Review
Polymer Science
Anita Bialkowska, Mohamed Bakar, Wojciech Kucharczyk, Iwona Zarzyka
Summary: This article reviews recent advances in ternary diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy nanocomposites with nanoparticles and other modifiers, focusing on their mechanical and thermal properties. Various single toughening agents, in solid or liquid states, have been incorporated to enhance the properties of epoxy resins. The use of two appropriate modifiers for hybrid composites can potentially have a synergistic effect on performance properties. The study mainly focuses on widely used nanoclays with modifiers in both liquid and solid states. Some studies have confirmed the synergistic effect in the performance properties of epoxy matrix, but ongoing research is still exploring other nanoparticles and modifiers to further enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resins.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xue Liang, Xiaojie Li, Yong Tang, Xiyu Zhang, Wei Wei, Xiaoya Liu
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide (GO) sheets were covalently linked with hyperbranched epoxy resin to enhance the properties of epoxy composites. The functionalized GO sheets showed better dispersion and interfacial compatibility, leading to significant improvements in mechanical and thermal properties. The results suggest that the functionalized composite is a promising, all-purpose modifier for epoxy resins.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hongwei Gu, Qi Cao, Jiahui Li, Jing Zhao, Shouhai Zhang, Xigao Jian, Zhihuan Weng
Summary: This study blended a bio-based tetra-functional epoxy precursor (MTEP) derived from magnolol with the commonly used petroleum-based bisphenol A epoxy precursor (E51) to comprehensively improve the performances of the resin. The results showed that the blended resin exhibited improved impact strength, flexural modulus, glass transition temperature, and flame retardancy compared to the pure resin. This research provides a novel approach for the modification of epoxy resins.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yunchuan Zeng, Qianqian Wang, Pengwu Xu, Weijun Yang, Martin Hoch, Piming Ma
Summary: This study improved the compatibility between solid rubber and epoxy resin by functionalizing solid rubber with carboxyl and amino groups, leading to better toughening effect in EP systems without sacrificing tensile strength and heat resistance. The novel approach of in situ constructing interfacial bonding and elastic segments into epoxy network resulted in EP-based thermosets with improved strength and toughness, broadening the application range of solid rubber in epoxy toughening.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiangyun Yin, Zhipeng Xie, Qi Liu, Xubo Yuan, Xin Hou, Jin Zhao
Summary: The addition of CTBN significantly improves the toughness of epoxy resin but decreases its glass transition temperature and modulus, while the addition of CM-β-CD results in a slight increase in modulus and T-g, and a significant improvement in toughness. This work provides a promising pathway for nanocomposites with excellent toughness, with toughening mechanisms attributed to interfacial micro-cracks and energy dissipation of CM-β-CD.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiaming Yang, Yonggang Zhang, Mengyuan Hao, Jianhai Zhi, Xin Qian
Summary: This work introduces a novel in-situ interpenetrating network (IPN) structure composed of epoxy resin, vinyl ester resin (VER), and modified octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (EPOSS) for toughening epoxy resin. The incorporation of VER forms IPN structures without phase separation, resulting in improved overall strength and plastic deformation capacity. The EPOSS dispersion in the resin matrix triggers plastic shear deformation toughening and the physical entanglement of EPOSS maintains a balance between toughness and mechanical strength. With only 2 wt% of EPOSS, significant improvements in impact toughness, tensile strength, and Young's modulus are achieved.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuling Xiao, Guangyong Jiang, Chao Ma, Xia Zhou, Chenyu Wang, Zhoumei Xu, Xiaowei Mu, Lei Song, Yuan Hu
Summary: By designing a new hierarchical MoSe2 nanotube structure and combining it with linear polyphosphazene, the LPP-MoSe2 hybrids demonstrate significant improvements in the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of EP, expanding the practical application of high-performance EP composites.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Hong Ma, M. Ali Aravand, Brian G. Falzon
Summary: This study developed multiphase epoxy-based nanocomposite blends with enhanced fracture toughness and controlled microstructure, utilizing nanoscale and microscale inclusions for dissipating crack energy. By investigating the interactions between nano- and microscale toughness modifiers, a synergistic enhancement in fracture toughness was achieved.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Woong Kwon, Minwoo Han, Jongwon Kim, Euigyung Jeong
Summary: This study investigated the toughening effect of in situ polytriazoleketone (PTK) and polytriazolesulfone (PTS) toughening agents on various epoxy resins. The results show that the miscibility between the toughening agents and resins plays a crucial role in influencing the fracture toughness and tensile properties of the epoxy samples.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuling Xiao, Xiaowei Mu, Siqi Chen, Guangyong Jiang, Zhoumei Xu, Chao Ma, Lei Song, Yuan Hu
Summary: A novel furan-derived bio-based polyphosphazene (PFMP) with a flexible backbone and rigid side groups was prepared and incorporated into epoxy resin (EP) to enhance its toughness, strength, and flame retardancy. The addition of 15% PFMP significantly improved the oxygen index value, peak heat release rate, and total heat release of EP. PFMP also enhanced the impact and tensile strength of EP.
