Article
Polymer Science
Adriano Vignali, Roberto Utzeri, Maurizio Canetti, Fabio Bertini
Summary: In this study, composites based on poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) filled with hollow glass microspheres (HGM) or functionalized hollow glass microspheres (HGMf) were prepared via melt-compounding. Silanization treatment improved the compatibility between the inorganic particles and the polymer matrix, leading to enhanced dispersion of glass microspheres in the matrix and better filler-polymer adhesion. The presence of silanized glass microspheres promoted faster crystallization rates and higher nucleation activity compared to neat PCL and composite filled with 20 wt% HGMf. Crystalline and supermolecular structure of PCL and composites crystallized from the melt showed differences in terms of crystallinity index and structural parameters under different crystallization conditions.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Quanchao Zhang, Mian Wang, Haiyong Ao, Honglin Luo, Xiaoyan Deng, Yizao Wan
Summary: Incorporating carbon nanotubes onto the surfaces of a photo-crosslinked poly (epsilon-caprolactone) film improves the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the material, while also providing good electric actuation. This approach offers potential for applications in soft robots and smart switches.
Article
Polymer Science
Muriel Jozo, Robert Vardai, Nora Hegyesi, Janos Moczo, Bela Pukanszky
Summary: The study demonstrates that composites prepared using melt mixing technology are more homogeneous than others, an increase in halloysite content results in larger and more aggregates, subsequently affecting mechanical properties.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Jun-Ru Tao, Xiao-Hong Tang, Qian-Ming He, Ming Wang
Summary: This study discusses the effect of surface conductivity on the microwave shielding effectiveness of sandwiched MWCNT/PCL composites. It is found that decreasing surface conductivity leads to a decrease in electromagnetic shielding. Simulation and experimental studies indicate that microwave reflection plays a vital role in the shielding performance. Furthermore, the dielectric properties of the surface layers have little effect on the shielding effectiveness.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Liuyong Zhu, Jingqing Li, Hongfei Li, Binyuan Liu, Jizhong Chen, Shichun Jiang
Summary: The topology of polymer chains, including entanglement loops, tie molecules, and end groups, plays a crucial role in polymer crystallization. In this study, low molecular weight poly(epsilon-caprolactone)s (PCL) with different end groups (phenyl, naphthyl, and anthracenyl) were synthesized to avoid entanglement. The crystallization behavior of these PCLs was investigated using various techniques, and the rheology property of the PCL melts was characterized. The results showed that the size of the end groups inversely influenced the spherulite growth rate and crystallization half-time, with the largest end group leading to the slowest growth rate and longest half-time. However, the effect of naphthyl and phenyl on the crystallization rate was similar. Rheology results revealed that naphthyl modified PCL had lower viscosity due to its compatibility with PCL. Interestingly, regardless of the end groups, the spherulite growth rate and crystallization half-time showed the same behavior when plotted against supercooling, suggesting that the conformation changes during crystallization were consistent for polymer chains with different end groups. Moreover, simultaneous SAXS/WAXS investigations on the heating samples with different end groups after isothermal crystallization showed doubled lamellar thickness during melting, possibly indicating a transition from folded chains to extended chains in the dynamic favored metastable structures.
