Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Satu Hakkinen, Joji Tanaka, Ramon Garcia Maset, Stephen C. L. Hall, Steven Huband, Julia Y. Rho, Qiao Song, Sebastien Perrier
Summary: This study reports the polymerisation-induced self-assembly of copolymers during RAFT grafting, showing the formation of various morphologies of micelles in the polymerisation process, providing new avenues for controlling polymer structure and material properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Amadeja Koler, Jiri Brus, Peter Krajnc
Summary: The influence of polymerisation mechanism (RAFT vs. FRP) on the porous structure of highly porous poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) polymers was studied. The results showed that polymers prepared by RAFT had a significantly higher specific surface area compared to those prepared by FRP. It was also found that RAFT polymerisation affected the distribution of crosslinks in the polymer network, leading to an increase in mesopores and microporosity during the hypercrosslinking reaction. The degree of hypercrosslinking was confirmed by solid-state NMR analysis.
Article
Polymer Science
Shang-Pin Wen, Qi Yue, Lee A. Fielding
Summary: This article reports the synthesis of PBzMA latexes through RAFT-mediated miniemulsion polymerisation, showing that the hydrophobe, initiator, and RAFT agent have significant influences on the properties of the latexes. Higher concentrations of hexadecane lead to an increase in particle number and a decrease in latex diameter.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Saul J. Hunter, Steven P. Armes
Summary: In this Feature Article, the authors review their recent progress in designing shape-shifting thermoresponsive diblock copolymer nano-objects. Unlike traditional thermoresponsive polymers, these nano-objects undergo thermally driven transitions between different morphologies in aqueous solution. The shape-shifting behavior is attributed to a subtle change in the hydration level of the insoluble thermoresponsive block. The authors characterized these nano-objects using various techniques and briefly discussed their potential applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana A. C. Pacheco, Arnaldo F. da Silva Filho, Kristoffer Kortsen, Magnus W. D. Hanson-Heine, Vincenzo Taresco, Jonathan D. Hirst, Muriel Lansalot, Franck D'Agosto, Steven M. Howdle
Summary: The RAFT dispersion polymerization of MMA in scCO(2) with DDMAT as CTA shows good control over PMMA molecular weight, contrasting with poor control in toluene solution. Investigation reveals a two-stage mechanism at the nucleation stage and a correlation between polymerization control and CTA solubility, providing a simple guideline for selecting the best CTA for RAFT dispersion polymerization in scCO(2).
Article
Polymer Science
Shuo Zhang, Yichuan Zhang, Muhammed Ucuncu, Annamaria Lilienkampf, Jin Geng, Mark Bradley
Summary: The PET-RAFT polymerization method allows controlled synthesis of polymers using photoinduced electron transfer, providing an alternative to transition metal-based photoinitiators. Through the synthesis of fluorophore-conjugated RAFT agents, light-controlled polymerization has been achieved, yielding polymers with a single fluorophore per chain and allowing for the formation of fluorescently labelled and block copolymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Emma E. Brotherton, Daniel Josland, Csilla Gyorgy, Edwin C. Johnson, Derek H. H. Chan, Mark J. Smallridge, Steven P. Armes
Summary: RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization was used to prepare a series of PGEO5MA(46)-PIPGMA(y) nanoparticles, which can be adjusted by varying the degree of polymerization for the core-forming PIPGMA block. The cis-diol groups on the nanoparticles were converted into aldehyde-functionalized nanoparticles using periodate oxidation, and then reacted with histidine. The functionalized nanoparticles showed zwitterionic properties and remained colloidally stable over a wide pH range. The adsorption of histidine-functionalized nanoparticles onto stainless steel was much stronger than their cis-diol counterparts.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter R. Judzewitsch, Nathaniel Corrigan, Edgar H. H. Wong, Cyrille Boyer
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of a novel photosensitive acrylate monomer for use in photoinduced polymerisation and antibacterial applications. Incorporating the photosensitiser into antimicrobial polymers increases bactericidal efficacy against S. aureus, achieving a broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Meike N. Leiske, Bruno G. De Geest, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: Zwitterionic polymers interact with cells and exhibit cancer cell specificity. The polymer backbone chemistry plays a significant role in the cellular specificity of amino-acid-derived polyzwitterions. Differences in cellular association and specificity were observed among the different polymer backbones, highlighting the importance of the polymer backbone design for cell-specific polymers.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Neelamegan Haridharan, Gang-Juan Lee, Sambandam Anandan, Andrea Sorrentino, Ya-Hui Chuang, Cheng-Hua Liu, Jerry J. Wu
Summary: In this study, a mesoporous polymer was prepared via RAFT polymerization for capturing greenhouse gas CO2. The synthesized porous phyllosilicate/polymer nanocomposites showed excellent performance in adsorbing CO2, making them suitable for reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Helena J. Hutchins-Crawford, Padarat Ninjiaranai, Matthew J. Derry, Robert Molloy, Brian J. Tighe, Paul D. Topham
Summary: The authors present a simple, sulfur- and metal-free aqueous route to prepare block copolymers using commercially available starting materials, where the overall average molecular composition is crucial but molar mass distribution is less significant. They demonstrate the use of bromoform to create block copolymers, showing potential for a cost-effective and straightforward method to synthesize functional block copolymers in water. Further research to analyze the detailed mechanism and full potential of this technique is deemed valuable.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hikaru Ishikura, Robin Neven, Theo Lange, Alexandra Galetova, Burgert Blom, Dario Romano
