Review
Polymer Science
Serena Coiai, Maria Laura Di Lorenzo, Patrizia Cinelli, Maria Cristina Righetti, Elisa Passaglia
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a widely produced biobased, biodegradable and biocompatible polyester. Although it shares similarities with petroleum-based polymers, its high brittleness and low toughness limit its utilization, prompting the blending with other biobased and biodegradable polymers. By incorporating appropriate additives and solid nanoparticles, the toughness and ductility of PLA can be improved, enhancing its mechanical performance, thermal stability and gas/vapor barrier properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Selvaraj Nagarajan, Chi-Hsuan Su, Eamor M. Woo
Summary: Poly(ethylene adipate) can crystallize into either ring-banded spherulites or ringless spherulites, depending on the temperature conditions. The internal structures and polymorphism of these two morphologies differ, with the ring-banded spherulites primarily containing alpha-form crystals and the ringless spherulites containing a combination of alpha and beta crystals. Dissection analysis reveals that the interior of the banded spherulites consists of concentric-shell structures resembling cut onions. By designing optimized regularly-banded morphologies, the PEA banded spherulites demonstrate prominent photonic iridescence and the capability to structure light with circular patterns through laser interference.
Article
Polymer Science
Selvaraj Nagarajan
Summary: The self-assembly structures of lamellae in optical ring bands have a critical impact on their optical and physical arrangements. Two different types of dendritic banded spherulites have been identified, and the optical ring patterns of these spherulites are mainly differentiated by the fractal orientation of crystal branches in the ridge region. The 3D-lamellar assembly mechanisms proposed provide an explanation for the growth of dendritic ring-banded spherulites at different temperatures.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Lei Hua, Xiaodong Wang
Summary: New biodegradable aliphatic PLLA-PBA-PLLA copolymers with different PLLA block lengths showed different structures and crystallization behaviors of PBA-mid, which were studied using various analytical techniques.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaolei Zhang, Jingxuan Wu, Zhanghua Xie, Qiaoqing Zhang, Chen Wang, Fude Liu, Jinjun Yang
Summary: In this work, the formation of transcrystals in poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) with the presence of bio-derived additive was reported. Thymine (TM) crystals, with biocompatibility and biodegradability, acted as an effective nucleator to increase the crystallization temperature and rate of PBA. This study also revealed that TM facilitated the generation of alpha-modification in PBA, accelerated the phase transition from beta to alpha, and tailored the polymorphism of PBA. Moreover, TM increased the thermal degradation temperature (T-d) and reduced the biodegradability of PBA. The mechanisms behind the formation of transcrystals, nucleation, polymorphism tailoring, enhanced T-d, and reduced biodegradability were proposed and discussed in depth.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Melissa A. Maurer-Jones, Ellen M. Monzo
Summary: This study quantified the photochemically induced molecular transformations of PBAT polymer by analyzing reaction rate constants and yields of primary photochemical pathways. Various analytical techniques were used to identify molecular moieties and quantify reactions, leading to a better understanding of environmental transformations of polymers and guiding the design and use of such technologies.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Chuanhui Zhang, Chao Chen, Chunping Ouyang, Xiangbin Zeng, Zhilong Guo, Fenghua Lai, Jianjun Li
Summary: Aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic polyesters are widely used in food packaging, with a particular focus on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study utilized various analytical techniques to investigate the presence of cyclic esters, a type of VOC, in poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The results showed that the cyclic esters varied in repeating unit length and were influenced by different reaction conditions.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
You-Yong Wang, Yue Wang, Weibin Zhu, Di Lan, Yong-Ming Song
Summary: Development of high-performance, environmentally friendly polylactide (PLA) foam, to replace petroleum-based polymer foam, is crucial for promoting sustainable and green development. The introduction of flexible poly (butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) into the PLA/wood fiber composite improves the crystallization kinetics and melt elasticity, resulting in improved foamability of the composite.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Subong Park, Bongseong Bae, Bong-jin Cha, Yun Jin Kim, Hyo Won Kwak
