Review
Polymer Science
Sagar Bag, Soumyadeep Ghosh, Soumya Paul, Md Ezaz Hasan Khan, Priyadarsi De
Summary: S-MI/MA alternating copolymers, known for their tunable molecular weight, narrow dispersity, and precise chain-end functionality, have recently been discovered to exhibit unprecedented emissive behavior, outperforming traditional fluorophores. They are easy to synthesize, utilize cheap starting materials, can be functionalized post-polymerization, exhibit aqueous solubility, and offer greater cell viability.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Chuxuan Chen, Can Xu, Jiaxin Zhai, Yuhong Ma, Changwen Zhao, Wantai Yang
Summary: A solvent-free method was developed to prepare uniform SMI microspheres from SMA and gaseous amine, leading to improved thermal properties, enhanced solubility, and superior surface characteristics compared to SMA microspheres.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiale Wang, Chendong Yang, Yanan Gao, Xuanjun Wu
Summary: Developing safe and high-quality theranostic agents for cancer treatment is crucial. In this study, the clinical indocyanine green (ICG) was coupled with biocompatible poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PSMAn) to obtain PSMAn-ICG polymer. The self-assembly of its hydrolyzed product in water resulted in ICG-conjugated poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) nanoparticles (PSMA-ICG NPs). These NPs demonstrated good solubility and stability in aqueous solutions, high photostability, and reduced damage to red blood cells, highlighting the importance of PSMA coupling. Furthermore, the PSMA-ICG NPs showed significant tumor targeting and long-term imaging capabilities, as well as potent photothermal therapy when combined with near-infrared laser irradiation. Overall, this study provides promising phototheranostic agents for clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Ting Du, Esam A. Orabi, Mohamed Gamal Mohamed, Shiao-Wei Kuo
Summary: Two isomeric hydroxyphenylmaleimide (HPMI) monomers were synthesized and copolymerized with styrene to form two near-perfect alternating copolymers. Characterization using various techniques revealed differences in hydrogen bonding interactions between oHPMI and PVP compared to pHPMI, leading to weaker interactions between oHPMI and PVP.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiang Chen, Chenxi Hu, Yang Wang, Ting Li, Jie Jiang, Jing Huang, Shibo Wang, Tianxi Liu, Weifu Dong, Jinliang Qiao
Summary: This study systematically investigates the optical properties of poly(maleic anhydride-alt-vinyl acetate) (PMV) synthesized using different polymerization methods. It is found that solution polymerization and redissolving methods can increase the quantum yield of the polymer. The study also suggests that good solvents can reduce the rigidity of the polymer chains and promote the formation of clusters.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shihui Li, Ling Cai, Dongmei Cui
Summary: The spontaneous alternating copolymerization of maleic anhydride (MA) and styrene (St) derivatives was investigated using various Lewis acids. With the presence of alkyl aluminum or butyl magnesium, MA-St alternating copolymers with ultra-high molecular weight (M-n <= 166.5x10(4)) and high glass transition temperature (211 degrees C <= T-g <= 216 degrees C) were obtained. The microstructure of the MA-St copolymers was analyzed by H-1 and C-13 NMR spectra. Additionally, the copolymerizations of MA with St derivatives were explored using AlOctyl(3) as an activator in toluene at 50 degrees C.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tianxiao Chang, Hongyi Qi, Chenxi Liang, Yanbin Huang, Wantai Yang
Summary: In this study, poly(benzothiophene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PBTMA) microspheres were prepared with high yield using self-stabilized precipitation polymerization. The effects of various reaction parameters on the morphology, particle size, and molecular weight of the microspheres were investigated. The results showed that uniform PBTMA microspheres with good solubility and thermal stability were easily prepared.
