Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sylvie Tence-Girault, Jonathan Quibel, Alexis Cherri, Sebastien Roland, Bruno Fayolle, Stephane Bizet, Ilias Iliopoulos
Summary: PEKK, a semicrystalline polymer, is crucial for applications in aerospace, transportation, electronics, and oil & gas industries due to its properties like thermomechanical and chemical stability linked to its crystalline state. This study proposes a methodology to control and quantify the crystalline state of PEKK by analyzing small-angle X-ray scattering, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry data. The evolution of crystalline forms and total crystallinity with different crystallization temperatures were discussed, and the melting enthalpy of a 100% crystallized PEKK copolymer was estimated.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xuzhen Zhang, Jingwen Nan, Wenjian Huang, Shunli Xiao, Xiuhua Wang, Yanlin Sun, Jin Zhou, Wenxing Chen
Summary: This study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of self-crimping two-component side-by-side bicomponent filament, focusing on the structure-property evolution of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) filament. The results show that increasing the draft ratio improves the crystallinity, sonic orientation factor, tensile strength, and crimp-recovery rate of the filaments. Heating temperature has a limited effect on the tensile strength but affects the crimp-recovery rate.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Izabela Irska, Sandra Paszkiewicz, Daria Pawlikowska, Jerzy Dryzek, Amelia Linares, Aurora Nogales, Tiberio A. Ezquerra, Elzbieta Piesowicz
Summary: Broadband Dielectric (BDS) and Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopies (PALS) were used to investigate the relaxation behavior of novel bio-based aliphatic-aromatic block copolymers based on poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly (caprolactone) (PCL). Copolymerization increases crystallization ability and dielectric relaxation in the copolymers is dominated by PTT, with free volume and beta relaxation dynamics related to PCL content.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alexis Cherri, Ilias Iliopoulos, Gilles Regnier, Benoit Brule, Guillaume Le, Sylvie Tence-Girault
Summary: This study focuses on the isothermal crystallization process of a specific member of the PEKK family, PEKK 50/50, and demonstrates its potential for HT-LS manufacturing at high temperatures (approximately 280-290 degrees C) through experimental evidence.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Oscar G. Galvez, Oscar Toledano, Francisco Javier Hermoso, Amelia Linares, Mikel Sanz, Esther Rebollar, Aurora Nogales, Mari Cruz Garcia-Gutierrez, Gonzalo Santoro, Izabela Irska, Sandra Paszkiewicz, Anna Szymczyk, Tiberio A. Ezquerra
Summary: Infrared spectroscopy and Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy were used to study the dynamic characteristics of poly(trimethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PTF) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) below their glass transition temperatures. The results showed that PTT exhibited a multimodal beta relaxation, while PTF showed a monomodal one. The absorption bands in the infrared spectra showed small shifts in wavenumbers for both polymers, except for the band related to the stretching mode of the carbonyl group. The bands associated with -C--O stretching had different shapes, suggesting the presence of hydrogen bonds in PTF. Density Functional Theory calculations supported the experimental results, indicating an increase in the syn conformations of the 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) moiety with temperature in the amorphous state of PTF.
Article
Polymer Science
Jian Zhou, Shanshan Xu, Ying Zheng, Chengtao Yu, Guorong Shan, Yongzhong Bao, Pengju Pan
Summary: This study investigated the multistage structural ordering of glassy polymers and the related mechanisms during stretching below T-g, with a focus on the roles of chain orientation and conformational transition. It was found that the orientation of polymer chains and the stacking of phenylene rings induced the generation of a mesomorphic phase, which further transformed into a crystalline phase. Stretching at different temperatures led to varying degrees of mesomorphic phase ordering and facilitated crystallization. The unloading-induced crystallization of stretched PTT was shown to originate from trans-gauche conformational transition.
