Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuma Ueno, Hayato Nakazaki, Hina Onozaki, Shingo Tamesue
Summary: Researchers developed a growable adhesive gel system using RAFT polymerization, which can change its characteristics similar to human growth. The adhesive joint grown by RAFT polymerization showed higher adhesive strength and a function of thermal responsiveness compared to non-RAFT-polymerized adhesive joint. These growable adhesive gel systems enable long-term use of gel materials while adapting to environmental changes.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhiying Li, Qianjin Lian, Youwei Xu, Yichuan Zhang, Pengfei Zhang, Jin Geng
Summary: A robust aggregation-induced emission luminogen photoaddition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization was investigated, resulting in the preparation of a variety of well-defined polymers with narrow polydispersities (D < 1.20). The use of low concentrations of a donor-acceptor (D-A) type aggregation-induced emission luminogen as a photocatalyst enabled polymerization under visible light at ambient temperature. Previous studies have mainly focused on organic solvents, with fewer investigations conducted in aqueous environments. This study successfully demonstrated the polymerization strategy in water with or without oxygen, leading to the synthesis of structure-controlled polymers. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of DCDPP-2TPA increased linearly with the degree of polymerization.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sarthik Samanta, Sovan Lal Banerjee, Koushik Bhattacharya, Nikhil K. Singha
Summary: A new waterborne epoxy-based fluorescent adhesive, synthesized via surfactant-free miniemulsion polymerization and decorated with graphene quantum dots, shows transparency, easy detection, and excellent adhesion strength. The addition of GQDs enhances the adhesive performance, making it a promising contrivance for art conservators in repairing or reconstructing artifacts.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruoyu Li, Weina Kong, Zesheng An
Summary: This Minireview discusses the key roles enzymes play in reversible deactivation radical polymerization (Enz-RDRP) and highlights their applications in surface brush fabrication, sensing, polymerization-induced self-assembly, and high-throughput synthesis. The authors also reflect on the challenges and future directions of this emerging area.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Arne Wolpers, Florian Baffie, Vincent Monteil, Franck D'Agosto
Summary: In this study, a dithiocarbamate chain transfer agent was used to synthesize statistical and diblock copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, achieving various polymer compositions through good chain growth control, including linear diblock copolymers and a three-arm star copolymer.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Edgar Molle, Stefan Frech, Tilman Grueger, Patrick Theato
Summary: The study presents a straightforward electrochemically-initiated radical polymerization method for three reactive monomers, demonstrating the successful post-polymerization modifications of the obtained polymers to highlight the applicability of this method for highly reactive monomers.
Article
Polymer Science
Kazunori Masuko, Chiharu Kumano, Ryo Sugawara, Kazuhiro Nakabayashi, Hideharu Mori
Summary: A variety of amino-acid-based amphiphilic diblock copolymer nano-objects with different morphologies were prepared through RAFT dispersion polymerization of styrene in methanol, utilizing six different hydrophilic poly(N-acryloyl amino acid) macro-chain transfer agents. The effects of polymerization conditions, monomer conversion, and concentration were systematically studied to achieve the formation of nano-objects with various morphologies. By transforming the products from methanol to water, pH-responsive morphological changes were observed in the aqueous solution.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pinar Akarsu, Stefan Reinicke, Anne-Catherine Lehnen, Marek Bekir, Alexander Boeker, Matthias Hartlieb, Martin Reifarth
Summary: The study demonstrates a feasible method to fabricate patchy silicon dioxide microspheres, which can be equipped with tailor-made polymeric materials as patches. The method relies on a solid-state supported microcontact printing (μCP) routine optimized for the transfer of functional groups to capillary-active substrates, introducing amino functionalities as patches to a monolayer of particles. Acting as anchor groups for polymerization, photo-iniferter reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) is used to graft polymer from the patch areas. The protocol promises a vast degree of freedom in engineering the surface properties of highly functional patchy particles, making it a platform technology for the fabrication of particles with locally precisely formed patches.