Article
Polymer Science
Mariia Stepanova, Olga Solomakha, Maxim Rabchinskii, Ilia Averianov, Iosif Gofman, Yuliya Nashchekina, Grigorii Antonov, Aleksey Smirnov, Boris Ber, Aleksey Nashchekin, Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
Summary: This study focused on the synthesis and modification of aminated graphene with oligomers of glutamic acid for the preparation of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) based composite materials. The modification improved the distribution of filler in the polymer matrix, which positively impacted the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the composites.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. A. Hashmi Mohit, S. A. Hashmi
Summary: In this study, porous polymer electrolytes (PPEs) composed of a biodegradable polymer and different types of liquid electrolytes were developed. The PPEs exhibited excellent flexibility, high porosity, and high room temperature ionic conductivity. Quasi-solid-state carbon supercapacitors were fabricated using these PPEs, and the device based on ionic liquid-incorporated PPEs showed higher specific capacitance and specific energy compared to the one based on organic solvents-based PPEs. The supercapacitor demonstrated stable performance even after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles with low capacitance fading and high Coulombic efficiency.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xoan F. Sanchez-Romate, Andres Alvarado, Alberto Jimenez-Suarez, Silvia G. Prolongo
Summary: This paper introduces a novel carbon nanotube/polycaprolactone/epoxy/glass fiber composite, where the addition of nanotubes enhances the flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength by promoting better interaction. The composite also gains new functionalities such as strain and damage monitoring. Additionally, the electrical sensitivity increases with PCL content due to a more efficient dispersion process.
Article
Polymer Science
Olga Solomakha, Mariia Stepanova, Iosif Gofman, Yulia Nashchekina, Maxim Rabchinskii, Alexey Nashchekin, Antonina Lavrentieva, Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
Summary: This study developed a method to modify graphene oxide (GO) with oligo/poly(glutamic acid) (oligo/poly(Glu)), which showed osteoconductive properties. The modified GO was then used as a filler in poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) composites. The mechanical properties of the composites increased by 18-27% compared to PCL/GO composites, and they also stimulated the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and showed no cytotoxicity in human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liuyong Zhu, Jingqing Li, Hongfei Li, Binyuan Liu, Jizhong Chen, Shichun Jiang
Summary: The Rouse model is suitable for exploring the linear dynamics of unentangled polymers and provides a basic framework for understanding polymer chain dynamics. In this study, cyclic poly(& epsilon;-caprolactone)s (c-PCLs) with bi-anthracenyl group pendants were synthesized to investigate the chain dynamics and crystallization behavior. The results showed double endothermic peaks in the DSC curves of c-PCLs after isothermal crystallization, indicating the role of pendants in the reorganization of metastable structures. Banded spherulites of unentangled c-PCLs were observed for the first time, suggesting a mismatch between chain dynamics and crystallization kinetics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Janice Caroline Hardt, Michelly Cristina Galdioli Pella, Ana Caroline Reis Meira, Andressa Giombelli Rosenberger, Josiane Caetano, Douglas Cardoso Dragunski
Summary: This study evaluated the potential application of silver sulfadiazine loaded PBAT/PCL microfibers as wound dressings, which exhibited antimicrobial activity and controlled release. The results showed that the fiber diameter and crystallinity were concentration-dependent on the silver sulfadiazine, and the release profile was biphasic with both fast and sustained release.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(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
Engineering, Manufacturing
Yitong Ding, Aichun Han, Hongxun Zhou, Qian Zhou, Hangling Song, Rong Chen, Shaoyun Guo
Summary: This paper investigated the preparation of PCL/C18 composites through multistage biaxial-stretching extrusion, showing significant improvements in oxygen and water vapor barrier performance by 63.7% and 39.6% respectively. The modified composites also exhibited good stability to high humidity conditions.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nouha Ghorbel, Mustapha Raihane, Mohammed Lahcini, Ali Kallel
