Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alejandra Romero-Moran, Jose L. Sanchez-Salas, Joel Molina-Reyes
Summary: The study established the influence of the crystalline phase and agglomeration degree of TiO2 nanoparticles on photocatalytic hydroxyl radical formation and bacterial inactivation in TiO2/SiO2 composite coatings. A relationship between hydroxyl radicals' formation and charge carrier transfer mechanism between defect levels in SiO2 and TiO2 embedded nanoparticles was established through a simple spectroscopic method. This correlation complements the lack of mechanisms behind the photocatalytic activity in TiO2/SiO2 composites.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takayuki Ishizaka, Maya Chatterjee, Hajime Kawanami
Summary: PI fine particles encapsulating a large number of TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully fabricated using the emulsion re-precipitation method in a multistep flow synthetic system. The fabricated material had a spherical structure with TiO2 nanoparticles disproportionately embedded near the surface, showing high UV shielding efficiency according to UV-vis transmission spectra.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Vincent Pang, Zachary J. Thompson, Guy D. Joly, Lorraine F. Francis, Frank S. Bates
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of nanoscale silica particle additives on the tensile properties of modified epoxies, showing an increase in modulus and toughness. Combining BCP and nanosilica additives resulted in a synergistic effect, enhancing the toughness of the epoxy beyond that obtained with individually modified formulations.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Wahyudiono, Hiroki Kondo, Siti Machmudah, Hideki Kanda, Yaping Zhao, Motonobu Goto
Summary: The study demonstrated the utilization of an electric field generated by high voltage discharge plasma over a liquid water surface containing glycine compound to synthesize TiO2 nanoparticles. The applied voltages, pulse numbers, and repetition rates significantly influenced the decomposition reaction of glycine compounds and electrode erosion. The UV-vis spectra and HRTEM images confirmed the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles and TiC as nanoparticle products, suggesting that this process has potential for advanced nanoparticle synthesis technology.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hongbo Feng, Chang-Geun Chae, Christopher Eom, Gordon S. W. Craig, Stuart J. Rowan, Paul F. Nealey
Summary: Modification of a block copolymer using click chemistry has been shown to effectively control the properties of the copolymer. This study focuses on the modification of a glycidyl methacrylate block with amine-epoxy click chemistry to generate a series of block-random copolymers. The dependence of the effective interaction parameter and surface energy difference on the ratio of the more polar amine is determined, and a lamellae-forming copolymer with sub-10 nm features and zero surface energy difference is demonstrated. Different morphologies can be achieved by adjusting the ratio of the polar amine using this method.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pamela Zuniga Fallas, Jaime Quesada Kimzey, Prabhas Hundi, Md Tariqul Islam, Juan C. Noveron, Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Rouzbeh Shahsavari
Summary: This study introduces a novel combinatorial data science approach to investigate the influence of various photocatalytic cement composites based on limited datasets. Results suggest that cement composition has a greater impact on photocatalytic activity than cement microstructure, TiO2 type, and particle size.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Zhang, Chenglin Yi, Wenhao Dong, Di Zheng, Yiqun Yang, Wei Li, Xiaozheng Duan, Dong Yang, Zhihong Nie
Summary: This study presents a general strategy for the scalable synthesis of highly monodisperse silica-based nanoparticles (SNPs) with sub-50 nm diameter. By utilizing copolymers as templates, ultrasmall single-chain nanoparticles are formed and used as seeds for the production of uniform SNPs. The composition and architecture of the copolymers play a crucial role in the formation of the seeds and the uniform deposition of silica. The study also demonstrates the ability to produce asymmetric Janus-like and dumbbell-like SNPs by tailoring the copolymer architecture.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hyeongkeon Yoon, Seonghyeon Ahn, Qingshu Dong, Chungryong Choi, Eunyoung Kim, Weihua Li, Jin Kon Kim
Summary: This study investigated the formation of a multidomain double-stranded helical nanostructure, paving the way for the creation of multifunctional helical structures for various applications such as metamaterials. The experimentally observed morphology matched well with the prediction by self-consistent field theory.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Quanyong Cheng, Jingyi Chen, Yuhang Song, Xiang Yu, Chengshu Guan, Chuchu Wan, Xuemei Tan, Caili Huang
