Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yeyen Nurhamiyah, Sungkwon Yoon, Biqiong Chen
Summary: Novel wholly biobased nanocomposites prepared from polyamide 36,36 thermoplastic elastomer and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) show improved mechanical properties and hardness, making them potential alternatives for existing rubbers with low or medium hardness.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yeyen Nurhamiyah, Amalina Amir, Marie Finnegan, Efrosyni Themistou, Mohan Edirisinghe, Biqiong Chen
Summary: The wholly biobased, self-healing polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer synthesized using a fatty dimer acid and a fatty dimer amine exhibits superior stretchability, high toughness, and excellent shape recovery. Its outstanding properties are attributed to the highly entangled main chain, multiple dangling chains, reversible physical bonds, intermolecular diffusion, and low ratio of amide to methylene group within the elastomer.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Giuseppe Leone, Andrea Salamone, Benedetta Palucci, Giorgia Zanchin, Elena Groppo, Alessandra Forni
Summary: This study describes the synthesis of a series of iron(II) dichloride complexes with different substituents, and their performance as polymerization catalysts. The X-ray structures of some of the compounds were determined. The results show that 4-LMePh and 5-LPhPh are the most stable and least prone to chain termination, resulting in high molecular weight polymers under low iron loading and high polymerization temperature conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Mohamed A. Abdelwahab, Sinto Jacob, Manjusri Misra, Amar K. Mohanty
Summary: A sustainable multifunctional biobased composite with superior toughness was engineered using PLA and OL, demonstrating a new strategy for producing high performance PLA materials. The composites displayed increased elongation at break and notched impact strength, indicating improved toughness while maintaining lower tensile strength and modulus.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Ge, Wencheng Shi, Chen He, Anchao Feng, San H. Thang
Summary: A series of core crosslinked star-shaped poly (styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) (SISs) and linear triblock SISs were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Both the star-shaped and linear SISs exhibited good tensile properties and a certain phase separation structure, demonstrating the characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Yanyan Xu, Qinan Zhang, Zhao Wang, Liqun Zhang
Summary: In this study, a new class of biobased thermoplastic polyester elastomers, poly(butylene terephthalate)-poly(1,4-butylene/2,3-butylene succinate) (PBT-PBBS) copolyesters, were designed and synthesized. These copolyesters exhibited a desired block structure, with a hard phase of crystallized PBT and a soft phase of amorphous PBBS. By adjusting the polycondensation time or the molar ratio of PBT to PBBS, the mechanical properties of these copolyesters, such as tensile strength and elongation at break, could be flexibly tailored. Therefore, they have potential applications in elastomers, hot-melt adhesives, and toughening modifiers.
Article
Polymer Science
Yeyen Nurhamiyah, Gavin Irvine, Efrosyni Themistou, Biqiong Chen
Summary: A new fully biobased polyamide TPE with medium hardness shows promising performance in various applications, such as engineering and healthcare. The elastomer is synthesized using environmentally friendly materials and exhibits good resilience, impact resistance, and high tensile strength.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yeyen Nurhamiyah, Biqiong Chen
Summary: The search for alternatives to fossil fuel-based polymers has received significant attention in recent decades. PA4,36, a biobased polyamide elastomer, is synthesized through a simple polycondensation process. The addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) affects the thermal properties and mechanical properties of the elastomer. The biobased elastomer and its CNC nanocomposites show potential as alternatives to medium hardness fossil fuel-based elastomers.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Julien Morthomas, Veronica Viola, Victor Vallejo-Otero, Guilhem P. Baeza
Summary: In this study, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the influence of chain topology on the structure and properties of crystallizable multiblock copolymers. It is found that the crystallization temperature is primarily determined by the length of the hard segments, regardless of the chain topology or the fraction of crystallizable units. However, the variation in topology results in significant structural differences, with ring and comb molecules forming more small and well-distributed crystallites compared to linear and star counterparts. This research contributes to the understanding of the structure-property relationship in thermoplastic elastomers and extends the fundamental knowledge of polymer crystallization.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Azalea Uva, Angela Lin, Helen Tran
Summary: In this study, biodegradable and biobased poly(azomethine)s were synthesized using carotenoid and p-phenylenediamine-based monomers, and solubility was tuned by varying the side chain lengths. The maximum solubilities were quantitatively determined by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Acid hydrolysis and artificial sunlight were found to accelerate the degradation of the polymer and generate additional degradation products. Carotenoid monomers are shown to be viable candidates for the design of biobased, degradable, and conjugated polymers.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Christian Wahlen, Holger Frey
