Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nikola Toshikj, Jean-Jacques Robin, Michel Ramonda, Sylvain Catrouillet, Sebastien Blanquer
Summary: Efficient and rapid organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization was used to synthesize PTMC-b-PCL-b-PTMC block copolymers, with controlled architectures achieved through an additional cross-linking step. The crystalline-driven phase-separated morphology predominated, and the cross-linked thin films exhibited shape-memory properties, while remaining stable with access to thermodynamic phase-separated morphologies below the poly(epsilon-caprolactone) melting point.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Si-Yao Zheng, Zhi-Wei Liu, Hong-Lei Kang, Fan Liu, Guo-Ping Yan, Feng Li
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds made of biodegradable polymers have been found to be effective in bone repair and regeneration, with low cytotoxicity, good biocompatibility, and the ability to enhance osteoblast proliferation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bas van Bochove, Jan J. Rongen, Gerjon Hannink, Jukka V. Seppala, Andre A. Poot, Dirk W. Grijpma
Summary: PTMC and P(TMC-co-ε-CL) networks prepared by photo-crosslinking have slow degradation properties, and the degradation rate can be adjusted by varying the TMC:ε-CL ratio.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evi Christodoulou, Maria Notopoulou, Eirini Nakiou, Margaritis Kostoglou, Panagiotis Barmpalexis, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Summary: This study evaluates the use of novel branched poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)-based copolymers for the preparation of anticancer nanoparticle (NP)-based formulations. The NP formulations prepared using oil-in-water emulsion showed small size, high encapsulation efficiency, and enhanced drug dissolution rate and solubility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiliang Liu, Song Liu, Shaomin Feng, Xin Wang, Wei Bai, Jianping Xiao, Dongliang Chen, Chengdong Xiong, Lifang Zhang
Summary: PTMC/PLCL blends exhibited excellent flexibility, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility for soft tissue applications, along with a higher degradation rate than pure PTMC. The blend can provide a promising alternative for soft tissue implants due to its suitable properties.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanyuan Dou, Han Wu, Li Zhang, Zhenbo Ning, Ni Jiang, Zhihua Gan
Summary: Three types of spherulitic morphologies, including conventional ring-banded spherulites, special spherulites with a curve-like morphology, and composite spherulites, were found in PCL-b-PA6-b-PCL due to the wide crystallization temperature range of chemically jointed PA6 blocks. The formation conditions, internal factors, and lamellar orientation and assembly of different spherulites were studied in detail. The appearance of unusual spherulitic morphology may result from different internal stress induced by chemically jointed PA6 blocks under diverse crystallization conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Funeka P. Nkosi, Mario Valvo, Jonas Mindemark, Nurul A. Dzulkurnain, Guiomar Hernandez, Andrii Mahun, Sabina Abbrent, Jiri Brus, Libor Kobera, Kristina Edstrom
Summary: The study developed a composite electrolyte based on LLZO and PCL-PTMC, which can enhance the ionic conductivity and interface stability of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. By incorporating the polymer electrolyte into the cathode coating, the interface between the composite electrolyte and LFP cathode was improved.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Wanda Celentano, Stefania Ordanini, Riccardo Bruni, Luca Marocco, Pietro Medaglia, Andrea Rossi, Stefano Buzzaccaro, Francesco Cellesi
Summary: Well-defined amphiphilic PCL-PEG copolymers with complex molecular architectures were synthesized using ROP and ATRP. These copolymers were used to produce self-assembled nanoparticles for drug encapsulation, with the ability to tune self-assembly, particle size, and drug loading by designing specific macromolecular architectures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Oroitz Sanchez-Aguinagalde, Emilio Meaurio, Ainhoa Lejardi, Jose-Ramon Sarasua
Summary: This paper demonstrates the successful dispersion of xanthohumol (XH) in PCL in amorphous form, with positive interactions observed between the two components. The use of PCL as a matrix allows for the development of completely amorphous bioactive materials suitable for non-stiff biomedical devices, with high toughness retention up to 50 wt% XH content. The miscibility and specific interactions between XH and PCL were confirmed through DSC, XRD, FTIR, and AFM analyses.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Wanhong Zhang, Zhipeng Hou, Siyu Chen, Jing Guo, Jianshe Hu, Liqun Yang, Guiyang Cai
Summary: The amino acid sequence and spatial structure of lipases from different sources often result in significant differences in the active sites, which exhibit differential activity when interacting with a particular polymer, as reflected in the rate of degradation of the polymer. Therefore, studying the degradation properties of enzymes for specific polymers can be a helpful guide in production.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hanieh Aghaiee Ranjbar, Mohammad Nourany, Majid Mollavali, Fatemeh Noormohammadi, Safora Jafari
Summary: This study synthesized in situ polyurethane bionanocomposites using different contents of cellulose nanocrystals as cross-linking agents to control phase separation, and evaluated the effect of grafted cellulose nanocrystals on shape fixity and recovery of the specimens. The research also revealed the influence of surface hydrophobicity on cell adhesion behavior, showing great potential for tissue engineering applications.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Afaf M. Ali, Ali H. Amin
