Article
Polymer Science
Xintong Zhao, Tao Liao, Xiao Yang, Phil Coates, Ben Whiteside, David Barker, Glen Thompson, Zhiyong Jiang, Yongfeng Men
Summary: This study investigated the structural formation and development of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) during the micro-injection molding process. The results showed the formation of shish-kebab structure and parent-daughter lamellae in all iPP samples. The initial stages of crystallization led to a substantial growth in long period and average thickness of lamellar crystallites and amorphous domains. The length of shish formation increased noticeably at the onset of crystallization, and this increase depended on the mold temperature. Low molar mass iPP samples exhibited a decrease in scattering intensity compared to high molecular weight polypropylene samples.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chunxia Yang, Guilong Wang, Jinchuan Zhao, Guoqun Zhao, Aimin Zhang
Summary: Microcellular injection molding (MIM) is a flexible, efficient, and environmentally friendly foaming technology used to prepare plastic foams with complex shapes. Mold-opening microcellular injection molding (MOMIM) was used to prepare high-performance polypropylene/glass fiber (PP/GF) composite foams, which exhibit significantly improved mechanical properties compared to pure PP foams. MOMIM can enhance the flexural modulus of molded samples, and the addition of glass fiber in PP/GF composites can greatly increase tensile strength and modulus.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoli Zhang, Baojia Sun, Guoyuan Yuan, Shixun Zhang, Youxin Ji, Baochen Liu, Mingxin Zhang, Yang Yang, Jingbo Chen
Summary: This study introduces a self-designed foaming apparatus and methods to manufacture foamed isotactic polypropylene (iPP) blends with enhanced impact strength using styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer as a toughening additive. The addition of SEBS increases notched impact strength significantly while maintaining a balance between stiffness and toughness in the produced iPP-SEBS foams. The foams exhibit fine microcellular structures with high cell density, fabricated through a batch foaming procedure and compression foaming method.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Fankun Zeng, Xiaorui Liu, Yingxian Chen, Hao Li, Huajie Mao, Wei Guo
Summary: Polypropylene (PP)-composite foams were prepared using microcellular injection molding (MIM) and in-mold decoration (IMD). The study investigated the effects of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) on the crystallization properties, rheological properties, microstructure, and mechanical properties of PP-composite foams. The multiscale simulation method was also used to analyze the impact of additives on the strength and toughness of PP-composite foam.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junji Hou, Guoqun Zhao, Guilong Wang
Summary: The study examined the preparation of foamed polypropylene parts using mold-opening microcellular injection molding with talc as a nucleating agent. Talc was found to promote PP crystallization but did not enhance its viscoelasticity. High packing pressure can eliminate cells, improving surface quality, while cell density and size are influenced by packing time and mold-opening distance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jingru Liu, Hongwei Liang
Summary: Nano-zinc oxide is an efficient beta-nucleating agent for isotactic polypropylene, promoting the formation of beta-crystal with certain concentration; The efficiency of nano-ZnO as a beta-nucleating agent is dependent on its concentration and dispersibility.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yu-Teng Feng, Haiying Zhan, Hao-Yang Mi, Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari, Youfu Chen, Laifa Gu, Binbin Dong, Chuntai Liu, Changyu Shen
Summary: Foamed POM and PA66 gear parts were successfully fabricated using microcellular injection molding with supercritical nitrogen as the blowing agent. These foamed parts achieved average weight reduction of 5% and 10% respectively, compared to the conventional injection molded parts. The results of this study can provide practical guidance for preparing microcellular injection molded products with high dimensional accuracy.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jinghui Yang, Jun Xie, Kaipeng Ji, Xianghong Wang, Xiaolong Jiao, Zhinong Xu, Peng Zhao
Summary: Microcellular PEEK was prepared by injection molding and the effects of process parameters on its properties were studied. Two types of microcellular PEEK with good performance were obtained after optimization, and the effect of carbon fiber was preliminarily investigated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junlong Yao, Hanchao Hu, Zhengguang Sun, Yucong Wang, Huabo Huang, Lin Gao, Xueliang Jiang, Xinrui Wang, Chuanxi Xiong