Article
Polymer Science
Guoliang Hu, Xiaoqing Zhang, Minglu Bu, Caihong Lei
Summary: In this study, a new reactive flame retardant was successfully synthesized and applied to improve the strength and toughness of flame retardant epoxy resins. The introduced flame retardant not only accelerated the ring-opening reaction of epoxy resin but also improved the transparency, thermal resistance, and thermal stability of the composites. The rigid structure and microphase separation effect of the flame retardant were found to enhance the tensile strength and toughness of the composites, while achieving good flame retardancy and fire safety.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoqun Pan, Zhun Zhang, Yiting Mo, Yu Cheng, Liuqing Zhu
Summary: In this study, EPTS was successfully synthesized via the hydrosilylation reaction and mixed with E51 epoxy resin to obtain a composite epoxy resin. The tensile test showed that the toughness of the composite epoxy resin significantly improved. The toughening mechanism was revealed through scanning electron microscopy. This material has the advantages of a simple synthesis process, low cost, and promising applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Jie Ai, Wei Cheng, Peng Wang, Wei Qian, Qinhui Chen
Summary: In this study, SiO2 particles of different sizes were prepared and modified by TETA, used to toughen epoxy resin. Both SiO2 and SiO2-TETA particles show obvious strengthening effects on EP, with SiO2-TETA demonstrating better cross-linking effect. The particle size has an impact on the toughening effect, with 100 nm SiO2 particles showing better performance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Jiayao Yang, Hengxu Wang, Xiaohuan Liu, Shenyuan Fu, Pingan Song
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a nano-TiO2/regenerate cellulose biohybrid for strengthening and toughening a soft epoxy resin system via a microwave method. The addition of 10 phr nano-TiO2/RC resulted in simultaneous enhancements in tensile strength and impact toughness, as well as improved thermostability of the epoxy resin.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bing Chen, Wenhui Luo, Jiaojiao Lv, Shufeng Lin, Botuo Zheng, Huagui Zhang, Mingfeng Chen
Summary: This work proposes a simple strategy of introducing proper rigid-flexible groups into phosphorus-based flame retardant, which achieves dual performance improvement in epoxy resin. The modified flame retardant epoxy resin exhibits high flame retardancy, transparency, and smoke and heat suppression properties. Moreover, the addition of phosphorus-based flame retardant containing rigid-flexible groups significantly enhances the mechanical properties of epoxy resin, especially the toughness.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anthony J. Ryan, Rachael H. Rothman
Summary: Climate change is a chemical issue that can be addressed by the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering, providing solutions for the problem.
