Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiling Jia, Ling Zhao, Xiangyu Wang, Yunjing Chen, Hongwei Pan, Lijing Han, Huiliang Zhang, Lisong Dong, Huixuan Zhang
Summary: PLA blends with different toughening agents were prepared, and the addition of GEBMA greatly improved its toughness at low temperature, showing reinforcement and super ductility. The main factors affecting the toughness of the blends were Tg and interfacial bonding.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenjun He, Lin Ye, Phil Coates, Fin Caton-Rose, Xiaowen Zhao
Summary: The addition of poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) segments into poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) chains resulted in the development of a fully biodegradable and flexible PLLA/D-PLCL block polymer with long-chain branches and a stereocomplex (SC) crystalline structure. The PLLA/D-PLCL films showed increased complex viscosity/storage modulus, lower tan delta values in the terminal region, and strain-hardening behavior compared to neat PLLA. Through biaxial drawing, the uniformity and non-preferred orientation of the PLLA/D-PLCL films were improved. By introducing PDLA, the phase structure transformed from a sea-island structure to a co-continuous network structure, leading to enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jung Hyun Ahn, Joung Sook Hong, Kyung Hyun Ahn
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic polyurethane blend through the analysis of crystallization, morphology, and rheology of clays with different interlayer modifiers and localization. The addition of clay particles further enhances the mechanical properties of the blend. The type and localization of the clay particles at the interface have different effects on the mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Kaczor, Kacper Fiedurek, Krzysztof Bajer, Aneta Raszkowska-Kaczor, Grzegorz Domek, Marek Macko, Piotr Madajski, Pawel Szroeder
Summary: Graphite fillers have a slight impact on the thermal processing of graphite/PLA composites, including lowering the thermal decomposition temperature, affecting crystallinity, and reducing the oxidation induction time.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anchan Khankhuean, Kankavee Sukthavorn, Nollapan Nootsuwan, Chatchai Veranitisagul, Apirat Laobuthee
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and nano-silver-coated porous clay heterostructure (PCH) hybrid films were fabricated using a twin-screw extruder. Addition of Ag/PCH fillers enhanced the dielectric properties of the hybrid films, increasing the dielectric constant almost 10 times higher than that of PLA. Furthermore, Ag/PCH improved the mechanical properties of PLA. Therefore, PLA-Ag/PCH and BOPLA-Ag/PCH hybrid films derived from biodegradable PLA can be used as dielectric films in capacitors.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anchan Khankhuean, Kankavee Sukthavorn, Nollapan Nootsuwan, Chatchai Veranitisagul, Apirat Laobuthee
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and nano-silver-coated porous clay heterostructure (PCH) hybrid films were successfully fabricated to enhance the dielectric properties of PLA. Ag/PCH fillers were found to significantly increase the dielectric constant of hybrid films. The BOPLA-Ag/PCH films showed better dielectric properties than traditional BOPP films, making them potential candidates for capacitors.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sudan Zhou, Maolin Guo, Yujuan Jin, Jianjian Sun, Huafeng Tian, Jing Hu
Summary: This study modified poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by melt blending it with epoxy-terminated hyperbranched polymer (EHBP) to improve its toughness and strength. The results showed that the epoxy groups within EHBP reacted with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of PLA, creating chemical micro-crosslinking, and intermolecular hydrogen bonds were also formed between EHBP and PLA. The combination of these factors led to improved mechanical properties of PLA. The best modification effect was achieved when 2.5 phr of EHBP was added.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Quan Gao, Lijie Duan, Xiangru Feng, Weiguo Xu
Summary: The study revealed that poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA MS) induced the least inflammation and significantly stimulated collagen regeneration as a dermal filler. Therefore, PLLA demonstrated superior biological functions and effects compared to other types of PLA microspheres.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bo-Wen Wang, Hao Liu, Jin Ying, Chun-Tai Liu, Chang-Yu Shen, Ya-Ming Wang
Summary: This study utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology to investigate the differences in deformation mechanisms between unaged and aged PLA/PCL blends during the stretching process. The results showed that physical aging significantly affected the microscopic Young's modulus and its distribution of the PLA matrix, thereby influencing the mechanical properties of the PLA phase under different extensions.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Xiang Ou, Yunxuan Weng, Jian-Bing Zeng, Yi-Dong Li
Summary: Improved compatibility and interfacial adhesion of PLA/lignin composites were achieved through reactive compatibilization with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as a compatibilizer. The interfacial reaction of ENR with both PLA and lignin was confirmed by morphology analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation and increase in the content of ENR significantly enhanced the compatibility, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical properties of the composites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Masek, Stefan Cichosz, Malgorzata Piotrowska
Summary: The study successfully prepared sustainable and degradable elastic PLA blends with high tensile strength and elongation, improved by the addition of flax fiber and montmorillonite, showing potential to become competitive and eco-friendly alternatives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jacek Andrzejewski, Michal Nowakowski
Summary: This study focused on developing flax fiber reinforced composites using a PLA/PBAT blend system to improve impact properties and reduce brittleness. The addition of a chain extender in the form of an epoxy-functionalized oligomer improved modulus and strength, while the use of PBAT as an impact modifier reduced PLA brittleness. The study also showed that the reactive extrusion process enhanced fiber-matrix interactions, resulting in higher stiffness and strength.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huan Xu, Liang Jiang, Lv Ke, Guiying Zhu, Zi-Lin Zhang, Xinyu Li, Daoyuan Tang, Donghui Huang, Shenghui Zhang, Xinjian He, Hao-Ran Yang, Jiefeng Gao
Summary: A microwave-assisted devulcanization approach was used to process waste latex rubber, resulting in highly devulcanized rubber that can be compounded with poly(lactic acid) to create composites with strong and resilient interfacial adhesion. This method offers a sustainable recycling solution for waste rubber and provides useful components for strengthening poly(lactic acid).
