Article
Polymer Science
Arne Wolpers, Florian Baffie, Vincent Monteil, Franck D'Agosto
Summary: In this study, a dithiocarbamate chain transfer agent was used to synthesize statistical and diblock copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, achieving various polymer compositions through good chain growth control, including linear diblock copolymers and a three-arm star copolymer.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhongyuan Wan, Lee Wai Hin, Ataulla Shegiwal, David Haddleton
Summary: An addition-fragmentation monomer (AFM) is utilized in 3D printer resins to reduce shrinkage during polymerization. The AFM enables reversible network formation and improves mechanical performance. The AFM is synthesized via catalytic chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) and characterized using NMR and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The incorporation of AFM as a crosslinker allows for rapid reversible covalent bond formation and reduces both polymerization shrinkage and stress buildup.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joji Tanaka, Noel Edward Archer, Michael Jeffery Grant, Wei You
Summary: In this study, RAFT step-growth polymerization was achieved by combining RAFT and step-growth polymerization mechanisms, resulting in backbone repeat units with a pendant RAFT agent that can form molecular brush polymers in a second polymerization step. The cleavable backbone functionality allows the transformation of brushlike polymers into linear chains of uniform size under stimuli.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pinar Akarsu, Stefan Reinicke, Anne-Catherine Lehnen, Marek Bekir, Alexander Boeker, Matthias Hartlieb, Martin Reifarth
Summary: The study demonstrates a feasible method to fabricate patchy silicon dioxide microspheres, which can be equipped with tailor-made polymeric materials as patches. The method relies on a solid-state supported microcontact printing (μCP) routine optimized for the transfer of functional groups to capillary-active substrates, introducing amino functionalities as patches to a monolayer of particles. Acting as anchor groups for polymerization, photo-iniferter reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) is used to graft polymer from the patch areas. The protocol promises a vast degree of freedom in engineering the surface properties of highly functional patchy particles, making it a platform technology for the fabrication of particles with locally precisely formed patches.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiuxian Zhao, Junhua Sun, Jiachen Ma, Tongyao Liu, Zeyi Guo, Zhen Yang, Wei Yao, Xuchuan Jiang
Summary: Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is considered as a promising material for smart windows. However, its real application is hindered by several limitations. In this study, core-shell structured VO2@PMMA-b-PHFBMA nanoparticles with excellent properties were prepared using a RAFT polymerization method. The addition of a F-containing polymer shell improved the stability and compatibility of the VO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, a photochromic and hydrophobic copolymer was synthesized and coated onto the VO2 nanoparticles to create an energy-saving composite film. The composite film showed high solar modulation efficiency, making it a highly promising application for smart windows.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Yu. Kozhunova, Anna V. Plutalova, Andrey V. Sybachin, Alexander V. Chertovich, Elena V. Chernikova
Summary: This study investigated the double stimuli-responsive properties of PNIPA and PVIM block copolymers in aqueous solutions for the first time. The synthesis of two different block copolymers was performed using RAFT polymerization. The conformational behavior and self-assembly ability of the polymers were found to depend on the location of hydrophobic groups derived from the RAFT agent within the chain, as well as the length and charge of the PVIM block.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alexandros E. Alexakis, Olivia R. Wilson, Eva Malmström
Summary: The combination of RAFT polymerization and PISA can produce monodisperse nanolatexes. This study demonstrates the synthesis of reproducible bimodal nanolatexes by extending protonated PDMAEMA with MMA in water and provides the first imaging data. The bimodality is induced by the hydrophilic Z-group of the RAFT agent, which has been reported to cause bimodal molecular weight distributions in RAFT-mediated PISA. The advantages of such nanolatexes in coating applications are briefly explored, including their one-pot synthesis, higher contact angle against water when adsorbed on cellulose filter paper, and morphological arrangement dependent on the drying protocol.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christopher N. Subasic, Aditya Ardana, Linda J. Chan, Fei Huang, Judith A. Scoble, Neville J. Butcher, Laurence Meagher, John Chiefari, Lisa M. Kaminskas, Charlotte C. Williams
Summary: This study investigated the potential of RAFT polymers as an alternative to PEG for prolonging the plasma exposure of therapeutic proteins. Among the tested polymers, p(HPMA-co-NIPAM) showed the most promise in prolonging plasma exposure of trastuzumab-Fab' and full length mAb, with lower immunogenicity compared to PEG. These findings suggest that p(HPMA-co-NIPAM) could be a promising copolymer for conjugation with therapeutic proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia L. Goodrich, Madison E. Ross, James B. Young, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: In this study, sonochemically initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was achieved by employing low-frequency ultrasound at high monomer concentrations. Dilution with N,N-dimethylacetamide was found to increase the conversion rate.
