Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Xiang Ou, Yunxuan Weng, Jian-Bing Zeng, Yi-Dong Li
Summary: Improved compatibility and interfacial adhesion of PLA/lignin composites were achieved through reactive compatibilization with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as a compatibilizer. The interfacial reaction of ENR with both PLA and lignin was confirmed by morphology analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation and increase in the content of ENR significantly enhanced the compatibility, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical properties of the composites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mateus A. Hofmann, Abu T. Shahid, Mario Garrido, Maria J. Ferreira, Joao R. Correia, Joao C. Bordado
Summary: Reducing dependency on petroleum-based monomers and crosslinkers is an important goal for the plastics industry. This paper presents the development of unsaturated polyesters (UPs) and their crosslinked resins (UPRs) based on renewable resources, which exhibit similar thermal and mechanical properties to petrochemical counterparts, making them greener alternatives for high-performance applications.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Maria Laura Di Lorenzo
Summary: PLLA and PBS are biodegradable, compostable, and biocompatible polymers that have complementary properties, making blending them an opportunity to exploit their favorable characteristics. However, research on the properties of PLLA/PBS blends has yielded contradictory results, creating complexity in their utilization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed Aouay, Albert Magnin, Jean-Luc Putaux, Sami Boufi
Summary: The nucleating aptitude for poly-L-(lactic acid) (PLLA) of various biobased nanoparticles with different morphologies and surface properties was investigated in this study. The results showed that cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose nanofibrils without lignin exhibited the lowest crystallization half-time and the most effective nucleating ability. Additionally, the surface energy components of the nanofillers were found to be related to their nucleating ability. The rheological properties of different compositions, as well as the mechanical and optical properties of films with and without annealing treatment, were also studied.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hailan Kang, Xiaoli Miao, Jiahuan Li, Donghan Li, Qinghong Fang
Summary: A series of sustainable and reprocessible thermoplastic polyester elastomers P(BF-PBSS) were synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, revealing a microstructure with two domains. The mechanical properties of P(BF-PBSS) could be tailored by adjusting the content of soft segment PBSS. These materials have the potential to be applied in biomedical materials due to their renewable nature and good tensile properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kun Chen, Cheng Zhou, Lan Yao, Mengfan Jing, Chuntai Liu, Changyu Shen, Yaming Wang
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based ternary blends were prepared and the phase structures and mechanical properties were investigated. The PLA/PCL/EMA-GMA (80/5/15) blend exhibited the best elongation at break and impact toughness among all compositions, and showed excellent stiffness-toughness balance. The formation of core-shell structures and interfacial adhesion contributed to the toughening mechanism in the ternary blends. This study provides guidance for the preparation and design of partially renewable supertough materials based on PLA that can compete with conventional petro-derived plastics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Ziqi Xu, Zhizhou Yang, Ben Liu, Wentao Hu, Junqing Wang, Jing Su, Ruiming Wang
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of poly (10-hydroxy-2-decenoate) (PHDA) through melt polycondensation of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) was optimized, and PHDA was used to fabricate crosslinked polyester films via thermal- or photocuring. The physical properties of PHDA were significantly affected by the polymerization conditions, particularly temperature. By optimizing the reaction conditions, polymers with high molecular weights of 4.182 x 104 (±0.324%) and 1.588 x 104 (±1.737%) Da were obtained. Structural, thermomechanical, and mechanical characterization revealed that the crosslinked polyester films exhibited comparable tensile properties to existing biobased plastics, with a maximum tensile strength of 29.3 MPa and an elongation at break of 331.0%. The films also showed excellent thermal stability, suggesting the potential of PHDA as an alternative to traditional petrochemically derived polymers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiuyuan Huang, Satoshi Kimura, Tadahisa Iwata
Summary: This study successfully enhanced the biodegradability of polyesters in seawater by thermally embedding HiC, potentially reducing their contribution to environmental problems such as marine microplastics.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Apisit Banpean, Bongkot Hararak, Charinee Winotapun, Pawarisa Wijaranakul, Siriporn Kitchaicharoenporn, Sumonman Naimlang
Summary: Softwood lignin nanoparticles (SLNs) and microparticles (SLMs) were incorporated into poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) composite films to enhance crystallizability. The addition of 1.0 wt.% SLNs increased PLLA crystallinity by 9%. This study highlights the potential of SLNs as bio-additives for developing fully biobased and biodegradable plastics.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Laura Aliotta, Gianluca Fasano, Filip Miketa, Filip Brkic, Rafael Alonso, Marco Romei, Patrizia Cinelli, Ilaria Canesi, Vito Gigante, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: Poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PLA/PBSA) blends are promising for film packaging due to their flexibility, resistance, and compostability. The blends were tested in terms of melt flow rate as a function of PBSA content, both through mini-extrusion and injection molding cycles. The results showed negligible variation in melt fluidity and thermo-mechanical properties for up to 3 injection molding cycles, with evident color changes in the blend.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel H. Weinland, Kevin van der Maas, Yue Wang, Bruno Bottega Pergher, Robert-Jan van Putten, Bing Wang, Gert-Jan M. Gruter
Summary: This study presents an innovative synthesis strategy to overcome the low reactivity of secondary diols in polyester synthesis, enabling the production of fully biobased polyesters with high molecular weights. The addition of an aryl alcohol during esterification promotes chain growth and facilitates the formation of high molecular weight polyesters. This method has broad applicability for aliphatic polyesters based on isosorbide and isomannide, and could be a significant step towards the commercialization of fully biobased, rigid polyesters.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Han-Seung Ko, Sangwoon Lee, Doyoung Lee, Jae Young Jho
Summary: By introducing PGA fibers and HA into PLA composites and modifying HA, the tensile and flexural strength of PLA/HA-g-PLA composites were improved, along with enhancing the interfacial adhesion between HA and the PLA matrix.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Azalea Uva, Angela Lin, Helen Tran
Summary: In this study, biodegradable and biobased poly(azomethine)s were synthesized using carotenoid and p-phenylenediamine-based monomers, and solubility was tuned by varying the side chain lengths. The maximum solubilities were quantitatively determined by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Acid hydrolysis and artificial sunlight were found to accelerate the degradation of the polymer and generate additional degradation products. Carotenoid monomers are shown to be viable candidates for the design of biobased, degradable, and conjugated polymers.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Yangze Huang, Chenyang Cai, Zechang Wei, Pei Wang, Leixin Deng, Yongqin Wang, Yu Fu
Summary: The study introduced a novel approach of constructing lignin-based complexes to enhance the toughness and strength of PLA matrix, resulting in strong and tough composite films with improved UV absorption properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michael Rhein, Anton Demharter, Benjamin Felker, Michael A. . R. . Meier
Summary: A route towards fully biobased aromatic polyester polyols was investigated using sugar-based 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and diethylene glycol (DEG), and the processability was improved through optimization of reaction conditions and copolymerization. The fully biobased polyester polyols can substitute petroleum-based aromatic polyester polyols in PIR applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(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)