Article
Polymer Science
Patrizia P. Smith, Stephen G. Boyes
Summary: Amphiphilic block copolymers were successfully synthesized using a dual initiator chain transfer agent. Comprehensive kinetics studies provided valuable insights into factors influencing the synthesis of well-defined block copolymers, as well as the ability to produce poly(lactide) blocks of different molecular weights. The role of the chain transfer agent in facilitating the complex and sterically demanding RAFT polymerization of PEGEEMA was also examined through kinetics monitoring.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiuxian Zhao, Junhua Sun, Jiachen Ma, Tongyao Liu, Zeyi Guo, Zhen Yang, Wei Yao, Xuchuan Jiang
Summary: Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is considered as a promising material for smart windows. However, its real application is hindered by several limitations. In this study, core-shell structured VO2@PMMA-b-PHFBMA nanoparticles with excellent properties were prepared using a RAFT polymerization method. The addition of a F-containing polymer shell improved the stability and compatibility of the VO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, a photochromic and hydrophobic copolymer was synthesized and coated onto the VO2 nanoparticles to create an energy-saving composite film. The composite film showed high solar modulation efficiency, making it a highly promising application for smart windows.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zexi Zhang, Kaixuan Chen, Bruno Ameduri, Mao Chen
Summary: Fluorinated polymeric nanoparticles (FPNPs) combine the properties of fluorocarbon and polymeric nanoparticles. Well-defined FPNPs with complex structures, compositions, morphologies, and functionalities can be obtained through reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRPs). These FPNPs have promising applications in magnetic resonance imaging, biomedical delivery, energy storage, etc.
Article
Polymer Science
Alexandros E. Alexakis, Olivia R. Wilson, Eva Malmström
Summary: The combination of RAFT polymerization and PISA can produce monodisperse nanolatexes. This study demonstrates the synthesis of reproducible bimodal nanolatexes by extending protonated PDMAEMA with MMA in water and provides the first imaging data. The bimodality is induced by the hydrophilic Z-group of the RAFT agent, which has been reported to cause bimodal molecular weight distributions in RAFT-mediated PISA. The advantages of such nanolatexes in coating applications are briefly explored, including their one-pot synthesis, higher contact angle against water when adsorbed on cellulose filter paper, and morphological arrangement dependent on the drying protocol.
Article
Polymer Science
Bo Fan, Jing Wan, Yiyi Liu, Wendy Wenjun Tian, San H. Thang
Summary: By utilizing proper design and selection of RAFT agents, EGaIn nanoparticles can be prepared via ultrasonic treatment, allowing for the controlled growth of polymers and block copolymers with precise molecular weights and low dispersities. The successful incorporation of RAFT polymers on the surface of EGaIn could significantly improve its stability and dispersibility, facilitating applications in biomedicine, additive manufacturing, and other fields.
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia L. Goodrich, Madison E. Ross, James B. Young, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: In this study, sonochemically initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was achieved by employing low-frequency ultrasound at high monomer concentrations. Dilution with N,N-dimethylacetamide was found to increase the conversion rate.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Siva Ponnupandian, Prantik Mondal, Andrew B. Lowe, Nikhil K. Singha
Summary: This study focuses on developing a self-healing hydrophobic fluorinated polymer using dynamic and rapid TAD-DA chemistry, which shows remarkable hydrophobic characteristics and excellent self-healing features. The TAD-derived DA fluoropolymer conjugates could potentially be used in specialty paints, coatings, and adhesives, paving a new direction in material applications.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fang Chen, Hua Xiao, Zhong Quan Peng, Ze Ping Zhang, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: The study developed a thermally conductive and self-healing glass fiber cloth reinforced epoxy composite by functionalizing hexagonal boron nitride with a natural substance, showing improved thermal conductivity and mechanical strength; the composite exhibited excellent thermal conductivities at 35.0 wt% h-BN content and achieved interlaminar crack healing and thermal conductivities recovery through a reversible reaction; the resulting composite also demonstrated controlled degradability and recyclability.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Yuan Cao, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: The authors proposed a novel approach based on Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry to tackle the challenge of manufacturing highly filled composite materials. By crosslinking PCLolig and connecting it to maleimide functionalized Al2O3 particles, a covalent adaptable composite network was formed, enabling effective dispersion of high-concentration fillers and increased strength in the final composite material.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Hua Xiao, Zi Xin Huang, Ze Ping Zhang, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: A facile strategy for effectively constructing in-plane and through-plane thermal conduction paths in polyimide (PI) and its flexible copper clad laminates (FCCLs) was reported by incorporation of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) in a controlled manner. The specific sea-island architecture allowed the preparation of highly thermally conductive flexible PI film and its FCCLs at relatively lower total boron nitride loading. The results of the current work may open a new avenue for promoting the practical application of thermally conductive PI based FCCLs.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Juan Ye, Guanghong Lin, Ziqian Lin, Haoyu Deng, Junjie Huang, Hongping Xiang, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: In this study, a UV-irradiation/thermo dual-induced self-healing polyurethane elastomer was successfully prepared by tuning the UV irradiation intensity, photoinitiator dosage, and content of disulfide compound (SS-MA). This elastomer exhibited high tensile strength and good self-healing capability, making it suitable for applications in smart coatings and other fields.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhi Rong Ou, Wei Li Peng, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: A novel strategy utilizing reversible boronic ester bonds and imine bonds has been proposed for controllable depolymerization and recovery of polymer blends. Through the preparation of reversibly interlocked polymer networks (RILNs) from two preformed crosslinked polymers, a cascading effect between boronic ester bonds and imine bonds is enabled, allowing controlled depolymerization and recovery.