Summary: The study investigated the dielectric and thermal characteristics of nanohybrid films based on poly(epsilon-caprolactone) with varying loadings of halloysite nanotubes. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy revealed the impact of the added HNT fillers on the molecular relaxation and interfacial polarization of PCL, recommending a weight ratio of 3% to 5% for optimal performance in various applications.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fan Liu, Honglei Kang, Zhiwei Liu, Siyang Jin, Guoping Yan, Yunlong Sun, Feng Li, Haifei Zhan, Yuantong Gu
Summary: 3D printed biodegradable polymeric scaffolds made of PCL/HA composites show great potential in promoting cell proliferation and bone tissue regeneration due to good biodegradability and biocompatibility, as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, the multifunctional PCL/HA/DOX scaffolds have the capacity to enhance bone repair and potentially inhibit tumor cells, indicating their promising application in bone repair.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Guang-Zhong Yin, Xiao-Mei Yang, Jose Hobson, Alba Marta Lopez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: With the improvement of smart home and comfortable life, there are new and highly scientific requirements for building materials and home environment. This study demonstrates the preparation of fire safe phase change materials by blending ammonium polyphosphate and poly (glycerol-itaconic acid) loaded polyethylene glycol, showing excellent form stability and high enthalpy of phase change.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Guang-Zhong Yin, De-Yi Wang
Summary: The article introduces a novel pathway for efficiently synthesizing C60-CD complexes and successfully synthesizes three kinds of complexes. The chemical structure and properties of the complexes were confirmed through various analytical methods. This new pathway overcomes the limitations of traditional methods and expands the range of complex preparation. It provides experimental basis for the wide application of the complexes and the advanced application of C60 and CD in supramolecular assembly.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Can Fu, Xiaoli Xu, Guang-Zhong Yin, Baoyun Xu, Pingyang Li, Bo Ai, Zhongjie Zhai, Fei Gao, Jinguo Zhai, De-Yi Wang
Summary: In this study, a wash-durable flame retardant cotton fabric was prepared using the LbL technique. The results showed significant improvements in flame retardancy, as measured by pHRR and LOI, and good wash durability. A new LbL approach was proposed, providing insights for the design and production of durable and efficient flame retardant cotton fabrics.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Guang-Zhong Yin, Alba Marta Lopez, Xiao-Mei Yang, Wen Ye, Baoyun Xu, Jose Hobson, De-Yi Wang
Summary: With the advancement of intelligent electronic devices and the widespread use of flexible and foldable devices, as well as high-speed/ large capacity 5G communication, there is an increasing demand in the market for flexible heat storage and smart temperature control materials. This study focuses on the development of pentaerythritol phosphate modified sustainable polyrotaxane as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage and thermal management. The results show that the modified polyrotaxanes exhibit enhanced flexibility, fire safety, and thermal conductivity compared to the pristine polyrotaxane, making them promising sustainable and fire safe shape-stable PCMs for thermal energy storage.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Danping Zhu, Qingqing Bi, Guang-Zhong Yin, Yan Jiang, Wanlu Fu, Na Wang, De-Yi Wang
Summary: In this study, magnesium hydroxide was functionalized with transition metals and polydopamine to improve the flame retardancy of epoxy resin. The resulting EP/MDH/MDH@Fe-PDA composites showed excellent dispersion and significantly reduced flammability.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guang-Zhong Yin, Alba Marta L. Lopez, Xiao-Mei Yang, Xiang Ao, Jose Hobson, De - Yi Wang
Summary: In this study, advanced phase change materials (PCMs) were fabricated by encapsulating poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) using polyrotaxane (PLR) as supports. The PCMs showed high phase change enthalpies and good form stabilities, and the preparation method was green and efficient. These PCMs can be widely applied in the field of thermal management for electronic devices.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ruilu Guo, Lixia Zhou, Jiwei Lin, Guangxin Chen, Zheng Zhou, Qifang Li
Summary: This study successfully prepared a high-strength and self-healing polysiloxane material containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which exhibited significant inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus. The modified polysiloxane showed good self-healing properties and excellent biocompatibility, suggesting its potential in the development of polysiloxane antimicrobial coatings.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jose Hobson, Guang-Zhong Yin, Xiaoli Yu, Xiaodong Zhou, Silvia Gonzalez Prolongo, Xiang Ao, De-Yi Wang
