Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Peiling Kang, Zhibo Jin, Shuangqiao Yang, Qi Wang
Summary: A novel epoxy composite was successfully prepared with partially decrosslinked waste epoxy resin (WEP) powder and graphite nanosheet (GNP) through a facile processing strategy, which exhibited excellent thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and electromagnetic shielding efficiency, showing great potential for thermal management and electromagnetic shielding application.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xi Yang, Yindong Wang, Xiaokang Zhang, Zhiwen Jian, Xili Lu, Zhanhua Wang, Hesheng Xia
Summary: In this study, acylsemicarbazide (ASC) moieties are introduced into a network to obtain a dynamic reversible cross-linked thermoset epoxy resin. The optimized epoxy resin shows excellent reprocessing performance and can be used to prepare carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. The study provides a solution for recycling carbon fiber composites in line with a circular economy.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yanlin Liu, Binbo Wang, Songqi Ma, Tao Yu, Xiwei Xu, Qiong Li, Sheng Wang, Yingying Han, Zhen Yu, Jin Zhu
Summary: The study introduces fully bio-based catalyst-free epoxy vitrimers for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites (CFRCs), showing exceptional malleability and reprocessability through compression molding. The material also demonstrates outstanding degradability, allowing for multiple recoveries of carbon fibers without damage.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Lorena Saitta, Vishnu Prasad, Claudio Tosto, Neal Murphy, Alojz Ivankovic, Gianluca Cicala, Gennaro Scarselli
Summary: The study focuses on composite fabrication, characterization, and recyclability of biobased polymer resins reinforced with flax fiber. By selecting different biobased resins and evaluating their mechanical properties, an epoxy resin cured with a cleavable hardener is found to have the highest glass transition temperature, ensuring full recyclability. The study also demonstrates the possibility of separating and recovering fibers and resin from composite panels through a specific chemical process.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuli Wang, Bihui Jin, Dezhan Ye, Zengjin Liu
Summary: This study carefully examined the effects of four curing agents on the properties of vanillin-based epoxy vitrimers, with Isophoronediamine showing superior tensile strength and Young's Modulus compared to other epoxy vitrimers. The completely recyclable vanillin-based epoxy vitrimers achieved through imine exchange reaction have slightly inferior mechanical and thermal properties, but offer potential for the development of lignin-based functional materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
R. Taurino, F. Bondioli, M. Messori
Summary: Waste valorization is an important area of research that aims to find environmentally friendly and innovative strategies for processing various types of waste. This review focuses on the recent development of waste valorization strategies in polymeric matrices for sustainable production of new polymer matrix composites.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jong-Ho Back, Chiwon Hwang, Dooyoung Baek, Dongwoo Kim, Youngchang Yu, Wonjoo Lee, Hyun-Joong Kim
Summary: This study investigates epoxy composites with tunable mechanical properties, including toughened polymers, elastomers, and pressure-sensitive adhesives, by adjusting the ratio of different types of epoxy resins. The results show that these epoxy composites can be used in structural adhesives and flexible electronics, exhibiting performance comparable to traditional tapes.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Thais Leal Da Cruz Silva, Elaine Aparecida Santos Carvalho, Gabriela Nunes Sales Barreto, Tatiane Brito Perim da Silva, Tcharllis Joao da Cunha Demartini, Carlos Mauricio Fontes Vieira
Summary: The production of artificial stone using granite and glass waste in an epoxy resin matrix is an environmentally friendly alternative that reduces environmental impacts and adds economic value. The research confirmed the technical feasibility and potential applications of the material in the construction industry.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Zihan Zhao, Jianqiao Wu, Liang Gao, Haojie Gong, Zhongkai Guo, Baoyan Zhang, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: This study presents a simple approach to prepare high-performance recyclable CFRCs using low-cost compounds. The resulting CF/DGEAC/PA composites show comparable mechanical properties to traditional epoxy CFRCs, while offering the ability for complete fiber recycling and degradation.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Toshihira Irisawa, Reika Aratake, Miho Hanai, Yoshiki Sugimoto, Yasuhiro Tanabe
Summary: The study investigated the optimal conditions for recovering recycled carbon fiber from epoxy matrix CFRP through thermal decomposition, emphasizing the need for an oxidizing atmosphere and the impact of treatment temperature and time on fiber damage. It was found that the strength reduction of the recovered carbon fiber was influenced not only by thermal oxidative decomposition, but also by its interaction with the resin, with recovery time depending on treatment temperature and the location of the fiber in CFRP.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaiyou Huang, Wenyi Yuan, Yuhan Yang, Xiaoyan Wang, Junying Xie, Huabo Duan, Xiaodan Li, Lincai Wang, Chenglong Zhang, Jianfeng Bai, Jingwei Wang, John C. Crittenden
Summary: This research developed an efficient method for chemical recycling of thermosetting epoxy resin using ZnCl2/CH3COOH aqueous solution as catalysts system, decomposing epoxy resin under mild reaction conditions. It provided a practical approach for the dissolution and reutilization of non-metallic components in waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs).
