Article
Polymer Science
Yang Ma, Ya-Nan Zhao, Xi-Man Yang, Jun-Fang Li, Xiao-Yan Wang, Yong Tang
Summary: In this study, we have developed a catalytic system (SaBOX/copper) that enables the efficient synthesis, degradation, and upcycling of a PMMA-based copolymer. The polymer is synthesized through atom transfer radical copolymerization of MMA and a-chloroacrylate, and can be thermally degraded under mild conditions to produce telechelic PMMA blocks with functional terminals. These blocks can then be used to prepare various structures of PMMA-based copolymers, demonstrating the potential for chemical upcycling. Overall, catalysis plays a crucial role in these achievements, showing significant superiority over commonly used copper catalysts.
Article
Polymer Science
Aurel Diacon, Edina Rusen, Florica Rizea, Adi Ghebaur, Daniela Berger, Raluca Somoghi, Andreea Matei, Petru Palade, Oana Tutunaru
Summary: The study developed an ATRP process for MMA polymerization using Fe(CO)(5) as co-initiator, demonstrating controlled characteristics and producing magnetic PMMA particles. The particles have porous characteristics and magnetic properties, making them suitable for use as catalyst supports, separation processes, or biomedical applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Xiong, Zhiwei Lin, Deniz Mostarac, Brian Minevich, Qiuyuan Peng, Guolong Zhu, Pedro A. Sanchez, Sofia Kantorovich, Yonggang Ke, Oleg Gang
Summary: The assembly of nanoscale objects into linear structures resembling molecular polymers is influenced by divalent interactions, such as those seen in Janus particles with binding patches on opposite sides. The study of DNA nanocuboids with tailorable multilinking bonds reveals that the characteristics of individual molecular linkages and their collective properties significantly impact nanomonomer reactivity and resulting morphologies. As the linkages lengthen, an effective increase in valence is observed in divalent nanomonomers, leading to nanopolymer bundling.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Stagi, Davide De Forni, Luca Malfatti, Francesca Caboi, Andrea Salis, Barbara Poddesu, Giulia Cugia, Franco Lori, Grazia Galleri, Plinio Innocenzi
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, has rapidly spread globally, leading to over 130 million cases and 3 million deaths. Various strategies, including community-based behaviors, antiviral treatments, and vaccines, are being used to combat the pandemic. While behavior-based measures and vaccines have shown success, there is an urgent need for effective treatments to address the limitations of existing antiviral options like Remdesivir.
Article
Polymer Science
Yi Wu, Bo Liu, Dongmei Cui
Summary: The ultrafast synthesis of core cross-linked star poly(p-methylstyrene) (s-PMS) with syndiotactic arms was achieved through a coupling reaction between the active species of metal-poly(p-methylstyrene) and the cross-linker of divinylbenzene (DVB). By controlling the molecular weight, DVB loading, and coupling time, narrowly distributed s-PMS with high yield was obtained. Compared to linear PMS, s-PMS with the same molecular weight has lower solution viscosity and smaller hydrodynamic radius.
Article
Polymer Science
Chengqiang Ding, Yuhan Yan, Yuhao Peng, Danming Wu, Hang Shen, Jiandong Zhang, Zhao Wang, Zhengbiao Zhang
Summary: In this study, a well-controlled piezoelectrically mediated reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization (piezoRAFT) was successfully conducted using piezoelectric ZnO nanoparticles as the mechanochemical transducer under ultrasonic agitation. The resulting polymer exhibited high end-group fidelity, low dispersity, and capacity for chain extension. The generation of alkyl radicals through electron transfer process from piezoelectric nanoparticles to alkyl bromide was confirmed by various characterization techniques.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Milad Babazadeh-Mamaqani, Hossein Roghani-Mamaqani, Amin Abdollahi, Mehdi Salami-Kalajahi
Summary: In this study, photochromic polymer nanoparticles were synthesized using reverse atom transfer radical polymerization and doping of spiropyran during nanoprecipitation. The results demonstrated that the particle size, pH of the medium, and copolymer composition significantly affected the photochromic properties. Additionally, nanoparticles with hydroxyl or amine functional groups showed high efficiency for pH chemosensor applications. Photochromic cellulosic papers prepared from the nanoparticles were highly applicable for acid vapor detection.