Summary: Rare earth oxide particles have gained significant attention due to their wide diversity of applications. In this study, cerium oxide was incorporated into EVA/MDH composites, resulting in improved flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and anti-ultraviolet aging performance. The addition of CeO2 significantly increased the elongation at break and Young's modulus of the composites, and reduced the peak heat release rate. The combination of CeO2 with MDH improved the filler-polymer interaction and dispersion, leading to enhanced mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and anti-ultraviolet aging performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiao-Mei Yang, Guang-Zhong Yin, Olga Zafra Amoros, Maria Arroyo Hernandez, Jimena de la Vega, Jose Manuel Torralba
Summary: In this study, ZnO@PDA core-shell submicron particles were successfully synthesized using a self-polymerization method. The incorporation of ZnO@PDA in PLA effectively controlled the degradation rate and improved the mechanical properties. ZnO@PDA/PLA samples showed higher tensile strength and elongation at break, and exhibited better antibacterial activity against Gram(+) bacteria compared to pure PLA.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Guang-Zhong Yin, Xiao-Mei Yang, Alba Marta Lopez, Javier Garcia Molleja, Antonio Vazquez-Lopez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: In this work, the limitations of phase change materials (PCMs) such as leakage and low thermal conductivity are overcome by using a polyrotaxane (PLR) as a support material to encapsulate Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1 k and blending different contents of Boron Nitride (BN) to enhance thermal conductivity. The resulting PCMs show high thermal performance, flexibility, shape stability, and improved thermal conductivity and flame retardancy. The PLR-PEG-BN materials are considered promising for industrial applications as thermal energy storage materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Mei Yang, Shuang Qiu, Abdulmalik Yusuf, Jun Sun, Zhongjie Zhai, Junhuan Zhao, Guang-Zhong Yin
Summary: The large-scale application of ecofriendly polymeric materials is a key focus of scientific research. Mechanical properties and fire safety are critical considerations for biopolymers. This study reviews the recent research on flame retardant functionalization and mechanical reinforcement of polylactic acid (PLA). It classifies PLA based on the type of flame retardant strategy employed and summarizes the latest advances in the fields of flame retardancy and mechanical reinforcement of PLA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiao-Mei Yang, Mei-Hui Zhou, Pedro Rincon Arevalo, Luis Soliverdi Mesa, Guang-Zhong Yin
Summary: Chitosan was used to improve the shape stability and load resistance of Polylactic acid aerogel encapsulated PCM. The CH-modified PCM exhibited high latent heat, excellent anti-leakage performance, stronger resistance to deformation in molten state, and improved anti-leakage performance under load. This material has great potential for practical application in building temperature regulation and solar energy capture.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guang-Zhong Yin, Xiao-Mei Yang, Alba Marta Lopez, Javier Garcia Molleja, Mei-Ting Wang, De-Yi Wang
Summary: This study aims to improve the low thermal conductivity and leakage problems of organic phase change materials (PCMs) by using polyrotaxane as a support material to encapsulate PEG, resulting in a leakage-proof PCM with increased thermal conductivity. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) significantly improves the thermal conductivity of the PCM and provides shape stability and no leakage during phase change. These improvements make PLR-PEG-GNP-based materials a promising candidate for thermal energy storage in industrial applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Xiang Ao, Junchen Xiao, Jose Hobson, Jimena de la Vega, Guangzhong Yin, Maria Luisa Puertas Cuadron, Antonio Esteban Cubillo, Carlos Gonzalez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: This study investigates the use of a bilayer protective coating to enhance the fire safety and post-fire mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs). The results show that the bilayer coating can delay the decomposition of the polymer matrix, while also providing good thermal insulation capabilities and retaining the original tensile strength.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Jose Luis Diaz Palencia, S. Rahman, M. Khan, Guang-Zhong Yin
Summary: This study aims to develop global regularity criteria for a two-dimensional Carreau fluid in a strip. By investigating the regularity criteria for Carreau fluids, a better understanding of the characteristics of non-Newtonian fluids can be achieved.
JOURNAL OF NONLINEAR MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