Summary: This study presents a simple method to control the morphology of aqueous Janus droplets on a superhydrophobic surface. The Janus structures are controlled by the phase separation of two polymers in aqueous solution, and by varying the component inputs, the morphology of the resultant Janus structure can be easily customized. This approach provides new insights into the tunable geometric morphology of Janus particles and holds potential applications in biological fields.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jared I. Bowman, Cabell B. Eades, Maria A. Vratsanos, Nathan C. Gianneschi, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a powerful technique for producing block copolymer nanostructures, and ultrafast photoiniferter PISA can be used to quickly create various nanostructures.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Minkyu Lee, Sarbaranjan Paria, Subhadip Mondal, Gi-Bbeum Lee, Beomsu Shin, Suhyun Kim, Sungjune Park, Changwoon Nah
Summary: The addition of PMMA-b-PBuA-b-PMMA triblock BCP in silica-epoxy system significantly enhances the flexural strength and toughness of the composite. The best performance is achieved at 83wt% silica and 1.5 wt% PDMA loading, with a delamination resistance index of 74.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, Saied Nouri Khorasani, Mohammad Sadegh Koochaki, Mohammad Dinari, Shahla Ataei, Mohammad Hossein Enayati, Oisik Das, Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
Summary: Organic coatings are effective in protecting steel from corrosion, but they are prone to damage and allow corrosive media to penetrate underlying substrates. This research aims to develop a self-healing coating by embedding titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanogel composite (NC) in a commercial epoxy.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amal Halawa, Gehad Elshopakey, Mohamed El-Adl, Samah Lashen, Nancy Shalaby, Ehab Eldomany, Ahmed Farghali, Shaymaa Rezk
Summary: The study demonstrated that titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce neurotoxicity by affecting various neuronal biomarkers, leading to neuronal damage and apoptosis. While chitosan shows neuroprotective effects, its inhibitory effect on Arc expression should be taken into consideration.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kevin G. Yager
Summary: The self-assembly of a triblock bottlebrush polymer at one length scale determines the organization of the self-assembly at a smaller scale, creating a hierarchical unit cell.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Sunil U. Tekale, Yakir Rottenberg, Rajita D. Ingle, Abraham J. Domb, Rajendra P. Pawar
Summary: Biodegradable block copolymers have emerged as useful carriers for controlled drug release and tissue engineering due to their ability to form colloidal systems and tunable properties. This review focuses on recent advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and biomedical applications of these materials.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Joanna Brzeska, Agnieszka Tercjak, Wanda Sikorska, Barbara Mendrek, Marek Kowalczuk, Maria Rutkowska
Summary: The study found that PUR samples with a higher amount of R,S-PHB and a lower amount of polycaprolactone triol (PCLtriol) degraded the most, with blending with starch (St) having the greatest impact on degradation susceptibility. Although the rate of weight loss of the samples was low, significant reductions in molecular weight, changes in morphology, and thermal property changes indicated that the samples would degrade quickly after a certain period of time.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Joseba Gomez-Hermoso-de-Mendoza, Junkal Gutierrez, Agnieszka Tercjak
Summary: This study focused on the mechanical properties of cellulose triacetate-based nanocomposites modified with sol-gel synthesised vanadium oxide nanoparticles and a triblock copolymer from nanoscale to macroscale. The results showed that microphase separation significantly affected the mechanical properties at both scales, with the well-ordered nanostructuration displaying improved dispersion and enhanced modulus values.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Daniel Marin, Piedad Ganan, Agnieszka Tercjak, Cristina Castro, Daniel H. Builes
Summary: The relationship between phase distribution of a commercial unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and its thermal stability and dynamical mechanical properties was observed. By varying the miscibility of UPR components through temperature control, changes in phase distributions and morphologies were achieved. The increase in storage modulus and glass transition temperature of thermosetting UPR were attributed to more homogeneous nanostructures with smaller nodules.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Eider Matxinandiarena, Agurtzane Mugica, Agnieszka Tercjak, Viko Ladelta, George Zapsas, Nikos Hadjichristidis, Dario Cavallo, Araceli Flores, Alejandro J. Muller
Summary: Two novel tetrablock quarterpolymers were studied for the first time, revealing different crystallization behaviors and mechanical properties. One of the polymers self-assembled into tetracrystalline banded spherulites during crystallization, impacting its mechanical properties significantly. Additionally, the crystallization sequence of the blocks varied between the two polymers, with different blocks exhibiting distinct characteristics during the process.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Osman Konuray, Arnau Sola, Jordi Bonada, Agnieszka Tercjak, Albert Fabregat-Sanjuan, Xavier Fernandez-Francos, Xavier Ramis
