Review
Polymer Science
Koichi Mayumi, Chang Liu, Yusuke Yasuda, Kohzo Ito
Summary: Slide-ring (SR) gels cross-linked by ring molecules exhibit softness, elasticity, and toughness, which are closely related to the dynamic sliding of molecular-level cross-links. The low Young's modulus and large fracture energy can be expressed by simple equations based on the degree of sliding movement. The fast sliding motion of cross-links leads to elasticity, and the dynamic fracture behaviors reveal a micro-second time scale of sliding dynamics.
Article
Polymer Science
Rong-hao Song, Zhi-hua Liu, Xue Geng, Lin Ye, Ai-ying Zhang, Zeng-guo Feng
Summary: The use of slide-ring (SR) structure as an energy dissipation unit has the potential to toughen and damp a variety of polymer materials.
Article
Electrochemistry
Zining Man, Hao Tian, Xingbao Zhu, Yu Wang, Yuanguo Wu, Xiangyu Wen, Zhe Lu
Summary: This study proposes a new solid electrolyte material for solid-state batteries, addressing the issues of low ionic conductivity and weak interface contact. The electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity and stable electrochemical window, leading to improved performance and cycling stability.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karan Dikshit, Carson J. Bruns
Summary: The gelation kinetics of a slide-ring organogel derived from cyclodextrin-based polyrotaxanes were measured using chemorheology. The experimental parameters were mapped to kinetics and mechanical properties, providing a basis for the rational design of slide-ring networks through parameter selection.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jakob-Anhtu Tran, Jeppe Madsen, Anne Ladegaard Skov
Summary: A method for producing vinyl functional polyrotaxane cross-linkers compatible with polysiloxanes has been presented, allowing for the fabrication of highly extensible silicone films with favorable dielectric properties. These novel cross-linkers provide a robust platform for producing a new class of sliding silicone elastomers with well-defined network structures.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianmei Li, Zijian Wang, Qingsong Tong, Luyi Yang, Mengqi Zhu, Hai Lin, Feng Gao, Jingzheng Weng
Summary: This study addresses the safety issue of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by developing a novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with good thermal stability. The GPE exhibits excellent thermal stability at high temperatures and demonstrates outstanding electrochemical performance in different types of cells. It shows great potential for applications in lithium metal batteries with high safety and good cycle life.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuichi Uehara, Yang Wang, Yusuke Ootani, Nobuki Ozawa, Momoji Kubo
Summary: Slide-ring (SR) gels with slidable cross-linked cyclic molecules have higher fracture toughness and ultimate strength. The fracture mechanism of SR gels is determined by the chain-ends, where cross-linked and un-cross-linked cyclic molecules slide and induce stress concentrations. Low-coverage SR gels exhibit higher fracture toughness and ultimate strength due to the prevention of cross-linked cyclic molecules from sliding. The low-coverage SR gels also show higher orientation towards the strain direction, contributing to the uniform distribution of mechanical stress.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sudeshna Sen, Felix H. Richter
Summary: The field of battery research is thriving, with many new battery concepts emerging. A unified typology of battery types and corresponding symbols is proposed to provide clarity and facilitate understanding in this dynamic field. This typology is based on the ion conduction mechanism of the electrolyte and is applicable to any battery system.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kun Tang, Jimin Fu, Mingzai Wu, Tao Hua, Jun Liu, Li Song, Haibo Hu
Summary: A novel hydrogel electrolyte consisting of dual-network crosslinked polymers has been developed for flexible solid-state Zn-air batteries, achieving significant improvements in energy efficiency and mechanical tolerance. The batteries exhibit enhanced cycle life and mechanical durability, showcasing promise for future practical applications.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Samuel C. Lamont, Kyle Weishaar, Carson J. Bruns, Franck J. Vernerey
Summary: We investigate the mechanics and damage mechanism of slide-ring gels by proposing a discrete model that considers both crosslink motion and internal chain sliding. The model describes the constitutive behavior of polymer chains and crosslinked rings undergoing large deformation, including rupture criteria to capture the damage. Our analysis reveals that the damage mechanism in slide-ring units depends on the loading rate, segment distribution, and inclusion ratio. The failure is driven by damage to crosslinked rings at slow loading rates, while polymer chain scission dominates at fast loading rates. Increasing the strength of crosslinked rings may enhance the material toughness.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Young-Woong Song, Sung-Won Kang, Kookjin Heo, Jongkwan Lee, Min-Young Kim, Dahee Hwang, Su-Jin Kim, Jaekook Kim, Jinsub Lim
Summary: In this study, the impact of using LiFePO4 nanoparticles on the electrochemical properties of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with a solid electrolyte was investigated. LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode materials have potential in polymer-based composite solid electrolytes due to their limited electrochemical window range. However, LFP cathodes suffer from poor electric conductivity and slow lithium ion diffusion. Additionally, poor contact between LFP cathode material and solid electrolyte leads to increased interfacial resistance. It was found that the use of nano-sized LFP cathode material improves contact area and enhances lithium ion diffusion in the positive electrode of the ASSB.