Summary: Biomass-derived materials show great potential in material science and industry, especially with the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil resources. Anionic polymerization of bio-based 1,3-diene monomers offers unique control over polymer structures, leading to the synthesis of well-defined copolymers with various potential applications such as rubber replacement and functionalized materials.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hormoz Eslami, Mark Grady, Tizazu H. Mekonnen
Summary: Food preservation is crucial for global food supply and security. This study presents a novel biodegradable trilayer packaging material with excellent barrier properties and sustainability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Scott W. Spring, Jesse H. Hsu, Renee J. Sifri, Szu-Ming Yang, Chloe S. Cerione, Tristan H. Lambert, Christopher J. Ellison, Brett P. Fors
Summary: Creating strong and tough plastics from sustainable and biorenewable resources is a significant challenge. In this study, we synthesized a thermoplastic material, poly(2,3-dihydrofuran) (PDHF), using a metal-free cationic polymerization process. PDHF exhibited high tensile strength, toughness, optical clarity, and barrier properties, making it suitable for various applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hailan Kang, Xiaoli Miao, Jiahuan Li, Donghan Li, Qinghong Fang
Summary: A series of sustainable and reprocessible thermoplastic polyester elastomers P(BF-PBSS) were synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, revealing a microstructure with two domains. The mechanical properties of P(BF-PBSS) could be tailored by adjusting the content of soft segment PBSS. These materials have the potential to be applied in biomedical materials due to their renewable nature and good tensile properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Su Hyeon Jeon, Jae Eon Jeong, Seongkyun Kim, Sungwan Jeon, Jin Woo Choung, Il Kim
Summary: A series of poly(ether ester) elastomers are synthesized to develop new materials for automobile weather-stripping and seal parts, replacing conventional rubbers. Hardness can be modulated by controlling chain extender composition and the ratio of hard to soft segments, while crystallinity and phase separation behavior can also be tuned accordingly.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pengcheng Miao, Ziyue Jiao, Jie Liu, Maomao He, Guanjun Song, Zhiyong Wei, Xuefei Leng, Yang Li
Summary: In this study, a new kind of shape memory polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) material with outstanding mechanical properties and chemical recyclability is prepared through the aminolysis reaction of cyclic carbonate. The synthetic strategy, which is isocyanate-free and uses CO2 as a building block, is environmentally friendly and aligns with the concept of carbon neutrality. The thermal properties, mechanical properties, and dynamic behaviors of the PHUs are investigated, showing superior performance compared to other reported PHU-based materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ying Lu, Zhu Tu, Yi Cheng, Lipeng Liu, Xuefei Leng, Zhiyong Wei, Yang Li
Summary: A series of kilogram-scale DMC-based biodegradable PBCs with different molecular weight gradients were successfully synthesized through a facile melt polycondensation reaction. The molecular weight was found to significantly influence the physical characteristics of PBC, and PBC with a higher molecular weight exhibited excellent mechanical strength and elongation at break. Furthermore, the introduction of magnesium mandelate as a nucleating agent greatly accelerated the crystallization of PBC and showed a prominent nucleation activity.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Wang, Chang Wei, Chao Li, Lin Sang, Lei Wang, Zhiyong Wei, Min Qi
Summary: The study synthesized an environmentally friendly biodegradable material, PEF, and prepared films by blending it with PBAT. The results showed that PEF greatly improved the mechanical properties and barrier performance of the PBAT/PEF films. In addition, the PBAT/PEF films showed great potential for fruit preservation.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lipeng Liu, Zhu Tu, Ying Lu, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: The development of biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters as a solution to plastic pollution has been widely accepted by society. In this study, a kilogram-scale aliphatic-aromatic copolyester was successfully synthesized and its physical-chemical properties were systematically investigated. The results showed that the copolyester could be used as an ideal barrier packaging film material and had the potential for closed-loop recycling. This research provides a novel insight and direction for dealing with waste biodegradable polyesters, offering a solution to post-consumer plastic waste accumulation in the environment.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shuming Dai, Ping Song, Ziyue Jiao, Yi Cheng, Jingzhao Shang, Xuefei Leng, Zhiyong Wei, Yang Li
Summary: A series of bisphenol A-based polyarylates were synthesized and the effect of end group structure on polymer properties was investigated. The addition of a capping agent improved the thermal properties and light transmission of the polymers. Furthermore, the thermal degradation mechanism of the polyarylates was studied.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhu Tu, Ying Lu, Lin Sang, Yu Zhang, Yang Li, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: In this study, a marine degradable plastic poly(ethylene oxalate) (PEOx) was successfully synthesized and its synthesis process and marine degradability were investigated. Precise control of the feedstock and reaction conditions was crucial in inhibiting the formation of the diethylene glycol (DEG) byproduct. PEOx exhibited strong mechanical performance, moderate melting temperature, and excellent marine degradability, making it a promising biodegradable material.