Summary: This study investigates the effects of cold drawing and thermal annealing processes on the properties of surgical suture fibers. The results show that both processes significantly enhance the physical and structural properties of the sutures, providing important improvements for their medical application.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junyu Sun, Xinxin Liu, Zongrui Chen, Lin Jiang, Mingwei Yuan, Minglong Yuan
Summary: In this study, a layered polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold coated with PCEC was developed for the proliferation of human embryonic kidney cells and amplification of the Ad5 vector. The results showed that PCEC improved the hydrophilicity and cell culture ability of the PCL scaffold, resulting in a higher cell proliferation ratio. This work provides an effective method for the in-depth study of adenoviruses.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Therese Eriksson, Amber Mace, Jonas Mindemark, Daniel Brandell
Summary: Polyesters and polycarbonates are considered as alternatives to polyethers for polymer electrolytes in solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The coordinating strength towards lithium ions varies due to different electron densities on the coordinating carbonyl oxygen. The cationic transference number depends linearly on the ester content, and despite contradictory measurements, DFT calculations showed carbonate coordinates more strongly to lithium ions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Emilio Omar Bachtiar, Virginia Cary Ritter, Ken Gall
Summary: The recent growth of polymer 3D-printing in medical implants has led to the creation of complex porous structures, with annealing revealing a structure-property relationship in PLCL. Crystallization was found to be a crucial factor in mechanical properties, while scaffolds maintained integrity for up to 8 weeks before reaching critical molecular weight and losing mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pengcheng Miao, Ziyue Jiao, Jie Liu, Maomao He, Guanjun Song, Zhiyong Wei, Xuefei Leng, Yang Li
Summary: In this study, a new kind of shape memory polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) material with outstanding mechanical properties and chemical recyclability is prepared through the aminolysis reaction of cyclic carbonate. The synthetic strategy, which is isocyanate-free and uses CO2 as a building block, is environmentally friendly and aligns with the concept of carbon neutrality. The thermal properties, mechanical properties, and dynamic behaviors of the PHUs are investigated, showing superior performance compared to other reported PHU-based materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Wang, Chang Wei, Chao Li, Lin Sang, Lei Wang, Zhiyong Wei, Min Qi
Summary: The study synthesized an environmentally friendly biodegradable material, PEF, and prepared films by blending it with PBAT. The results showed that PEF greatly improved the mechanical properties and barrier performance of the PBAT/PEF films. In addition, the PBAT/PEF films showed great potential for fruit preservation.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chao Li, Bo Wang, Zuming Shang, Lisheng Yu, Chang Wei, Zhiyong Wei, Lin Sang, Yang Li
Summary: Poly(butylene succinate-co-terephthalate) (PBST) was proposed as an alternative material to poly-(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) for food packaging and film mulching. However, PBST's low strength led to the blending with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to improve its mechanical properties. The PBST/PLA blends exhibited superior barrier properties and could prolong the freshness of bananas.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lipeng Liu, Zhu Tu, Ying Lu, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: The development of biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters as a solution to plastic pollution has been widely accepted by society. In this study, a kilogram-scale aliphatic-aromatic copolyester was successfully synthesized and its physical-chemical properties were systematically investigated. The results showed that the copolyester could be used as an ideal barrier packaging film material and had the potential for closed-loop recycling. This research provides a novel insight and direction for dealing with waste biodegradable polyesters, offering a solution to post-consumer plastic waste accumulation in the environment.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shuming Dai, Ping Song, Ziyue Jiao, Yi Cheng, Jingzhao Shang, Xuefei Leng, Zhiyong Wei, Yang Li
Summary: A series of bisphenol A-based polyarylates were synthesized and the effect of end group structure on polymer properties was investigated. The addition of a capping agent improved the thermal properties and light transmission of the polymers. Furthermore, the thermal degradation mechanism of the polyarylates was studied.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhu Tu, Ying Lu, Lin Sang, Yu Zhang, Yang Li, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: In this study, a marine degradable plastic poly(ethylene oxalate) (PEOx) was successfully synthesized and its synthesis process and marine degradability were investigated. Precise control of the feedstock and reaction conditions was crucial in inhibiting the formation of the diethylene glycol (DEG) byproduct. PEOx exhibited strong mechanical performance, moderate melting temperature, and excellent marine degradability, making it a promising biodegradable material.