Article
Polymer Science
Christoph M. Poehler, Marwa Hamza, Torsten Kolb, Erik V. Bachtiar, Libo Yan, Bohumil Kasal
Summary: This study investigates the fire performance of epoxy and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites with and without fire retardants. The effects of different fire retardants on the oxygen index and heat release of the composites were studied. The results show that the mixture of 70 wt.-% epoxy, 24.6 wt.-% APP, and 5.4 wt.-% MEL has the highest oxygen index and the lowest heat release rate.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Roxana Dinu, Ugo Lafont, Olivier Damiano, Francois Orange, Alice Mija
Summary: Due to concerns about global environmental impact and CO2 emission, sustainable composite materials with advanced performance are required. This study developed environmentally friendly carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs) using a biobased epoxy resin derived from natural and renewable compounds. The CFRCs showed high performance with a glass transition temperature Tg> 350°C, a storage modulus of approximately 42 GPa, an interlaminar shear strength of approximately 63 MPa, and a compressive strength of approximately 400 MPa. Additionally, the CFRCs demonstrated chemical recyclability, reprocessability, and excellent intrinsic flame resistance.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hiroto Kudo, Shuji Nishioka, Huayi Jin, Hiroyuki Maekawa, Shinya Nakamura, Tomoya Masuda
Summary: This study investigates a new thermal curing system for epoxy resins by examining the ring-opening copolymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) and D,L-lactide (LAC). The results suggest that the produced poly(GPE-co-LAC) is a gradient copolymer with improved thermal stability and increased cross-linking density. This new system shows potential for various industrial applications.
