Article
Polymer Science
Haofei Qie, Zengqiang Wang, Jiayuan Ren, Shaoyu Lu, Mingzhu Liu
Summary: This study reported a hydrogel strain sensor based on gelatin, polypyrrole, polyacrylamide, and tannic acid, which exhibited both high mechanical property and stable electrical performance. The hydrogel demonstrated shape memory behavior and had the ability to respond to and distinguish different motions.
Article
Polymer Science
Angel Romo-Uribe
Summary: Molecular networks of PEG and POSS can form mechanically robust hydrogels with shape memory behavior. These hydrogels can remember their permanent shape upon water submersion, release stress, and exhibit soft actuation. They also exhibit antibacterial properties, making them suitable for various applications.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jung Gi Choi, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Seon Jeong Kim
Summary: Soft robotics is a promising field that aims to create robot systems with versatile and complex movements similar to natural organisms. In this study, composite fibers made from shape memory polymers and thermo-sensitive hydrogels were used to create various types of actuators such as tensile, torsional, and flexural actuators. The fibers could be programmed and reprogrammed by heating and cooling, and they demonstrated reversible actuation. The optimized fibers showed significant strokes in torsion, bending, and tensile movements, offering a convenient means for generating different actuation types in soft robotics.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
X. Wang, M. Behl, A. Lendlein, M. Balk
Summary: The adaptive-like movement of reprogrammable hydrogel actuators is demonstrated by integrating temperature-triggered actuation and medium-and pH-based modulated swelling into one multiphase network. The reversible crystallization of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) provides bending movements up to 71 degrees, and changing the solvent from water to ethanol increases swellability. Modulated swelling between different pH values is achieved by modifying the actuators with acrylic acid moieties, resulting in reversible bending movements. The coupled functionalities of actuation and modulated swelling create conditioned actuation behavior between stimuli-sensitivity and adaptivity.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Qiangwang Geng, Fenghua Zhang, Yanju Liu, Jinsong Leng
Summary: In this study, a double network hydrogel composed of gelatin and PAAm was created to improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels, and hydrogen bonding was introduced through the incorporation of A11AUA. The hydrogels exhibited a triple shape memory effect at different temperatures, thanks to the helical structure of gelatin and the semi-crystalline segment of A11AUA. Additionally, the hydrogel showed shape memory behavior in FeCl3 solution due to the carboxyl group in A11AUA. The introduction of nano Fe3O4 enabled remote infrared driving in the composite hydrogel. These findings highlight the potential of this triple-shape memory hydrogel for applications in soft robots, sensors, and other fields.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bo Zhang, Lianghao Jia, Jinrui Jiang, Shanshan Wu, Tao Xiang, Shaobing Zhou
Summary: This study presents a biomimetic hydrogel with shape-memory effect and switchable adhesion, suitable for adhesion on various material surfaces in wet environments and exhibiting stable anti-swelling properties. The hydrogel can autonomously adhere and detach through thermal-triggered shape transformation, and it shows significantly improved underwater adhesion strength due to its patterned structure inspired by tree-frog footpads.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yawen Gong, Miao Yao, Jun Nie, Yong He
Summary: The study proposes a healing strategy based on space adjustment for cross-linked polymers, enabling efficient repair of damaged sites by enhancing the motilities of polymer coils. By adjusting the spatial density, the healing efficiency of the polymer is improved without the need for additional functional components.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sihang Liu, Liangbo Xu, Zhefan Yuan, Mei Huang, Tian Yang, Shengfu Chen
Summary: The design of a spatial structure for three-dimensional crosslinked units is important for improving the mechanical properties of hydrogels. In this study, a pressure-responsive crosslinker called mGOa was developed, which achieved both low elastic modulus and high compression stress through interlayer sliding. The hydrogel crosslinked by mGOa showed significantly enhanced mechanical strength compared to other crosslinkers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yawen Gong, Miao Yao, Jun Nie, Yong He