NATURE REVIEWS CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Marius Monoranu, Ria L. Mitchell, Kevin Kerrigan, J. Patrick A. Fairclough, Hassan Ghadbeigi
Summary: The study investigated the effect of particle reinforcements on chip formation and machining induced damage in CFRPs, by modifying the epoxy matrix with silica nanoparticles and rubber microparticles. The presence of particulate fillers affected the chip formation process, with different particle types and concentrations resulting in varying cutting forces and surface metrics. Rubber modified samples showed the least subsurface damage, followed by samples with silica particles and unmodified epoxy samples.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhilong Zhang, Jooyoung Sung, Daniel T. W. Toolan, Sanyang Han, Raj Pandya, Michael P. Weir, James Xiao, Simon Dowland, Mengxia Liu, Anthony J. Ryan, Richard A. L. Jones, Shujuan Huang, Akshay Rao
Summary: This study reveals the exciton dynamics in quantum dot solids using transient absorption microscopy and observes the changes and transitions in initial exciton diffusion. The spacing between quantum dots, packing density, and heterogeneity all have an impact on exciton dynamics. These findings contribute to the control of optoelectronic properties in quantum dot solids.
Article
Polymer Science
Oscar Seward, Fernando Cepero-Mejias, J. Patrick A. Fairclough, Kevin Kerrigan
Summary: This study proposes a novel open-loop tribological testing method to generate a dynamic FE friction model for CFRP machining simulations. The model is based on a function of fiber angle, contact pressure, and slip rate, and has been validated using experimental results and FE simulations.
Article
Polymer Science
Obed Andres Solis-Gonzalez, Christopher Chi Wai Tse, Patrick J. Smith, J. Patrick A. Fairclough
Summary: The study focused on the salting effect of kosmotropic and chaotropic salts on nanoscale and giant-poly(ethylene oxide)(16)-block-poly(butylene oxide)(22) polymersomes, with kosmotropic salts found to have a strong influence at high concentrations while chaotropic salts had minimal effect. Ionic specificity played a crucial role in determining the outcome of experiments.
MACROMOLECULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yas Khalil, Neil Hopkinson, Adam J. Kowalski, John Patrick A. Fairclough
Summary: In this study, the flowability of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was improved by adding activated carbon (AC), and porous AC/UHMWPE parts were successfully manufactured using selective laser sintering technology. The results suggest that selective laser sintering can enhance filtration efficiency.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
James Jennings, Rebekah R. Webster-Aikman, Niall Ward-O'Brien, Andi Xie, Deborah L. Beattie, Oliver J. Deane, Steven P. Armes, Anthony J. Ryan
Summary: This study found that polydisperse statistical copolymers prepared by conventional free-radical copolymerization can provide superior foaming performance compared to analogous diblock copolymers. Fully hydrocarbon-based copolymer surfactants with hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids spatially distributed in the polypeptide chains showed excellent foam stabilization properties in ethanol-water mixture.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Thomas J. Neal, Robert D. Bradley, Martin W. Murray, Neal S. J. Williams, Simon N. Emmett, Anthony J. Ryan, Sebastian G. Spain, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk
Summary: A combination of statistical and triblock copolymer properties is explored to produce stable aqueous polymer dispersions suitable for film formation. Through the synthesis of a series of triblock copolymers and controlling the hydrophilicity of the stabilizer block, the structural characteristics of the copolymers in dissolved, dispersed, and solid states were investigated. Small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy revealed different morphologies of the copolymers in solvent and water, which were closely related to the mechanical properties of the cast films.
