Article
Materials Science, Composites
Jingnan Li, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: The addition of low contents of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in poly (ethylene succinate) (PES) fully biodegradable composites was found to slightly improve thermal stability and significantly enhance rheological properties. The dispersion state of CNC in PES matrix affects nucleation of PES crystals, with fine dispersion at low CNC contents and aggregation at higher contents. Melt crystallization of PES is evidently influenced by the content and dispersion of CNC in the composites.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Kangjing Zhang, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: The research systematically investigated the thermal, crystallization, and mechanical properties of three novel PES-based copolyesters with different lengths of side groups. The presence of side groups did not alter the crystal structure but slightly decreased crystallinity. As the length of side groups increased, the melting point temperatures decreased and the elongation at break increased. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed a gradual decrease in storage modulus and tan 5 with increasing side group length, indicating significant impact on the properties of PES-based copolymers.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhiyi Sun, Mingkun Chen, Gang Xie, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a series of novel poly(ethylene succinate-co-2,3-butylene succinate) (2,3-PEBS) copolyesters with low contents of 2,3-butylene succinate unit (2,3-BS) via a two-stage melt polycondensation. The results revealed that the introduction of a small amount of two adjacent side methyl groups brought an obvious variation in the thermal and mechanical properties of PES. However, 2,3-PEBS displayed the same crystallization mechanism and crystal structure as PES.
Article
Polymer Science
Shanshan Zhou, Ziyu Wei, Yongyan Sun, Zhe Zhu, Zhanghua Xie, Huimin Ma, Jing Yin, Junsheng Wang, Jinjun Yang
Summary: The addition of EBH significantly enhances the crystallization rate and thermal stability of PES, with EBH showing good nucleating effects in PES. The hydrogen bond interaction between EBH and PES promotes rearrangement of carbonyl groups during crystallization process.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Feng Zhang, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: In this study, biobased poly(ethylene succinate)-b-poly(triethylene terephthalate) (PES-b-PTEGT) multiblock copolyesters with low weight ratios of PTEGT segment were successfully synthesized using a chain extension reaction. The thermal, crystallization, and mechanical properties of PES-b-PTEGT were systematically investigated and compared with those of PES prepared via the chain extension method. PES-b-PTEGT exhibited high melting temperature, enhanced crystallizability, and improved mechanical property.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Khadidja Taleb, Salima Saidi-Besbes, Isabelle Pillin, Yves Grohens
Summary: Biocomposites based on PBS and OMt were prepared by melt blending process. Gemini surfactant-modified organoclays showed a uniform dispersion and exfoliation in the PBS matrix, leading to improved properties. Adding a small amount of PBS/OMt significantly reduced the water vapor permeability, making it a promising material for food packaging applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Menglu Li, Jing Jing, Tingting Su
Summary: In this study, varying the ratios of different components in copolymers allowed for control over its properties and enzymatic hydrolysis rates. The prepared copolyesters showed higher degradation rates compared to the corresponding homopolyesters, and the degradation rates were influenced by crystallinity, melting temperature, and hydrophobicity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Masrat Rasheed, Mohammad Jawaid, Bisma Parveez
Summary: This study investigates the effects of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from bamboo fiber on the properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) composites. The addition of CNC improves the thermal stability, tensile strength, and modulus of the composite, while reducing elongation at break.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katerina Papadopoulou, Evangelia Tarani, Nina Maria Ainali, Konstantinos Chrissafis, Christian Wurzer, Ondrej Masek, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Summary: In this study, PBSu and its bionanocomposites containing different amounts of biochar were prepared to investigate their thermal stability and decomposition mechanism. XPS was used to analyze the surface area of biochar and PBSu/biochar nanocomposites, and it was found that only physical interactions were present between PBSu matrix and biochar nanoadditive. TGA and Py-GC/MS were used to study the thermal stability and decomposition pathway, showing that the addition of biochar slightly reduced the thermal stability of PBSu nanocomposites and affected the decomposition mechanism.