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baiwang Wang, Zhongyu Qi, Xiaojian Chen, Ce Sun, Wenrui Yao, Hao Zheng, Mengyao Liu, Wenlong Li, Aihang Qin, Haiyan Tan, Yanhua Zhang
Summary: In this paper, lightweight WF/PLA composites were prepared using wood fiber and PLA as raw materials and azodicarbonamide as the foaming agent. The composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and thermal insulation performance, making them suitable for replacing traditional wood in the construction field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baiwang Wang, Zhongyu Qi, Xiaojian Chen, Ce Sun, Wenrui Yao, Hao Zheng, Mengyao Liu, Wenlong Li, Aihang Qin, Haiyan Tan, Yanhua Zhang
Summary: Lightweight WF/PLA composites were prepared using wood fiber and PLA and demonstrated low density, excellent mechanical properties, and thermal insulation, making them suitable for replacing traditional wood in the construction field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Cristina Righetti, Patrizia Cinelli, Laura Aliotta, Elisa Bianchi, Fabio Tricoli, Maurizia Seggiani, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: This study investigates the thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of environmentally friendly poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and PHB/poly[(butylene succinate)-co-(butylene adipate)] (PBSA) blends, revealing that while the blends are immiscible, they exhibit some mechanical compatibility. The elastic modulus is found to be properly described by the rule of mixtures across the composition range, with ductility increasing with higher PBS or PBSA content. The unusual behavior is attributed to a co-continuous morphology and shrinkage during sequential crystallization, potentially leading to physical adhesion between the blend components.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Laura Aliotta, Maurizia Seggiani, Andrea Lazzeri, Vito Gigante, Patrizia Cinelli
Summary: This brief review provides an overview of the synthesis, properties, and major applications of PBS and its copolymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Laura Aliotta, Mattia Gasenge, Vito Gigante, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: The use of biobased thermoplastic polymers as an alternative to fossil-based polymers has gained attention due to its advantages in reducing dependence on fossil resources and lowering CO2 footprint. Reinforcement with biobased fibers can improve the properties of these materials, but the aspect ratio and interfacial adhesion between the fibers and matrix play a crucial role. In this study, composites based on polybutylene succinate and ultra-short cellulose fibers were produced by injection molding. Thermo-mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of the composites were investigated, and analytical models were applied to predict the properties of the biocomposites. The results showed that the composites with cellulose fibers exhibited significantly improved modulus and heat deflection temperature compared to pure PBS.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Laura Aliotta, Vito Gigante, Ruben Geerinck, Maria -Beatrice Coltelli, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: This study investigates the influence of PCL content on the micromechanical deformation processes and fracture mechanisms of PLA/PCL blends. Dilatometric uniaxial tests and SEM analysis were used to analyze the deformation behavior and morphology of the blends.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giovanna Strangis, Damiano Rossi, Patrizia Cinelli, Maurizia Seggiani
Summary: This study focused on the development and characterization of biocomposites based on a fully bio-based polyester, PBSA, and wheat bran. The composites maintained similar processability and mechanical properties to virgin PBSA with up to 15 wt.% bran content. The biodegradation tests showed bran's capacity to improve the PBSA biodegradation rate, likely due to the hygroscopic bran swelling and increased polymeric matrix-seawater interfacial area.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Norma Mallegni, Mario Milazzo, Caterina Cristallini, Niccoletta Barbani, Giulia Fredi, Andrea Dorigato, Patrizia Cinelli, Serena Danti
Summary: Type-1 diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder that requires the regulation of insulin production through a tailored administration of insulin. Recent advancements have been made in developing an implantable artificial pancreas, but improvements are still needed in terms of biomaterials and technologies for the insulin reservoir. This study discusses the use of cyclic olefin copolymers for fabricating the insulin reservoir and presents Topas 8007S-04 as a potential candidate material due to its strength and ability to prevent insulin aggregation.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Laura Aliotta, Vito Gigante, Bianca Dal Pont, Filip Miketa, Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: Developing bio-based film formulations with mechanical properties comparable to fossil films is a challenging goal. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an attractive bio-based polymer, but its poor ductility limits its film applications. In this study, PLA was blended with a ductile poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) bio-based polymer to improve its ductility, and cast extruded PLA/PBSA films with different PBSA amounts were produced. The mechanical properties and tearing resistance of the films were evaluated.
