Article
Polymer Science
Huiying Wang, Qiang Chen, Zhen Geng, Jingyi Rao, Bijin Xiong, Frederic Lortie, Julien Bernard, Wolfgang H. Binder, Senbin Chen, Jintao Zhu
Summary: By introducing 2,6-diaminopyridine moieties and H-bonding amphiphilic interactions, a simple and effective self-assembly strategy was designed to form giant vesicles with a diameter of approximately 3 μm, providing a new opportunity for the design of supramolecular polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Tomohiro Miyata, Hsiao-Fang Wang, Takafumi Suenaga, Daisuke Watanabe, Hironori Marubayashi, Hiroshi Jinnai
Summary: Double-gyroid (DG) structured materials, with their unique three-dimensional network structures, show great promise for various applications. However, defects in these structures can significantly impact material properties. In this study, structural defects in a self-assembled DG structure of polystyrene-block-polyisoprene were observed using three-dimensional transmission electron microtomography. By characterizing the crystallography of the defects, it was found that multiple defect formation mechanisms coexist in self-assembled DG structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aritra Sarkar, Ranjan Sasmal, Angshuman Das, Akhil Venugopal, Sarit S. Agasti, Subi J. George
Summary: The synthesis of supramolecular block co-polymers with small monomers and predictive sequence requires elegant molecular design and synthetic strategies. A kinetically controlled sequential seeded supramolecular polymerization method was reported to synthesize tri-component supramolecular BCPs with tunable microstructure, with the use of fluorescent pi-conjugated monomers and core-substituted naphthalene diimide derivatives. This method provides a promising platform for constructing unique functional organic heterostructures for various optoelectronic and catalytic applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Rocco Di Girolamo, Chiara Santillo, Anna Malafronte, Miriam Scoti, Fabio De Stefano, Giovanni Talarico, Geoffrey W. Coates, Claudio De Rosa
Summary: Isotactic polypropylene-block-polyethylene block copolymers were synthesized and their crystallization behavior was studied. It was found that polyethylene blocks crystallize first, followed by the nucleation of polypropylene blocks. The polyethylene lamellar stacks have a higher periodicity of 30 nm, while the polypropylene lamellar stacks have a lower periodicity of 11-12 nm. The crystallization of the copolymer drives microphase separation and leads to a lamellar morphology.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaolin Lyu, Hanlin Huang, Zhehao Tang, Longfei Luo, Wenjun Luo, Yan Yu, Zhihao Shen, Xing-He Fan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This study successfully prepared three-dimensional hexagonal and hexagram prisms with uniform dimensions by crystallizing TPP and a block copolymer, and explored their growth mechanism. The results indicate that crystalline TPP plays an important role in the self-assembly process, and the faceted morphologies of the prisms are infrequent in the field of soft materials.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
E. Read, B. Lonetti, S. Gineste, A. T. Sutton, E. Di Cola, P. Castignolles, M. Gaborieau, A. -F. Mingotaud, M. Destarac, J. -D. Marty
Summary: The study focuses on investigating the structural changes of polyion complexes (PICs) composed of thermoresponsive polymers with temperature variations, and suggests that the polymer structure and PICs composition play a crucial role in the observed modifications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yike Yao, Liang Gao, Chunhua Cai, Jiaping Lin, Shaoliang Lin
Summary: Introducing a second component is an effective way to manipulate polymerization behavior. However, this phenomenon has rarely been observed in colloidal systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles. Here, we report the supramolecular polymerization of polymeric nanorods mediated by block copolymers. Experimental observations and simulation results illustrate that block copolymers surround the polymeric nanorods and mainly concentrate around the two ends, leaving the hydrophobic side regions exposed. These polymeric nanorods connect in a side-by-side manner through hydrophobic interactions to form bundles. As polymerization progresses, the block copolymers gradually deposit onto the bundles and finally assemble into helical nanopatterns on the outermost surface, which terminates the polymerization. It is anticipated that this work could offer inspiration for a general strategy of controllable supramolecular polymerization.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiuya Zhang, Mengfan Lu, Hanyu Wu, Lu Zhang, Xunda Feng, Zhaoxi A. Jin
Summary: In this study, inverse micellar nanostructures with open channels were successfully generated using a modified solvent exchange method. The addition of D-tartaric acid induced the formation of mesoporous spheres with regularly packed perpendicular cylindrical channels and subsequently mesoporous spheres with gyri-like open pores. The findings provide a simple and economical pathway for fabricating hexasomes with open channels, which could be beneficial for their further applications.
