Article
Polymer Science
Zichen Lu, Ting Zhang, Zhiwei Liu, Xiangming Kong, Zhenping Sun
Summary: The TEOS-derived sol-gel process was investigated using the rheological oscillation test to analyze the effects of different synthetic parameters on the viscoelastic properties of the resulting gel. The study found that the rheological oscillation test is an efficient and accurate method for determining gelation time. It was also observed that increasing TEOS and base catalyst concentration improves gel elasticity, likely due to increased silica particle concentration and condensation reaction rate. However, increasing water content and temperature initially increases, and then decreases, gel elasticity. The optimal TEOS to water molar ratio and reaction temperature in this study were found to be 0.67:4.01 and 318 K, respectively.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. Gomez-Merino, J. J. Jimenez-Galea, M. H. Spillman-Daniele, F. J. Rubio-Hernandez
Summary: The thermomechanical properties of a fluid can be enhanced by adding nanoparticles, with applications in various fields. The study found that solid concentration has a greater impact on thermal conductivity than temperature, and the shear-thickening effect weakens with increasing temperature.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shengxiong Zhou, Siqi Li, Chuanqi Yan
Summary: In this study, fumed silica nanoparticles (FSNs) are proposed as a cost-effective and promising bitumen modifier, which readily forms a network structure in the bitumen matrix and enhances the bitumen's elasticity and deformation resistance at high temperatures. Regardless of the aging method used, FSNs dramatically reduce the complex modulus aging index of bitumen, demonstrating their resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation and ultraviolet radiation aging. These findings highlight the potential of FSNs in increasing the durability of bitumen.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Abdulnaser M. Al-Sabaeei, Madzlan Napiah, Muslich Sutanto, Wesam Alaloul, Nur Izzi Md Yusoff, Muhammad Imran Khan, Saeed Modibbo Saeed
Summary: By using hydrophobic nanosilica (NS) particles as a physical modifier for bio-asphalt, the high-temperature performance and rheological properties of the bio-asphalt can be improved. The addition of NS enhanced the rutting resistance and reduced the permanent strain of the bio-asphalt, while also increasing the recovery percentage.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcelo Alves da Silva, Peter Haddow, Stewart B. Kirton, William J. McAuley, Lionel Porcar, Cecile A. Dreiss, Michael T. Cook
Summary: Thermoreversible gels transition from liquid to gel upon warming and vice versa upon cooling. A library of ABA copolymers was prepared to evaluate the effect of A chemistry and A/B block molecular weight on thermally-induced phase changes. Rheometry coupled to Small-Angle Neutron Scattering elucidated temperature-dependent hierarchical self-assembly processes and bulk rheology, identifying design principles for next-generation thermoreversible gels.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Oznur Saroglu, Ayse Karadag, Zeynep Hazal Tekin-Cakmak, Salih Karasu
Summary: This study aimed to determine the morphological, rheological, and textural characterization of xanthan gum-salep liposomal gels. The particle size of liposomes increased in liposomal gels, and the highest size was observed in the K1S3 formulation. The addition of polymers significantly decreased the surface charge of liposomes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
E. Bruno, F. R. Lupi, M. J. Martin-Pinero, R. Girimonte, N. Baldino, J. Munoz, D. Gabriele
Summary: In this study, fiber aqueous suspensions with varying fiber content were produced using different process conditions and equipment, such as a rotor-stator homogenizer and a high pressure microfluidizer. The results showed that the microfluidizer was more effective in disrupting particles and stabilizing the system by altering network extension. A fractal model was also used to predict the rheological behavior of the suspensions based on fiber content.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rusila Zamani Abdul Rashid, Nurul Azhani Yunus, Saiful Amri Mazlan, Norhasnidawani Johari, Siti Aishah Abdul Aziz, Nur Azmah Nordin, Muntaz Hana Ahmad Khairi, Mohd Aidy Faizal Johari
Summary: Temperature has a significant impact on the performance of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). This study investigates the effect of silica as an additive on the temperature-dependent mechanical and rheological properties of EPDM-based MREs. The results show that the presence of silica improves the thermal stability of the MREs by enhancing the interactions between the filler and the matrix.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Oni Yuliarti, Esther Gusti, Jie Hong Chiang, Pei Xuan Teo, Jun Yi Ng
Summary: Two native cassava starches were isolated and characterized, showing differences in gelation behavior and physicochemical properties. Addition of low methoxyl pectin and calcium could enhance the gel strength of starch-based fruit filling, as indicated by rheological and mechanical analysis.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Touseef Ahmed Wani, F. A. Masoodi, Rehana Akhter
Summary: In this study, chitosan flakes were modified into chitosan nanopowder through planetary ball milling, and the properties of resulting gels were analyzed. The chitosan nanopowder gels exhibited higher color difference, better thermal stability, and matrix properties compared to chitosan flakes gels.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jorge H. Sanchez, Francisco J. Rubio-Hernandez, Nicolas M. Paez-Flor
Summary: The study reveals that the suspension of 12.5 vol% hydrophobic fumed silica (Aerosil(R) R816) in low molecular weight polypropylene glycol (PPG400) exhibits shear thickening and shear thinning behaviors, with transient increments and instantaneous jamming properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Ratan Pal Singh
Summary: The temperature-dependent gelation behavior of methylcellulose (MC) in N, N-Dimethyl formamide (DMF) with different surfactants was investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis. The peaks observed in the dynamic strain experiment indicate the fluidity in the structure above 60°C. Heating leads to an increase in enthalpy and the formation of a complex viscous liquid due to non-polar interactions involving the free -OCH3 functional groups of MC. The high dynamic strain value suggests the high solubility of MC in DMF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows entangled globules-rod conformations in dry MC films, which can absorb a large amount of energy before rupture. The spring-like structure of these conformations allows the gel regime to absorb and distribute energy in the non-conformational sol-gel area. The high storage modulus suggests higher crosslink density and the ability to absorb vibrational-thermal energy without disintegration. Computational studies were conducted to investigate the stability of these gels by calculating the potential energy between a single surfactant molecule and the dimeric form of MC.
MACROMOLECULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
P. Sharmili, S. Rajesh, M. Mahendran, S. Saravanakumar, G. Abirami, A. Sivakami, R. Chokkalingam
Summary: Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) is a smart responsive fluid that undergoes a significant change in viscosity when exposed to a magnetic field due to the presence of field responsive particles. Despite its significant applications, sedimentation is a major concern due to the density mismatch between the carrier fluid and the suspended magnetic particles. This study aims to improve sedimentation resistance by incorporating additives/surfactants into the fluid. The study comprehensively examines and interprets parameters such as rheological behavior, temperature, and particle sedimentation, and provides insightful comparative results on the efficient incorporation-infused fluid.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL E
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Inci Yasaroglu, Omur Aras, Yunus Kaya
Summary: Epoxy resins have great potential for industrial applications due to their excellent properties, but their high viscosity limits their industrial usage. Reducing viscosity with diluents provides an advantage, but may decrease chemical and mechanical properties. It is important to determine additives amount and dilution ratio for specific working area to maintain desirable properties.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Louis-Vincent Bouthier, Romain Castellani, Elie Hachem, Rudy Valette
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between colloidal suspensions and their rheology and microstructure. The literature reveals a strong correlation between rheological properties and particle volume fraction, but fails to consider the influence of clusters. A new double fractal structure model is proposed to extend previous models, which can recover known models for percolated systems and account for the impact of cluster size. The model is validated against literature data, showing good agreement.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Ji, Lei Jing, Zhuxi Ni, Bo Yin, Mingbo Yang, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: This study proposes a scalable mechanic-assisted heavy coating strategy based on sticky jammed fluid (SJF) for functionalization of polymer foams. By dispersing a high concentration of active material uniformly in a protein binder solution, a high coating efficiency is achieved. The critical factors controlling the coating processing and quality are identified. The functionalized foam demonstrates high-performance shape-customizable toxic gas removal and can be easily recycled through solvent treatment.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xuefeng Tao, Zhao Yang, Rui Yan, Menghao Cheng, Tian Ma, Sujiao Cao, Mingru Bai, Fen Ran, Chong Cheng, Wei Yang
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived nanoarchitectures have shown great potential as cathode materials in advanced lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), due to their unique properties and controllable structures. This progress report highlights the recent advances in designing MOFs-derived nanoarchitectures with diverse electrocatalytic centers for promoting the oxidation/reduction reactions of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in LSBs. The catalytic mechanisms of different types of MOFs-derived materials, from single atoms to nanoparticles, are systematically summarized. The prospects and challenges of engineering MOFs-derived catalysts for LiPS in LSBs are also discussed. This report provides valuable guidance and perspectives for designing state-of-the-art LiPS catalytic materials in LSBs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jie Yang, Xi Shen, Wei Yang, Jang-Kyo Kim
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in the development of thermally conductive polymer composites using various templating methods, including self-templating, sacrificial templating, foam-templating, ice-templating, and template-directed chemical vapor deposition techniques. These unique methods allow for the fabrication of three-dimensional interconnected fillers with segregated, cellular, lamellar, and radially aligned structures, which are correlated to the thermal conductivity of the composites. Moreover, the review highlights the use of multiscale structural design strategies combined with different templating methods to further improve the thermal conductivity of the composites.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
De-Fa Hou, Meng-Lei Li, Pei-Yao Li, Ling Zhou, Kai Zhang, Zheng-Ying Liu, Wei Yang, Ming-Bo Yang
Summary: In this study, a novel one-step ball-milling mechanochemistry method is introduced for efficient conversion of cellulose to melt-processable cellulose stearates (SCEs) without excess reagents. By adjusting reaction conditions, a series of SCEs with degrees of substitution (DS) ranging from 1.30 to 2.37 are synthesized. The relationship between DS and the thermoplasticity of SCEs is investigated, and SCEs with DS beyond 1.62 exhibit excellent thermoplasticity and can be processed into films with high tensile strength and elastic modulus.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ganghong Zhang, Xiaotian Wu, Tianlong Du, Yu Wang, Zhengying Liu, Wei Yang, Mingbo Yang