Retraction
Polymer Science
E. L. V. Lewis, R. A. Duckett, I. M. Ward, J. P. A. Fairclough, A. J. Ryan
Review
Polymer Science
Courtney J. Thompson, Nick Ainger, Pierre Starck, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Anthony J. Ryan
Summary: The components of a shampoo formulation, including surfactant, deposition polymer, structuring polymer, and viscosity modifiers, play important roles and their interactions influence each other's functions. This review provides a detailed discussion on the fundamental functions of these components and the mechanisms by which they perform their roles. It also examines how these components could hinder or facilitate processes through interaction.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Biographical-Item
Materials Science, Composites
Anthony J. Ryan, Phil Coates
PLASTICS RUBBER AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel T. W. Toolan, Michael P. Weir, Rachel C. Kilbride, John E. Anthony, Neil C. Greenham, Richard H. Friend, Akshay Rao, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Richard A. L. Jones, Anthony J. Ryan
Summary: Controlling the dispersion of inorganic quantum dots (QDs) in organic semiconductor (OSC) nanocomposite films is crucial for optoelectronic devices. In this study, small changes to the OSC host molecule were found to significantly affect QD dispersibility within the host matrix. While it is common to modify QD surface chemistry to improve dispersibility, blending two different OSCs was shown to be an alternative route for optimizing QD dispersibility, resulting in a fully mixed OSC matrix phase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Safa Almadhi, Joe Forth, Laura Rodriguez-Arco, Aroa Duro-Castano, Ian Williams, Lorena Ruiz-Perez, Giuseppe Battaglia
Summary: A bottom-up approach for fabricating monodisperse, two-component polymersomes with phase-separated chemical topology is introduced and compared with existing top-down methods. The bottom-up, solvent-switch self-assembly approach presented in this study produces a high yield of nanoparticles with the desired size, morphology, and surface topology for drug delivery applications, specifically patchy polymersomes with a diameter of approximately 50 nm. Additionally, an image processing algorithm is developed for automatically calculating polymersome size distributions from transmission electron microscope images.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tianyan Liu, Cesare De Pace, Ridong Huang, Giovanni Bruno, Tao Shao, Yupeng Tian, Bo Chen, Lei Chen, Kui Luo, Qiyong Gong, Lorena Ruiz-Perez, Giuseppe Battaglia, Xiaohe Tian
Summary: Live cell actin visualization is essential for studying cellular functions. Optical and electron microscopy techniques offer high resolution imaging but compromise actin integrity. To address this, we developed a cyclometalated Ir (III) complex that binds specifically to actin and shows light switch behavior. This probe enables unprecedented resolution of cytoskeleton ultrastructures under STED super-resolution nanoscopy, as well as visualization of actin polymers and periodicity under CLEM and LPEM at around 8 nm resolution.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Harry C. Wright, Duncan D. Cameron, Anthony J. Ryan
Summary: Adiabatic temperature rise is an important method for determining isocyanate conversion in polyurethane foam reactions. FoamPi is a low-cost device for monitoring polyurethane foaming reactions, which can monitor temperature rise, foam height change, and mass change.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanzhang Jiang, Xuyi Wang, Yanting Han, Dakai Gong, Yingchun Gu, Lin Tan
Summary: In this study, FeCl3 and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were doped into waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) to create multifunctional materials with self-healing and antimicrobial properties. WPU/Fe/PAA-5.5, containing 5.5 wt % PAA, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, strong self-healing capabilities, and an impressive antimicrobial rate of over 90%. These supramolecular films were also highly recyclable through hot-pressing.
Article
Polymer Science
Longyu Tian, Min Wang, Guangming Liao, Baoliang Liu, Sujuan Zhang, Yucheng Sun, Zhen Meng, Jintao Zhang, Zaijun Lu
Summary: Two kinds of benzoxazine monomers were synthesized and used to prepare polybenzoxazine anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with quaternary ammonium functionalization. The LQPBZ AEM exhibited better ion conductivity and alkaline stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Claire A. Lemarchand
Summary: This study investigates the shock behavior of three different polymers through molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal specificities in the shock behavior of polymers, including deviations from the linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity, as well as differences in shear stress relaxation behind the shock front. It is found that the deviation of the Hugoniot locus is related to the change in the relative contribution of bonding and non-bonding potential energies, while polymers with higher glass transition temperatures exhibit slower shear stress relaxation.