Article
Mechanics
Indraneel R. Chowdhury, Noel P. O'Dowd, Anthony J. Comer
Summary: The study examined the effects of moisture ageing on flexural, interlaminar shear, and in-plane shear properties of NCF based basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composite at different stress levels, revealing a significant reduction in in-plane shear stiffness and strength following moisture absorption.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuzhan Li, Tuan Liu, Veronica Ambrogi, Orlando Rios, Min Xia, Wanli He, Zhou Yang
Summary: Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have emerged as important functional materials with a wide range of applications. The control of macroscopic liquid crystalline orientation and network structure is crucial for realizing the useful functionalities of LCEs. Click chemistry has become a reliable and energy-efficient method for constructing LCEs with desired structures. This article provides an overview of emerging LCEs based on click chemistries and discusses the strengths, limitations, and compatibility of these reactions with traditional and emerging processing techniques. The challenges and opportunities of using click chemistry for designing LCEs with advanced functionalities and applications are also discussed.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wencan Luo, Hui Yu, Zhenzhen Liu, Rongxian Ou, Chuigen Guo, Tao Liu, Jinwen Zhang
Summary: A non-conventional fluorescent polymer (NCFP) was synthesized by coupling in-situ Schiff base reaction with epoxy ring-open polymerization. The resulting material showed strong fluorescence and excellent mechanical properties, and the self-healing process could be monitored in real time by fluorescence imaging. It has great potential for applications in responsive metal coatings and other areas.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Tuan Liu, Lin Shao, Baoming Zhao, Yu-Chung Chang, Jinwen Zhang
Summary: CFRPs, consisting of carbon fibers and crosslinked polymers, are essential in various applications due to their high specific strength. However, the irreversible nature of crosslinked polymers leads to difficulties in repair and recycling, resulting in environmental burdens. Chemical recycling is seen as a promising method to recover valuable components from CFRP waste, but challenges still exist.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hongzhi Liu, Ning Chen, Changqing Peng, Shuai Zhang, Tuan Liu, Pingan Song, Guolun Zhong, Hao Liu
Summary: In this study, a facile and universal dynamic vulcanization strategy was developed to fabricate mechanically robust PLA blends. By adjusting the ratio of two monomers, the phase structure of PLA blends can be transformed and achieve extraordinary impact toughness.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baoming Zhao, Cheng Hao, Yu-Chung Chang, Yiding Cao, Tuan Liu, Mingen Fei, Lin Shao, Jinwen Zhang
Summary: High performance sacrificial tooling for fabricating fiber-reinforced hollow composites is successfully developed using photocuring 3D printing technology. UV-curable resins containing soluble and hydrolysable acetal acrylate cross-linker and hydrophilic 4-acryloylmorpholine monomer are used to achieve seamless internal finish. The content of cross-linker has a significant impact on printing speed, while the widely adopted UV post-curing method has negligible effect on improving thermal-mechanical properties. Printed sacrificial tooling, after thermal post-treatment, exhibits excellent thermal stability and enables fabrication of carbon fiber-reinforced hollow composites with complex geometry, showing high tensile strength and elastic modulus.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lin Shao, Yu -Chung Chang, Baoming Zhao, Xinyan Yan, Brian J. Bliss, Ming-en Fei, Chenhao Yu, Jinwen Zhang
Summary: In this study, waste epoxy materials were efficiently degraded through aminolysis without catalysts, resulting in two high purity monomers. These monomers were then used to synthesize a polyurethane coating and a photo-curable 3D printing thermosetting polymer with superior properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhou, Yu-Chung Chang, Tuan Liu, Ming-en Fei, Cheng Hao, Baoming Zhao, Meng Zhang, Jinwen Zhang
Summary: This study reports a catalyst-free polyurethane vitrimer (PUV) prepared from a bio-based feedstock, which possesses abundant carbamate linkages and dense hydrogen bonds, resulting in impressive mechanical properties. Moreover, the PUV exhibits a thermally induced intrinsic dynamic carbamate interchange reaction (DCIR) without the need of a catalyst, making it fully repairable and recyclable. The potential application of PUV in high-performance film is demonstrated using a fluorescent indicator film.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuexin Fan, Tuan Liu, Yuzhan Li, Xuepei Miao, Baihang Chen, Jian Ding, Zhixiang Dong, Orlando Rios, Bingkun Bao, Qiuning Lin, Linyong Zhu
Summary: LCEs with customized geometries can be manufactured by a rapid one-step approach at room temperature, utilizing hydrogen bond crosslinked main chain polymers with flexible short side chains. These soft actuators can perform reversible macroscopic motions with large, controlled deformations and have the ability to be reprocessed and reprogrammed.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Tuan Liu, Bingkun Bao, Yuzhan Li, Qiuning Lin, Linyong Zhu
