Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tao Wang, Yang Qin, Congli Cui, Na Ji, Lei Dai, Yanfei Wang, Liu Xiong, Rui Shi, Qingjie Sun
Summary: The network strength of starch hydrogels was enhanced by adjusting the pH value and adding iron ions, leading to improved mechanical and swelling properties. The starch hydrogel with a pH value of 11.5 and containing Fe3+ exhibited a complex modulus above 3400 Pa, and its structure became more compact with increasing pH value. Moreover, the hardness and swelling rate of the hydrogel increased with pH value and addition of 0.5 mol/L Fe3+, indicating that simple adjustments to pH and iron ion concentrations can improve the mechanical properties of starch hydrogels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Haniyeh Malektaj, Aleksey D. Drozdov, Jesper deClaville Christiansen
Summary: This study investigates the preparation of cross-linked alginate hydrogels using various cations and analyzes their equilibrium swelling and mechanical properties. The results show that the type of cations used in the cross-linking process affects the elastic moduli and equilibrium degree of swelling. Experimental data is fitted with a model that involves two material parameters, and numerical analysis reveals the influence of cations on these quantities. The study also finds that the relationship between the elastic modulus and equilibrium swelling differs from that predicted by conventional theory for covalently cross-linked gels.
Article
Polymer Science
Leqi Wu, Sui Wang, Jie Mao, Zhiyong Guo, Yufang Hu
Summary: A conductive double network cross-linked hydrogel with anti-swelling and shape memory was successfully prepared using SBMA, PVA, and TA. The hydrogel exhibited good mechanical properties and stable conductivity. It also showed an anti-swelling effect, a shape memory effect, and high antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. This study provides new possibilities for the biomedical field.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chaoxian Chen, Zhongcun Li, Siwen Chen, Lingzhi Kong, Zhihao Guo, Jianshe Hu, Zhangpei Chen, Liqun Yang
Summary: This study presents a strong hydrogel with highly efficient self-healing and robust mechanical properties based on the bulk polymerization method. The storage modulus and loss modulus of the material can be adjusted by varying the initiator ratio, and the swelling behaviors can be modified by adjusting the initiator concentration.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Caroline Cagnin, Bruno Matheus Simoes, Fabio Yamashita, Gizilene Maria de Carvalho, Maria Victoria Eiras Grossmann
Summary: This study aimed to develop hydrogel films of starch and carboxymethyl cellulose crosslinked with sodium trimetaphosphate and found that the mixed hydrogel demonstrated advantages in mechanical resistance, but was sensitive to pH variations in terms of swelling capacity. The casting process efficiently produced the hydrogel films, showcasing the potential of the mixed hydrogel.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Xiaoxue Yang, Hongyuan Cui, Ziang Wang, Wentao Wang, Hui Guo, Xiaolin Wang
Summary: Recently invented hydrophobic hydrogel is a specific type of soft matter that has purely hydrophobic networks while maintaining ultra-high water content. The formation of these hydrogels is influenced by the crosslink ratio and structure of the chemical crosslinks. The swelling behavior and kinetics of the hydrogels are significantly affected by the crosslink ratio, with a moderate ratio being necessary for their formation. The chemical structure of the crosslinks plays a less significant role in formation, but has an important impact on the swelling equilibrium states and mechanical performance of the hydrogels.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xin Jin, Chengxiong Wei, Chengwei Wu, Wei Zhang
Summary: Hydrogels have been extensively studied as gastric retention systems. This study proposes a swelling hydrogel with long-term mechanical stability, achieved through a double network structure.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Daniel M. Gruber, Mark S. Ferris, Gary Zabow
Summary: Here, a new method is presented for accurate in-situ monitoring of hydrogel swelling in real-time using single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) profiling. The method reduces experimenter bias and uncertainty intrinsic to common weighing and caliper methods. NMR profiling additionally provides dynamic swelling rates over time, without needing to touch or modify the sample.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Antonio G. B. Pereira, Catia S. Nunes, Adley F. Rubira, Edvani C. Muniz, Andre R. Fajardo