Article
Polymer Science
Jingnan Li, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: This study investigated the isothermal melt crystallization kinetics of fully biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) composites. The results showed that low loadings of CNC significantly enhanced the crystallization rate and nucleation density of PES. When the CNC loading increased from 0.25 to 1 wt%, the crystallization rate and nucleation efficiency first increased, reached a maximum, and then decreased, demonstrating a CNC loading dependence attributed to the dispersion states of CNC in the composites.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohamed M. Abdelghafour, Agoston Orban, Agota Deak, Lukasz Lamch, Eva Frank, Roland Nagy, Szilveszter Ziegenheim, Pal Sipos, Eszter Farkas, Ferenc Bari, Laszlo Janovak
Summary: In this study, the molecular weight-dependent solubility properties of a polymer were used in the field of controlled drug delivery. The biodegradable polymer, poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) polyester, was synthesized with regulated molecular weights for the encapsulation of the Ca2+ channel blocker Nimodipine (NIMO). Increasing the molecular weight of PES enhanced the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of the polyester. The encapsulation of NIMO into PES with increasing molecular weight resulted in the formation of NIMO-loaded PES nanoparticles with improved solubility and stability. The drug release experiments showed that the release of NIMO could be accelerated or prolonged by the molecular weights of PES.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongjie Zhang, Tianxiang Fang, Xuxia Yao, Yubing Xiong, Weipu Zhu
Summary: This study proposes a new method for the synthesis of antibacterial polyesters by using quaternary ammonium monomers as comonomers. The method overcomes the poor thermal property of organic antibacterial agents in melt polycondensation and the resulting products exhibit excellent antibacterial activity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Moein Zarei, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: Polymeric materials have a wide range of applications due to their controllable properties. In this study, a series of PBS-DLS-PEG copolymers were synthesized with different molecular weights of PEG to investigate their surface and thermal properties. The incorporation of higher molecular weight PEG improved the surface wettability of the materials while maintaining their thermal properties.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingnan Li, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: The study revealed that cellulose nanocrystals can effectively enhance the melt crystallization rate of poly(ethylene succinate), with a loading-dependent effect. At a loading of 0.5wt% cellulose nanocrystals, the composite exhibited the strongest crystallization characteristics.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Siyu Pan, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: This research investigated the effect of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) on the crystallization behavior, crystalline morphology, and crystal structure of Poly(ethylene succinate-co-1,2-propylene succinate) (PEPS). The results showed that CNC enhanced the crystallization rate of PEPS and acted as a heterogeneous nucleating agent. The induction of CNC played an important role in the nucleation mechanism of PEPS.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anthony Chidi Ezika, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Gbolahan Joseph Adekoya, Yskandar Hamam, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: This study calculated the elastic modulus and electrical conductivity of a MX/PPy nanocomposite electrode and optimized them using the response surface methodology. The results showed that the suggested finite element model could accurately predict the electrical conductivity and elastic modulus of the MX/PPy electrodes, making them viable for metal-ion batteries.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Neeraj Kumar, Rashi Gusain, Sadanand Pandey, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: This review comprehensively analyzes the use of hydrogel nanocomposites for water treatment, focusing on adsorbent and photocatalysis techniques. It discusses the structure, classification, and synthesis methods of hydrogels, as well as their incorporation with functional nanoparticles. The review also critically examines the structure-property relationships of hydrogel nanocomposites, considering factors such as swelling characteristics, mechanical properties, and stimuli-responsiveness.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Ritima Banerjee, Amanuel Gebrekrstos, Jonathan Tersur Orasugh, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: This paper presents recent developments in electrically conducting nanocarbon-containing polymer composite foams for advanced applications and introduces the knowledge gaps and potential solutions. Various materials have been used for electromagnetic interference shielding, energy storage, and piezoresistive applications. Among these, nanocarbon-containing polymer composite foams score high because of their superior performance and lightweight. By offering a holistic overview of the fundamentals of electromagnetic interference shielding, piezoresistivity, the processing of polymer nanocomposites and foams, and the critical aspects related to the development of electrically conducting polymer nanocomposite foams for advanced applications, this paper provides insight into future advances in this area. Furthermore, the selective localization of nanofiller particles in polymer blends and the consequent effects on the foamability and electrical properties of foams, an area seldom discussed in the literature, is critically reviewed in the present work. In summary, this paper offers new insights into the design of advanced conductive nanocarbon-containing polymer composite foams for applications in electromagnetic interference shielding, energy storage, and piezoresistive sensors.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonathan Tersur Orasugh, Valentine Saasa, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Bonex Mwakikunga