Summary: The study utilized a food-grade complexing agent to modify CaCO3 nanoparticles, achieving enhanced impact toughness and tensile strength of PP. By improving the dispersion and fluidity of TAMCC in the PP matrix, the study demonstrated the strengthening and toughening of the PP nanocomposite. The research highlighted the potential of developing high-performance, economical, and eco-friendly polymer-inorganic nanocomposites.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyong Gao, Haibin Zhao, Dongjie Zhai, Qing Li, Yu Guo, Guilong Wang, Guoqun Zhao
Summary: In this study, microcellular injection molding was used to fabricate 30% glass fiber reinforced polypropylene foam. The addition of glass fiber improved the crystallization and rheological properties of polypropylene, resulting in a more uniform cellular structure.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Qichao He, Weimin Yang, Jian Wang, Feng Ren, Da Wang, Fuhai Li, Zhonghe Shi
Summary: This study proposed an injection molding technique combining microcellular injection molding and insert injection molding for the fabrication of glass fiber fabric (GFF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite foams. The impregnation effects of two types of GFFs by PP/SCN solutions at different injection temperatures were investigated. The results showed that the GFF/PP composite foams exhibited improved impregnation effect and interfacial bonding.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhengchuan Guo, Jun Xie, Jinghui Yang, Jianzhong Fu, Peng Zhao
Summary: Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a high-performance polymer, is widely used as an ideal metal replacement. This study introduces a rapid mold temperature rising technology based on induction heating, which effectively meets the requirements of rapid temperature increase and maintenance for PEEK injection molding. The experimental results show that compared to traditional electric heating, the induction heating method significantly improves the surface quality and mechanical properties of PEEK products, and it also shows adaptability to longer holding times for micro-open microporous injection molding, expanding the possibilities for developing higher performance PEEK foam products.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jawad Ullah, Eileen Harkin-Jones, Alistair McIlhagger, Ciaran Magee, David Tormey, Foram Dave, Richard Sherlock, Dorian Dixon
Summary: Variations in mould shrinkage when using different types of pigments in semicrystalline polymers have been studied. The presence of pigments as nucleating agents affects the crystallisation and subsequently the shrinkage of the polymers. This can lead to interference fit issues between parts and problems in automated equipment. The study showed that masterbatch pigments have an influence on crystallisation and shrinkage behaviour, with red and purple pigments acting as strong nucleating agents and white pigments having less influence.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natalia Wierzbicka, Tomasz Sterzynski, Marek Nowicki
Summary: The study aimed to analyze the impact of heterogeneous nucleation on the tribological properties of modified isotactic polypropylene. It was found that hardness increased with higher nucleating agent content, while the friction coefficient depended on the nucleating agent content and forming temperature.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jianhang Feng, Shunzhi Qian
Summary: A new strategy of fiber modification for enhancing self-healing of concrete is proposed in this study, which involves coating polypropylene fibers with nano calcium carbonate and ethyl cellulose film. The modified fibers accelerate healing product generations by promoting hydration and calcium carbonate precipitation. The closure of 300-500 µm wide cracks is enhanced, leading to 100% recovery of water tightness.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chaobo Song, Shuang Li, Jiapeng Zhang, Zhenhao Xi, Eryi Lu, Ling Zhao, Lian Cen
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fenglei Bi, Xiaoyi Qiu, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao, Lianfang Feng
MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chunxi Qin, Jie Tang, Xiaoyi Qiu, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiapeng Zhang, Shengbing Yang, Xi Yang, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao, Lian Cen, Eryi Lu, Ying Yang
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jie Jiang, Qiuyu Tang, Xun Pan, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao, Weikang Yuan
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chaobo Song, Jiapeng Zhang, Lian Cen, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao, Weikang Yuan
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tong Qin, Xun Pan, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao, Weikang Yuan