Summary: Reinforcing Gum Arabic hydrogels with chitin nanowhiskers significantly improves their mechanical properties, making the nanocomposites stiffer and more resistant to elastic deformation while reducing their swelling capacity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Louis Debertrand, Jingwen Zhao, Costantino Creton, Tetsuharu Narita
Summary: This study synthesized model dual-crosslink gels with metal-ligand coordination bonds as physical crosslinks through both one-pot synthesis and diffusion method, proposing a simple way of adding salt to control swelling ratio prepared by ion diffusion. Tensile and linear rheological tests at the same swelling ratio showed that during one-pot synthesis, free radical polymerization was influenced by transition metal ions used as physical crosslinkers, while the presence of electrostatic interactions did not affect the role of metal complexes on the mechanical properties.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jean-Francois Louf, Nancy B. Lu, Margaret G. O'Connell, H. Jeremy Cho, Sujit S. Datta
Summary: Hydrogels show promise in agriculture as water reservoirs in dry soil, but their ability to swell can be reduced when confined in soil due to competition between osmotic swelling force and confining force. The medium can also be restructured by hydrogel swelling, depending on the balance of forces involved. These findings offer quantitative principles to predict hydrogel behavior in confinement, potentially improving their agricultural use and informing other applications.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Kajal Ingtipi, Bhaskar J. Choudhury, Vijayanand S. Moholkar
Summary: This study synthesized methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) crosslinked cellulose-kaolin (CMK) composite hydrogels and investigated their internal structures and combustion behavior. The results showed that the addition of kaolin improved the fire retardancy of hydrogels but reduced their swelling ability. The hydrogel with a cellulose to MBA ratio of 1:2 and 2% w/v kaolin exhibited the lowest heat release rate and total heat release, and the cotton fabric coated with this hydrogel showed a significant increase in limiting oxygen index. The kinetic analysis confirmed the increased LOI after kaolin addition, and VFT and OFT validated the delay in the burning process and the formation of a protective char layer.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marcela Pfeifer, Flavio A. C. Andrade, Ricardo Bortoletto-Santos, Fauze A. Aouada, Caue Ribeiro
Summary: This study investigated the effect of different surface-charged lamellar materials on the swelling and diffusion properties of synthesized polyacrylamide-methylcellulose hydrogels. Results showed that the presence of lamellar nanoparticles in hydrogels made the polymer matrix more rigid, and less likely to absorb water. However, hydrogels with hydrotalcite at specific ratios exhibited anomalous behavior with an increase in their water absorption capacity. This research suggests that the developed nanocomposite hydrogels can be suitable candidate materials for controlled release applications.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Miguel Olvera-Sosa, Sergio Rosales-Mendoza, Gabriela S. Garcia-Briones, Maria De Lourdes Betancourt-Mendiola, Omar Gonzalez-Ortega, Gabriela Palestino
Summary: The innovative synthesis of a bio-based poly(acrylic acid) and Schizochytrium sp. resulted in new hybrid biopolymers with thermal and mechanical properties dependent on microalgae biomass type and concentration. The copolymers showed different behaviors based on the source of microalgae used in the synthesis.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuanjun Ning, Jiani Huang, A. Yimuhan, Ningning Yuan, Cheng Chen, Donghai Lin
Summary: This review introduces the preparation methods and ways to improve the mechanical properties of double-network hydrogels, and explores their potential applications in the fields of biomedicine, intelligent sensors, and ion adsorption.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Dominik Kutac, Milos Bohonek, Ludmila Landova, Eva Staskova, Marie Blahutova, Ivana Malikova, Miroslav Slouf, Jan M. Horacek, Lynn G. Stansbury, John R. Hess, Jerard Seghatchian
Summary: This study investigated the effects of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) on the recovery and function of platelets after cryopreservation. The results showed that PRT treated platelets had lower numbers, reduced function, and aggregates compared to untreated platelets, indicating a potential reduction in platelet effectiveness.
