Article
Polymer Science
Adam Olszewski, Paulina Kosmela, Adam Piasecki, Wiktoria Zukowska, Mariusz Szczepanski, Pawel Wojtasz, Mateusz Barczewski, Roman Barczewski, Aleksander Hejna
Summary: This study investigates the impact of stoichiometry on the performance of flexible PU foams by preparing foams with similar apparent density but different isocyanate indexes. The cellular and chemical structure, as well as the mechanical properties, thermal stability, thermal insulation, and acoustic performance, were studied. The results show that stoichiometry significantly affects the foam's cellular structure, strength, and sound suppression ability.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jian Zhang, Qunhao Wang, Bingxue Huang, Xiaolin Xue, Mei Li, Wei Zhang, Canhui Lu
Summary: In this study, waste polyurethane foams (WPUF) were converted into high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials by coating the surface with carbon nanotubes and hot pressing. The resulting WPUF-MC composite exhibited remarkable electrical conductivity and achieved high EMI shielding effectiveness, surpassing many reported shielding materials of this kind. This work offers an effective strategy for the utilization of waste polyurethane foams and expands the application potential of flexible shielding materials.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Kirpluks, D. Godina, H. Svajdlenkova, O. Sausa, J. Modniks, K. Simakovs, J. Andersons
Summary: The gradual replacement of traditional raw materials in the synthesis of polyurethane (PU) with bio-based materials, along with the use of environmentally friendly physical blowing agents (PBAs), has led to the analysis of thermal aging of bio-based foams in order to minimize the permeability of PU matrix to PBAs. Rigid low-density closed-cell PU foams were produced solely from bio-based polyols to investigate the effect of the PU chemical structure on thermal aging. Gas permeability of the PU polymer was found to decrease with increasing crosslink density, likely due to a reduction in fractional free volume in the polymer.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Jungha Lee, Jung Hyeun Kim
Summary: In this study, castor oil-based bio-polyol and two types of gelling catalysts were used to synthesize PU foams. The effects of bio-polyol content and catalyst type on sound absorption, compression strength, and VOCs emission were examined. The results showed that increasing bio-polyol content and using a tin catalyst resulted in smaller cavity and pore sizes, leading to higher sound absorption and compression strength. Moreover, the application of bio-polyol also reduced VOCs emissions from foam degradation. Therefore, using bio-derived polyol holds promise for reducing environmental issues in industrial applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gi-Yeon Han, Ji Yong Park, Tae-Hyung Lee, Mo-Beom Yi, Hyun-Joong Kim
Summary: In this study, a dual-crosslinked hydrogel adhesive using TDC as a crosslinker was introduced, demonstrating strong tissue adhesion and high mechanical resilience. Proper wound dressing with this hydrogel accelerated wound healing, indicating potential for advanced polymer synthesis by introducing functional crosslinking agents.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. Andersons, R. Grube, L. Vevere, P. Cabulis, M. Kirpluks
Summary: The thermal expansion properties of rigid low-density polyurethane foams derived from renewable resources were investigated. It was found that increasing the cross-link density of the polymer matrix reduced the linear thermal expansion coefficients of both monolithic polymer and closed-cell foams. Furthermore, decreasing the molecular weight of the polyurethane resulted in reduced differential thermal expansion at different temperatures.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhaoyang Li, Yu Sun, Bing Zhou, Yuezhan Feng, Chuntai Liu, Changyu Shen
Summary: A TPU foam (TF) was prepared by salt and then a MXene nanosheet wrapped TF (TPU@PDA/MXene foam referred to as TPMF) was successfully fabricated. This foam exhibited good conductivity and outstanding electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), making it suitable for wearable smart devices and aerospace equipment.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qunhao Wang, Tian Xia, Wanlin Wu, Jiangqi Zhao, Xiaolin Xue, Chenghong Ao, Jian Zhang, Xueyong Deng, Ximu Zhang, Wei Zhang, Canhui Lu
Summary: This study demonstrates a facile and scalable strategy for the fabrication of high-performance electrodes for wearable electronic devices using abundant polymeric wastes as raw materials. The flexible energy storage devices showed excellent physical and electrochemical performances, making them suitable for powering electronic devices in wearable applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guilong Wang, Tianzheng Ren, Weijun Zhang, Junxia Liu, Zhaorui Xu, Jinchuan Zhao, Xinyang Li, Shuai Li, Guoqun Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different foaming strategies on the compression properties of polycarbonate-based TPU foams, revealing that the expansion ratio is a key factor influencing the compression strength of the foam.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Danyelle Gurgel, Daniela Bresolin, Claudia Sayer, Lucio Cardozo Filho, Pedro Henrique Hermes de Araujo
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a biopolyol that can be used to prepare polyurethane foams, derived from black liquor and glycerol. The study found that the source of biopolyol and the amount of blowing agent can affect the morphology of the foam and the mechanical behavior of the material.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Gabriel Kiss, Gerlinde Rusu, Geza Bandur, Iosif Hulka, Daniel Romecki, Francisc Peter
Summary: The study showed that using recycled polyol as a replacement for fossil-based polyol in flexible polyurethane foam production can maintain similar physical properties at low density. By optimizing the formulation at high levels of recycled polyol, it is possible to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds, opening the way for further studies to increase PU waste reutilization and decrease petroleum-based raw materials.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Owen Li, Sandeep Tamrakar, Zeynep Iyigundogdu, Debbie Mielewski, Kevin Wyss, James M. Tour, Alper Kiziltas
Summary: The effects of three types of nanofillers on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) were studied. Flash graphene filled FPUF showed significant improvement in compressive properties, while boron nitride nanoparticles were effective in reducing wet compression set. However, nanofillers did not significantly improve the thermal stability of FPUF.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tamara Calvo-Correas, Lorena Ugarte, Izaskun Larraza, Cristina Pena-Rodriguez, M. Angeles Corcuera, Arantxa Eceiza
