Article
Polymer Science
Antonio del Bosque, Xoan F. Sanchez-Romate, Diego Calvo, Maria Sanchez, Alejandro Urena
Summary: The effect of hydrothermal ageing on flexible wearable sensors made of PDMS reinforced with graphitic nano-fillers (carbon nanotubes, CNTs, and graphene nanoplatelets, GNPs) is investigated. The addition of nanofillers, especially GNPs, increases water uptake due to higher water diffusion. However, mechanical properties are not affected, and the electrical properties are only slightly affected. GNPs-doped samples show higher gauge factor and ultra-sensitivity, making them suitable for detecting small human movements.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christopher Kagenda, Jae Wook Lee, Fida Hussain Memon, Faheem Ahmed, Anupama Samantasinghar, Muhammad Wasim Akhtar, Abdul Khalique, Kyung Hyun Choi
Summary: The study investigated the effect of MWCNTs and MgO on the thermal conductivity of silicone rubber composites, highlighting the linear relationship between thermal conductivity increment and MgO loading. Functionalized MWCNTs acted as bridging agents to improve compatibility and adhesion, leading to active conductive pathways within the composite. The addition of MWCNTs resulted in an eightfold increase in thermal conductivity compared to the neat elastomer, showing promising potential as a replacement for traditional thermal interface materials.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Xing Zhou, Guosheng Wang, Dexiang Li, Qi Wang, Keming Zhu, Yaya Hao, Yueyang Xu, Neng Li
Summary: This study successfully synthesized polyurethane elastomer by using degraded products from waste PET, and fabricated composites with carbon nanotubes for strain sensors. The composites showed good mechanical and durability performance, indicating a potential method for recycling waste PET into valuable and functional materials.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chengfeng Zhang, Zhenghai Tang, Xinglong An, Shifeng Fang, Siwu Wu, Baochun Guo
Summary: By constructing segregated structures in sulfur-cured rubbers, polymer composites with high conductivity and good mechanical properties can be prepared, improving electrical conductivity while also enhancing modulus and stretchability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Shifeng Fang, Jieru Wang, Siwu Wu, Shuangjian Yu, Zhenghai Tang, Baochun Guo
Summary: The study proposed a facile network design strategy to achieve covalently cross-linked elastomer with mechanical robustness and recyclability by engineering heterogeneous blend networks in a diene-rubber system. The microphase-separated structure with strong interfacial adhesion was formed through direct mixing of two thermodynamically incompatible diene-rubbers. The overall chain orientation of the networks was promoted by efficient interfacial stress transfer, resulting in improved reinforcement. The resulting system exhibited desirable recyclability and high elasticity compared to conventional thermoplastic vulcanizates.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yue Yu, Lele Li, Enping Liu, Xue Han, Juanjuan Wang, Yu-Xin Xie, Conghua Lu
Summary: This paper introduces a new type of core-shell CNTs@LCE fiber soft actuator with excellent photothermal conversion capacity and thermal-contraction characteristic. The actuator can be controlled by near-infrared light and exhibits outstanding phototropic bending, acting as artificial muscle for various applications. The unique photo-driven phototropic movement mechanism of the core-shell CNTs@LCE fiber is expected to guide the development of other soft smart fiber actuators for advanced applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonio Turco, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Francesco Montagna, Elisabetta Primiceri, Mariaenrica Frigione, Giuseppe Maruccio
Summary: The length of carbon nanotubes plays a key role in obtaining porous 3D elastomeric nanocomposites with different electrical and mechanical properties. Longer CNTs result in materials with better mechanical stability and conductivity, and a lower limit of detection as piezoresistive sensors. Longer CNTs also allow for faster recovery of shape and electrical properties during press/release cycles, leading to faster response at different pressures.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Alessandro Bruschi, Davide Maria Donati, Peter Choong, Enrico Lucarelli, Gordon Wallace