Article
Polymer Science
Lipeng Liu, Bo Wang, Chao Li, Chang Wei, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: Compatibility and crystal structure play key roles in the mechanical properties of blending materials. In this study, large-scale synthesis of biodegradable polyester poly(butylene carbonate-coterephthalate) (PBCT) was achieved, and PBCT-based blends with excellent compatibility were prepared without any extra compatibilizer. Tensile tests showed that blending PBCT with industrial biodegradable polyesters significantly improved the mechanical properties. Molecular weight analysis, thermal properties, rheology behavior, and X-ray diffraction confirmed that the improvement in mechanical properties was due to reactive compatibility and co-crystallization. Additionally, the barrier properties of PBCT-based blends were enhanced, reducing the need for compatibilizers and expanding the application scope of biodegradable polyesters.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhu Tu, Bo Wang, Ying Lu, Lizheng Wang, Yang Li, Lin Sang, Yu Zhang, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: With the breakthrough in the large-scale production of poly(ethyleneoxalate) (PEOx) engineering technology, it is now feasible to commercially produce a sustainable polyoxalate material with high mechanical strength and marine degradability. By blending PEOx with commercial poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) polyester and conducting film-blowing process, the compatibility, mechanical properties, barrier properties, and marine degradability were studied. The results showed that the addition of PEOx significantly enhanced the comprehensive performance of the PBAT/PEOx blend films, which also demonstrated potential for broader commercial applications in bag-making and food preservation. Therefore, the PBAT/PEOx blend film is a valuable marine-degradable material for environmental and economic sustainability.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Yu, Huan Liu, Jinyan Li, Huijia Song, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: This article reports the synthesis of a polyester copolymer with high T-g and fast hydrolytic degradation, which showed outstanding thermal and mechanical performances. It has the potential to be a renewable alternative to industrial petrochemical polyesters.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ruiqi Wang, Xiaoyu Zhu, Ping Chen, Chengyong Ping, Xue Zhou, Ying Liu, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: Nickel cobaltate@polypyrrole composite nanomicrospheres (NiCo2O4@PPy) were successfully synthesized by in situ oxidation polymerization. The impedance matching can be optimized by modulating the amount of polypyrrole, resulting in superior absorption performance. The study provides a method for lightweight ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave absorption.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lipeng Liu, Ying Lu, Mingze Xia, Bo Wang, Yi Cheng, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: Aliphatic polycarbonates (APCs) have been synthesized using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and different lengths of aliphatic diols, showing increased flexibility and crystallization with more methylene groups in the repeating units. However, the rigidity of the ester group affected the strength and Young's modulus of APCs, which decreased and then increased. Brill transition increased the distance between intermolecular chains, affecting the barrier properties of poly(octamethylene carbonate).
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jingzhao Shang, Ping Song, Guanghui Li, Qingmin Sun, Yang Li, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: In this study, a series of PEKK copolymers were synthesized by a one-step method and their structure and melting behavior were characterized. It was found that the increase in meta isomers in the structure led to a decrease in crystallization ability and melting point of the copolymers. The double melting behavior of the copolymers was mainly due to the superimposition of rigid amorphous devitrification and enthalpy relaxation. Additionally, the thermal classification of the copolymers was successfully achieved through self-nucleation experiment and successive self-nucleation and annealing (SSA) technology.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yang Yu, Sixiao Liu, Huan Liu, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a biobased polyester with high-performance and hydrolyzability from renewable feedstocks. The polyester exhibited high glass transition temperature, tough mechanical properties, and noticeable hydrolytic degradation, showing great potential as an alternative to commercial polyesters.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Yu, Sixiao Liu, Zhiyong Wei
Summary: The introduction of renewable rigid diester CBPC can effectively enhance the thermal and crystalline performances of PBS. The insertion of CBPC increases thermal stability and forms a homogeneous crystalline structure through cocrystallization, resulting in outstanding mechanical properties for PBCxBSy.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mustafa Kalay, Abidin Esidir, Mahmut Ruzi, N. Burak Kiremitler, Mustafa Serdar Onses
Summary: This study proposes stable and addressable polymer PUFs, utilizing a cross-linkable polymer system, which demonstrates high stochastic characteristics and low-cost production. The performance of the polymer features is evaluated through various analyses, and direct image authentication is achieved using feature matching algorithms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingyu Jin, Guoqiang Lu, Jun Nie, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: Photopolymerization technology is limited in the fields of food packaging and biomedicine due to the high migration of small molecules from photoinitiators. In this study, a polymerizable 2-vinyl thioxanthone (ETX) was synthesized to improve the migration stability of photoinitiators. Macromolecular photoinitiators (PPI1, PPI2) were also prepared to further reduce migration. The results showed that the ETX/TEOA system had higher initiation performance and PPI2 displayed favorable initiation ability. Additionally, the migration of ETX, PPI1, and PPI2 in photocured film was significantly reduced. These low-migration photoinitiators have potential applications in the fields of food packaging and biological materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijie Li, Jun Nie, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: This study focuses on the development of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. A polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, and three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) were synthesized based on VBP. The results show that these new photoinitiators have stronger absorption ability compared to benzophenone and significantly reduce the migration of initiators and co-initiators, addressing the safety concerns caused by migration.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Seira Morimune-Moriya, Yuki Iwahashi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Daisuke Ogawa, Keiji Nakamura