Letter
Polymer Science
Danyang Chen, Sergey Panyukov, Liel Sapir, Michael Rubinstein
Summary: Slide-ring gels are polymer networks with cross links that can slide along the chains. In contrast to conventional unentangled networks with fixed cross-links, slide-ring networks have a strain-softening behavior and distribute tension more uniformly due to the pulley effect. The sliding of cross-links also reduces the elastic modulus compared to conventional networks with the same number density of cross-links and elastic strands. A single-chain model is developed to explain the redistribution of monomers between network strands, taking into account both the pulley effect and fluctuations in the number of monomers per strand.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yi Zhang, Yong Chen, Hui Zhang, Lei Chen, Qiyu Bo, Yu Liu
Summary: A solid slide-ring supramolecular elastomer with excellent tensile property, toughness, and fatigue resistance has been constructed. It exhibits reversible mechano-induced fluorescence changes and highly reversible mechano-induced regulation of energy transfer. This bifunctional mechanochromic slide-ring supramolecular elastomer has the intrinsic superiority of slide-ring into fatigue resistant mechanoresponsive strain sensing materials.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Longfei Han, Yongyu Liu, Can Liao, Yonghui Zhao, Yukun Cao, Yongchun Kan, Jixin Zhu, Yuan Hu
Summary: In this study, an ultra-thin and highly safe PEO/LiTFSI/3% NH4PF6 @PA6 polymer solid electrolyte was prepared. Compared to conventional electrolytes, this polymer electrolyte is only 7 gm thick, leading to lower cell impedance and higher energy density. The Li//PEO/LiTFSI/3% NH4PF6 @PA6//Li cell shows excellent cycling stability at 60 degrees C and the PEO-based electrolyte with 3 wt% NH4PF6 addition exhibits high fire safety, even under extreme conditions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuo Li, Jialong Fu, Xiaoyan Zhou, Siwei Gui, Lu Wei, Hui Yang, Hong Li, Xin Guo
Summary: Polymer-based solid electrolytes have shown great promise for next-generation batteries due to their good safety, high interfacial compatibility, low cost, and facile processability. However, a mechanistic understanding of the ionic conduction is still lacking, hindering the design and optimization of polymer-based solid electrolytes. This comprehensive review summarizes and evaluates the ionic conduction mechanisms and optimization strategies of various polymer-based solid electrolytes, highlighting challenges and strategies for enhancing the ionic conductivity.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuntaro Uenuma, Rina Maeda, Hideaki Yokoyama, Kohzo Ito
Summary: Pseudopolyrotaxane nanosheets (PPRNS) are ultra-thin 2D materials fabricated through the supramolecular self-assembly of beta-CD and polyethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers. These nanosheets exhibit a molecular recognition absorption property for fluorescent probes, making them suitable for adsorption of toxic compounds, drug delivery systems, and 2D sensors.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chang Liu, Hideaki Yokoyama, Koichi Mayumi, Kohzo Ito
Summary: In the study on slide-ring gels, it was found that the fracture toughness decreases significantly when crack velocities exceed a critical value, as the sliding motion of the rings cannot keep up with the high deformation rates. From the critical transition velocity, the characteristic time scale of sliding dynamics was estimated to be on the order of microseconds under the assumption of single-layer fracture.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Glendimar Molero, Chia-Ying Tsai, Cong Liu, Hung-Jue Sue, Shuntaro Uenuma, Koichi Mayumi, Kohzo Ito
Summary: The mechanical and scratch behaviors of polyrotaxane (PR) modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were systematically investigated in this study. The findings suggest that the methacrylate functional group on PR induces favorable molecular interactions with the PMMA matrix, leading to improved tensile and compressive properties and significantly enhanced scratch resistance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Taku Goto, Yuta Hidaka, Lan Jiang, Rina Maeda, Koichi Mayumi, Tsuyohito Ito, Yoshiki Shimizu, Kohzo Ito, Yukiya Hakuta, Kazuo Terashima
Summary: The slide-ring (SR) effect in composite materials is demonstrated by comparing the mechanical properties of plasma-modified boron nitride (p-BN)/SR elastomers with p-BN/fixed crosslinked (FC) elastomer composite materials. The toughness of p-BN/SR was found to be 7 times that of p-BN/FC. Plasma-surface modification of BN formed crosslinking points to the SR, enhancing the molecular mobility of SR in the composite materials.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Taku Goto, Noritaka Sakakibara, Kenichi Inoue, Koichi Mayumi, Yoshiki Shimizu, Tsuyohito Ito, Kohzo Ito, Yukiya Hakuta, Kazuo Terashima
Summary: A novel freeze-casting method was developed to create flexible and tough composite materials with vertically aligned thermally conductive pathways, showing low Young's modulus and high thermal conductivity. This method is suitable for various polymers and fillers, promising for the development of porous composite elastomers with out-of-plane aligned thermal pathways.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Glendimar Molero, Cong Liu, Zewen Zhu, Qihui Chen, Suzanne R. Peterson, Pavan Kolluru, Hung-Jue Sue, Shuntaro Uenuma, Koichi Mayumi, Kohzo Ito
Summary: The fracture behavior of polyrotaxane (PR)-modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was investigated. By adding only 1 wt % of PR to the PMMA matrix, substantial improvement in fracture toughness was achieved while maintaining modulus and transparency. The interaction between PR and PMMA contributes to higher molecular mobility and enhanced molecular cooperativity, leading to the formation of massive crazing and improved fracture toughness.