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kevin G. Yager
Summary: The self-assembly of a triblock bottlebrush polymer at one length scale determines the organization of the self-assembly at a smaller scale, creating a hierarchical unit cell.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Cao, Liangxiao Tan, Hong Wang, Jiayin Yuan
Summary: Dual-cationic PIL homopolymers carrying both imidazolium and 1,2,4-triazolium moieties were synthesized by exploiting the reactivity difference, leading to the expansion of their application spectrum.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Matthew J. Webber, E. Thomas Pashuck
Summary: Hydrogels prepared via self-assembly offer scalable and tunable platforms for drug delivery applications. Peptides are widely used as building blocks for self-assembly, while stimuli-responsive self-assembly provides opportunities for more precise drug action. Double-network hydrogels combine the beneficial properties of both self-assembled and covalent networks.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyung Gook Cho, Sol An, Dae Hyun Cho, Jeong Hui Kim, Jieun Nam, Myungwoong Kim, Keun Hyung Lee
Summary: This study demonstrated the development of freestanding, stretchable, and self-adhesive ionogel conductors for wearable and stretchable on-skin motion sensors. These ionogels exhibit superior adhesive characteristics and high ionic conductivity, enabling intimate contact between the sensor and skin during dynamic movement, providing accurate monitoring of body parts.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeong Sang Oh, Ka Young Kim, Minhye Kim, Sukyoung Kim, Sung Ho Jung, Jong Hwa Jung
Summary: We synthesized chiral supramolecular tri- and penta-BCPs with controllable chirality using a kinetically adjusted seeded supramolecular copolymerization method in THF and DMSO. Tetraphenylethylene derivatives with alanine side chains formed thermodynamically favored chiral products, while achiral TPE-G with glycine moieties did not form a supramolecular polymer due to energy barrier. However, copolymerization of the metastable states of TPE-G allowed the generation of supramolecular BCPs and transfer of chirality.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Asmariah Ahmad, Teruki Nii, Takeshi Mori, Yoshiki Katayama, Masanori Toyofuku, Akihiro Kishimura
Summary: This study develops novel nanovehicles for polymyxin-type antibiotics using a polyion complex (PICs) system. The importance of guanidine moieties in enhancing the interaction between catiomer and colistimethate sodium (CMS) is demonstrated. The ratio of guanidine residues determines the formation of micellar or vesicular PIC nanostructures. The encapsulation efficiency of CMS depends on the guanidinium modification ratio.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Julien Es Sayed, Hugo Brummer, Marc C. A. Stuart, Nicolas Sanson, Patrick Perrin, Marleen Kamperman
Summary: Frozen complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) are developed as particle stabilizers for Pickering emulsions, with a core of poly-electrolytes and a corona of water-soluble polymer. By controlling mixing parameters and using dynamic light scattering and proton nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, C3Ms can stabilize emulsions in different media and conditions, eventually disassembling at higher salt concentrations.
Article
Polymer Science
Aldo Altomare, Katja Loos
Summary: Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) copolymers with attractive piezo/ferroelectric properties were successfully synthesized via metal-free light-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The use of organic photoredox catalysts (OPRC) and light of suitable wavelength enabled good control over the polymerization process.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chongnan Ye, Wenjian Li, Vincent S. D. Voet, Rudy Folkersma, Yutao Pei, Katja Loos
Summary: To address the mechanical defects that limit the service lifetime of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), a self-healable vitrimer-based nanogenerator (VITENG) is developed using diacrylate poly(dimethylsiloxane) (AA-PDMS) and a fast thiol-Michael reaction. Through the addition of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate (DHPMA), hydroxy end dangling side chains are generated in the PDMS matrix, increasing flexibility and transesterification efficiency. The VITENG demonstrates a good performance with an output voltage of 135 V under a 10 N load, showing potential for mechanical energy harvesters with long lifetimes and high design flexibility.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Aldo Altomare, Vincent de Gauw, Alice Fiorito, Katja Loos
Summary: The synthesis of well-defined PVDF-based block copolymers has been important for modifying its properties and achieving high-quality composites. ATRP has proven to be a viable technique for controlled synthesis, and OPRCs have been reported as effective photocatalysts in light-catalyzed ATRP. In this study, three OPRs were used for the ATRP of MMA using telechelic PVDF as macroinitiators, and the impact of process parameters was explored.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hamoon Hemmatpour, Oreste De Luca, Dominic Crestani, Marc C. A. Stuart, Alessia Lasorsa, Patrick C. A. van der Wel, Katja Loos, Theodosis Giousis, Vahid Haddadi-Asl, Petra Rudolf
Summary: Polydopamine formation on halloysite nanotubes was systematically investigated. The oxidative coupling reaction of dopaminechrome molecules was found to be the main reaction pathway, leading to the formation of polycatecholamine oligomers as intermediates, followed by the post cyclization of linear oligomers. Furthermore, TRIS molecules were incorporated into the initially formed oligomers.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Laura Boetje, Xiaohong Lan, Jur van Dijken, Michael Polhuis, Katja Loos