Summary: The study investigated the dissociative behavior and reactivity changes of IA with acidity through DFT calculations. A strategy of controlling PAN terpolymer sequence structure at a stable pH with the IA- dissociated state was established, leading to a terpolymer with a relatively uniform chain distribution. Using AIBA as a water-soluble initiator in the aqueous polymerization process resulted in the formation of a PAN terpolymer with a uniform chain distribution when the pH value was controlled at 4.7.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qiuyu Tang, Qian Li, Yunhan Luo, Xun Pan, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao
Summary: AESO/POMaC coatings with high biobased content were synthesized and investigated for their thermomechanical properties and coating properties. The results showed improved thermal stability, hardness, and adhesion compared to bare AESO-based coatings. The enhancement in adhesion was attributed to the increased surface free energy and stronger interaction with the substrate.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Qiuyu Tang, Qian Li, Xun Pan, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao
Summary: The study demonstrates that grafting poly(acrylated epoxidized soybean oil) on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes can enhance the dispersion and interface bonding of the composites, leading to improvements in thermal and mechanical properties.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jie Jiang, Qiuyu Tang, Xun Pan, Jinjin Li, Ling Zhao, Zhenhao Xi, Weikang Yuan
Summary: This study successfully synthesized novel thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPAEs) via one-pot melt polycondensation, which exhibit good damping performance at low temperature and high elastic properties. The TPAEs are suitable for sports equipment used in extremely cold conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Shun Yao, Yichong Chen, Yijie Ling, Dongdong Hu, Zhenhao Xi, Ling Zhao
Summary: Bubble growth in polymer extrusion foaming under dynamic melt flow was successfully predicted by coupling dynamic melt flow simulation with bubble growth model. Dynamic rheological properties were found to be crucial for predicting bubble growth during supercritical CO2 PET extrusion foaming. Introduction of initial melt stress could effectively inhibit rapid bubble growth and reduce stable bubble size.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiang He, Ruyue Liu, Huiqing Liu, Ruixiao Wang, Zhenhao Xi, Yixiang Lin, Jie Wang
Summary: Researchers prepared CS-TBA-Fe hydrogels by mixing chitosan with TBA and FeCl3, showing strong wet tissue adhesion and high biocompatibility. The hydrogel exhibited enhanced wet tissue adhesion strength, robust adhesion to various substrates, controllable physical properties, and antibacterial activity against E. coli.
Article
Polymer Science
Ruixiao Wang, Liqun Liu, Xiang He, Zongmei Xia, Zhenjie Zhao, Zhenhao Xi, Juan Yu, Jie Wang
Summary: Inspired by mussel adhesive proteins, a facile strategy was proposed to achieve an injectable hydrogel (DACS hydrogel) by grafting dopamine onto hyaluronic acid and mixing it with carboxymethyl chitosan solution. The hydrogel exhibited rapid and highly efficient self-healing ability and excellent biodegradation and biocompatibility in vitro.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinjin Li, Ruyue Liu, Bingyan Zhang, Feifei Bai, Ling Zhao, Zhenhao Xi
Summary: In this study, a multimodal theranostic nanodrug delivery platform was developed for simultaneous chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy. This platform utilizes the synergistic action of self-framed polyphosphazene prodrug and heptamethine cyanine dye IR-780, allowing controlled drug release in response to the tumor microenvironment and showing high stability and anticancer activity.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuqing Han, Bingyan Zhang, Jinjin Li, Lian Cen, Ling Zhao, Zhenhao Xi
Summary: In this work, an efficient noncytotoxic decellularization process using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) ternary system assisted with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)) as the green extraction fluid and ethanol (ET) as the cosolvent has been developed to harvest acellular fish swim bladders (AFSBs). The experimental results show that the tissue treated by SDS assisted with scCO(2) and ethanol at 37°C and 25 MPa can be decellularized thoroughly and maintains intact fibers and uniform pore distribution, which resulting in a tensile strength of 5.61 MPa and satisfactory biocompatibility. The synergy between SDS and ethanol can enhance the diffusion coefficient and the solubility of SDS in scCO(2), which reduced the contact time between SDS and tissues.
BIORESOURCES AND BIOPROCESSING
(2023)