Summary: A series of graphene oxide@cellulose nanocrystal (GO@CNC) nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified hummers process. The nanoparticles exhibited crystallite grains with different sizes and -OH & -COOH functionalities on their surfaces. The GO@CNC nanoparticles showed significantly improved sensing characteristics towards acetone compared to virgin GO nanoplatelets, with GO3@CNC3 NPs showing the highest response at 5 ppm and a detection limit of 5 ppm, making them a viable candidate for diabetes breath testing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Tanyaradzwa S. Muzata, Amanuel Gebrekrstos, Jonathan Tersur Orasugh, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: Polymers are extensively used materials in everyday life due to their competitive price, ease of processability, and rust resistance. However, consistent exposure to UV radiation can cause degradation and discoloration of polymeric materials. To improve the UV-shielding properties, various polymer composites containing inorganic and organic nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed, but challenges such as degradation and agglomeration need to be addressed.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Karabo Innocent Matumba, Mpho Phillip Motloung, Vincent Ojijo, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Joncryl concentration on the properties of PLA/PCL and PLA/PEG blends. The addition of Joncryl influenced the properties of both blends, with reduced droplet size and improved compatibility observed in PLA/PCL blends, and the presence of a co-continuous morphology in PLA/PEG blends at certain Joncryl loadings. Joncryl addition also decreased the crystallinity of PCL and PEG in the blends. The thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of the blends were shown to be dependent on the Joncryl concentration.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rashi Gusain, Neeraj Kumar, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: This review article focuses on the research progress of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in wastewater treatment and energy storage, specifically on 3D-printed hydrogels and aerogels. Different 3D printing methods such as direct ink writing, digital light processing, and fused filament fabrication are discussed, highlighting the important results in adsorption, photocatalysis, membrane filtration, and desalination for wastewater treatment, as well as supercapacitors and batteries for energy storage applications. The article concludes with the future opportunities of 3D-printed hydrogels and aerogels in wastewater treatment and energy storage. Overall, the fundamental knowledge and critical assessment of 3D-printed hydrogels and aerogels in water treatment and energy storage provide guidance for future studies in smart materials and waste management for sustainability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhinandan Singha Roy, Marinda de Beer, Sreejarani Kesavan Pillai, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: The utilization of slow-release fertilizer materials capable of responding to their environment and releasing nutrient ions efficiently over a prolonged period is an emerging research area in agricultural materials sciences. In this study, layered materials were prepared and tested for their ability to release phosphor ions (P) slowly into the soil and hydroponic system. The results showed that the prepared materials demonstrated a slow release of P in the soil solution and had a positive impact on dry matter production and P content in dry matter in the soil system.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhinandan Singha Roy, Sreejarani Kesavan Pillai, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: Nitrate-loaded Zn/Al, Mg/Al, and Mg-Zn/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized for slow-release of nitrate ions. Sodium alginate was used to encapsulate Mg/Al LDH to further slow down the release. The slow release properties of LDHs were evaluated in tap water, soil solution, and plant growth experiments. The LDHs were found to supply adequate nitrate to plants while maintaining availability over extended periods, and also demonstrated the ability to increase soil pH.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Tersur Orasugh, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) systems have gained significant attention due to the rapid development in electronics and telecommunications, posing a concern in modern society. The combination of magnetic alloys and conducting nonmagnetic materials, such as carbon/graphene, is a practical approach for EMI SE.
Review
Polymer Science
Amanuel Gebrekrstos, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: The assimilation of highly conductive nanofillers in immiscible polymer blends has shown great potential for various applications. Recent advancements in controlling the location of nanoparticles at the interface of immiscible binary blends have enhanced mechanical and electrical performance of the composites. This review critically inspects the possible mechanism for locating the nanofillers at the interface and their influence on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mpho Phillip Motloung, Tladi Gideon Mofokeng, Jayita Bandyopadhyay, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: The impact of incorporating chitin in PBS/HAP composites on their mechanical and thermal properties, as well as soil degradation characteristics, was investigated. Chitin was found to improve the soil degradation characteristics and melt strength of the composites, while decreasing their elongation at break.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lesego Tabea Temane, Jonathan Tersur Orasugh, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA) is a potential replacement for petrochemically made plastics, but its flammability and propensity to flow in a fire have limited its use. Research has focused on developing new flame-retardants for PLA, with a recent emphasis on two-dimensional nanosystems and their composites. The addition of 2D nanoparticles reduces the flammability of PLA by forming a barrier layer that blocks the transfer of volatile gases, oxygen, and heat.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Orielia Pria Egambaram, Sreejarani Kesavan Pillai, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Marlize Goosen, Antonio Vassallo
Summary: Organic UV filters generate harmful by-products and undergo photoreactive degradation, posing a threat to sunscreen users. Inorganic UV filters like TiO2 and ZnO have photocatalytic properties and can generate reactive oxygen species, making them not entirely safe options. A study investigated the influence of different metal ions on the photochemical properties of layered double hydroxides (LDH) and their potential in photoprotection. The results showed that Zn-Ti and Zn-Al LDH with intermediate band gaps offered lower photo-reactivity and promising UV protection in cosmetic formulations.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adrija Ghosh, Jonathan Tersur Orasugh, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Dipankar Chattopadhyay
Summary: Water is vital for human life and its pollution caused by human activities affects humanity. Therefore, caution is necessary when using novel materials and technologies for wastewater treatment. Graphdiyne (GDY), a promising 2D nanomaterial, shows potential for applications in oil-water separation, organic-pollutant removal, heavy-metal adsorption, and desalination. This review provides insights into the structure, properties, synthesis methods of GDY, and its various applications in desalination and wastewater treatment.
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.