Article
Crystallography
Abdulrahman A. Almehizia, Hamad M. Alkahtani, Mohamed A. Al-Omar, Ahmad J. Obaidullah, Mashooq A. Bhat, Lamees S. Alrasheed, Ahmed M. Naglah, Ayman A. O. Younes, Amnah Mohammed Alsuhaibani, Moamen S. Refat, Abdel Majid A. Adam, Mohamed Y. El-Sayed, Kareem A. Asla
Summary: Eight polymer-metal complexes were synthesized through complexation of divalent Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) metal ions with modified polystyrene-alt-(maleic anhydride) (PSMAP and PSMAM) ligands. The structures of the complexes were characterized using magnetic moment susceptibility, conductance measurements, FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-VIS, TGA, and SEM. The complexes exhibited non-electrolytic behavior based on conductance measurements, and the polymer ligands acted as neutral bidentate NO ligands. The complexes showed octahedral geometry based on their electronic spectra and magnetic properties, and were more thermally stable than the ligands. SEM and TEM provided information on the surface structure and particle size of the complexes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
George M. Neville, Karen J. Edler, Gareth J. Price
Summary: Fluorescently-labelled variants of poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) have been synthesized by RAFT copolymerization and shown to form nanodiscs when interacting with lipids. These novel copolymers can encapsulate lipids and membrane proteins, making them potentially useful in fluorescence-based biological studies.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gozde Aktas Eken, Yuming Huang, Yixin Guo, Christopher Ober
Summary: Polyelectrolyte brushes respond to changes in pH and ionic strength and have potential for smart surfaces and surface-based sensing devices. In this study, weak acidic polyelectrolyte brushes with pH-dependent autofluorescence were developed using styrene and tailor-made N-maleimides. The brushes exhibited clusterolu-minescence due to through-space conjugation of pi-chromophoric subfluorophores. The swelling behavior of the brushes was evaluated using atomic force microscopy, and the correlation between pH-induced conformational transitions and autofluorescence was confirmed with confocal laser scanning microscopy and two-photon laser scanning microscopy.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Ting Du, Tzu-Ling Ma, Shiao-Wei Kuo
Summary: In this study, a monomer called N-(2,6-dimethylhydroxyphenyl)maleimide (DMHPMI) was synthesized and reacted with styrene through copolymerization to prepare a copolymer called poly(styrene-alt-dimethylhydroxyphenylmaleimide) [poly(S-alt-DMHPMI)]. The structure of the copolymer was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The Tg behavior of the copolymer blends with different homopolymers was studied using DSC, and the results showed that the interactions between the copolymers and the homopolymers varied based on the chemical structure of the copolymers and the steric hindrance of the monomer units.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Hongfeng Zhang, Luxin Wang, Paul Bicho, Erin A. S. Doherty, Richard J. Riehle, Sachin Borkar, Jose Moran-Mirabal, Robert H. Pelton
Summary: Grafting hydrolyzed poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) onto pulp fibers increases the density of surface charge groups and can regenerate reactive succinic anhydride groups through high-temperature curing. This grafting process does not affect pulp refining characteristics but can significantly improve the wet strength of papers under specific drying conditions. The curing process generates anhydride groups that increase the ester linkages on fiber surfaces, giving the pulps thermosetting properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuan Thang Cao, The Ky Vo, Tran Nguyen Minh An, Trinh Duy Nguyen, Daniel Manaye Kabtamu, Subodh Kumar
Summary: A novel mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) based on covalent incorporation of PSMA with MOF UiO-66-NH2 was prepared and utilized for dye removal from aqueous solution, showing high adsorption capacity. The MMM demonstrated excellent performance in separating and removing organic dye pollutants from wastewater.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongfeng Zhang, Paul Bicho, Erin A. S. Doherty, Richard Riehle, Jose Moran-Mirabal, Robert H. Pelton
Summary: Impregnation with PEMAc solutions followed by high temperature curing can achieve high fixation yields and maintain repulpability. The challenges in moving this technology to practical applications include identifying optimal laboratory pulp curing conditions and translating these conditions to industrial processes. A modeling tool based on wet tensile indices of grafted pulp sheets at different curing conditions can help predict the repulpability of larger-scale processes.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoyan Xu, Kentaro Shibata, Makoto Ouchi
Summary: In this study, a alternating copolymer with thermoresponsive behavior was synthesized via ATRP-based cyclopolymerization. The unique structural features of the alternating sequence affected the dehydration behavior of the copolymer.
Article
Polymer Science
Masa Alrefai, Victoria Meola, Milan Maric
Summary: Homo and statistical copolymerization reactions of ethylene glycol dicyclopentenyl ether methacrylate (EGDEMA) and a vegetable-oil based methacrylic ester C13MA (average alkyl chain length = 13) are successfully studied via activator regenerated electron transfer polymerization (ARGET ATRP) using trace amounts of copper catalyst. The resulting polymer materials have clean synthesis, monomodal molecular weight distribution, and microphase separation properties. Furthermore, the materials can be crosslinked by UV thiol-ene clicking reaction with high conversion rates.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zachary J. Comeau, Rosemary R. Cranston, Halynne R. Lamontagne, Adam J. Shuhendler, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: This study demonstrates that the use of a static, strong magnetic field can improve the microstructure of phthalocyanine (Pc) thin-films, leading to a twofold increase in the mobility of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The magnetic field increases the concentration of oxygen-induced radical species within the Pc thin-film, resulting in magnetic field induced changes to its microstructure and improved charge transport characteristics.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bahar Ronnasi, Mathieu N. Tousignant, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: In this study, chitosan was used as the dielectric in MIM capacitors and TFTs, achieving high capacitance densities and high mobility values of SWCNT TFTs. The introduction of a PLA encapsulating layer solved the charge trapping and degradation problems between chitosan and SWCNTs. These findings suggest that a PLA/chitosan bilayer dielectric is a promising option for fast and low power applications in printed electronics.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chithiravel Sundaresan, Mario C. Vebber, Jaclyn L. Brusso, Ye Tao, Salima Alem, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: We demonstrate large-area organic photo-voltaic (OPVs) devices with nonhalogen-ated solvents and low synthetic complexity. The alternate sequentially (Alt-Sq) blade-coated active layer shows better device performance compared to the conventional sequentially (Sq) blade-coated active layer. This processing approach provides a simpler method for low-cost and large-scale OPV production.