Article
Polymer Science
Shujun Tan, Yao Wu, Yang Hou, Haoyu Deng, Xiaoxuan Liu, Shoujuan Wang, Hongping Xiang, Minzhi Rong, Mingqiu Zhang
Summary: This study focuses on improving the toughness of 3D printing resin by modifying waste nitrile rubber powders (WNRP). The results show that this strategy significantly enhances the toughness of the resin while reducing waste.
Article
Polymer Science
Jingqi Ji, Shiwen Huang, Shumei Liu, Yanchao Yuan, Jianqing Zhao, Shijie Zhang
Summary: This study synthesized a novel biobased waterborne epoxy resin with flame retardancy and antibacterial ability, and investigated its application in coatings.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Y. You, M. R. Fu, M. Z. Rong, M. Q. Zhang
Summary: By interlocking thermoresponsive and ultraviolet-responsive networks, the material can have both reversibility and dimensional stability, as well as improved creep resistance. The photo-reversible switch mechanism of the ultraviolet-responsive network allows for repeated releasing and reimposing of constraints on the neighboring thermoresponsive network.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wan Ting Dai, Zhen Hua Xie, Yu Bin Ke, Yang You, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang, Chun Yong He, Han Qiu Jiang, Hua Yang
Summary: The significantly improved mechanical properties of reversibly interlocked polymer networks (ILNs) originate from their unique interlocked structure. The study reveals that ILNs can maintain homogeneity and dissipate more mechanical energy through internal friction after stretching. These findings provide guidance for the rational design of high-performance multicomponent polymer materials.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yanan Huang, Guiqing Dang, Min Zhu, Longfei Fan, Minzhi Rong, Mingqiu Zhang
Summary: Reversible shape memory polymers with a broad melting temperature range were developed to overcome the limitation of existing polymers. The polymers were able to memorize multiple temporary shapes through a thermal programming process. By selectively activating partial melting and recrystallization at different temperatures, the polymers demonstrated reversible triple, quadruple, and quintuple shape memory effects. This research may have significant implications for the application of reversible shape memory polymers.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yi Xi Song, Wei Zeng, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: A sunlight self-healing thermoelectric generator that harvests energy from the human body is reported in this work. The self-healing capacity is achieved by using a self-healing polyurethane, and the thermoelectric component is composed of an organic-inorganic composite. The composite film exhibits improved thermoelectric performance and both p-type and n-type films have high healing efficiencies.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wan Ting Dai, Jiawen Hou, Fenfen Wang, Yang You, Pingchuan Sun, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: Reversibly interlocked polymer networks (RILNs) are formed through topological rearrangement of two cross-linked polymers with reversible covalent bonds. This study employs solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the microstructures of RILNs, revealing that macromolecular chains from different subnetworks interlace on the molecular level. The findings provide insights into the authentic microstructures of RILNs and aid in the design of new RILNs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guang Sheng Cao, Ze Ping Zhang, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: A novel approach to prepare high-performance continuous regenerated keratin fibers with wool-like structure using cortical cells and linear keratin from wool waste as reinforcement and adhesive was proposed. The regenerated fibers exhibited similar mechanical properties, thermal stability, dyeing property, moisture absorption capability, and antistatic resistance to wool, while containing a low amount of synthetic chemicals.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sheng Jie Yuan, Zhong Quan Peng, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: A novel strategy based on interlocked polymer networks is proposed to enhance the thermal conduction of liquid crystalline epoxy. The interlocked networks show significantly increased thermal conductivity compared to the parent single-LCE networks. The technology developed in this study has remarkable potential for future applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
M. X. Li, M. Z. Rong, M. Q. Zhang
Summary: By utilizing DOPA-Fe3+ and His-Zn2+ coordination bonds for crosslinking, the spread of minor damages can be prevented and the blocked damages can be repaired without manual intervention. The specific structure of hyperbranched polyurethane enables the construction of a network with rapid response.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2021)