Article
Polymer Science
Daisuke Tadokoro, Takashi Konishi, Koji Fukao, Yoshihisa Miyamoto
Summary: The relationship between lamellar thickness and melting temperature and crystallization temperature, as well as the growth rate and crystallization temperature of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) were investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and optical microscopy. The X-ray measurements determined the melting temperature of the isothermally crystallized PTT lamellar stack structure. The equilibrium melting temperature of PTT was found to be 290.5 degrees C based on the relationship between melting temperature and lamellar thickness. The study analyzed the relationships of supercooling with lamellar thickness and growth rate. The data provided a value of 7.1 angstrom for the excess thickness (delta l) at a crystallization temperature (T-c) of 173.7 degrees C. The temperature dependence of lamellar thickness below T-c = 173.7 degrees C indicated crystallization through a mesophase. The temperature dependence of the growth rate was explained by the secondary nucleation theory across a wide range of crystallization temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Diana Cholakova, Desislava Glushkova, Zhulieta Valkova, Sonya Tsibranska-Gyoreva, Krastina Tsvetkova, Slavka Tcholakova, Nikolai Denkov
Summary: The study found that micrometer sized alkane-in-water emulsion drops, stabilized by appropriate long-chain surfactants, spontaneously transform into regular shapes upon cooling. By combining small-and wide-angle X-ray scattering with optical microscopy and DSC measurements, researchers discovered the formation of intermediate, metastable rotator phases in the alkane drops before crystallization, supporting a mechanism of drop self-shaping.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jun Sun, Weiwei Zhang, Fengyu Li, Qiqi Zhuo, Chuanxiang Qin, Jianjun Wang, Lixing Dai
Summary: In this study, heat treatment with alternating tension and relaxation was used to enhance the elastic recovery of PTT fibers. The results showed that the increase of crystallinity during the treatment contributed to the conformation transition of PTT fibers, leading to improved elastic recovery.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohan Cao, Hongliang Wang, Jialiang Yang, Ruiyang Wang, Xin Hong, Xinghong Zhang, Junting Xu, Hai Wang
Summary: This paper investigates the crystallization behavior and properties of poly(trimethylene monothiocarbonate) (PTMMTC) and its analogue poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC). The study finds that PTMMTC exhibits stronger crystallizability and intermolecular interaction due to the presence of sulfur substitution. Additionally, the crystal structure of PTMMTC is preliminarily determined.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mark A. Levenstein, Karen Robertson, Thomas D. Turner, Liam Hunter, Cate O'Brien, Cedrick O'Shaughnessy, Alexander N. Kulak, Pierre Le Magueres, Jakub Wojciechowski, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Nikil Kapur, Fiona C. Meldrum
Summary: The recent advances in X-ray instrumentation have enabled the rapid structural analysis of dynamic processes in protein nanocrystals. This study explores the potential of laboratory X-ray systems coupled with micro- and millifluidic sample environments for comparable analyses. The results show that commercial small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering instruments and X-ray diffractometers are ready to access relevant samples and timescales in materials science, and these findings are expected to stimulate similar developments in structural biology.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenyang Zhang, Jiangao Shi, Shichun Jiang
Summary: The mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of amorphous PBT/PC blends were studied at different temperatures. Two distinct mechanical response regions were identified, and structure models were proposed to describe the deformation process.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nan Meng, Jianrong Zeng, Fenggang Bian, Ganji Zhong, Zhongming Li, Zhaobo Sun, Jiayao Wang
Summary: SAXS-CT technique successfully reveals the internal microstructure and morphology of PBAT, showing the three-dimensional distribution of the material and the characteristics of different parts. Additionally, it can also observe a vortex ring inside the PBAT caused by secondary flow during injection molding process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elizabeth Diederichs, Maisyn Picard, Boon Peng Chang, Manjusri Misra, Amar Mohanty
Summary: This study combines biobased poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) blends with pyrolyzed biomass to create sustainable and novel printing materials. In 3D printing, 5% Miscanthus biocarbon (BC) showed optimal performance in terms of dimensional stability, ease of printing, and surface finish, showing promising potential for non-structural components in the electrical and automotive industries.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed Nasr, Petr Svoboda
Summary: The fusion temperature has a tremendous effect on the crystallization kinetics of PBT. The crystallization peak shifted towards lower temperatures by 22 °C and the kinetics changed about ten times. Increasing fusion temperature led to a noticeable shift in the heat flow curve towards lower temperatures, indicating a significant change in the number of nucleation centres. The study provides insights into the crystallization behaviour of PBT at different fusion temperatures and cooling rates.