Article
Polymer Science
Zengquan Liu, Xiaochun Yin, He Zhang, Shuo Gao, Qinglin Kuang, Yanhong Feng
Summary: A powder solid-state extension (PSSE) technology was proposed to address the high melt viscosity issue of UHMWPE. By uniaxial extension and sintering in the solid state, a highly self-reinforced material was prepared. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques were used to study the structural evolution during the PSSE process, and a solid-phase induced transformation model was established.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhike Li, Anyu Luo, Rui Zhou, Xin Li, Haiyan Li
Summary: A novel high temperature resistance IL@SiO2 nanocapsules were successfully prepared and their friction and wear properties in PA6 composites were studied. The addition of IL@SiO2 nanocapsules reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate without affecting the mechanical properties of PA6. The synergy between the IL core and SiO2 wall in the nanocapsules improved the self-lubricating performance of the PA6 composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Liu, Xuhong Guo, Qi Liao
Summary: In this study, an algorithm for accurately estimating viscosity is developed using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green-Kubo formula. This algorithm can be applied to complex systems with long correlations, such as macromolecular and biological simulation systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Pu, Yun-Lei Hou, Jing -Zhou Chen, Dong -Lin Zhao
Summary: The use of modified graphene improves the interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix in CF/EP composites, as well as increased interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chung Ke, Jin-Wei Lin, Manohar Reddy Busireddy, Yueh-Hsing Lee, Jiun-Tai Chen, Chain-Shu Hsu
Summary: This study introduces a crosslinkable monomer, TAIC, to synthesize three crosslinked polyimide films, which exhibit improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. The introduction of TAIC enhances the tensile strength, reduces the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polyimide films.
Article
Polymer Science
Alex Kwasi Kumi, Ruiling Fan, Ye Chen, Yumei Zhang
Summary: The difference in leaching of amylopectin from cellulose/amylopectin/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) blends during regeneration in water and aqueous ethanol has been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the dissolution and regeneration mechanisms of amylopectin in [Bmim][Cl] are similar to cellulose in ionic liquids. Water regeneration leads to weak electrostatic interactions, resulting in high leaching of amylopectin. In contrast, ethanol-water interactions enhance electrostatic interactions among amylopectin chains, limiting amylopectin leaching in aqueous ethanol.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zeng, Junwei Zhou, Junbiao Peng, Chunsheng Zhang, Danling Wang, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: This study utilizes an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on polyethylene glycol to regulate the vulcanization kinetics of rubber. The results show that the DES can accelerate vulcanization at low temperatures without affecting the crosslinking density and Mullins effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianqian Yue, Yongfei Peng, Xingjian Liu, Aihua He, Huarong Nie
Summary: The addition of metal deactivators can effectively suppress the aging of TBIR, prolong its lifespan, and have no negative effects on its physical and processing properties. These research findings are of great importance for improving the stability and aging resistance of polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
J. Gomez-Caturla, J. Ivorra-Martinez, R. Tejada-Oliveros, V Moreno, D. Garcia-Garcia, R. Balart
Summary: This work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PLA formulations by using different esters derived from geraniol as plasticizers. The results show that these esters have good compatibility with PLA, and they can effectively enhance the elongation and plasticity of PLA, reduce its glass transition temperature, and slightly improve its water absorption capabilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Dandan Li, Zhaohui Lu, Zhao Ke, Ke Xu, Fengna Dai, Youhai Yu, Guangtao Qian, Chunhai Chen
Summary: In this study, cross-linked PI aerogel membranes with low dielectric constant and high moisture resistance were prepared by co-polymerization and scraping coating technology. The incorporation of fluorinated blocks and benzimidazole ring structures resulted in novel PI aerogel membranes with fascinating dielectric properties and outstanding moisture resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyang Chu, Qing Zhang, Haihua Luo, Han Zhou, Fapei Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: Multi-physical fields solution processing strategy is a universal and facile method for preparing various conjugated polymer films and high-performance devices. In this study, we employed a combined microfluidic flow and ultrasonication strategy (FU) for processing CP solutions, and found a pronounced synergetic effect in promoting the pre-ordering of chains in solution. The conformation order and anisotropy of the solution were revealed through various characterizations. A non-classical nucleation model for polymer crystallization in non-equilibrium solution processing was confirmed. The roles of microfluidic flow and ultrasonication in chain aggregation and crystallization were addressed through multi-physical simulations. Compared to pristine solutions, the FU strategy showed improved solution anisotropy and crystallization kinetics, resulting in higher crystallinity in films and increased mobilities in OFET devices. The FU processing strategy provides a universal approach for regulating chain conformation and aggregation in conjugated polymer solutions.