Summary: A healing strategy based on space adjustment is proposed in this study, utilizing pre-designed holes in cross-linked polymer networks to enhance the mobility of polymer coils for improved healing efficiency. The space-adjusted polymer materials can readily heal, with a healing efficiency of up to 96%.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yufang Song, Yiming Chen, Ran Chen, Hongji Zhang, Dongjian Shi, Yang Wang, Weifu Dong, Piming Ma, Yue Zhao
Summary: The study explores the synthesis of hydrogels with high UPy contents and their excellent shape memory ability, even at high water contents. Additionally, the shape memory behavior can be controlled by light through a photothermal effect by introducing tetraphenylporphyrin into hydrogels.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guifa Xiao, Ying Wang, Hui Zhang, Zhaodong Zhu, Shiyu Fu
Summary: A fast self-healing and shape memory electro-conductive hydrogel with excellent biocompatibility was developed by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals grafted phenylboronic add and multiwalled carbon nanotubes into polyvinyl alcohol. This hydrogel shows outstanding mechanical properties and conductivity, making it suitable for use as a strain sensor in human health management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Leqi Wu, Sui Wang, Jie Mao, Zhiyong Guo, Yufang Hu
Summary: A conductive double network cross-linked hydrogel with anti-swelling and shape memory was successfully prepared using SBMA, PVA, and TA. The hydrogel exhibited good mechanical properties and stable conductivity. It also showed an anti-swelling effect, a shape memory effect, and high antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. This study provides new possibilities for the biomedical field.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanyan Li, Dingqian Wang, Jie Wen, Jinming Liu, Dongyue Zhang, Jianshu Li, Hetao Chu
Summary: A novel type of hydrogel with unique properties such as ultra-stretchability, variable modulus, toughness, low hysteresis, transparency, and shape memory was prepared through copolymerization of acrylamide and acryloyl Pluronic 127. The new strategy of using solvent-induced crystallization and matrix volume phase transition to achieve variable modulus and shape memory is a purely physical process that can be performed cyclically. This design highlights the important role of PF127-DA micelles in optimizing mechanical properties and intelligence for various applications such as stress sensors, damping pads, and mechanical bearing.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Haibao Lu, Zhenghong Li, Xiaodong Wang, Ziyu Xing, Yong Qing Fu
Summary: This paper explores the mechanisms of negatively thermodynamic toughening during microphase separations of double network hydrogels. A thermodynamic model based on Flory-Huggins theory and Fick's second law is formulated to study diffusive dynamics, multi-shape memory effect, and mechanical toughness of the hydrogels. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated by predicting dual-SME, quadruple-SME, and cooling-triggered shape memory behaviors of DN hydrogels.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Li-Ting Juan, Shih-Ho Lin, Chui-Wei Wong, U-Ser Jeng, Chih-Feng Huang, Shan-hui Hsu
Summary: Functionalized cellulose nanofibers were used as a crosslinker to synthesize composite self-healing hydrogel and shape memory cryogel. Both hydrogel and cryogel exhibited excellent properties such as injectability, tunable mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and shape memory effect. In addition, the cryogel showed cytocompatibility and promoted cell growth.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Tao Zhang, Yan Zhao, Michael S. Silverstein
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael S. Silverstein
ISRAEL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Polymer Science
Michael S. Silverstein
Article
Polymer Science
Rotem Horowitz, Melissa Lamson, Orit Cohen, Travis B. Fu, Julia Cuthbert, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: PolyHIPEs are macroporous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions, stabilized using stars and crosslinked with polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) to produce shape memory polymer foams.
Article
Polymer Science
Aurelie Ohana Benaddi, Orit Cohen, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: PolyHIPEs are porous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions, with their properties being influenced by polymerization mechanism, initiator solubility, RAFT agent to initiator ratio, and crosslinking comonomer content. The use of surface-active RAFT agent can significantly enhance the structure of PolyHIPE. Substituting RAFT for FRP can lead to significant changes in thermal, mechanical, and uptake behaviors.
