Article
Polymer Science
Apisit Banpean, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: The study focused on the confined crystallization of PEG in PLLA spherulite in a PLLA/PEG blend specimen using SAXS/WAXS measurements. The results showed suppression of PEG lamellae growth in the thickness direction due to space confinement by preformed PLLA lamellae, while also observing more regular stacking in the blend specimen.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaohua Chang, Dengwen Hu, Liangren Chen, Yaping Wang, Yutian Zhu
Summary: Thermoresponsive block copolymer micelles have potential in biological applications, with studies showing that changes in hydrophobic/hydrophilic block ratio, micelle concentration and addition of salt can alter the cloud point. Increasing the amount of PLGA hydrophobic block significantly decreases the cloud point, while higher micelle concentration and salt addition also lower the cloud point.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zun Yuan, Yalong Liu, Lin Ye, Phil Coates, Fin Caton-Rose, Xiaowen Zhao
Summary: In this study, a two-stage solid phase hot drawing technology was established to achieve a high degree of molecular orientation for poly(lactic acid)-b-poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) block copolymer. The evolution of the oriented crystalline/two-phase separated structure during drawing was studied. The results showed that by adjusting the draw ratio and temperature, the properties and structure of the material can be effectively controlled.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. S. Park, J. D. Almer, K. C. James, L. J. Natanson, S. R. Stock
Summary: Members of subclass Elasmobranchii possess bioapatite mineralization in their cartilage skeletons, which has similar crystallography to bone but exhibits some differences. The mineral phase in shark centra has larger nanocrystallite sizes and is associated with less microstrain compared to bone.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sang-In Lee, Min-Guk Seo, June Huh, Hyun-jong Paik
Summary: The temperature dependence of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter chi for PBA-b-PMMA was quantified using SAXS analysis and RPA theory. The enthalpic contribution of chi was found to be 1.7-4.5 times smaller for PBA-b-PMMA compared to styrene-diene-based block copolymers. This suggests that these fully acrylic components are desirable for constituting terpolymers used in thermally stable and mechanically resilient elastomers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pranay Amruth Maroju, Ramakrishnan Ganesan, Jayati Ray Dutta
Summary: In this study, a facile solution-based method was used to surface derivatize poly(& epsilon;-caprolactone) films and electrospun fibers with lysozyme, aiming to impart antimicrobial properties and examine the impact on enzymatic degradation. The derivatized films and fibers showed high antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The degradation rate experienced a slight decrease upon lysozyme derivatization, but this reduction was effectively countered by the inclusion of Tween-20.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Cristina Righetti, Maria Laura Di Lorenzo, Dario Cavallo, Alejandro J. Muller, Massimo Gazzano
Summary: The structural evolution of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) crystals was studied using synchrotron wide-angle and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) analysis after crystallization at 100 degrees C. Isothermal crystallization of PBS resulted in a single lamellar population. The temperature-dependent WAXS/SAXS analysis revealed the development of an additional crystal population characterized by thicker lamellae upon heating, leading to a dual lamellar population. The derived temperature dependence of the lamellar thickness for the two different crystal populations provided structural information that elucidated the multiple melting behavior of PBS.
Article
Polymer Science
Ellen L. Heeley, Jessica Smith, Chaoying Wan, Steven Huband, E. Brambley, Darren J. Hughes
Summary: This study investigates the phenomenon of stress-oscillation (SO) during cold drawing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and finds that stress-induced crystallization does not play a role in the process. The opaque bands observed during high strain-rate yielding are attributed to axial voiding.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Seema Thakral, Kyungtae Kim
Summary: Small-angle scattering (SAS) is a versatile analytical technique that provides detailed structural information at the nanometer scale. It has diverse applications in pharmaceutical material characterization, including identification of liquid-crystalline mesophase of drugs, study of excipient microstructure influence, and optimization of solid dispersions and protein-based therapeutics formulations.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Kun Qian, Randall E. Winans, Tao Li
Summary: Understanding the nanostructures of liquid electrolytes is crucial for enhancing electrochemical energy storage capacities, but the solvation structures and molecular dynamics in electrolytes are difficult to probe. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) offers unique insights into molecular clusters and ion pairs in electrolytes, with excellent time-resolution for studying molecular dynamics. This review focuses on the microscopic understanding of liquid electrolytes by SAXS and highlights the unique capabilities of X-ray scattering for nanostructure characterization.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samuel Minier, Hyeong Jin Kim, Jonathan Zaugg, Surya K. Mallapragada, David Vaknin, Wenjie Wang
Summary: Modifying nanoparticle surfaces with water-soluble polymers can alter interparticle interactions and affect their assembly into ordered phases. Experiments show that adding NaCl to suspensions induces surface enrichment, and the molecular weight of PNIPAM plays a crucial role in the formation of ordered structures.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiroshi Imamura, Shinya Honda
Summary: Antibody aggregation and acid denaturation followed by neutralization of pH contribute to the high cost of therapeutic monoclonal antibody production. Understanding the structural details of acid-denatured antibodies is crucial for antibody engineering. Research has shown that acid-denatured monoclonal antibodies become smaller globules at pH 2 compared to their native structure at pH 7. Small-angle X-ray scattering data indicate conformational changes that can lead to aggregation. The distortion of the Fc region and longer inter-domain correlations are found to initiate acid denaturation and aggregation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enyi Chi, Haiying Huang, Fajun Zhang, Tianbai He
Summary: Crystalline block copolymers have been utilized to create plate-like colloidal systems with controlled size and shape. The structure in solution and the face-to-face spacing were characterized using small- and ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering techniques, revealing the importance of lateral attraction between polar crystalline blocks for the formation of the nematic phase.
