Article
Polymer Science
Xueyan Lin, Weike Zou, Eugene M. Terentjev
Summary: Liquid-crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are commonly used in soft actuator development, but their practical applications are limited due to mechanical failures under heavy loads and high temperatures. This study employs a double-network strategy and successfully develops mechanically tougher LCEs by incorporating diacrylate reacting monomers and thermoplastic polyurethane.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaodong Wang, Xi Liang, Li-Min Wang
Summary: Researchers have proposed a kinetic phase transition model to predict the shape memory temperature range of triple-shape memory polymers under different thermal histories. They studied the influence of cooling rate during programming on the triple-shape memory effect and evaluated the effectiveness of the model through practical application.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaber Rezaei Mianroodi, Nima H. Siboni, Dierk Raabe
Summary: A deep neural network (DNN) is proposed as a fast surrogate model for local stress calculations in inhomogeneous non-linear materials, showing efficient performance and high accuracy in predicting stress distribution. The DNN model is capable of simulating micromechanics in elastic-plastic materials with significant acceleration compared to typical solvers.
NPJ COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongkun Yang, Kaili Hu, Dong Wang
Summary: This study investigates the embedding of gold nanospheres into vitrimers using atomic force microscopy and assesses the surface and bulk relaxation of the material. The results show that the nanospheres can embed into the vitrimers even at lower temperatures. The surface relaxation is found to be stronger than the bulk relaxation due to network defects and a decrease in intermolecular exchanges at the surface.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sergey S. Kharintsev, Sergei G. Kazarian
Summary: Thermally induced phase transitions using light at the nanoscale have significant applications in material science. Enhanced optical heating can be achieved with resonant nanostructures. The operating temperature range of a structured heatsink can be controlled to prevent excess heating.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yutaro Kawano, Hiroshi Masai, Shintaro Nakagawa, Naoko Yoshie, Jun Terao
Summary: In this study, the effects of alkyl ester chains on the toughness of polyacrylate-based network materials were investigated. Polymer networks were fabricated via radical polymerization, and the MA-based network showed significantly higher toughness compared to the EA and BA-based networks. The high fracture energy of the MA-based network was attributed to its glass transition temperature and energy dissipation via viscosity.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Debora Sorolla-Rosario, Julio Llorca-Porcel, Monica Perez-Martinez, Dolores Lozano-Castello, Agustin Bueno-Lopez
Summary: The potential of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for identifying and quantifying microplastics has been studied, but distinguishing between LDPE and PS poses a challenge due to overlapping melting and glass transition temperatures.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hui Zhang, Tongxin Chang, Shuangshuang Zhang, Kun Zhou, Wei Zhang, Zhijun Hu
Summary: This study provides experimental results on the glass transition temperature changes of nanoconfined polymers and suggests that the decreased chain density at interfaces plays a significant role.
Article
Polymer Science
Chang Liu, Dong Wang
Summary: This study used atomic force microscopy to investigate the change of surface roughness of an artificially rough epoxy-based vitrimer surface with annealing temperatures. The results showed that the rough surface partially relaxed at temperatures below the freezing transition temperature, indicating the existence of a layer with enhanced bond exchange reactions or a decreased freezing temperature on the surface of vitrimers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ke Gao, Hengheng Zhao, Yachen Wang, Haixiao Wan, Zhiyu Zhang, Zhudan Chen, Guanyi Hou, Jun Liu, Liqun Zhang
Summary: Through simulation studies, it was found that the length and rigidity of loop chains have significant effects on the motion of linear chains, providing insights into manipulating the properties of polymer ultrathin films. Additionally, the mismatch of length and rigidity between loop and linear chains leads to dynamic asymmetry.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shawn M. Maguire, Connor R. Bilchak, John S. Corsi, Samuel S. Welborn, Theresa Tsaggaris, Jamie Ford, Eric Detsi, Zahra Fakhraai, Russell J. Composto
Summary: The research focuses on fabricating bicontinuous polymer-infiltrated scaffold metal composites by infiltrating polymer into nanoporous gold films. The polymer infiltration process enhances properties such as ion conductivity and mechanical reinforcement, while also stabilizing gold nanopores against temporal coarsening. These polymer/metal hybrids offer broad tunability for designing functional network composite structures with diverse applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Junrou Huang, Grant S. Sheridan, Chen Chen, Nabil Ramlawi, Randy H. Ewoldt, Paul V. Braun, Christopher M. Evans