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudio Ricci, Bahareh Azimi, Luca Panariello, Benedetta Antognoli, Beatrice Cecchini, Roberta Rovelli, Meruyert Rustembek, Patrizia Cinelli, Mario Milazzo, Serena Danti, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: This study evaluated the physico-mechanical and morphological properties of electrospun PCL and PLA scaffolds, and created a 3D model of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The metabolic activity of Caco-2 cells showed opposite trends in PLA and PCL scaffolds regardless of fiber alignment, increasing in PLA and decreasing in PCL. The best scaffolds for Caco-2 cell culture were PCL500 (randomly oriented fibers) and PLA2500 (aligned fibers).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Laura Aliotta, Gianluca Fasano, Filip Miketa, Filip Brkic, Rafael Alonso, Marco Romei, Patrizia Cinelli, Ilaria Canesi, Vito Gigante, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: Poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PLA/PBSA) blends are promising for film packaging due to their flexibility, resistance, and compostability. The blends were tested in terms of melt flow rate as a function of PBSA content, both through mini-extrusion and injection molding cycles. The results showed negligible variation in melt fluidity and thermo-mechanical properties for up to 3 injection molding cycles, with evident color changes in the blend.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bahareh Azimi, Claudio Ricci, Teresa Macchi, Cemre Guenday, Sara Munafo, Homa Maleki, Federico Pratesi, Veronika Tempesti, Caterina Cristallini, Luca Bruschini, Andrea Lazzeri, Serena Danti, Nazende Guenday-Tuereli
Summary: In this study, a dual drug-loaded patch was fabricated using electrospinning and electrospray technologies for local drug delivery through the skin and tympanic membrane. In vitro tests demonstrated the biocompatibility of the patch and its ability to release drugs over a sustained period of 4 weeks.
Article
Polymer Science
Bianca Dal Pont, Vito Gigante, Luca Panariello, Ilaria Canesi, Laura Aliotta, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: This study aims to investigate lightweight thermoset fiber-reinforced composites with extremely high biobased content. The most promising formulations were used to produce flax fiber reinforced composites, and the properties of the new biocomposites were assessed. The results are very encouraging, as the stiffness-to-weight ratio is comparable to typical epoxy-glass composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Miriam Cappello, Giovanna Strangis, Patrizia Cinelli, Caterina Camodeca, Sara Filippi, Giovanni Polacco, Maurizia Seggiani
Summary: This study investigated the use of waste vegetable oil as a green compatibilizer precursor for the reactive blending of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyamide-6 (PA6) blends. The results showed that epoxidized waste vegetable oil (EWVO) had a suitable compatibilizing effect in HDPE/PA6 blends with high HDPE content, while it was unsuitable for blends with high PA6 content.