Summary: This study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the structure/properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites with ultra-low content of CNTs. The results show that plasma treatment introduces isocyanate groups on the surface of CNTs and enhances the interfacial interaction between PI and treated CNTs. This leads to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with even a small addition of treated CNTs showing a substantial increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and toughness.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanlong Li, Chaojie Chen, Guoqing Cui, Li Liu, Chao Zhou, Guangfeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel ion-conducting hydrogel was fabricated using a straightforward approach. The hydrogel showed excellent tensile properties and high toughness due to physical interactions and covalent binding. Additionally, the introduction of hydroxyethyl cellulose and lithium chloride improved the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and frost resistance of the hydrogel, demonstrating its potential for cold climate applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Dengwei Yan, Jinxian Yang, Xuejun Pan, Xiaozheng Duan, Lianwei Li, Mo Zhu
Summary: The influence of backbone length on grafting efficiency during the graft-onto reaction process was investigated. It was found that the polydispersity effect of backbone length does not affect the final grafting efficiency, indicating that the local dynamics of chain segments dominate the graft-onto process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyi Luo, Xianjie Pan, Fanqi Liu, Quanxi Yi, Yanning Zeng, Yunhua Chen, Chaoyang Wang
Summary: This study provides a method to prepare high-performance epoxy materials with good malleability and thermal stability. The materials have self-healing and welding capabilities, thanks to the addition of specific chemical bonds and network structures. They exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commercial epoxy resins and show great potential for sustainable industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaoji Xiong, Hao Wang, Lihua Deng, Kun Liang, Chunhua Wu, Wei Wu, Qian Chen
Summary: In this study, four polyamides were synthesized and their adsorption performances for Hg2+ in aqueous systems were investigated. The polyamides exhibited high adsorption capacities and excellent reusability, with the involvement of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the chemical adsorption process of Hg2+.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Siim Laanesoo, Olivier Bonjour, Rauno Sedrik, Iris Tamsalu, Patric Jannasch, Lauri Vares
Summary: The insertion of rigid aliphatic or aromatic building blocks in polymer structures is an effective way to synthesize high -Tg polymer materials. In this study, a series of isosorbide-2-aryl carboxylate-5-methacrylate monomers (ArIMAs) were synthesized by functionalizing isosorbide 5-methacrylate with various aromatic lignin-inspired esters. These monomers were polymerized to obtain high molecular-weight poly(aryl carboxylate isosorbide methacrylates) (PArIMAs). The resulting polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and thermal stability, making them suitable for use as high-performance plastics and coatings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuqian Wu, Weijie Xu, Jianliang Li, Zhangfeng Zhong, Liqing Huang, Shengke Li, Huaping Tan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of degradation and drug release characteristics of dynamic Schiff base-mediated natural polysaccharide hydrogels using tannic acid (TA), leading to enhanced stability and functionality.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhang, Xiangli Kong, Xin Zhou, Yiyan Gao, Yibo Sun, Guanghui Gao, Wei Liu, Kai Shi
Summary: Conductive hydrogels have great development prospects in flexible strain sensors, but long-term direct contact with human skin can cause bacterial infection. A hydrogel with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and toughness was designed and manufactured using a freeze-thaw method. The hydrogel maintains tensile properties and fatigue resistance at low temperatures and is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, hydrogel sensors can be used to monitor human movements.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Jiangang Yu, Mingyang Wu, Rui Li, Anqiang Zhang, Yaling Lin
Summary: In this study, polyacrylamide containing quaternary ammonium salts (PAM-X) were synthesized and found to effectively inhibit soil-borne pathogenic fungi while maintaining the balance of microbial population in soil. PAM-X also showed low toxicity to earthworms and fish, providing a new method for the prevention and control of soil-borne fungal diseases.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawen He, Haojie Yu, Li Wang, Jian Yang, Yanhui Zhang, Wenbing Huang, Chenguang Ouyang
Summary: This review discusses the use of polymeric hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), including the mechanism of water sorption, fabrication methods, and strategies for optimizing the structure of hydrogels. The extended applications of hygroscopic photothermal hydrogels, such as agricultural irrigation and dehumidification, are also explored. The challenges and prospects of using polymeric hydrogels for AWH are summarized.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Du, Shuaishuai Lu, Yuanna Sun, Qingshan Li, Xinhai He
Summary: This study introduces a method to improve the performance of hydrogels by incorporating proline, resulting in hydrogels with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and long-term stability. The hydrogel remains flexible and conductive even at ultra-low temperatures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