Summary: The study found that adding polyurethane powder at low contents did not significantly alter the final properties of the foam, but instead increased the foam's ability to retain carbon fillers. The compressive properties of the hybrid foams were unaffected by the addition of graphite and graphene. Additionally, the hybrid composites showed selective absorption capacity, maintaining the hydrophobic nature of the foams while providing oil absorption capacity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rudolf Beran, Lucie Zarybnicka, Dita Machova, Miroslav Vecera, Petr Kalenda
Summary: The controlled depolymerisation technique of FPUF discussed in the article offers a potential solution for recycling FPUF waste, providing liquid products at a temperature of 130 degrees C. Tests on the recycled polyol showed promising results in model polyurethane adhesive formulations.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Tong Qin, Ruxu Du, Yong Zhong
Summary: In the past few years, the global manufacturing industry has undergone significant changes due to various man-made and natural disasters. This paper presents a new method for designing resilient Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) to counter and prevent losses. The resilience of FMS is measured through production loss and investment return, and the method involves two strategies: using Flexible Manufacturing Cells (FMC) and reconfiguring routes (Strategy A), or using a combination of FMC and extended storage capacity (Strategy B). The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through a case study.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shengtai Zhou, Xue Lei, Junqi Mei, Andrew N. Hrymak, Musa R. Kamal, Huawei Zou
Summary: The study reveals that matrix viscosity significantly affects the properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced polyoxymethylene microparts, with samples prepared using higher matrix viscosity showing higher thermal stability. Additionally, the influence of different processing methods on the properties of POM/CNT composites is investigated.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
You Shi, Yang Bai, Yanzhou Lei, Haoruo Zhang, Shengtai Zhou, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang, Yang Chen
Summary: Self-lubricating polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composites were fabricated with segregated network structure using the co-deposition method. The hierarchical reinforcing hybrids PPS@PDA-CNTs-SiC showed significantly enhanced thermal conductivity and improved tribological performance compared to PPS/CNTs/SiC composites. This study provides insights into expanding the application of self-lubricating polymer composites in fields where efficient heat dissipation is crucial.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Long Ni, Yinfu Luo, Baowei Qiu, Liwei Yan, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou, Mei Liang, Pengbo Liu
Summary: Lightweight flexible polyimide foams with different molecular structure networks were prepared using microwave-assisted foaming. These foams exhibit excellent thermal stability, low thermal conductivity, and superior thermal insulation properties, making them suitable for high-tech fields such as aerospace, marine use, and microelectronics.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yang Bai, You Shi, Shengtai Zhou, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: A facile strategy was proposed to construct a thermal conductive network in PC/BN composites using a small amount of CNTs, achieving a synergy between BN and CNTs. The thermal conductivity of the PC/BN 30 wt%/CNT 2 wt% composite reached 2.05 W mK(-1), showing significant improvement compared to pure PC and PC/BN 30 wt% composite.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Li, Yue Wu, Mei Liang, Hao Zhang, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou
Summary: This study focuses on the impact of adding carbon fibers of different lengths on the tribological properties of polyoxymethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene blends. The results show that adding longer carbon fibers can effectively reduce the wear rate and improve load transfer and transfer film formation.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xionghou Peng, Nina Yao, Zhengguang Heng, Yang Chen, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou, Mei Liang
Summary: This paper investigates the influence of irradiation heat on the structure and thermal properties of PTFE samples, while also comparing the tribological properties of POM/irradiated-PTFE composites. It is found that shorter intervals of irradiation lead to higher surface temperature and increased carboxyl and trifluoromethyl groups. These bulky groups are partially incorporated into the crystalline region of PTFE, resulting in increased lattice parameters. Additionally, the decreased interval time accelerates chain scission reactions, causing a significant drop in the melting point and 5% weight loss temperature of irradiated PTFE. The study also shows that the POM/A1600 (90/10 weight ratio) composites exhibit the lowest friction coefficient due to the formation of a high content transfer film. This research provides a theoretical basis for optimizing the electron beam irradiation process and achieving controllable design of highly degradable PTFE, offering new ideas for the utilization of irradiation heat in material modification.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yang Bai, Shengtai Zhou, Xue Lei, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: In this study, thermally conductive yet electrically insulative polycarbonate (PC)-based composites with hybrid boron nitride (BN) and flake graphite (Gt) network structure were prepared by high shear injection molding process. The addition of BN and Gt significantly improved the thermal conductivity of the composites. The preferred orientation and interconnection of fillers played a crucial role in enhancing the in-plane thermal conductivity. The composites also exhibited high electrical resistivity, suggesting potential applications in thermal management areas.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yinfu Luo, Long Ni, Lu Shen, Tong Sun, Mei Liang, Pengbo Liu, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou
Summary: In this study, rigid polyimide foams (PIFs) with excellent mechanical and thermal properties were fabricated by thermal foaming of active cross-linkable units terminated polyester ammonium salts (PEAS) precursor powders. The PIFs exhibited outstanding mechanical properties and thermal insulation, and showed potential application as high temperature resistant structural materials in the aerospace and energy sectors.