Summary: Nylon fishing nets cause damage to marine environments when lost, so a biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) resin was developed. By adding adipic acid and ethylene glycol to PBS, poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene succinate-co-ethylene adipate-co-ethylene succinate) (PBEAS) resin with excellent properties and low melting point was synthesized. This resin can be used for gill nets, expanding the application of biodegradable fishing gear.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu Yang, Jian Min, Ting Xue, Pengcheng Jiang, Xin Liu, Rouming Peng, Jian-Wen Huang, Yingying Qu, Xian Li, Ning Ma, Fang-Chang Tsai, Longhai Dai, Qi Zhang, Yingle Liu, Chun-Chi Chen, Rey-Ting Guo
Summary: The researchers demonstrate that cutinases are highly potent enzymes that can completely decompose PBAT films in 48 hours. By applying a double mutation strategy, the engineered cutinases exhibit higher decomposition rates and produce TPA as a major end-product, which is beneficial for the future recycling economy. The crystal structures of wild type and double mutation of a cutinase from Thermobifida fusca are solved, elucidating their substrate-binding modes and proposing the mechanism of cutinase-mediated PBAT degradation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wei-Sung Tseng, Min-Jia Lee, Jin-An Wu, Shin-Liang Kuo, Sheng-Lung Chang, Shu-Jiuan Huang, Chi-Te Liu
Summary: In this study, four PBAT-degrading fungal strains were isolated and a prominent degradation rate was observed in Purpureocillium lilacinum strain BA1S. The lipolytic enzyme activities and cutinase gene of BA1S were induced in the presence of PBAT. Intracellular cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenase and CreA-mediated carbon catabolite repression were also found to be involved in the degradation process.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Natlita Thummarungsan, Kornkanok Rotjanasuworapong, Datchanee Pattavarakorn, Anuvat Sirivat
Summary: This work developed a flexible electroactive material based on poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) as a matrix and poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) as a conductive filler. The doped PoPD (dPoPD) particles with polar free = NH substitution were synthesized and doped with perchloric acid. The dPoPD/PBSA blends possess enhanced mechanical and electrical properties compared to the pristine PBSA film. This study presents new biobased/conductive polymer blends and demonstrates that the bending response and the required dielectrophoresis force can be individually tailored to meet the soft robot requirements.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Carlos Perez-Valdez, Guillermina Burillo, Rodrigo Navarro, Angel Marcos-Fernandez
Summary: PBS and PBSA were irradiated with gamma radiation up to a dose of 400 kGy, resulting in the formation of gel content. PBSA exhibited higher gel content compared to PBS. Analysis revealed that chain scission predominated over crosslinking. Branching and chain scission increased the dispersity and affected the molecular weight. NMR analysis showed the appearance of new species and changes in species with increasing dose. The thermal properties, especially crystallization temperature, were significantly affected by irradiation. Mechanical properties of both polymers were greatly reduced, making them fragile even at low doses.
Article
Polymer Science
Bingxue Jiang, Yisong Wang, Zhengqi Peng, Khak Ho Lim, Qingyue Wang, Shengbin Shi, Jieyuan Zheng, Xuan Yang, Pingwei Liu, Wen-Jun Wang
Summary: In this study, PBAT-co-PGA copolyesters were synthesized by tailoring the chain structure of PBAT with the introduction of poly(glycolic acid) (PGA). The PBAT-co-PGAs exhibited improved crystallization ability, mechanical properties, degradation properties, and aging resistance compared to PBAT.
Article
Polymer Science
Deyu Niu, Pengwu Xu, Jiaxuan Li, Weijun Yang, Tianxi Liu, Piming Ma
Summary: This work successfully obtains designable strength and ductility of PGA/PBAT films by tuning the drawing temperature. The films exhibit high tensile strength and remarkable strain hardening at low temperature, high ductility at moderate temperature, and excellent strength, stiffness, and ductility at high temperature.
Article
Polymer Science
Tianze Zheng, Ting Li, Jiaxin Shi, Tianyu Wu, Zhuo Zhuang, Jun Xu, Baohua Guo
Summary: This study investigated the mechanical response and microstructural evolution of polyureas under uniaxial deformation. The results revealed that the macroscopic toughness of polyureas is attributed to the self-reinforcement of the microstructure and the stress-adaptive release of soft segments, shedding light on the development of better materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Tianyu Wu, Sivasurender Chandran, Yao Zhang, Tianze Zheng, Thomas Pfohl, Jun Xu, Guenter Reiter
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics of the critical primary nucleus in polymer crystallization using a combination of experimental and simulation models. The results suggest that classical nucleation theory may not be applicable for weakly supersaturated solutions.
Article
Polymer Science
Baihui Li, Yue Zhao, Xiaotong Chen, Zhiqi Wang, Jun Xu, Weichao Shi
Summary: The crystallization behavior of double emulsion droplets formed by PBA, PCL, and their blends was studied. It was found that crystal growth drives spherical liquid droplets to anisotropic solid microcapsules with orientation-sensitive birefringence. The composition of two polymers can regulate the transition from PBA-dominated shell to PCL-dominated shell.