Article
Polymer Science
Charles J. McCutcheon, Boran Zhao, Christopher J. Ellison, Frank S. Bates
Summary: Adding PEO-PBO diblock copolymer significantly reduces the crystallization time and increases the ductility of PLLA blends without affecting the modulus. The block copolymer particles facilitate stress-induced cavitation and uniform crazing, leading to a 7-15 fold increase in tensile toughness of the blends.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Thomas Konegger, Christina Drechsel, Herwig Peterlik
Summary: In this study, in-situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to monitor the structural evolution of polymer-derived ceramic materials during the pyrolytic conversion process, focusing on the emergence, transformation, and collapse of transient microporosity. Results showed that the in-situ experiments were in good agreement with conventionally obtained ex-situ data, indicating the significant potential of this method for gaining fundamental insights into the conversion of polymer-derived ceramics.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mitsuhiro Hirai, Satoshi Ajito, Kosuke Takahashi, Tatsuo Iwasa, Xing Li, Durige Wen, Rika Kawai-Hirai, Noboru Ohta, Noriyuki Igarashi, Nobutaka Shimizu
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2019)
Article
Polymer Science
Takahiro Doi, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Pham Thi Ngoc Diep, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Sono Sasaki, Shinichi Sakurai
JOURNAL OF FIBER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Polymer Science
Takahiro Doi, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mitsuhiro Hirai, Satoshi Ajito, Tatsuo Iwasa, Durige Wen, Noriyuki Igarashi, Nobutaka Shimizu
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nguyen D. Tien, Anjani K. Maurya, Giuseppino Fortunato, Markus Rottmar, Robert Zboray, Rolf Erni, Alex Dommann, Rene M. Rossi, Antonia Neels, Amin Sadeghpour
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Takahiro Doi, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: The study revealed the effects of the coating rate, cooling temperature, and discharge rate on the microphase-separated structure and macroscopic deformation in the hot-melt coating process. It was found that the coated specimen exhibited anisotropic distribution of spheres and lower ordering regularity of spherical microdomains in the machine direction. Additionally, the extent of chain stretching of the soft segment decreased with an increase in the cooling-roll temperature.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nguyen D. Tien, Stale Petter Lyngstadaas, Joao F. Mano, Jonathan James Blaker, Havard J. Haugen
Summary: Chitosan possesses intrinsic properties that make it suitable for a variety of applications, especially when processed into nanofibers. These nanofibers can be functionalized with bioactive agents and have been successfully utilized in biomedical, food packaging, and textile industries.
Article
Polymer Science
Amit Kumar Pandey, Hideaki Takagi, Noriyuki Igarashi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: The addition of SFN was found to enhance the formation and crystallizability of SC crystals in the PLLA/PDLA (50/50) blend, while suppressing HC crystallization. This finding is significant for the performance and applications of the material.
Article
Polymer Science
Apisit Banpean, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: The study focused on the confined crystallization of PEG in PLLA spherulite in a PLLA/PEG blend specimen using SAXS/WAXS measurements. The results showed suppression of PEG lamellae growth in the thickness direction due to space confinement by preformed PLLA lamellae, while also observing more regular stacking in the blend specimen.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takahiro Doi, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the mechanical properties and structure of block copolymers mixed with tackifiers of different solubilities. The results showed that the type of tackifier used had a significant impact on the nanostructure and mechanical properties, with stress-relaxation behavior being explained through fitting with three-component exponent functions. The study also clarified the hierarchy of structures contributing to stress-relaxation behavior.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Kentaro Harada, Nobumasa Funamori, Naoto Yamamoto, Yoshito Shimosaki, Miho Shimada, Tsukasa Miyajima, Kensei Umemori, Hiroshi Sakai, Norio Nakamura, Shogo Sakanaka, Yukinori Kobayashi, Tohru Honda, Shunsuke Nozawa, Hironori Nakao, Yasuhiro Niwa, Daisuke Wakabayashi, Kenta Amemiya, Noriyuki Igarashi
Summary: A hybrid ring with a superconducting-linac injector is proposed as a highly flexible synchrotron radiation source. It allows simultaneous use of storage (SR) and single-pass (SP) beams, enabling unique experiments and research in various fields. The extendability of the Hybrid Ring suggests its potential development into a synchrotron radiation complex.
JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Daisuke Wakabayashi, Yoshio Suzuki, Yuki Shibazaki, Hiroshi Sugiyama, Keiichi Hirano, Ryutaro Nishimura, Kazuyuki Hyodo, Noriyuki Igarashi, Nobumasa Funamori
Summary: In this paper, a variable-magnification full-field x-ray microscope using two Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) is proposed. The positions of the two FZPs can be adjusted to continuously change the magnification, even if the sample and camera positions are fixed. Experimental results demonstrate that the magnification can be changed in the range of 25-150x using a hard x-ray beam, and high magnification can be achieved at a short camera length.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Keiichi Hirano, Hiroshi Sugiyama, Ryutaro Nishimura, Daisuke Wakabayashi, Yoshio Suzuki, Noriyuki Igarashi, Nobumasa Funamori
Summary: A zoom function is proposed for an X-ray analyzer-based optics that allows observation of samples with different types of contrast. Asymmetrically cut crystals were used to implement the zoom function, and proof-of-principle experiments showed that the image quality at higher magnification was superior. This achievement has the potential to advance research in various fields such as materials science and biomedical science.
JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Takahiro Doi, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2020)
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.