Article
Polymer Science
Yi-Shen Huang, Chih-Feng Huang
Summary: In this study, controlled/living radical polymerization of PDMS was successfully achieved using the SARA ATRP method, resulting in an ABA block copolymer. The cured composites exhibited good thermal properties and different curing agents led to reaction-induced microphase separation or self-assembly mechanisms. An interesting observation was the formation of ordered nanospheres in PN-cured composites.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoqiang Xue, Mingjian Feng, Hongting Pu, Fangli Cheng, Wenyan Huang, Hongjun Yang, Li Jiang, Qimin Jiang, Bibiao Jiang, Sridhar Komarneni
Summary: In this study, well-defined branched polystyrenes (BPS) were synthesized by combining self-condensing atom transfer radical copolymerization (ATRP) and Diels-Alder (DA)/retro-Diels-Alder (r-DA) reactions. The controlled synthesis of BPS with different morphologies was achieved through temperature induction, and the resulting BPS exhibited distinctive rheological behaviors in the melt and solution.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Min-Gi Jeon, Rezaul Md. Kabir, Shinik Kim, Artavazd Kirakosyan, Chang-Yeon Kim, Sang Moon Lee, Dong-Hyun Lee, Yeonho Kim, Jihoon Choi
Summary: A new strategy was developed to synthesize PMMA-grafted mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) infiltrated with CsPbX3 nanocrystals (NCs) with excellent photostability. The PMMA brushes on the surface of CsPbX3-SiO2 NPs improved wettability and processing properties, providing novel opportunities for low-cost and simple solution-processable multifunctional fluorescence materials.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christian Andersen, Libor Zverina, Koosha Ehtiati, Esben Thormann, Hanne Mordhorst, Sunje J. Pamp, Niels J. Madsen, Anders E. Daugaard
Summary: PDMS is a versatile material for biomedical devices, but its hydrophobic nature makes it prone to microbial colonization. This study presents a new method of introducing an ATRP initiator onto the PDMS surface and grafting PDMAEMA brushes using SI-SARA-ATRP to enhance antimicrobial properties. The fast reaction rate and increased antimicrobial activity demonstrate the potential for full-scale exploitation of PDMS in biomedical devices.
Article
Polymer Science
Amrish Kumar Padmakumar, Nikhil K. Singha, Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Frank A. Leibfarth, Greg G. Qiao
Summary: Advances in nanomolecular engineering have led to the development of technology using ultrasonic irradiation to initiate polymerization. In this study, ultrasound-assisted reversible addition chain-transfer (Sono-RAFT) polymerization was used to compare batch and continuous flow polymerization methods on monomer conversion, polymer molar mass, and dispersity using different monomer substrates. Results showed that continuous flow polymerization had higher monomer conversion compared to batch reactions under the same conditions. Continuous flow reactors with stainless-steel microreactors provided higher cavitation intensity and lower oxygen contamination, making Sono-RAFT possible at higher monomer concentrations. These findings have implications for mechanochemistry and the practical and sustainable implementation of sonochemically regulated polymerization.
Article
Polymer Science
Murat Misir, Sevil Savaskan Yilmaz, Ahmet Bilgin
Summary: Novel bifunctional polymer initiators were synthesized and used to prepare block copolymers with different compositions. The extraction abilities of the polymers for heavy metal picrates were investigated under liquid-liquid phase conditions.
Review
Polymer Science
Chris William Anderson Bainbridge, Andika Wangsadijaya, Neil Broderick, Jianyong Jin
Summary: Controlled radical polymerization techniques are widely used in polymer research and development. However, their application in crosslinked polymer networks, which allows versatile post-production modifications, has received less attention. These living polymer networks can be classified into parent and daughter networks, and the use of atom transfer radical polymerization and reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization has been most common. The future potential of living polymer networks is also discussed.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cansu Aydogan, Gorkem Yilmaz, Ataulla Shegiwal, David M. Haddleton, Yusuf Yagci
Summary: The application of photochemistry in polymer synthesis offers unique advantages compared to thermochemistry, allowing for precise control over macromolecular structure and chain length while also being environmentally friendly. Recent research has focused on utilizing photocontrolled living radical and cationic polymerizations for polymer synthesis.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Mustafa Kalay, Abidin Esidir, Mahmut Ruzi, N. Burak Kiremitler, Mustafa Serdar Onses
Summary: This study proposes stable and addressable polymer PUFs, utilizing a cross-linkable polymer system, which demonstrates high stochastic characteristics and low-cost production. The performance of the polymer features is evaluated through various analyses, and direct image authentication is achieved using feature matching algorithms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingyu Jin, Guoqiang Lu, Jun Nie, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: Photopolymerization technology is limited in the fields of food packaging and biomedicine due to the high migration of small molecules from photoinitiators. In this study, a polymerizable 2-vinyl thioxanthone (ETX) was synthesized to improve the migration stability of photoinitiators. Macromolecular photoinitiators (PPI1, PPI2) were also prepared to further reduce migration. The results showed that the ETX/TEOA system had higher initiation performance and PPI2 displayed favorable initiation ability. Additionally, the migration of ETX, PPI1, and PPI2 in photocured film was significantly reduced. These low-migration photoinitiators have potential applications in the fields of food packaging and biological materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijie Li, Jun Nie, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: This study focuses on the development of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. A polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, and three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) were synthesized based on VBP. The results show that these new photoinitiators have stronger absorption ability compared to benzophenone and significantly reduce the migration of initiators and co-initiators, addressing the safety concerns caused by migration.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Seira Morimune-Moriya, Yuki Iwahashi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Daisuke Ogawa, Keiji Nakamura