Summary: The inability to replace human muscle in surgical practice is a significant challenge. An artificial muscle controlled by the nervous system is considered a potential solution for this, even though mechanical, electrical, and biological issues have prevented clinical application to date. Progress may be made in the near future by improving the actuation properties of the elastomer, integrating seamlessly or wirelessly between the nervous system and the artificial muscle, and reducing the foreign body response.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun Wang, Jing Lin, Kelin Pan, Kaibang Zhang, Hebai Zhang, Jin Dong, Dechao Hu, Zhixin Jia, Jianyi Luo
Summary: In this study, a sparse-dense hierarchical structured conductive elastomer composite was synthesized using a one-pot method, which successfully developed a strain sensor with high stretchability, high sensitivity, and wide strain range. The sensor exhibited a wide detection range, fast response time, excellent repeatability, and stability, and was successfully applied in elbow and knee pads for motion monitoring.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
William A. Pisani, Dane N. Wedgeworth, Michael R. Roth, John K. Newman, Manoj K. Shukla
Summary: The study used MD simulations to predict the mechanical response of PA6-CNT/G nanocomposites, showing that the addition of CNT/G can enhance the performance of PA6 materials. The simulations revealed that the increased interaction between G and the PA6 matrix had limited impact on the performance predictions, and factors such as simulation conditions and void distribution also play a role in mechanical response.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zihang Peng, Ye Shi, Norris Chen, Yanji Li, Qibing Pei
Summary: Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) show promise in various applications due to their large actuation strain, high energy density, and light weight, but their practical applications are hindered by poor reliability and durability under high-strain actuation. Compliant electrodes with self-clearing capability have been studied to prevent premature failures.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bo Xu, Shichen Xu, Yan Zhao, Shishu Zhang, Rui Feng, Jin Zhang, Lianming Tong
Summary: A Raman spectroscopic technique is reported for characterizing the oblique angle of vertical graphene arrays, showing quantitative measurement with an error of less than 5 degrees. The technique is simpler and more reliable than conventional linearly polarized Raman spectroscopy, and in combination, can be used for characterizing the spatial orientation of materials in more complex systems.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ruolin Wang, Yu Wang, Yufeng Liang, Zhen Yang, Yongping Bai, Jinmei He
Summary: In this study, we improved the dielectric constant and actuated strain of silicone rubber by designing and synthesizing methoxy-functionalized halloysite nanotubes fillers. This enhanced the performance and responsiveness of the dielectric elastomer materials.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Muthamil T. Selvan, Simran Sharma, Susmita Naskar, Soumyadeep Mondal, Manish Kaushal, Titash Mondal
Summary: In this study, a stencil printable multifunctional adhesive sensor was developed in a solvent-free condition. It has good conformity and proper adhesion to skin, and can function as a temperature and strain sensor, as well as monitor various physiological parameters.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dong Xiang, Xiaoyu Chen, Jiayi Li, Yuanpeng Wu, Chunxia Zhao, Hui Li, Zhenyu Li, Li Wang, Ping Wang, Yuntao Li, Junjie Wang
Summary: Flexible strain sensors based on biaxially stretched carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyolefin elastomer (POE) nanocomposites were fabricated in this study, demonstrating a large working range and improved performance. The CNT/POE-2.0 sensor exhibited enhanced sensitivity, wider detectable range, and better stability compared to the CNT/POE-1.0 sensor. Moreover, the CNT/POE-2.0 sensor showed potential applications in monitoring various movements and physiological signals.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Amaia Lejarazu-Larranaga, Serena Molina, Juan Manuel Ortiz, Rodrigo Navarro, Eloy Garcia-Calvo
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2020)
Correction
Polymer Science
Pilar Bernal-Ortega, M. Mar Bernal, Antonio Gonzalez-Jimenez, P. Posadas, Rodrigo Navarro, Juan L. Valentin
Article
Polymer Science
Pilar Bernal-Ortega, Rafal Anyszka, Yoshihiro Morishita, Raffaele di Ronza, Anke Blume
Summary: The main advantage of using silica instead of carbon black in rubber compounds lies in the use of a silane coupling agent to enhance compatibility between silica and rubber. There are two methods of modifying the silica surface with silane: ex-situ and in-situ. This study investigates the differences between these processes and their effect on the rubber properties of silica-filled SBR compounds.