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Michael S. Silverstein
Article
Polymer Science
Adi Horowitz, Gil Shaul, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: This paper describes the generation of carbonaceous monoliths with hierarchically porous structures and nitrogen functionalities using a combination of hydrogel synthesis and hydrothermal carbonization. Different activation methods lead to variations in specific surface area and residual mass, while nitrogen-rich monomers result in different N/C ratios in the carbon monoliths. The hierarchically porous structures and chemical structures of these monoliths can be fine-tuned by modifying the composition and processing conditions of the high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Inna Berezovska, Katya Kapilov, Prachi Dhavalikar, Elizabeth Cosgriff-Hernandez, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: PolyHIPEs are highly porous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions, while Pickering HIPEs are an alternative stabilization strategy using solid nanoparticles. The successful design of an HIPE stabilization system based on a combination of nanoparticles and reactive surfactants generates the desired surface functionality and low leachable content.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Inna Berezovska, Rajashekharayya A. Sanguramath, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: Low-density macroporous monoliths based on unmodified beta-cyclodextrin were synthesized using emulsion templating, with high beta-CD contents (up to 63 wt%) and BPA adsorption capacities up to 117.7 mg g(-1).
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sima Israel, Michal Levin, Sapir Oliel, Dahiana Mayer, Idan Lerner, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: Hierarchically porous polymers were generated by combining emulsion-templated macroporous polymers with simultaneous Friedel-Crafts hyper-cross-linking and porogen removal. Different structures of polymer networks were synthesized to control the micro/meso-porosity and thermal stability of the materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Natalie Rosen, Hila Toledo, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: PolyHIPEs encapsulated calcium chloride hexahydrate (CCHH) within elastomeric, emulsion-templated polymers, demonstrating the successful encapsulation of molten salt hydrates. The addition of a nucleating agent reduced supercooling and modifying the external phase enhanced HIPE stability. The resulting system showed high encapsulation efficiency, low supercooling, and negligible phase transformation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Orit Cohen, Kristina Vetlitsyna-Novikova, Hila Toledo, Michael S. S. Silverstein
Summary: PolyHIPEs with high internal phase emulsion (HIPEs) templates were synthesized using PIM-like linear polymers. The addition of cross-linking comonomer resulted in monoliths with low density and highly interconnected structures. These polyHIPEs showed high adsorption capacity for cationic dyes.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rachele Castaldo, Inna Berezovska, Michael S. Silverstein, Gennaro Gentile
Summary: PolyHIPEs templated with HCLRs exhibit advanced sorbent systems due to the synergistic combination of the adsorption capabilities of micro/mesoporous HCLRs and the absorption capacities of polyHIPEs. The amino-functionalized HCLRs significantly enhance the specific surface areas and sorption capacities of polyHIPEs for polar VOCs and CO2. The addition of HCLRs does not negatively affect the high uptake of organic solvents by polyHIPEs, and regenerability above 99% is achieved in five sorption cycles.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Prachi Dhavalikar, Dana Jenkins, Natalie Rosen, Aparajith Kannapiran, Karim Salhadar, Orren Shachaf, Michael Silverstein, Elizabeth Cosgriff-Hernandez
Summary: This study explored the use of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as an alternative stabilizer for emulsion-templated foams used as injectable bone grafts. It was found that a co-stabilization approach with both surfactant and nanoparticles can achieve large, interconnected pores and improved cell attachment. The concentration of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and surfactant in the scaffolds affects the microarchitecture and cell behavior.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Katya Kapilov-Buchman, Tslil Bialystocki, Danna Niezni, Luba Perry, Shulamit Levenberg, Michael S. Silverstein
Summary: PolyHIPEs are macroporous polymers templated within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), synthesized through urethane reactions between diisocyanates and oligomeric polyols in water-in-oil (w/o) HIPEs. The thermal transitions and mechanical properties of PolyHIPEs can be fine-tuned by adjusting the polyol macromolecular structure and molecular weight, as well as the urea content. The degradation of PolyHIPEs in 3 m NaOH demonstrated that PCL-based PUUs degrade more rapidly, and cells grown in PolyHIPEs adhered to walls, spread, and penetrated into porous structures.
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.