TRANSFUSION AND APHERESIS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Aleksandra Ujcic, Maciej Sobotka, Miroslav Slouf, Adrian Rozanski, Konrad Szustakiewicz
Summary: This study focuses on the characterization of porous PCL scaffolds prepared by TIPS and TIPS-PL combined with freeze-drying. The effects of PCL grade and sodium chloride particles on the crystallization behavior, thermal properties, and structural changes of the scaffolds were investigated. The addition of sodium chloride particles significantly affected the pore size, density, compressive properties, porosity, and water uptake of the scaffolds.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miroslav Slouf, Milos Steinhart, Pavel Nemecek, Veronika Gajdosova, Jiri Hodan
Summary: We compared microscale indentation creep measurements with macroscale tensile creep measurements of three common polymers and found that microcreep experiments could qualitatively predict the long-term macrocreep behavior of the polymers. The empirical power law model yielded better predictions than the elasto-visco-plastic models.
Article
Polymer Science
Miroslav Slouf, Veronika Gajdosova, Jiri Dybal, Roman Sticha, Petr Fulin, David Pokorny, Jesus Mateo, Juan Jose Panisello, Vicente Canales, Francisco Medel, Alessandro Bistolfi, Pierangiola Bracco
Summary: This study lays the foundation for a European database of explanted UHMWPE liners from total joint replacements. Datasets from Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain containing various data, including patient information, manufacturer data, orthopedic evaluation, and material characterization, have been joined to create a database with over 500 entries. The study discusses interesting trends observed in the database, such as correlations between UHMWPE oxidative degradation and microhardness, differences between UHMWPE liners with different sterilization types, and correlations between oxidative degradation extent and reasons for joint replacement failure. The future objective is to expand the database with researchers from other European countries.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dajana Kucic Grgic, Martina Miloloza, Vesna Ocelic Bulatovic, Sime Ukic, Miroslav Slouf, Veronika Gajdosova
Summary: In this study, a microbial consortium was screened for its efficacy in degrading LDPE/TPS. The consortium was composed of bacteria and fungi isolated from activated sludge, river sediment, and compost. The experiments showed that the microorganisms were able to degrade polymeric materials, with the mixed culture completely degrading TPS. The weight loss and analysis results demonstrated that degradation was more intense in the experiment using microorganisms from compost.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Aristeidis Papagiannopoulos, Aggeliki Sklapani, Adel Len, Aurel Radulescu, Ewa Pavlova, Miroslav Slouf
Summary: We study the morphological changes of DDAB cationic vesicles and hybrid DDAB/HA vesicles upon addition of negatively charged BSA at pH 7. SANS is used to analyze the size distributions of the vesicles, the thickness of DDAB bilayers, and their lamellarity. The interaction between BSA and HA-decorated DDAB vesicles is found to be more intense than with bare vesicles. The formation of multilamellar vesicles induced by BSA depends on the amount of added HA. This research demonstrates a simple method to control the encapsulation of globular proteins in vesicular nanoassemblies, which has important implications for protein delivery using vesicles and liposomes.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Gabriela S. Garcia-Briones, Richard Laga, Zulfiya Cernochova, Carely Arjona-Ruiz, Olga Janouskova, Miroslav Slouf, Ognen Pop-Georgievski, Dana Kubies
Summary: Polyelectrolyte nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated as carriers for protein delivery. The formation of these NPs was studied using a newly synthesized polycationic diblock copolymer and heparin without the use of additives. The encapsulation of heparin-binding proteins achieved high entrapment efficiency and increased protein stability. The released proteins exhibited sustained release and preserved bioactivity. The NPs showed noncytotoxic performance, making them promising candidates for controlled delivery of bioactive proteins in biomedical applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zulfiya Cernochova, Volodymyr Lobaz, Lucie Ctverackova, Peter Cernoch, Miroslav Slouf, Marcela Filipova, Martin Hruby, Jiri Panek
Summary: This paper presents an efficient platform for forming polypeptide complexes from cationic amphiphilic animal venoms, such as melittin. The platform utilizes supramolecular charge compensation between melittin and nanoparticles composed of hydrophobic glassy polystyrene core and hydrophilic poly(meth)acrylic acid corona. The study demonstrates the successful complexation of melittin with nanoparticles at low concentrations and discusses the influence of nanoparticle structures on their potency.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