Summary: This study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the structure/properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites with ultra-low content of CNTs. The results show that plasma treatment introduces isocyanate groups on the surface of CNTs and enhances the interfacial interaction between PI and treated CNTs. This leads to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with even a small addition of treated CNTs showing a substantial increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and toughness.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanlong Li, Chaojie Chen, Guoqing Cui, Li Liu, Chao Zhou, Guangfeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel ion-conducting hydrogel was fabricated using a straightforward approach. The hydrogel showed excellent tensile properties and high toughness due to physical interactions and covalent binding. Additionally, the introduction of hydroxyethyl cellulose and lithium chloride improved the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and frost resistance of the hydrogel, demonstrating its potential for cold climate applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Dengwei Yan, Jinxian Yang, Xuejun Pan, Xiaozheng Duan, Lianwei Li, Mo Zhu
Summary: The influence of backbone length on grafting efficiency during the graft-onto reaction process was investigated. It was found that the polydispersity effect of backbone length does not affect the final grafting efficiency, indicating that the local dynamics of chain segments dominate the graft-onto process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyi Luo, Xianjie Pan, Fanqi Liu, Quanxi Yi, Yanning Zeng, Yunhua Chen, Chaoyang Wang
Summary: This study provides a method to prepare high-performance epoxy materials with good malleability and thermal stability. The materials have self-healing and welding capabilities, thanks to the addition of specific chemical bonds and network structures. They exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commercial epoxy resins and show great potential for sustainable industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaoji Xiong, Hao Wang, Lihua Deng, Kun Liang, Chunhua Wu, Wei Wu, Qian Chen
Summary: In this study, four polyamides were synthesized and their adsorption performances for Hg2+ in aqueous systems were investigated. The polyamides exhibited high adsorption capacities and excellent reusability, with the involvement of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the chemical adsorption process of Hg2+.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Siim Laanesoo, Olivier Bonjour, Rauno Sedrik, Iris Tamsalu, Patric Jannasch, Lauri Vares
Summary: The insertion of rigid aliphatic or aromatic building blocks in polymer structures is an effective way to synthesize high -Tg polymer materials. In this study, a series of isosorbide-2-aryl carboxylate-5-methacrylate monomers (ArIMAs) were synthesized by functionalizing isosorbide 5-methacrylate with various aromatic lignin-inspired esters. These monomers were polymerized to obtain high molecular-weight poly(aryl carboxylate isosorbide methacrylates) (PArIMAs). The resulting polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and thermal stability, making them suitable for use as high-performance plastics and coatings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuqian Wu, Weijie Xu, Jianliang Li, Zhangfeng Zhong, Liqing Huang, Shengke Li, Huaping Tan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of degradation and drug release characteristics of dynamic Schiff base-mediated natural polysaccharide hydrogels using tannic acid (TA), leading to enhanced stability and functionality.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhang, Xiangli Kong, Xin Zhou, Yiyan Gao, Yibo Sun, Guanghui Gao, Wei Liu, Kai Shi
Summary: Conductive hydrogels have great development prospects in flexible strain sensors, but long-term direct contact with human skin can cause bacterial infection. A hydrogel with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and toughness was designed and manufactured using a freeze-thaw method. The hydrogel maintains tensile properties and fatigue resistance at low temperatures and is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, hydrogel sensors can be used to monitor human movements.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Jiangang Yu, Mingyang Wu, Rui Li, Anqiang Zhang, Yaling Lin
Summary: In this study, polyacrylamide containing quaternary ammonium salts (PAM-X) were synthesized and found to effectively inhibit soil-borne pathogenic fungi while maintaining the balance of microbial population in soil. PAM-X also showed low toxicity to earthworms and fish, providing a new method for the prevention and control of soil-borne fungal diseases.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawen He, Haojie Yu, Li Wang, Jian Yang, Yanhui Zhang, Wenbing Huang, Chenguang Ouyang
Summary: This review discusses the use of polymeric hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), including the mechanism of water sorption, fabrication methods, and strategies for optimizing the structure of hydrogels. The extended applications of hygroscopic photothermal hydrogels, such as agricultural irrigation and dehumidification, are also explored. The challenges and prospects of using polymeric hydrogels for AWH are summarized.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Du, Shuaishuai Lu, Yuanna Sun, Qingshan Li, Xinhai He
Summary: This study introduces a method to improve the performance of hydrogels by incorporating proline, resulting in hydrogels with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and long-term stability. The hydrogel remains flexible and conductive even at ultra-low temperatures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)