Article
Polymer Science
Oscar G. Galvez, Oscar Toledano, Francisco Javier Hermoso, Amelia Linares, Mikel Sanz, Esther Rebollar, Aurora Nogales, Mari Cruz Garcia-Gutierrez, Gonzalo Santoro, Izabela Irska, Sandra Paszkiewicz, Anna Szymczyk, Tiberio A. Ezquerra
Summary: Infrared spectroscopy and Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy were used to study the dynamic characteristics of poly(trimethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PTF) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) below their glass transition temperatures. The results showed that PTT exhibited a multimodal beta relaxation, while PTF showed a monomodal one. The absorption bands in the infrared spectra showed small shifts in wavenumbers for both polymers, except for the band related to the stretching mode of the carbonyl group. The bands associated with -C--O stretching had different shapes, suggesting the presence of hydrogen bonds in PTF. Density Functional Theory calculations supported the experimental results, indicating an increase in the syn conformations of the 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) moiety with temperature in the amorphous state of PTF.
Article
Polymer Science
Edgar Gutierrez-Fernandez, Jose Sena-Fernandez, Esther Rebollar, Tiberio A. Ezquerra, Francisco J. Hermoso-Pinilla, Mikel Sanz, Oscar Galvez, Aurora Nogales
Summary: Ferroelectric polymer nanoparticles of PVDF were prepared using dialysis nano-precipitation. The nanoparticles showed piezoelectric response as observed by PFM. The ferroelectric behavior was attributed to the presence of ferroelectrically active crystalline phases of PVDF in the nanoparticles (mainly beta and gamma phases) as demonstrated by DSC, FTIR, and XRD. The combination of the preparation method and temperature treatment can tune the ferroelectric properties of PVDF homopolymer nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sandra Paszkiewicz, Izabela Irska, Agata Zubkiewicz, Konrad Walkowiak, Zbigniew Rozwadowski, Jerzy Dryzek, Amelia Linares, Aurora Nogales, Tiberio A. Ezquerra
Summary: In this study, a series of fully plant-based sustainable copolyesters, namely poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-block-poly(caprolactone)s (PBF-block-PCL)s, were successfully synthesized by melt polycondensation. The properties of these copolyesters, including melting behavior, thermal stability, and chain dynamics, were investigated. The results showed that the addition of PCL improved the thermal and thermo-oxidative stability and increased the flexibility of the chain, resulting in changes in mechanical properties. The synthesis method described in this study offers a facile approach to obtaining novel fully multiblock biobased copolyesters with potential industrial implementation capabilities.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Konrad Walkowiak, Sandra Paszkiewicz, Izabela Irska, Agnieszka Kochmanska, Kamil Dydek, Anna Boczkowska, Rafal Stanik, Mike Gude, Amelia Linares, Tiberio Ezquerra
Summary: Bionanocomposites based on PTF-b-F-PTMO block copolymers with different nanoparticles were synthesized and their properties were studied. The dispersion of nanoparticles, thermal properties, melt viscosity, mechanical properties, and conductivity were analyzed. The synthesized materials showed elastomeric behavior and improved mechanical properties compared to the neat matrix. These reinforced bionanocomposites have potential applications in fuel systems, bumpers, and cupholders.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Patricia Martinez-Garcia, Esther Rebollar, Aurora Nogales, Mari Cruz Garcia-Gutierrez, Jose Sena-Fernandez, Tiberio A. Ezquerra
Summary: Fused filament fabrication, or 3D printing, and polymer nanopatterning by nanolithographic techniques are widely used in various fields, but they have not yet found a common niche for development. This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential convenience of combining these two technologies by using conventional 3D printing to create nanostructured polymer surfaces without the need for clean room conditions.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enrico Bianchi, Giulia Guidotti, Michelina Soccio, Valentina Siracusa, Massimo Gazzano, Elisabetta Salatelli, Nadia Lotti