Article
Polymer Science
Pilar Bernal-Ortega, M. Mar Bernal, Anke Blume, Antonio Gonzalez-Jimenez, Pilar Posadas, Rodrigo Navarro, Juan L. Valentin
Summary: The limitations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) when introduced into rubber matrices include agglomeration, influence on vulcanization process, and filler-rubber interactions, which affect the performance of rubber-CNT compounds. Surface modification of CNT with oxygen-bearing groups and sulfur can improve key properties of rubber compounds, such as reducing rolling resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Angel A. Marcos-Fernandez, Rodrigo Navarro, Esperanza Benito, Julio Guzman, Leoncio Garrido
Summary: The synthesis of linear and crosslinked polyurethanes based on PDET showed excellent thermal, mechanical, dielectric and gas transport properties. The crosslinked polyurethane exhibited superior gas barrier performance compared to the other polyurethanes.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Alejandra Rubio Hernandez-Sampelayo, Rodrigo Navarro, Angel Marcos-Fernandez
Summary: This article presents a method for synthesizing PUUs using deactivated diamines within the polymer chain, which have attractive properties for biomaterial applications. By activating these diamines with Cl-TMS during the polymerization reaction, high-performance PUUs are obtained with increased molecular weights and mechanical features. The experimental work is supported by calculations of electronic parameters using quantum mechanical methods.
Article
Polymer Science
Antonio Gonzalez-Jimenez, Pilar Bernal-Ortega, Fernando M. Salamanca, Juan L. Valentin
Summary: This study improves the performance of shape-memory polymers by adding fillers. Adding MWCNTs enhances the shape-memory effect and increases the conductivity of the material, allowing the shape-memory effect to be activated by an electric current. This research contributes to the development of elastic materials with high-performance and controllable shape-memory properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Alejandra Rubio Hernandez-Sampelayo, Rodrigo Navarro, Dulce Maria Gonzalez-Garcia, Luis Garcia-Fernandez, Rosa Ana Ramirez-Jimenez, Maria Rosa Aguilar, Angel Marcos-Fernandez
Summary: This study presents a series of non-toxic biodegradable and biocompatible polyurethanes containing p-aminobenzoate moieties. These polymers were characterized chemically and physically, and their properties were influenced by the molecular weight of the soft segment and the crystallinity of the hard segment. The use of different chain extenders also affected the performance of the polyurethanes. The results showed good cell adhesion and cytotoxicity of human osteoblasts on the surfaces of these non-toxic biodegradable polyurethanes.
Review
Polymer Science
Maria Dolores de Dios Caputto, Rodrigo Navarro, Juan Lopez Valentin, Angel Marcos-Fernandez
Summary: The circular economy is a necessary path for society, governments, and businesses to develop a viable and sustainable model for plastic production. Improving the recycling rate of plastic waste is crucial in addressing the issue of inadequate waste treatment and management, in order to obtain high added-value products through upcycling processes.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Fabio Muscas, Valentina Sessini, Laura Peponi, Antonio Julio Lopez, Alejandro Urena, Rodrigo Navarro, Angel Marcos-Fernandez
Summary: In this study, polyurethanes capable of forming quadruple hydrogen bonds were synthesized and characterized using supramolecular polyurethanes theories. The materials exhibited excellent shape-memory response at both 100 and 85 degrees C.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pilar Posadas, Juan L. Valentin, Rosario Benavente, Enrique Blazquez-Blazquez, Ane Urtiaga, Juan A. Alvarez, Maria L. Cerrada
Summary: The effect of electron beam (EB) irradiation on low and high density polyethylenes (LDPE and HDPE) at different doses is analyzed. Important parameters such as degree of crystallinity, melting or crystallization temperatures are dependent on the initial PE molecular architecture, which also controls the gel content and the dose of EB applied. The molecular changes during EB irradiation lead to hindrance in crystallization capacity, reduction in crystallinity, and formation of thinner crystallites in both LDPE and HDPE.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(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.