A. Rajbanshi, N. Mahmoudi, D. Murnane, E. Pavlova, M. Slouf, C. A. Dreiss, M. T. Cook
Summary: Branched copolymer surfactants (BCS) containing thermoresponsive polymer components, hydrophilic components, and hydrophobic termini can form emulsions that change from liquid to gel upon heating. This study evaluates the use of different oils, surfactants, and additives in the BCS system to enhance stability and achieve optimal sol-gel transition. The BCS/methylcellulose system is found to be the most suitable for in situ gel-forming dosage forms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Radka Hobzova, Jakub Sirc, Kusum Shrestha, Barbora Mudrova, Zuzana Bosakova, Miroslav Slouf, Marcela Munzarova, Jan Hrabeta, Tereza Feglarova, Ana-Irina Cocarta
Summary: Local chemotherapy using polymer drug delivery systems has the potential to effectively treat cancers that are difficult to treat with systemically delivered drugs. This study proposes nanofibrous carriers composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polyurethane (PUR) that can provide prolonged drug release and reduce side effects. The carriers demonstrated good loading efficiency and reduced initial burst release of the drug. In vitro experiments showed enhanced cytotoxic effects compared to a single-layer carrier, suggesting the potential for localized cancer therapy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Radim Skoupy, Daan B. B. Boltje, Miroslav Slouf, Katerina Mrazova, Tomas Laznicka, Clemence M. Taisne, Vladislav Krzyzanek, Jacob P. P. Hoogenboom, Arjen J. J. Jakobi
Summary: This study presents a quantitative four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) imaging technique (q4STEM) for local thickness estimation across amorphous specimens. The method measures spatially resolved diffraction patterns and evaluates the angular distribution of electron scattering or the ratio of integrated virtual dark and bright field STEM signals using Monte Carlo simulations. The method is independent of signal intensity calibrations and only requires knowledge of the detector geometry. The results demonstrate that the method yields robust thickness estimates for sub-micrometer amorphous specimens in different detectors and instruments.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
S. S. Rohiwal, T. D. Nguyen, E. Kamenna, J. Klima, M. Vaskovicova, D. Sekac, M. Slouf, E. Pavlova, P. Stepanek, D. Babuka, H. Benes, O. Pop-Georgievski, P. Ecorchard, P. Bezdicka, D. Smrzova, K. Stieger, Z. Ellederova
Summary: Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic disorder that mainly affects neurons in the striatum due to the presence of a toxic protein. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed as a promising delivery system for therapeutic RNA in treating HD. In this study, magnetic NPs (MNPs) were generated and characterized, and they showed low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency in delivering interfering RNA into cells. The MNPs were able to downregulate the production of the toxic protein, suggesting their potential as a treatment strategy for HD.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jagan Mohan Dodda, Mina Ghafouri Azar, Petr Belsky, Miroslav Slouf, Veronika Gajdosova, Phanindra Babu Kasi, Luis Oliveros Anerillas, Tomas Kovarik
Summary: This study focuses on the relationship between structure, mechanical performance, and biocompatibility of PCL/PLA and PCL/PLGA blends prepared by solution casting. The results indicate that the blend films have high tensile strength and display better cell adhesion and proliferation, making them promising materials for biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Phanindra Babu Kasi, Mina Ghafouri Azar, Jagan Mohan Dodda, Petr Belsky, Tomas Kovarik, Miroslav Slouf, Jana Kolaja Dobra, Vaclav Babuska
Summary: In this study, nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized by impregnating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) in a chitosan and cellulose-based hydrogel matrix to enhance its mechanical stability and swelling capacity. The biological evaluation results proved that these nanocomposite hydrogels were safe for use in the human body.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bohumila Podhorska, Eva Chylikova-Krumbholcova, Jana Dvorakova, Miroslav Slouf, Libor Kobera, Ognen Pop-Georgievski, Marketa Frejkova, Vladimir Proks, Olga Janouskova, Marcela Filipova, Petr Chytil
Summary: This study develops and characterizes novel biodegradable soft hydrogels with dual porosity for tissue engineering. The dual porosity of the hydrogels slightly enhances the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells, and the hydrogels modified by heptapeptide RGDSGGY significantly stimulate cell adhesion and growth.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(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.