Summary: This review article focuses on OMCNB derivatives and their developments in polymer science, including photolysis mechanism, structural design, and materials properties, with a special emphasis on the application development of OMCNB derivatives in different areas of polymer science. In addition, the challenges and future outlook are also provided. This article is of great importance to readers from both scientific and industrial communities.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Renjie Zhou, Lipeng Yang, Zhengda Chen, Li Jiang, Tuan Liu, Zhiqiang Wang, Xinyi Huang, Qiuning Lin, Xueqing Gong, Yi Yang, Linyong Zhu
Summary: Photoactivated fluorophores (PAFs) have great potential as imaging tools for subcellular structures and dynamic biological processes. However, the current photoremovable protecting groups (PPGs) used in PAF construction have limitations in terms of excitation wavelength and efficiency. In this study, a new class of coumarin-based PPGs with electron-rich thiophene derived substitutions was developed to address these limitations. The modified PPGs showed redshifted absorption and increased photolysis efficiency, enabling efficient photolysis even under weak blue light. The resulting PAF exhibited fast photoactivation, low background signal, and high signal-to-noise ratio in fluorescence imaging. It is anticipated that these superior photolysis properties make the PPGs a novel platform for constructing photoresponsive systems in various applications.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lin Shao, Yu-Chung Chang, Cheng Hao, Ming-en Fei, Baoming Zhao, Brian J. Bliss, Jinwen Zhang
Summary: As the demand for PLA increases, it is important to consider post-consumer disposal strategies to minimize environmental impact. This study presents a simple method to upcycle PLA waste into 3D printable materials through aminolysis and derivatization, reducing the need for disposal.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng Hao, Tuan Liu, Wangcheng Liu, Ming-en Fei, Lin Shao, Wenbin Kuang, Kevin L. Simmons, Jinwen Zhang
Summary: In this study, a hydrothermally recyclable epoxy/anhydride thermosetting system with superior mechanical performance and high T-g was developed for CFRP applications. The recycling process at low temperature decomposes the polymer matrix into oligomers without causing significant damage to the carbon fiber. The recycled materials can be used to prepare new CFRPs, providing a framework for the future design of sustainable polymer composites.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Wangcheng Liu, Yu-Chung Chang, Jinwen Zhang, Hang Liu
Summary: This study presents an innovative wet spinning technique to produce conductive fibers by co-spinning a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyaniline (PANI) blend solution with a neat PAN solution. The resulting side-by-side (SBS) fibers exhibit high conductivity and superior mechanical performance, making them suitable for electronic textiles.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Tetsu Sato, Mariko Takahashi, Takeshi Saito, Masahito Toyonaga, Itsuo Tanuma, Rie Yamada, Satoru Hosoda
Summary: An automatic evaluation system for photooxidation has been developed and successfully applied to assess the photo-OIT of LDPE samples containing photooxidation stabilizers. The system allows independent setting of various measurement conditions and provides detailed information on the photooxidation process.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zongzheng Zuo, Shuxue Zhou
Summary: In this study, three fluoroalkyl trimethoxysilane (FATMS) additives with different chain lengths were incorporated into a two-component polyurethane clearcoat to improve its hydrophobic durability. The coatings modified with FATMS maintained their surface hydrophobicity under various conditions, but quickly lost it when exposed to both UV irradiation and/or high temperature with water. The results suggest that the FATMS route is more suitable for indoor applications at room temperature.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Song Li, Feng Zhao, Xueya Wang, Zhihua Liu, Jingze Guo, Yutong Li, Shuangmei Tan, Zhenxiang Xin, Shuai Zhao, Lin Li
Summary: Green flame retardants have garnered attention for their environmental friendliness, but current options fall short in achieving high flame retardancy for flammable polymers and maintaining environmental protection. This study takes a two-pronged approach to address flame retardants and the flame-retardant process. An eco-friendly bio-based synergistic flame retardant (PAU), synthesized using phytic acid (PA) and urea (U), is used to create a flame retardant coating that can be directly applied to any surface shape using polydopamine as an adhesive. The resulting EPS-PAU exhibits excellent flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and light weight while only slightly increasing the density.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)