Article
Polymer Science
Naoki Ando, Shuntaro Uenuma, Hideaki Yokoyama, Kohzo Ito
Summary: In this study, we investigated the disassembly mechanism of a pseudo-polyrotaxane nanosheet (PPRNS) upon heating. The results showed that the PPRNS exhibited structural changes in two temperature ranges due to the anisotropy of the topological constraint.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takako Noritomi, Lan Jiang, Hideaki Yokoyama, Koichi Mayumi, Kohzo Ito
Summary: A high-yield one-pot synthesis of polyrotaxane (PR) with controllable hpCD threading ratios is reported in this work. The hpCD threading ratio of the PRs can be controlled over a wide range by tuning the hpCD concentration in the pPR solutions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keishi Akada, Kosuke Yamazoe, Jun Miyawaki, Rina Maeda, Kohzo Ito, Yoshihisa Harada
Summary: This study used synchrotron soft X-ray emission spectroscopy to study the hydrogen-bonded structure of water surrounding loop-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) chains in polyrotaxanes. It was found that the confined space within the polymer loop can influence the hydrogen-bonded structure of water, potentially allowing for control of the biocompatibility of loop-shaped polymers.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Xiyang Sun, Yingtao Liu, Chang Liu, Koichi Mayumi, Kohzo Ito, Akinao Nose, Hiroshi Kohsaka
Summary: This study proposes a neurochemical model based on physical measurements to study locomotion in soft-bodied animals and soft robot engineering. The study characterizes the kinematics and biomechanical properties of Drosophila larvae and develops a mathematical model that accurately reproduces experimental observations.
Article
Polymer Science
Masayuki Saito, Kohzo Ito, Hideaki Yokoyama
Summary: The structure-property relationship of ultrathin films of polystyrene-b-polyisoprene-b-polystyrene (SIS) is established in this study, and the effects of film thickness and strain rate on mechanical properties are investigated.
Article
Polymer Science
Ahmed Fouad Abdelwahab Mohammed, Mahmoud H. Othman, Toru Taharabaru, Khaled M. Elamin, Kohzo Ito, Masamichi Inoue, Mahmoud El-Badry, Khaled I. Saleh, Risako Onodera, Keiichi Motoyama, Taishi Higashi
Summary: In this study, folate-appended polyrotaxanes (Fol-PRX) were developed to stabilize CDE/siRNA polyplex, which enhanced the in vivo antitumor activity of the polyplex after intravenous administration. The intermolecular connection of the polyplex with Fol-PRX provided movable folate moieties on the surface, suggesting their utility as the dual-functional materials for systemic delivery of siRNA polyplexes.
Article
Polymer Science
Kenichi Inoue, Tsuyohito Ito, Yoshiki Shimizu, Kohzo Ito, Kazuo Terashima
Summary: This study demonstrates a new type of cross-linking-filler composite material that achieves both flexibility and thermal conductivity through covalent bonds between the filler and polymer chains. The composite material, fabricated using functionalized hexagonal boron nitride fillers and slide-ring polymers, reduces the use of cross-linking agents and exhibits high flexibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kazuaki Kato, Tomoki Mizusawa, Akihiro Ohara, Kohzo Ito
Summary: Selective modifications to the polybutadiene-based polyrotaxane introduced strong interactions between the host cyclodextrin and the threading guest polymer, influencing the mobility of the threading polymer within the glassy host framework and resulting in different mechanical properties.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Koichi Mayumi, Chang Liu, Yusuke Yasuda, Kohzo Ito
Summary: Slide-ring (SR) gels cross-linked by ring molecules exhibit softness, elasticity, and toughness, which are closely related to the dynamic sliding of molecular-level cross-links. The low Young's modulus and large fracture energy can be expressed by simple equations based on the degree of sliding movement. The fast sliding motion of cross-links leads to elasticity, and the dynamic fracture behaviors reveal a micro-second time scale of sliding dynamics.
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.