Article
Polymer Science
Rui Liu, Zhuolin Rong, Guang Han, Xinlin Yang, Wangqing Zhang
Summary: The star multiple block copolymer s-P4VP-b-PS was synthesized and its self-assembly behavior in two selective solvents, methanol and toluene, was investigated. Significant differences were observed between s-P4VP-b-PS and linear block copolymer l-P4VP-b-PS in terms of self-assembly structures in different solvents.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuma Ueno, Hayato Nakazaki, Hina Onozaki, Shingo Tamesue
Summary: Researchers developed a growable adhesive gel system using RAFT polymerization, which can change its characteristics similar to human growth. The adhesive joint grown by RAFT polymerization showed higher adhesive strength and a function of thermal responsiveness compared to non-RAFT-polymerized adhesive joint. These growable adhesive gel systems enable long-term use of gel materials while adapting to environmental changes.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Parker T. Boeck, Noel E. Archer, Joji Tanaka, Wei You
Summary: Commercially available N-aromatic substituted bismaleimides were used in RAFT step-growth polymerization with a bifunctional RAFT agent, resulting in polymers with moderate to high molecular weights. This advancement allows for the preparation of graft copolymers in a straightforward manner at a larger scale, increasing the accessibility of the previously reported methodology.
Article
Polymer Science
Iris Lamparth, David Wottawa, Jorg Angermann, Pascal Fassler, Robert Liska, Yohann Catel
Summary: This study investigated the effects of four new urethane-based AFCT agents on dental composites, which can improve mechanical properties and reduce shrinkage force, providing effective technological support for the formulation of low-shrinkage materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhiying Li, Qianjin Lian, Youwei Xu, Yichuan Zhang, Pengfei Zhang, Jin Geng
Summary: A robust aggregation-induced emission luminogen photoaddition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization was investigated, resulting in the preparation of a variety of well-defined polymers with narrow polydispersities (D < 1.20). The use of low concentrations of a donor-acceptor (D-A) type aggregation-induced emission luminogen as a photocatalyst enabled polymerization under visible light at ambient temperature. Previous studies have mainly focused on organic solvents, with fewer investigations conducted in aqueous environments. This study successfully demonstrated the polymerization strategy in water with or without oxygen, leading to the synthesis of structure-controlled polymers. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of DCDPP-2TPA increased linearly with the degree of polymerization.
Article
Polymer Science
Mengmeng Zhang, Jiajia Li, Miao Chen, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: The article introduces a new method for controlling the molecular weight distribution of polymers through photocontrol, allowing for the transformation from a latent initiator to an initiator during polymerization. This approach can produce polymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow distributions under mild conditions, demonstrating the potential for tuning MWDs in batch polymerization.
Article
Polymer Science
Bin Xu, Shaoxiang Liu, Yingying Li, Jiandong Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: Selenium-containing polymers with redox responsiveness are synthesized by polymerizing PVSe with MI or its derivatives to produce alternating polymers. Oxidation of these alternating polymers results in the formation of olefin copolymers with precisely structured carbon-carbon (C-C) double bonds with high efficiency under mild conditions.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sisi Chen, Weihong Lu, Jiandong Zhang, Hanliang He, Yujie Cang, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a polarization-induced metathesis mechanism for diselenides under heating conditions in the dark is proposed. Experimental results support that the exchange reaction of diselenides does not involve any radicals and is influenced by solvent polarity and the introduction of polar groups. DFT calculations also demonstrate that polarity has a significant effect on the heterolytic bond dissociation energies. The experimental results for allyl selenide small molecules, polymers, and polymer materials catalyzed by diselenide further confirm the polarization-induced metathesis mechanism.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhuang Li, Jiajia Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: This study presents a catalyst-free, visible-light-induced step growth polymerization method using a photo-RAFT single-unit monomer insertion reaction. Through this reaction, a pendant cationic RAFT agent can be generated in each repeating unit of the polymer backbone. Both cationic and radical side chain extensions were successfully realized, providing a facile approach for the postpolymerization of step-growth polymers for the development of various functional polymeric materials.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiajia Li, Miao Chen, Xia Lin, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: This article introduces a method for simplifying the conditions of living cationic polymerization by utilizing microflow reactors and a weak Lewis acid, zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Well-defined polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions can be obtained under ambient conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bin Xu, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of photonic crystals with adjustable photonic band gaps through responsive polymers. The dual-responsive behavior of the copolymers, achieved by controlling the oxidative and pH conditions, allows for predictable changes in the reflective peaks of the photonic crystals. This research contributes to the development of dual-responsive PC sensors.