Summary: The diffusion of two aromatic dyes was studied in ethylene vitrimers with precise linker lengths and borate ester cross-links. The reaction kinetics of the dyes and the role of different cross-linkers were investigated using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The results demonstrate the potential of dynamic networks to control penetrant transport through synergistic effects of mesh size, dynamic bond kinetics, and penetrant-network interactions.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Han Xu, Sainan Ma, Yang Hou, Qinghua Zhang, Rui Wang, Yingwu Luo, Xiang Gao
Summary: The microstructure of polymer materials plays a crucial role in linking their molecular structure with macroproperties, and accurately identifying it is of great importance. This study applies machine learning methods to recognize microstructure, and successfully develops a highly accurate and interpretable model based on small experimental data sets using transfer learning and feature visualization. This work provides new insights for identifying microstructure and will contribute to the advancement of intelligent polymer research and development.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ping Zhang, Weiyu Zhou, Yunfeng He, Ziyi Xu, Maochun Li, Wei Hong, Canhui Yang
Summary: The study introduces a new type of hyperelastic adhesive (HEAs) that combines hyperelasticity and adhesiveness by assigning them to the bulk and surface of a polymer network, respectively. The resulting HEA demonstrates low hysteresis, high adhesion energy, optical transparency, and mechanical stability, enabling various applications. This generic strategy opens new avenues for the development of stretchable and resilient adhesives.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Reece Henry, Nrup Balar, Harald Ade
Summary: Characterizing thermodynamic transitions and kinetic processes in optoelectronic materials is crucial for understanding device structural stability and optimized processing conditions. Traditional DSC experiments are limited to bulk-like samples and cannot characterize controlled thin film geometries, while ellipsometry offers a comparable method and provides additional insights into kinetic characteristics and density changes associated with free volume and molecular packing.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mathew C. Celina, Erik Linde, Estevan Martinez
Summary: Carbonyl formation is a key indicator for oxidative processes and degradation of plastics, with infrared spectroscopy being a commonly used method for identification and quantification. However, there are significant error margins in carbonyl quantification, with various factors influencing the accuracy of measurements.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. Garrett Campbell, Dominik Jordon Astorga, Estevan Martinez, Mathew Celina
Summary: An alternative strategy for SLS-printable thermosets is demonstrated by partially curing the material to increase T-g and minimize additional curing needed post-printing. The material is then printed without cross-linking, followed by curing through a slow temperature ramp. This approach showcases the first demonstration of SLS printing and subsequent curing of minimally filled high T-g thermoset materials, showing competitive performance with popular thermoplastics.
MRS COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keumbee Kim, Yuanhang Guo, Jaehee Bae, Subi Choi, Hyeong Yong Song, Sungmin Park, Kyu Hyun, Suk-Kyun Ahn
Summary: This study introduces a new type of humidity-responsive LCE actuator that can deform and respond to changes in environmental humidity, using innovative processing techniques such as surface activation and 3D printing. The resulting hygroscopic LCE exhibits programmable and reversible hygroscopic actuation properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Eun Chae Kim, Myung-Jin Kim, Linh Nguyet Thi Ho, Woohwa Lee, Jae-Won Ka, Dong-Gyun Kim, Tae Joo Shin, Kang Moo Huh, Sungmin Park, Yong Seok Kim
Summary: The synthesis and systematic investigation of vinyl-addition polynorbornene copolymers with pendant n-alkyl chains were reported, with high transmittance films successfully prepared by a solution-casting method. The mechanical properties of the films can be controlled by tuning the length and content of the alkyl chain.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Seungyun Jo, Haedong Park, Taesuk Jun, Kwangjin Kim, Hyunsoo Jung, Sungmin Park, Byeongdu Lee, Seungwoo Lee, Du Yeol Ryu
Summary: Soft-matter bicontinuous networks with double gyroid structures, formed from the self-assembly of block copolymers, exhibit unique structural distortions during solvent vapor annealing processes. The structural transformation from transient cylinders to cubic gyroid structures in swollen state, as well as the symmetry-breaking observed in deswelling processes, suggest potential applications in optical Weyl photonic crystals.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Seonhui Choi, Bumsoo Park, Seongjun Jo, Jong Hwi Seo, Woohwa Lee, Dong-Gyun Kim, Ki Bong Lee, Yong Seok Kim, Sungmin Park
Summary: Vitrimers are reprocessable materials with a cross-linked polymer structure that can be extruded and welded. They have been used in 4D printing by adjusting their rheological properties and utilizing their shape memory performance. By changing the chemical formulation, the properties of vitrimers can be customized, allowing for reprocessing and reshaping through bond exchange reactions.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin-Hyeong Lee, Jaehee Bae, Jae Hyuk Hwang, Moon-Young Choi, Yong Seok Kim, Sungmin Park, Jun-Hee Na, Dong-Gyun Kim, Suk-kyun Ahn