Summary: This paper reviews the polymerization of higher olefins, ROMP and ROP catalyzed by vanadium complexes, as well as the styrene polymerization and ROMP with different ligands. The activities and yields of imidovanadium complexes are compared, and the ROP of lactides and epsilon-caprolactone is discussed.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pieter-Jan Voorter, Gayathri Dev, Axel-Laurenz Buckinx, Jinhuo Dai, Priya Subramanian, Anil Kumar, Neil R. Cameron, Tanja Junkers
Summary: This study presents a one-pass continuous flow strategy to directly form block copolymer nanoaggregates from monomers. A significant improvement in continuous flow dialysis, achieved by developing an inline dialysis purification system, enables the fully continuous operation and high throughput operation. The developed system is at least 4-5 times faster than conventional dialysis and reduces the required amount of solvent by almost an order of magnitude compared to conventional methods.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eszter Fazekas, Phoebe A. Lowy, Maisarah Abdul Rahman, Anna Lykkeberg, Yali Zhou, Raju Chambenahalli, Jennifer A. Garden
Summary: This review focuses on efficient polymerization catalysts based on main group metals such as Group 1, Group 2, Zn, and Group 13. Key mechanisms and catalyst developments, including ligand design, heterometallic cooperativity, bicomponent systems, and selective polymerization conditions, are discussed.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Jeroen Staal, Edgar Smit, Baris Caglar, Veronique Michaud
Summary: This study investigates methods to control the heat balance in radical induced cationic frontal polymerisation (RICFP) processing of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs). The heat generation was controlled by adjusting the initiator concentration, and using highly insulating moulds to limit heat losses improved the front characteristics and curing degrees. An optimised mould configuration allowed for self-sustaining RICFP in FRPs with fibre volume fractions (Vfs) up to 45.8%, surpassing previously reported maxima.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Duy-Khiet Ho, Clare LeGuyader, Selvi Srinivasan, Debashish Roy, Vladimir Vlaskin, Thomas E. J. Chavas, Ciana L. Lopez, Jessica M. Snyder, Almar Postma, John Chiefari, Patrick S. Stayton
Summary: A new injectable depot platform has been developed with a new mechanism for controlled drug release, aimed at improving patient adherence and releasing tenofovir alafe-namide (TAF) effectively. This platform has the potential for long-acting treatment benefits and sustained drug release profiles over a period of time.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
M. R. Garcia-Cruz, A. Postma, J. E. Frith, L. Meagher
Summary: The combination of xanthan gum and gelatin methacryloyl has been shown to create a stable and cell-interactive bioink with improved properties for 3D bioprinting. This bioink demonstrated high cell viability and stability during in vitro culture, making it a promising candidate for 3D bioprinting applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Jaworski C. Capricho, Simon Saubern, Stephen P. Best, Jovan Maksimovic, Akhil Gupta, Saulius Juodkazis, Bronwyn Louise Fox, Nishar Hameed
Summary: The study introduces a new material combining stable radical properties with the versatility of epoxy polymers, enabling electronic conduction without the need for a conjugated structure. The unique epoxy-amine curing method ensures a highly crosslinked network structure, leading to efficient electronic conduction. This research challenges traditional methods and offers new possibilities for the development of semiconductor materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
J. Y. Quek, P. R. L. Dabare, R. Bright, A. Postma, K. Vasilev
Summary: AB diblock copolymer of VDA and DMA was synthesized by RAFT polymerization and further reacted to yield novel thioether functional diblock copolymers, forming micelles in aqueous media with ROS-triggered cargo release mechanism.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christopher N. Subasic, Aditya Ardana, Linda J. Chan, Fei Huang, Judith A. Scoble, Neville J. Butcher, Laurence Meagher, John Chiefari, Lisa M. Kaminskas, Charlotte C. Williams
Summary: This study investigated the potential of RAFT polymers as an alternative to PEG for prolonging the plasma exposure of therapeutic proteins. Among the tested polymers, p(HPMA-co-NIPAM) showed the most promise in prolonging plasma exposure of trastuzumab-Fab' and full length mAb, with lower immunogenicity compared to PEG. These findings suggest that p(HPMA-co-NIPAM) could be a promising copolymer for conjugation with therapeutic proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
John Chiefari, Christian Hornung
Summary: The global effort to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century is driving technical developments to decarbonize energy production, with a focus on hydrogen as a key platform. Utilizing hydrogen from various sources or carriers requires efficient catalytic processes and smart reactor engineering. Recent advances in 3D printed metallic or ceramic catalytic reactors have revolutionized hydrogen reforming in a mobile setting.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rob Legg, Charles Zhang, Michael Bourchier, Sarah Cole, Ivan Martinez-Botella, Xuan Nguyen, Yutong Zhu, Winston Liew, Simon Saubern, John Tsanaktsidis, Christian H. Hornung
Summary: Structured catalysts made by additive manufacturing can smoothly scale heterogeneous catalysis from lab to production, reducing the need for process reengineering. They can be customized to address flow maldistribution, hotspot, or pressure drop issues. This study investigates the long-term durability of 3D-printed Pd catalytic static mixers in the hydrogenation of 4-nitrobenzoic acid.