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Bowen Zhao, Jiajia Li, Zhuang Li, Xia Lin, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a photoinduced free radical-promoted cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method was developed for 3D printing. The polymerization mechanism and the effects of each component on the properties of the materials were investigated. Additionally, polymer welding of the printed objects was achieved, expanding the possibilities for postprinting and future applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xia Lin, Jiajia Li, Na Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a facile method to overcome the limitation of preparing poly(vinyl ether)s was reported. This was achieved by exploiting the selective addition reaction to produce PVEs with pendent vinyl groups or end-functionalized PVEs. Furthermore, brush polymers and core cross-linked star polymers were successfully prepared using end-functionalized PVEs as macromonomers, providing a general method for the preparation of topological polymers.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dong Xing, Jiajia Li, Miao Chen, Na Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: Light-regulated polymerization has been utilized to control the polymerization process. However, controlling the polymer molecular weight distribution (MWD) using light has not been well-developed. This study presents a convenient approach to control MWD in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization by utilizing an ultraviolet light-induced RAFT-hetero-Diels-Alder (RAFT-HDA) reaction with a photoenol diene.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bowen Zhao, Jiajia Li, Guangliang Li, Xinrui Yang, Shaopu Lu, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: The application of reversible deactivation radical polymerization techniques in 3D printing allows for the creation of living polymer networks with various functionalities. However, the speed at which these systems can build objects is still limited. This article presents a digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing system that uses photoinduced free radical-promoted cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl ethers to build living objects at a relatively fast speed (12.99 cm h(-1)) using a commercial DLP 3D printer. The polymerization behavior and printing conditions are studied, and the livingness of the printed objects is demonstrated through spatially controlled postmodification with a fluorescent monomer.
Article
Polymer Science
Yingying Li, Xiaoliang Ma, Jiandong Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Na Li, Gaojian Chen, Jian Zhu
Summary: Developing biodegradable cationic polymers with high antibacterial efficiency and low cytotoxicity is essential for biological applications. This study successfully combined selenium with biodegradability, synthesizing selenide-functionalized polycaprolactones with excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. Films with good antibacterial activity were also prepared.
Article
Polymer Science
Sisi Chen, Mengyao Zhang, Qingyuan Li, Jiachen Li, Shengpeng Wu, Jian Zhou, Guoqing Jin, Zhengbiao Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are versatile polymer materials used in various applications, but the contradiction between reprogrammability and stable actuation performance remains a challenge. Introducing photoactivated dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) into thermotropic LCEs can help address this issue. This study utilizes allyl selenide chemistry to achieve multiple network reconfigurations of LCEs under visible light conditions (405-450nm). The mild stimulation conditions and sustainable dynamic exchange capability offer great potential for the application and design of covalently adaptable LCEs.
Article
Polymer Science
Xia Lin, Qianxi Gu, Jiajia Li, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a facile and robust method for living cationic polymerization using zinc wire as a catalyst precursor was developed. Well-defined poly(vinyl ether)s with various molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained at room temperature. The in situ generation of trace zinc ions was found to be the key to the mild conditions of the polymerization. The utilization of zinc wire offered advantages of reusability, easy separation, and low metal residue. Moreover, the method was successfully applied in continuous flow polymerization, showing potential for scalable and efficient industrial production under mild conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Ming Liu, Sisi Chen, Xiaofang Lin, Hanliang He, Jie Gao, Yonghua Zhai, Yan Wu, Jian Zhu, Xiangqiang Pan
Summary: In this study, we established a method for modifying selenium-containing linear polymers using diselenide-yne chemistry, which allows the introduction of various functional groups and the control of functionalization degree. We also constructed versatile selenium-containing polymer brushes using the grafting from strategy. This research enriches the topological structures and functions of selenium-containing polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Bin Xu, Xiaoliang Ma, Anqi Dai, Xiaofeng Pan, Xiangqiang Pan, Na Li, Jian Zhu
Summary: A visual responsive photonic crystal that responds to oxidation, light, and pH stimuli was created using the inverse opal photonic crystal method. The color of the photonic crystal varies with the blueshift of the band gap, allowing for simple and direct detection of oxidation and pH in the environment, as well as revealing the irradiation history of materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Xia Lin, Jiajia Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a new class of catalysts, selenonium cations, were used in living cationic polymerization under ambient conditions. The polymerization reactions showed good control and resulted in poly(vinyl ether)s with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. The catalysts were successfully loaded on polystyrene microspheres, enabling heterogeneous catalysis and recyclability.
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)
