents showed promising potential for the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) from water.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gema Marcelo, Maria del Mar Lopez-Gonzalez, Milena Vega, Carlos Pecharroman
Summary: This study focused on preparing colored surfaces using poly-L-DOPA that display vivid colors by interference. It was found that a high ionic strength in the polymerization medium was essential for achieving these coatings. The refractive index was constant around 1.8 for wavelengths above 650 nm, but in the visible range (400-600 nm) it ranged from 1.7-1.80.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. T. Guerrero, F. Gonzalez, T. E. Soto, C. Aguilar, I. A. Figueroa, G. Gonzalez, J. Vargas, I Alfonso
Summary: This study investigates the interactions and phenomena between oxide reinforcements and Al alloy matrices, including reactions, interface diffusion, and changes in wettability. By exploring different combinations of conditions, it provides a benchmark for the selection and understanding of matrix-reinforcement systems.
MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohamed Abatal, Eder C. Lima, Dimitrios A. Giannakoudakis, Joel Vargas, Ioannis Anastopoulos, Maria T. Olguin, Ismeli Alfonso
Summary: The present study investigated the performance of Pitahaya peel as a low-cost biosorbent in the removal of Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ni(II) from single and multi-component solutions. The results showed that Pitahaya peel exhibited good biosorption performance for the metallic species, and the biosorption efficiency changed when the metallic species were mixed. The biomass could be regenerated using nitric acid solution and reused for multiple adsorption and desorption cycles.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Martinez-Tirado, Nastasia Yuriychuk, Marta Iglesias, Mar Lopez-Gonzalez, Eva M. Maya
Summary: Novel mixed matrix membranes were prepared with different matrix materials and a porous biphenyl-based knitting aryl polymer as filler, synthesized through the Friedel-Craft reaction. The filler had varied effects on the mechanical and gas transport properties, with Matrimid-based MMMs showing increased permeability to all gases and improved selectivity for hydrogen separations. PSF-based MMMs exhibited minor permeability increases and improved selectivity for hydrogen separations, while PPO-based MMMs did not show significant changes with the addition of the filler.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Araceli Martinez, Daniel Zarate-Saldana, Joel Vargas, Arlette A. Santiago
Summary: The synthesis and properties of copolyesters with different molar ratios of HDL and NB were investigated, with Ru1 catalyst showing higher activity and stability. The copolymer HDN-NB exhibited good thermal stability and increased stress values as the NB content increased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Alejandro Onchi, Carlos Corona-Garcia, Arlette A. Santiago, Mohamed Abatal, Tania E. Soto, Ismeli Alfonso, Joel Vargas
Summary: This study investigates the ability of thiol-functionalized polymers derived from norbornene dicarboximides to remove heavy metals from aqueous systems. The results demonstrate that these polymers exhibit excellent adsorption performance for heavy metal ions, making them effective candidates for water purification.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Leire San Jose, Olga Garcia, Isabel Quijada-Garrido, Mar Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: Zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) possess remarkable photoluminescent, biocompatible, biodegradable, and antibacterial properties, making them suitable for bio-related and technological applications. In this study, stable fluorescent hybrid ZnO QDs were synthesized using different polymers as templates and ligands. The presence of hydroxylated homopolymers and block copolymers significantly enhanced the fluorescence of ZnO QDs. The synthesized hybrid ZnO QDs exhibited uniform and stable enhanced photoluminescence in aqueous media. Additionally, the hybrid ZnO QDs synthesized in this study showed high selectivity for detecting Cr6+, Fe2+, or Cu2+ in water.
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.