CHEMIE INGENIEUR TECHNIK
(2022)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Deborah Lau, Simon Saubern, David L. J. Alexander, Oliver Hutt, Carl Villis
Summary: This study investigates the performance and characteristics of MS3 resin, comparing it with the literature on MS2A and older reference samples. The results show that MS3 resin exhibits consistency with older MS2A samples, with improvements in reducing ketones, color, flow, and batch-to-batch consistency.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nicolas Goujon, Tiago Mendes, Kristine J. Barlow, Robert Kerr, Luke A. O'Dell, John Chiefari, Patrick C. Howlett, Maria Forsyth
Summary: In this study, the use of single-ion conducting block copolymer (SIC) as an additional lithium salt additive to a ternary solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) was described. The impact of SIC concentration on the phase behavior and transport properties of the SPEs was investigated, and the electrochemical performance and cycling performance of the SPEs were also assessed. The results demonstrate that PIL block copolymer-IL-salt composites are a promising choice of electrolyte for the next generation of solid-state high energy density lithium metal batteries.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Forsyth, Faezeh Makhlooghiazad, Tiago Mendes, Nicolas Goujon, Nino Malic, Almar Postma, John Chiefari, Patrick C. Howlett
Summary: Triblock copolymers with an ionophilic polymerized ionic liquid block were investigated as solid polymer electrolytes. The copolymers provided mechanically robust, free-standing membranes with high lithium conductivity and optimized electrolyte composition. These electrolytes showed good performance in Li metal symmetric cycling and were also tested as binders in an LMO cathode formulation. However, the best cell performance was achieved with a different solid-state gel electrolyte.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Greg Rollo-Walker, Jacinta White, John Chiefari, Maria Forsyth, Nino Malic
Summary: This study reports a novel approach to synthesizing ionic quasi-block copolymers using a 'one-pot' RAFT polymerization technique. Three different quasi-block copolymers were successfully synthesized by changing the order of monomer addition and the level of monomer conversion. The results suggest that these new quasi-block copolymers behave similarly to block copolymers in terms of phase behavior, while also offering potential for increased sustainability in synthesis.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Gervase Ng, Zilong Wu, Tong Zhang, Anh Phong Dang, Yin Yao, Andrew R. J. Nelson, Stuart W. Prescott, Almar Postma, Graeme Moad, Craig J. Hawker, Cyrille Boyer
Summary: An oxygen-tolerant SI-PhotoRAFT technique has been developed for efficient synthesis of surface-tethered polymer brushes under low-energy near-infrared light. The technique takes advantage of the unique properties of NIR light to prepare polymeric coatings, even through barriers that are opaque to visible light. It enables precise modulation of brush height and sequential chain extension, as well as orthogonal control over polymerization and cross-linking processes using two different wavelengths.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew Waterford, Simon Saubern, Christian H. Hornung
Summary: By utilizing a flow reactor system, it is possible to independently control light intensity, wavelength, and reaction temperature, thereby enhancing control over the reaction. The study demonstrated that under specific conditions, the target product can be efficiently synthesized, and this easy-to-handle reaction system has the potential for scaled-up production.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caroline Bray, Guoxin Li, Almar Postma, Lisa T. Strover, Jade Wang, Graeme Moad
Summary: Two important advances in radical polymerization with reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT polymerization) are reported. Electrochemically initiated emulsion RAFT (eRAFT) polymerization and direct photoinitiated (visible light) RAFT polymerization provide rapid and effective routes to high-quality polymers. The use of amphiphilic macroRAFT agent composition and numerical simulation are important tools in optimizing polymerization conditions.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
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.