Article
Polymer Science
Mustafa Kalay, Abidin Esidir, Mahmut Ruzi, N. Burak Kiremitler, Mustafa Serdar Onses
Summary: This study proposes stable and addressable polymer PUFs, utilizing a cross-linkable polymer system, which demonstrates high stochastic characteristics and low-cost production. The performance of the polymer features is evaluated through various analyses, and direct image authentication is achieved using feature matching algorithms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingyu Jin, Guoqiang Lu, Jun Nie, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: Photopolymerization technology is limited in the fields of food packaging and biomedicine due to the high migration of small molecules from photoinitiators. In this study, a polymerizable 2-vinyl thioxanthone (ETX) was synthesized to improve the migration stability of photoinitiators. Macromolecular photoinitiators (PPI1, PPI2) were also prepared to further reduce migration. The results showed that the ETX/TEOA system had higher initiation performance and PPI2 displayed favorable initiation ability. Additionally, the migration of ETX, PPI1, and PPI2 in photocured film was significantly reduced. These low-migration photoinitiators have potential applications in the fields of food packaging and biological materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijie Li, Jun Nie, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: This study focuses on the development of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. A polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, and three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) were synthesized based on VBP. The results show that these new photoinitiators have stronger absorption ability compared to benzophenone and significantly reduce the migration of initiators and co-initiators, addressing the safety concerns caused by migration.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Seira Morimune-Moriya, Yuki Iwahashi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Daisuke Ogawa, Keiji Nakamura
Summary: This study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the structure/properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites with ultra-low content of CNTs. The results show that plasma treatment introduces isocyanate groups on the surface of CNTs and enhances the interfacial interaction between PI and treated CNTs. This leads to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with even a small addition of treated CNTs showing a substantial increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and toughness.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanlong Li, Chaojie Chen, Guoqing Cui, Li Liu, Chao Zhou, Guangfeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel ion-conducting hydrogel was fabricated using a straightforward approach. The hydrogel showed excellent tensile properties and high toughness due to physical interactions and covalent binding. Additionally, the introduction of hydroxyethyl cellulose and lithium chloride improved the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and frost resistance of the hydrogel, demonstrating its potential for cold climate applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Dengwei Yan, Jinxian Yang, Xuejun Pan, Xiaozheng Duan, Lianwei Li, Mo Zhu
Summary: The influence of backbone length on grafting efficiency during the graft-onto reaction process was investigated. It was found that the polydispersity effect of backbone length does not affect the final grafting efficiency, indicating that the local dynamics of chain segments dominate the graft-onto process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyi Luo, Xianjie Pan, Fanqi Liu, Quanxi Yi, Yanning Zeng, Yunhua Chen, Chaoyang Wang
Summary: This study provides a method to prepare high-performance epoxy materials with good malleability and thermal stability. The materials have self-healing and welding capabilities, thanks to the addition of specific chemical bonds and network structures. They exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commercial epoxy resins and show great potential for sustainable industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaoji Xiong, Hao Wang, Lihua Deng, Kun Liang, Chunhua Wu, Wei Wu, Qian Chen
Summary: In this study, four polyamides were synthesized and their adsorption performances for Hg2+ in aqueous systems were investigated. The polyamides exhibited high adsorption capacities and excellent reusability, with the involvement of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the chemical adsorption process of Hg2+.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Siim Laanesoo, Olivier Bonjour, Rauno Sedrik, Iris Tamsalu, Patric Jannasch, Lauri Vares
Summary: The insertion of rigid aliphatic or aromatic building blocks in polymer structures is an effective way to synthesize high -Tg polymer materials. In this study, a series of isosorbide-2-aryl carboxylate-5-methacrylate monomers (ArIMAs) were synthesized by functionalizing isosorbide 5-methacrylate with various aromatic lignin-inspired esters. These monomers were polymerized to obtain high molecular-weight poly(aryl carboxylate isosorbide methacrylates) (PArIMAs). The resulting polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and thermal stability, making them suitable for use as high-performance plastics and coatings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuqian Wu, Weijie Xu, Jianliang Li, Zhangfeng Zhong, Liqing Huang, Shengke Li, Huaping Tan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of degradation and drug release characteristics of dynamic Schiff base-mediated natural polysaccharide hydrogels using tannic acid (TA), leading to enhanced stability and functionality.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhang, Xiangli Kong, Xin Zhou, Yiyan Gao, Yibo Sun, Guanghui Gao, Wei Liu, Kai Shi
Summary: Conductive hydrogels have great development prospects in flexible strain sensors, but long-term direct contact with human skin can cause bacterial infection. A hydrogel with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and toughness was designed and manufactured using a freeze-thaw method. The hydrogel maintains tensile properties and fatigue resistance at low temperatures and is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, hydrogel sensors can be used to monitor human movements.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Jiangang Yu, Mingyang Wu, Rui Li, Anqiang Zhang, Yaling Lin
Summary: In this study, polyacrylamide containing quaternary ammonium salts (PAM-X) were synthesized and found to effectively inhibit soil-borne pathogenic fungi while maintaining the balance of microbial population in soil. PAM-X also showed low toxicity to earthworms and fish, providing a new method for the prevention and control of soil-borne fungal diseases.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawen He, Haojie Yu, Li Wang, Jian Yang, Yanhui Zhang, Wenbing Huang, Chenguang Ouyang
Summary: This review discusses the use of polymeric hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), including the mechanism of water sorption, fabrication methods, and strategies for optimizing the structure of hydrogels. The extended applications of hygroscopic photothermal hydrogels, such as agricultural irrigation and dehumidification, are also explored. The challenges and prospects of using polymeric hydrogels for AWH are summarized.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Du, Shuaishuai Lu, Yuanna Sun, Qingshan Li, Xinhai He
Summary: This study introduces a method to improve the performance of hydrogels by incorporating proline, resulting in hydrogels with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and long-term stability. The hydrogel remains flexible and conductive even at ultra-low temperatures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