Article
Polymer Science
Lipeng Liu, Bo Wang, Chao Li, Chang Wei, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: Compatibility and crystal structure play key roles in the mechanical properties of blending materials. In this study, large-scale synthesis of biodegradable polyester poly(butylene carbonate-coterephthalate) (PBCT) was achieved, and PBCT-based blends with excellent compatibility were prepared without any extra compatibilizer. Tensile tests showed that blending PBCT with industrial biodegradable polyesters significantly improved the mechanical properties. Molecular weight analysis, thermal properties, rheology behavior, and X-ray diffraction confirmed that the improvement in mechanical properties was due to reactive compatibility and co-crystallization. Additionally, the barrier properties of PBCT-based blends were enhanced, reducing the need for compatibilizers and expanding the application scope of biodegradable polyesters.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chang Wei, Peng Guo, Mingfu Lyu, Bo Wang, Chao Li, Lin Sang, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: In this study, high-barrier poly(butylene adipate-terephthalate)/polyglycolic acid (PBAT/PGA) blending films were prepared using melt-compounding and extrusion-blowing techniques with the addition of antioxidant compounds. The incorporation of PGA improved the mechanical properties and water vapor barrier performance of the films. The use of a chain extender achieved good compatibility between PBAT and PGA. Antioxidant compounds enhanced the thermal stability of the films. UV-accelerated degradation was observed, but the water vapor barrier permeability remained well-maintained due to the high crystallinity of the PGA region. These findings highlight the potential of PBAT/PGA films as mulching films.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Z. Tu, Y. Lu, Y. Zhang, Y. Li, Z. Wei
Summary: In this study, sustainable and biodegradable poly(n-alkylene oxalate)s (PAOx) were synthesized and their properties were investigated. The results showed that PAOx with even values of n had higher crystallization and melting temperatures. Additionally, PAOx with lower values of n exhibited better heat resistance and outstanding seawater degradability. These findings highlight the potential commercial opportunity of PAOx materials for seawater degradable plastics.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Yu, Huan Liu, Jinyan Li, Huijia Song, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: This article reports the synthesis of a polyester copolymer with high T-g and fast hydrolytic degradation, which showed outstanding thermal and mechanical performances. It has the potential to be a renewable alternative to industrial petrochemical polyesters.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhu Tu, Ying Lu, Lipeng Liu, Lizheng Wang, Yang Li, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a series of PBcBC polycarbonates, and the addition of cB could regulate their thermal properties. The PBcBCs exhibited superior water barrier ability and mechanical properties. The results suggest that PBcBCs as unsaturated polycarbonates have competitive advantages in commercial applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ruiqi Wang, Xiaoyu Zhu, Ping Chen, Chengyong Ping, Xue Zhou, Ying Liu, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: Nickel cobaltate@polypyrrole composite nanomicrospheres (NiCo2O4@PPy) were successfully synthesized by in situ oxidation polymerization. The impedance matching can be optimized by modulating the amount of polypyrrole, resulting in superior absorption performance. The study provides a method for lightweight ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave absorption.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lipeng Liu, Ying Lu, Mingze Xia, Bo Wang, Yi Cheng, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: Aliphatic polycarbonates (APCs) have been synthesized using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and different lengths of aliphatic diols, showing increased flexibility and crystallization with more methylene groups in the repeating units. However, the rigidity of the ester group affected the strength and Young's modulus of APCs, which decreased and then increased. Brill transition increased the distance between intermolecular chains, affecting the barrier properties of poly(octamethylene carbonate).
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jingzhao Shang, Ping Song, Guanghui Li, Qingmin Sun, Yang Li, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: In this study, a series of PEKK copolymers were synthesized by a one-step method and their structure and melting behavior were characterized. It was found that the increase in meta isomers in the structure led to a decrease in crystallization ability and melting point of the copolymers. The double melting behavior of the copolymers was mainly due to the superimposition of rigid amorphous devitrification and enthalpy relaxation. Additionally, the thermal classification of the copolymers was successfully achieved through self-nucleation experiment and successive self-nucleation and annealing (SSA) technology.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Yu, Sixiao Liu, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: The introduction of renewable rigid diester CBPC can effectively enhance the thermal and crystalline performances of PBS. The insertion of CBPC increases thermal stability and forms a homogeneous crystalline structure through cocrystallization, resulting in outstanding mechanical properties for PBCxBSy.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)