Summary: The challenge of creating conductive hydrogel electrodes for stretchable supercapacitors with high capacitance and stability during stretching has received significant attention from researchers. This study presents a method to improve the performance of a conductive hydrogel electrode by performing in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer in a prestretched polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel. The resulting prestretched PAAm-PANI conductive hydrogel with a prestrain of 500% shows a high areal capacitance and excellent stretching stability. By applying this strategy to carbon nanotube (CNT)-filled hydrogels, the specific capacitance of the resulting PAAm-PANI-CNT conductive hydrogel is significantly enhanced.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dan Li, Zhiwei Zhu, Ziyu Zhao, Yuan Ji, Xuewei Fu, Zunfeng Liu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: Helix-fiber composites (HFCs) are used in intelligent stretchable materials or devices by wrapping a flexible core. The mechanical coupling between the core and wrapping plays a critical role in controlling the structure and mechanical properties of HFCs. The results show that the mechanical properties of HFCs can be programmed by adjusting the mechanical coupling strength, and they also exhibit unique pseudo-elastic behavior. Additionally, HFCs can function as an elastic conductor, sensor, and elastic mold for structure transplantation by decoupling the elastomer core from the helix fiber.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xuewei Fu, Yonghan Zhou, Jieyang Huang, Lanxiang Feng, Peng Yu, Qiang Zhang, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: The success of liquid/solid-state batteries is highly dependent on the microstructures of the electrodes, especially for high-energy-density electrodes with thick configurations or high-capacity active materials. However, these high-energy-density electrodes often suffer from performance degradation due to challenging microstructural issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of electrode microstructures and the development of optimization strategies. In this review, the authors classify the multiscale electrode microstructures into primary structures, secondary structures, and tertiary structures and provide detailed design principles and structuring strategies at different levels of microstructures. They also propose the concept of a battery manufacturing genome based on a structuring strategy profile, which could integrate machine learning with battery microstructure optimization and facilitate the development of next-generation on-demand batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zheng-Min Zhang, Peng Yu, Kai Zhou, Fan-Yuan Yu, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Zhi-Yong Qian, Wei Yang
Summary: In this study, hierarchically porous poly(methylmethacrylate)/polyethyleneimine/poly(vinylidenefluoride) composite implants were designed and prepared to mimic the viscoelastic and piezoelectric microenvironment of bone tissue. The viscoelastic and piezoelectric cues of the implants stimulated and activated Piezo1 proteins associated with mechanotransduction signaling pathways, leading to excellent regeneration and integration of cortical and spongy bone in vivo models of critical-size bone defects. The study demonstrates the promising potential of implants with integrated physiological cues as artificial bone substitute materials for regenerating critical-size bone defects.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yonghan Zhou, Zhongfeng Ji, Wenrui Cai, Xuewei He, Ruiying Bao, Xuewei Fu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: By learning from the pencil-writing process, a solid-ink rubbing technology (SIR-tech) has been invented to develop durable metallic coatings on diverse substrates. The composite metallic skin by SIR-tech outperforms pure liquid-metal coating and shows great potential for various applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhao Xu, Sen Meng, Dun-Wen Wei, Rui-Ying Bao, Yu Wang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang
Summary: A polyolefin elastomer vitrimer (POEV) was prepared by constructing a dynamic cross-linked network based on boronic ester bonds. The controllable relaxation of POEV by temperature enables the actuation domain with a reduction in entropy and the skeleton domain with a relatively high entropy, greatly affecting the reversible shape memory effects (RSMEs). By combining the decreasing entropy of POEV chains and topological rearrangement, hybrid aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be constructed in POEV, enhancing its elasticity and acting as a hybrid skeleton for RSMEs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiang-Jun Zha, Bin Zhang, Zhi-Cheng Cheng, Sheng Zhang, Jun-Hong Pu, Ji-Gang Huang, Wei Yang
Summary: Hydrogel actuators have generated significant interest in fields such as artificial muscles, biomedicine, and wearable devices. This study proposes a solvent-exchange hydrogen bond activation strategy to fabricate a highly strong and tough self-adaptive organohydrogel actuators (SOA). The results demonstrate that the proposed strategy has great potential for the rational design and fabrication of bionic strong and tough artificial muscles.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Weihan Hua, Jie Xiang, Yeke Wu, Wei Yang, Lixing Zhao
Summary: This study successfully simulated the physiological structure of periodontal tissue by fabricating complex triphasic scaffolds. The triphasic scaffolds loaded with growth factors showed good biocompatibility and reduced cytotoxicity when tested with periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the triphasic scaffolds promoted the repair of periodontal defects by promoting the formation of alveolar bone-like tissue, periodontal ligament-like tissue, and cementum-like tissue.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Linli Zhang, Hui Zhang, Hongling Zhou, Yi Tan, Zhengmin Zhang, Wei Yang, Lixing Zhao, Zhihe Zhao
Summary: Infected bone defect repair is a major challenge in orthopedic surgery. A near-infrared-responsive, hierarchically porous scaffold was designed and fabricated to address the limitations in a synergetic manner, promoting new bone formation in an infected mandibular defect model.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