Article
Polymer Science
Shujing Zhang, Tianyu Wu, Zhiqi Wang, Jiarui Han, Baohua Guo, Jun Xu
Summary: In this study, we investigated the nucleation pathways and growth rates of spherulites in blends of homopolymer/random copolymer. By analyzing the experimental results and applying theoretical equations, we determined the quantitative contribution of each crystallizable component to the secondary nucleation in the blends. Our findings reveal the microscopic mechanism for the nucleation of homopolymer and random copolymer chains in the blends.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shijun Wang, Jiaxin Shi, Takayuki Shimizu, Jun Xu, Zhiping Xu
Summary: This study investigates the kinetic evolution of microstructures in heat-fusion thermoplastic interfaces and discusses the key factors affecting interface quality. Experimental results show that the quality of fused interfaces can be improved by reducing viscosity and interaction parameter. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the stiffness and strength of the interfaces are controlled by inter-diffusion and entanglement of polymer chains.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Crystallography
Jun Xu, Guenter Reiter, Rufina G. Alamo
Article
Polymer Science
Brahim Bessif, Thomas Pfohl, Barbara Heck, Yaser Alshetwi, Emna Khechine, Jun Xu, Guenter Reiter
Summary: By using a hydrophobic-hydrophilic block copolymer, researchers created sandwich-like platelets in a solution through crystallization and observed changes in thickness and morphology when exposed to humid air.
Article
Polymer Science
Yeyuan Hu, Yang Liao, Yanyan Zheng, Kosuke Ikeda, Ryoji Okabe, Ruifen Wu, Ryota Ozaki, Jun Xu, Qingyan Xu
Summary: The influence of cooling rate on the crystallization behavior of a semi-crystalline polypropylene was studied using the flash differential scanning calorimetry method. The results showed that as the cooling rate increases, the crystallization temperatures and crystallinity decrease.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhiqi Wang, Ranlong Duan, Xuan Pang, Rongling Wu, Baohua Guo, Jun Xu
Summary: Determining the size of critical nuclei in single-component crystals and stereocomplex crystals (SCs) has been a challenge. By diluting different components and analyzing the nucleation kinetics, we found that a critical secondary nucleus of an SC bulk crystal consists of 22-27 L-lactide units and the same number of D-lactide units when crystallized from melt.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sunan Tian, Kaihuan Shi, Jun Xu, Baohua Guo
Summary: High molecular weight fully biobased poly(propylene succinate-co-2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate) (PPSTF) random copolyesters based on 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (TFDCA) were synthesized and their properties were systematically investigated. The copolyesters showed cocrystallization and the TFDCA units had stronger crystallization capability. They exhibited excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties that can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of flexible to rigid segments. The copolyesters also had superior gas barrier properties, even with a high content of PS units. The selected lipase could degrade the copolyesters with up to 60 mol% PTF units, and the nonbiodegradable-biodegradable transition occurred at a low sequence length of aromatic PTF units. Compared to TA-based and FDCA-based analogues, the degradation rate of PPSTF60 was between them. These findings have promising implications for green packaging and other applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emna Khechine, Sebastian Noack, Helmut Schlaad, Jun Xu, Gunter Reiter, Renate Reiter
Summary: We investigated the hydration state of PEG in PEG-b-PLLA diblock copolymer Langmuir monolayers. Hydrated PEG blocks formed bundles of concentric ring-like filaments, while dehydrated PEG blocks packed into a dense polymer brush. The change in curvature of the filaments provided a means for distinguishing between the hydrated and dehydrated states of PEG.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenqi Zou, Hongli Bian, Jinjing Guo, Jun Xu, Baohua Guo
Summary: In this study, titania-silica composite aerogels with resistance to hydrolysis and large specific surface area were prepared and further used as efficient catalysts for PBS polycondensation reactions. The composite aerogels exhibited high specific surface area and Lewis acid content, and showed excellent catalytic activity for the polycondensation reaction of PBS. The use of the composite catalyst resulted in the synthesis of high molecular weight PBS and reduced the end carboxyl group content in the products.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sunan Tian, Yan Du, Pujin Wang, Tong Chen, Jun Xu, Huimin Yu, Baohua Guo
Summary: The need for high-performance bioplastics poses new challenges for the design and preparation of sustainable bioplastics. This study systematically investigates the effects of different isomers of thiophenedicarboxylic acids (TFDCAs) on the synthesis and properties of polyesters. The biobased polyester based on the 3,4-TFDCA isomer demonstrates superior gas and water vapor barrier properties and exhibits strong antibacterial effects.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jing Tian, Xiaoliang Cheng, Baohua Guo, Jun Xu
Summary: This study established a laboratory test method for evaluating the film-blowing processability of biodegradable materials and proposed key indicators. The generalizability of these indicators was verified, and the optimal formulation for PHBHHx was successfully validated. Finally, a quantitative relation between material formulation, key indicators, and film-blowing processability was developed to guide blown film processing and formulation design.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaxin Shi, Zhiqi Wang, Tianze Zheng, Xueyan Liu, Baohua Guo, Jun Xu
Summary: The research introduces a synthesis strategy to create thermal and UV light adaptive polyurethane elastomers with high strength, self-healing capability, surface tunable properties, and patternable functions for photolithography-transfer printing flexible circuits.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2022)
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.