Summary: Versatile acrylate-epoxy hybrid formulations are widely used in 3D printing applications, with added coupling agents to mitigate phase separation. These hybrid materials show significant improvement in Young's modulus, and can be easily molded into complex shapes for easy shape recovery under mild temperatures after thermal curing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marta Przybysz-Romatowska, Mateusz Barczewski, Szymon Mania, Agnieszka Tercjak, Jozef Haponiuk, Krzysztof Formela
Summary: Reactive blending using organic peroxides was employed to prepare biodegradable blends based on PCL and PLA, leading to improved miscibility between PCL and PLA, enhanced mechanical properties, and biodegradation rates dependent on blend ratio and peroxide structure. The study demonstrated that reactive blending supported by organic peroxides is a promising approach for developing novel biodegradable polymeric systems with controllable biodegradation rates.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kamila Gosz, Agnieszka Tercjak, Adam Olszewski, Jozef Haponiuk, Lukasz Piszczyk
Summary: The study investigated the liquefaction of forestry waste to produce bio-polyols that could potentially substitute petrochemical polyols. Further analysis indicated high biomass conversion and the potential of bio-polyols as green alternatives. The optimal liquefaction temperature was found to be 150 degrees C for 6 hours, showing promising results for sustainable polyurethane resin production.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammad Reza Saeb, Paulina Wisniewska, Agnieszka Susik, Lukasz Zedler, Henri Vahabi, Xavier Colom, Javier Canavate, Agnieszka Tercjak, Krzysztof Formela
Summary: In this study, GTR/thermoplastics blends were prepared and the relationship between microstructure and processing-performance properties was investigated. The type of thermoplastic modifier had a significant impact on the processing behavior and microstructure of the blends with a high content of GTR. The GTR/thermoplastics ratio affected elongation at break, hardness, and density, while its effect on tensile strength was negligible.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara Marina, Edgar Gutierrez-Fernandez, Junkal Gutierrez, Marco Gobbi, Nicolas Ramos, Eduardo Solano, Jeromy Rech, Wei You, Luis Hueso, Agnieszka Tercjak, Harald Ade, Jaime Martin
Summary: Accurate determination of the structural organization of semiconducting polymers is crucial for the development of organic electronic technologies. A new structural model, semi-paracrystalline organization, has been proposed to explain the performance discrepancies in some polymer materials, with parameters such as degree of paracrystallinity and lattice distortion being key factors in charge transport in semi-paracrystalline materials.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Joseba Gomez-Hermoso-de-Mendoza, Galder Kortaberria, Junkal Gutierrez, Agnieszka Tercjak
Summary: Polymer blends based on cellulose triacetate (CTA) modified with poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer (PEO-PPO-PEO or EPE) and 1,1'-diethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dibromide (viologen or VG) were employed to obtain nanostructured micrometric films. The addition of VG disrupted the worm-like structure in the binary blend, indicating the increase in miscibility between blend components. The competition between self-assembly ability of EPE triblock copolymer and the formation of CTA crystalline lamellae resulted in the morphology of binary blends. VG and PEO block of EPE triblock copolymer showed partial miscibility with CTA matrix in ternary blends. The study demonstrated the self-organization ability of EPE block copolymer and VG, suggesting their potential use in designing CTA based blends with tuneable morphologies by adjusting the content of VG and EPE.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Irati Barandiaran, Joseba Gomez-Hermoso-de-Mendoza, Junkal Gutierrez, Agnieszka Tercjak, Galder Kortaberria
Summary: A biobased diglycidyl ether of vanillin (DGEVA) epoxy resin was nanostructured using poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymer. Different morphologies were obtained depending on the amount of triblock copolymer. A hexagonally packed cylinder morphology was maintained at 30 wt% of PEO-PPO-PEO content, while a complex three-phase morphology with worm-like PPO domains surrounded by two different phases was obtained at 50 wt%. UV-vis measurements showed a reduction in transmittance with increased triblock copolymer content, possibly due to the presence of PEO crystals detected by calorimetry.
Review
Polymer Science
Piedad Ganan, Jaime Barajas, Robin Zuluaga, Cristina Castro, Daniel Marin, Agnieszka Tercjak, Daniel H. Builes
Summary: This work uses bibliometric analysis to study the evolution and current state of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) biocomposites. The study examines 531 published papers from 1982 to July 2022 and provides insights into the most commonly used natural fibers as reinforcements, fiber treatments, and composite design parameters. The findings offer valuable information for future research in this field.
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.