Summary: Starch oleate films were crosslinked using UV curing (UVC) or heat curing (HC), with HC being the most efficient method. All methods increased the film strength, with HC causing the largest increase. These findings suggest that crosslinked starch oleate films could replace fossil-fuel-derived plastics in mulch films or packaging applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cornelis Post, Dina Maniar, Vincent S. D. Voet, Rudy Folkersma, Katja Loos
Summary: Furanic polymers, such as PEF, have great potential to replace fossil-based polymers. While FDCA-based polymers have been extensively studied, BHMF, a biobased chemical derived from renewable sources, has received relatively little attention.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Martin Castillo-Santillan, Dina Maniar, Maria C. Gutierrez, Priscila Quinonez-Angulo, Jose Roman Torres-Lubian, Katja Loos, Josue D. Mota-Morales
Summary: Designing biocompatible polymeric biomaterials with programmable life cycles is crucial in reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic waste disposal. In this study, deep eutectic solvent monomers (DESm) consisting of l-lactide and various lactones were formulated to obtain polyesters at low temperatures using organocatalysts and solventless conditions. The expansion of DESm allows for the design of polyesters with tailored molecular weights and crystallinity, contributing to programmable degradability. The ROP of DESm under low temperature and solventless conditions holds promise for the sustainable preparation of biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Laura Boetje, Xiaohong Lan, Jur van Dijken, Albert J. J. Woortman, Thijs Popken, Michael Polhuis, Katja Loos
Summary: Oleic acid and 10-undecenoic acid were used to esterify different types of starch, resulting in improved thermal and mechanical properties. The films obtained had different optical appearances and structures depending on the casting temperature. The films with higher molecular weight and amylopectin content showed better mechanical properties, and starch oleate films exhibited antibacterial properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Qi Chen, Jur van Dijken, Dina Maniar, Katja Loos
Summary: The demand for sustainable, low-cost, and high-performance natural cellulose foams with isotropic structures has increased greatly due to growing environmental awareness. In this study, we discovered the potential of the aerenchyma tissue of aquatic or wetland plants as a natural lignocellulosic foam, overcoming the challenges of poor solubility and processability of raw cellulose. The aerenchyma tissue of Juncus effusus L. exhibited remarkable properties including exceptional compressibility, hydrophobicity, lightweight, and high porosity.
Article
Polymer Science
Theiophile Pelras, Andras Eisenga, Gabor Ersek, Aldo Altomare, Giuseppe Portale, Marleen Kamperman, Katja Loos
Summary: Despite advancements in polymerization techniques, the synthesis of functional macromolecules can still be time-consuming, especially when incompatible chemistries are involved. In this study, one-pot synthesis of strong anionic/charge-neutral block copolymers is explored using a three-step process involving macroinitiator synthesis, chain extension through photomediated atom transfer radical polymerization, and in situ deprotection. The resulting block copolymers exhibit self-assembly properties in aqueous media and can be produced easily, demonstrating versatility in producing strong polymer amphiphiles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjian Li, Yinyu Xiang, Wei Zhang, Katja Loos, Yutao Pei
Summary: By adding ordered mesoporous SiO2 (OMS) nanoparticles to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as effective charge storage sites, the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can be enhanced.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjian Li, Feng Yan, Yinyu Xiang, Wei Zhang, Katja Loos, Yutao Pei
Summary: This study proposes using 2D smectite clay (SC) nanosheets to enhance the surface charge density of traditional triboelectric-negative materials. By blending SC nanosheets with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at an optimal concentration of 5 wt%, the SC-TENG shows significantly improved output performance. The instantaneous output power density of the SC-TENG is increased from 15 mW/m(2) to 1450 mW/m(2).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjian Li, Liqiang Lu, Feng Yan, George Palasantzas, Katja Loos, Yutao Pei
Summary: This study utilizes fragile and rigid mica to improve the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). By exfoliating mica into 2D nanosheets and electrospinning them into flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibers, the transferred charge of the TENG significantly increases. The mica also enhances the positive electrostatic surface potential (ESP) of TPU, leading to a higher power density in the TENG.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anna M. C. Maan, Anton H. Hofman, Theophile Pelras, Ilan M. Ruhof, Marleen Kamperman, Wiebe M. de Vos
Summary: This study improves the adsorption-based zipper brush by adjusting various parameters, resulting in enhanced antifouling properties. Increasing the hydrophobic/hydrophilic block ratio promotes adsorption, the weak polyelectrolyte blocks at neutral pH and low salt concentration show the best antifouling efficacy, and switching to different antifouling blocks further enhances the antifouling performance.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Boetje, Xiaohong Lan, Jur van Dijken, Gerbrich Kaastra, Michael Polhuis, Katja Loos
Summary: In this study, biobased films were synthesized using different cross-linkers for starch, showing the potential for tuning the mechanical and thermal properties of the films. These films may have applications in packaging due to their increased flexibility.
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.