Summary: In recent years, the increasing demand for petroleum-based plastic materials and the excessive exploitation of nonrenewable resources have led to poor management of their disposal and ecological issues caused by their dispersion in the environment. One innovative solution is the design of biobased and biodegradable polymers based on poly(lactic acid), aiming to improve the properties of poly(L-lactic acid) for sustainable packaging applications. Through a novel top-down approach, a copolymer called P(LLA50PeF50)-CE was successfully synthesized and showed improved thermal stability and reduced brittleness, making it suitable for flexible packaging. The copolymer also exhibited significant biodegradability within 60 days.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Guidotti, Michelina Soccio, Massimo Gazzano, Valentina Siracusa, Nadia Lotti
Summary: High molecular weight, fully biobased random copolymers of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) containing different amounts of (1R, 3S)-(+)-Camphoric Acid (CA) were successfully synthesized and characterized. The addition of camphoric co-units led to modulation of the properties such as thermal, structural, mechanical, and barrier properties. The improved properties were associated with enhanced interchain interactions.
Article
Optics
Javier Prada-Rodrigo, Rene Rodriguez-Beltran, Tiberio A. Ezquerra, Pablo Moreno, Esther Rebollar
Summary: A study investigates the formation of Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films deposited over gold substrates using near-infrared femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation. The influence of gold substrate roughness and PET film thickness on LIPSS formation is analyzed through computer simulations and experimental observations. The study suggests that the formation and behavior of Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) at the film-substrate interface are the leading mechanism contributing to LIPSS formation.
OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Valentina Siracusa, Nadia Lotti, Michelina Soccio, Alexey L. Iordanskii
Article
Cell Biology
Chiara Argentati, Francesco Morena, Giulia Guidotti, Michelina Soccio, Nadia Lotti, Sabata Martino
Summary: Mechanotransduction is a molecular process that allows cells to convert physical stimuli from the external environment into biochemical pathways to control cellular shape and function. Understanding the molecular events involved in this process is still a challenge. Tissue engineering provides an opportunity to study the effect of physical stimuli on stem cells and the mechanotransduction pathways involved.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jing Cui, Esther Rebollar, Tiberio Ezquerra, Aurora Nogales
Summary: Bilayers of ferroelectric polymers (PVDF-TrFE) on P3HT substrates were prepared and the formation of holes and continuous layers was observed. The surface tension of the different P3HT substrates was obtained through contact angle measurements. The study provides understanding on the mechanism of stable film formation and effective tools to control the formation of holes in functional polymer bilayers, which is important in the fabrication of organic thin film-based devices.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Cui, Aurora Nogales, Tiberio A. Ezquerra, Esther Rebollar
Summary: A bilayer approach is used to create laser-induced periodic surface structures on polymer thin films, even without light absorption at the laser's wavelength. The technique involves nanosctructuring a layer of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) using 532 nm laser irradiation, and then covering it with a thin layer of a non-absorbing polymer called poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoro ethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)), resulting in a grating-like structure on the surface. The thickness range of the upper layer that leads to the formation of these structures has been determined, and it has been found that a thickness greater than 40 nm inhibits the formation of periodic structures due to mechanical restrictions on P3HT rearrangement. The upper nanostructured surface layer also displays ferroelectric properties.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)