Summary: This work presents a new class of liquid crystal elastomers that are cross-linked with poly(ether-thiourea) and possess hydrogen bonding capability and dynamic covalent bond exchange at elevated temperatures. These unique properties allow for welding, melt and solution reprocessing, reprogrammable actuation, and self-healing. The LCEs can be used to fabricate electrically powered artificial muscles and biomimetic artificial hands, which demonstrate excellent performance and various hand gestures.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeehae Shin, Wonhee Jo, Jae Hyuk Hwang, Jiseok Han, Woohwa Lee, Sungmin Park, Yong Seok Kim, Hee-Tak Kim, Dong-Gyun Kim
Summary: This study presents regionally controlled multistimuli-responsive structural color switching surfaces using micropatterned DNA-hydrogel assembly. The approach allows for programmable swelling and deswelling of the DNA-hydrogel in response to multiple stimuli, overcoming existing limitations and providing reversible transitions.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Subi Choi, Bitgaram Kim, Sungmin Park, Ji-Hun Seo, Suk-kyun Ahn
Summary: The network structures of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) play a crucial role in imparting rubbery behavior and enabling reversible actuation. This study introduces a new class of LCEs, polyrotaxanes (PRs) as slidable cross-links (PR-LCEs), that significantly impact the properties of resulting PR-LCEs, particularly at an optimum PR loading of 0.5 wt % where toughness and damping behavior are maximized.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Chang-Geun Chae, Jun Woo Park, Linh N. T. Ho, Myung-Jin Kim, Eun Chae Kim, Woohwa Lee, Sungmin Park, Dong-Gyun Kim, Hyun Min Jung, Yong Seok Kim
Summary: A series of novel nickel coordination catalysts were synthesized for the copolymerization of norbornene and methyl 5-norbornene-2-carboxylate, achieving precise control over the properties of the copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Choyeon Park, Chanil Park, Sungmin Park, Jaeho Lee, Jae-Hak Choi, Yong Seok Kim, Youngjae Yoo
Summary: This study reports the development of a highly efficient passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) using a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film with bimodal pores. The TPU film exhibited excellent solar reflectivity and emitted heat efficiently, resulting in ambient cooling. 3D-printed models covered with these TPU films demonstrated superior indoor cooling efficiency compared to commercial paint.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jae Hyuk Hwang, Sang Hwa Kim, Woongbi Cho, Woohwa Lee, Sungmin Park, Yong Seok Kim, Jong-Chan Lee, Kyung Jin Lee, Jeong Jae Wie, Dong-Gyun Kim
Summary: By utilizing self-crosslinkable 1,3,5-trivinylbenzene (TVB) for the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur, a highly IR-transparent sulfur-rich copolymer with remarkable thermomechanical properties is developed, overcoming the trade-off between IR optical and thermomechanical properties. This study is expected to provide important insights into the structure-property relationships of sulfur-rich copolymers and open up opportunities for practical applications.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ki Jung Kim, Jin Hui Jo, Seong Jin An, Somi Yu, Yong Seok Kim, Sungmin Park, Won Seok Chi
Summary: A simple metal-ion infiltration method was used to modify the properties of 6FDD polyimide membranes. Metal ions formed coordination bonds with the polyimide, increasing d-spacing and reducing polymer chain mobility. The coordination between metal ions and the carboxylate groups enhanced the mechanical properties and gas permeability of the membranes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Se Hyeon Ju, Eun Jin Jeong, Hui Il Jeon, Yong Seok Kim, Youngjae Yoo, Sungmin Park
Summary: This study investigates the miscibility, rheological properties, and physical/optical properties of PC/PMMA-co-PPhMA blends. It was found that the blends exhibited a single glass transition behavior and differences in blend homogeneity were observed. PMMA-co-PPhMA with 14 mol% PhMA showed the best miscibility and phase homogeneity. Increasing the weight percentage of PMMA-co-PPhMA improved the scratch resistance but reduced the optical transparency. The PC/PMPA-2 blend demonstrated optimal rheological, mechanical, and optical properties. This study provides insights into PC-based blend materials for various industrial applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Myung-Jin Kim, Hyunjin Park, Jinha Ha, Linh Nguyet Thi Ho, Eun Chae Kim, Woohwa Lee, Sungmin Park, Jong Chan Won, Dong-Gyun Kim, Yun Ho Kim, Yong Seok Kim
Summary: The gate dielectric properties of vinyl-addition polynorbornene copolymers can be controlled through thiol-ene click chemistry, with an optimized content ratio of tetra-thiol cross-linkers enhancing the performance of organic field-effect transistors. This approach also offers photo-patternability, low-temperature solution-processing, and air-processability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(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.