Article
Polymer Science
Mohammad Farkhondehnia, Milan Maric
Summary: A hybrid methodology combining non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) and poly(methacrylates) has been used to create thermoset hybrid resins with hydroxyurethane linkages (HNIPUs). By using NIPUs linkages, the need for toxic isocyanates in the poly(urethane) segments is eliminated. The resulting networks can be manipulated by adjusting the template functionality, allowing for a wide range of Young's moduli and tensile elongation at break.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
May Ourabi, Sahil Garg, Brendan Mirka, Raluchukwu Ewenike, Mathieu N. Tousignant, Mokhamed Ranne, Alex Adronov, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: In this study, it was found that the drop-casting method for depositing single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) films can be greatly improved by using an automated drop-dispenser coupled with a desktop robot, resulting in more consistent and improved charge-carrier mobilities. The surface coverage, linear density, and appearance of the resulting SWNT networks were found to be affected by the drop size and substrate temperature, with a decrease in surface coverage and linear density observed at higher temperatures above 50 degrees C.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Daniil R. Nosov, Bahar Ronnasi, Elena I. Lozinskaya, Denis O. Ponkratov, Laura Puchot, Patrick Grysan, Daniel F. Schmidt, Benoit H. Lessard, Alexander S. Shaplov
Summary: In this study, cationic and anionic poly(ionic liquid) AB-C block copolymers were synthesized and found to exhibit high ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and mechanical performance. These polymers were used as separators in all-solid-state electrochemical devices, showing promising performance.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Natalia Alzate-Carvajal, Jaewoo Park, Ilhem Bargaoui, Ranjana Rautela, Zachary J. Comeau, Lukas Scarfe, Jean-Michel Menard, Seth B. Darling, Benoit H. Lessard, Adina Luican-Mayer
Summary: Real-time detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using phthalocyanine (Pc)-functionalized graphene chemiresistors is studied. The VOC sensing performance is supported by theoretical predictions of Pc's interactions with VOCs. The impact of Pc functionalization and metalation on the gas sensing response is explored parametrically, and fingerprint signatures for different VOCs are established.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kaitlin Wagner, Shan Zou, Yadienka Martinez-Rubi, Arnold J. Kell, Chantal Paquet, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: Processing materials in electronics with non-toxic, green solvents can provide environmental benefits while reducing manufacturing health and safety challenges. Green solvents, however, often face difficulties in achieving comparable solubilizing characteristics and film formation to conventional organic solvents. Therefore, green materials are often developed in parallel with their processing methods for successful implementation.
FLEXIBLE AND PRINTED ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chong Yang Du, Andre Guerra, Adam McElligott, Milan Maric, Alejandro Rey, Phillip Servio
Summary: Inhibiting viscosity increases caused by hydrate formation has long been a challenge in flow assurance. In this study, two low-dosage kinetic hydrate inhibitors, amphiphilic block copolymers poly(styrene-b-vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(pentafluorostyrene-b-vinylpyrrolidone), were synthesized and tested in aqueous solutions. The results showed a significant reduction in dynamic viscosity, indicating a reduced tendency for hydrate particle adhesion in the block copolymer solutions.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam Schwendt, Joey-Bahige Chammas, Milan Maric, Jim A. A. Nicell, Richard Leask, Lorraine E. E. Chalifour
Summary: Phthalate plasticizers leach out of plastics and can have detrimental effects on human and ecological health. The replacement of toxic phthalate plasticizers with alternatives, such as TOTM, DHPS, and DOS, may improve patient recovery. DHPS is a promising non-toxic biocompatible plasticizer.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Samantha Brixi, Halynne R. Lamontagne, Benjamin King, Adam J. Shuhendler, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: In order to achieve commercialization of organic electronics, there needs to be improvement in performance and material stability while maintaining low fabrication costs. Low-cost additives, such as compounds containing amine and silane functional groups, have been tested and found to have a positive impact on the performance and air-stability of n-type semiconductor poly{[N,N'-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5'-(2,2'-bithiophene)} (P(NDI2OD-T2)) in organic thin film transistors.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas J. Dallaire, Brendan Mirka, Joseph G. Manion, William J. Bodnaryk, Darryl Fong, Alex Adronov, Karin Hinzer, Benoit H. Lessard
Summary: In this study, different polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotube thin film transistors (TFTs) were exposed to different laser wavelengths to monitor changes in device performance. It was found that the initial exposure permanently increased the mobility of the devices, while subsequent cycling exposures improved device performance consistently. This study demonstrates the importance of polymer choice for desirable parameters and provides motivation for tunable SWNT-based TFT photodetectors.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andre Guerra, Adam Mcelligott, Chong Yang Du, Milan Maric, Alejandro D. Rey, Phillip Servio
Summary: This research identified a non-Einsteinian viscosity reduction in BNNT nanofluids, and found that the presence of methane exacerbated this reduction effect.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Masa Alrefai, Milan Maric
Summary: Photopolymerization of a hybrid methacrylate-norbornene-thiol system is used for synthesizing polymers with tunable physical and mechanical properties under solvent-free conditions. The adhesive performance of this system is demonstrated by investigating factors such as thiol:ene ratio, thiol functionality, and the incorporation of a methacrylate as a hard monomer.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