Article
Polymer Science
Chuxiang Zhou, Yang Bai, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effects of alumina particle size and loading concentration on the properties of injection molded polycarbonate/boron nitride/alumina composites. The addition of spherical alumina particles significantly improved the in-plane and through-plane thermal conductivity of the composites. The presence of alumina particles altered the orientation state of the fillers and increased filler packing density, resulting in a significant enhancement of thermal conductivity.
Article
Polymer Science
Jinfeng Tian, Liwei Yan, Hao Zhang, Shengtai Zhou, Shuang Xia, Huawei Zou
Summary: In this study, the addition of hollow microspheres into silicone rubber (SR) was found to improve the ablation performance of the composites. Among the different types of hollow microspheres tested, the acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate copolymer hollow microspheres (AMHMs) showed the most significant enhancement in ablation performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yinfu Luo, Long Ni, Lu Shen, Chen Qiu, Pengbo Liu, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou
Summary: Lightweight rigid polyimide foams (PIFs) with excellent mechanical and thermal properties were prepared using dual crosslinking structures and thermal foaming of polyester ammonium salt (PEAS) precursor powders. The PIFs showed adjustable melt viscosity, micro-foaming behavior, and cell morphology by varying the molar ratio of PA/NA and the number of repeating units amid crosslinking points. The PIFs exhibited high compressive strength, outstanding thermal properties, and excellent thermal insulation, making them promising for lightweight, high-temperature resistant structural materials in high-end engineering fields.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xue Lei, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of shear rates on the properties of polyamide 6/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites. It was found that high shearing conditions in injection molding were unfavorable for the formation of intact filler network, resulting in lower electrical conductivity. A better filler distribution was observed under higher shearing conditions. Moreover, the tensile strength of the injection molded samples increased with higher filler concentrations, attributed to the preferential orientation and better distribution of carbon nanotubes.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Zhang, Jinfeng Tian, Liwei Yan, Shengtai Zhou, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou
Summary: The ablative properties of epoxy-modified vinyl silicone rubber (EMVSR) composites containing hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphonitrile (HPCTP) were investigated. The addition of HPCTP enhanced the strength of the ablation char layer and improved thermal insulation properties. The char layer was strengthened by reducing graphitic carbon content, forming phosphate-like crystals, and increasing SiC content. The optimum properties were achieved at 15 phr and 25 phr HPCTP, respectively, making HPCTP-modified EMVSR composites suitable for thermal protection applications, particularly in aerospace and aeronautics.
Article
Polymer Science
Jixiang Li, Junqi Mei, Xionghou Peng, Huawei Zou, Shengtai Zhou
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of irradiation treated polytetrafluoroethylene (i-PTFE) powders on the tribological properties of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)-based composites. The addition of i-PTFE powders significantly improved the friction and wear properties of PPS. The SEM observations indicated that the i-PTFE powders exhibited a relatively uniform distribution within PPS, which favored the formation of intact, uniform, and continuous transfer film on the surface of the friction pair, resulting in a significant improvement of tribological properties for PPS/i-PTFE composites.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zhongguo Zhao, Rong Xue, Dashan Mi, Chengzhi Chen, Chouxuan Wang, Xin Zhang, Shengtai Zhou
Summary: This study reports the synergistic effect of using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to regulate the temperature response of electrical conductivity for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. The addition of CNTs into PLA/GNPs composites greatly enhances their crystallization capacity and electrical conductivity, resulting in a lower percolation threshold. The combination of CNTs and GNPs also amplifies the max increment ?R/R-0 and allows for a swift and sensitive response to temperature fluctuations.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)