Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu Yang, Jian Min, Ting Xue, Pengcheng Jiang, Xin Liu, Rouming Peng, Jian-Wen Huang, Yingying Qu, Xian Li, Ning Ma, Fang-Chang Tsai, Longhai Dai, Qi Zhang, Yingle Liu, Chun-Chi Chen, Rey-Ting Guo
Summary: The researchers demonstrate that cutinases are highly potent enzymes that can completely decompose PBAT films in 48 hours. By applying a double mutation strategy, the engineered cutinases exhibit higher decomposition rates and produce TPA as a major end-product, which is beneficial for the future recycling economy. The crystal structures of wild type and double mutation of a cutinase from Thermobifida fusca are solved, elucidating their substrate-binding modes and proposing the mechanism of cutinase-mediated PBAT degradation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Juan Li, Bo Li, Shaowen Huang, Shanshan Luo, Shengbao He, Chengtao Gao, Shan Liu
Summary: The surface-grafting modification of nano clay, specifically using epoxy chain extender ADR-4468 to modify pyrophyllite, has yielded ADR-4468-modified pyrophyllite (A-Prl) which has shown to improve the properties of PET and PET/PETG composites. The A-Prl successfully synthesized in this study did not alter the crystal structure of pyrophyllite. Its addition improved the dispersion and crystallization properties of the composites, ultimately enhancing the mechanical performance. The impact toughness of the A-Prl/PET/PETG composite increased by 120% compared to pure PET. This functional additive has the potential to be utilized in the production of high-performance and recyclable PET composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Christian Mielke, Doris Pospiech, Justus Kuhnigk, Andreas Korwitz, Hartmut Komber, Rico Bernhardt, Nico Krebs, Regine Boldt, Holger Ruckdaeschel, Brigitte Voit
Summary: In this study, PBT/PBF blend bead foams were produced and their properties were analyzed. It was found that PBF improved the foam morphology and the use of a chemical linker allowed for the production of molded parts.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mingkun Chen, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: In this study, fully biobased PHFDG copolyesters with varying HDG unit contents were synthesized and their properties compared to PHF and PHDG. The copolymers exhibited HDG content-dependent thermal, crystal, mechanical, and hydrophilicity properties. PHFDG copolymers with low HDG unit content showed comparable or better properties than commercial biodegradable polymers, making them suitable for packaging materials due to their good thermal, mechanical, barrier properties and enhanced hydrophilicity.
Article
Polymer Science
Leonard Ionut Atanase, Slim Salhi, Oana Cucoveica, Marijana Ponjavic, Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic, Christelle Delaite
Summary: Biodegradable polymers have great significance in biomedical applications as they can degrade in the body, eliminating the need for retrieval or explant. This study obtained a series of PCL-b-PEA-b-PCL block copolymers with varying PCL sequence lengths, and found that the presence of the PEA central sequence has an important influence on the biodegradability of the copolymer samples.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ziani S. B. de Souza, Gabriel M. Pinto, Giovanna da C. Silva, Nicole R. Demarquette, Guilhermino J. M. Fechine, Mauricio A. M. Sobrinho
Summary: The compatibility of graphene oxide with a poly(ethylene terephthalate) matrix was studied, and it was observed that lower concentrations of nanofiller associated with lower oxidation and functionalization levels improved the interaction with the matrix, leading to enhanced mechanical properties of the materials.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yujuan Han, Ying Teng, Xia Wang, Wenjie Ren, Xiaomi Wang, Yongming Luo, Huimin Zhang, Peter Christie
Summary: This study found that different soil types can affect the degradation rate of the biodegradable material PBAT in soil, with the microbial community in fluvo-aquic soil being more responsive to PBAT degradation. The results suggest a variety of PBAT-degrading bacteria exist in soil environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Wen Lin, Yujin Zhao, Tingting Su, Zhanyong Wang
Summary: The degradation behavior of PBAT films by different concentrations of Fusarium solani cutinase (FsC) was investigated. It was found that FsC could degrade both the amorphous region and the crystalline region of PBAT films, and its degradation activity was concentration-dependent. High concentration of FsC resulted in significant degradation of PBAT films, while low concentration had less apparent effect. FsC concentration and degradation time did not significantly affect the molecular weight of degraded PBAT.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hideto Tsuji, Sena Nogata, Hirotada Gamo, Kazuhiro Hikima, Atsunori Matsuda, Yuki Arakawa
Summary: This study investigated enantiomeric aromatic poly(lactic acid)s and their crystallization, thermal properties, and degradation. It was found that high molecular weight poly(L-mandelic acid) and poly(d-mandelic acid) exhibited predominant stereocomplex crystallization, while low molecular weight blends showed both stereocomplex and homo-crystallization. The aromatic poly(mandelic acid) had higher glass transition temperatures and lower melting temperatures compared to previously reported poly(lactic acid)s. The thermal degradation temperatures of the blends were higher than those of enantiomeric poly(lactic acid)s and similar to enantiomeric poly(2-hydroxybutanoic acid)s. The study also compared the crystallizability of aromatic poly(mandelic acid) and poly(phenyllactic acid).
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianglong Li, Jing Liu, Yishen Lu, Teng Hou, Jing Zhou, Xianggui Zhang, Lele Zhou, Mingbo Sun, Jieyu Xue, Bin Yang
Summary: This study demonstrates the effective fabrication of uniform degradable PBAT fibers using melt centrifugal spinning, with the modification of hydrophobic PBAT fibers into hydrophilic fibers using HBP. The obtained fibers show stable crystallization compared to PBAT pellets, while the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PBAT/HBP fibers depend on the HBP ratio. Importantly, the fibers transition from hydrophobic to super-hydrophilic with increasing HBP content, showing significant potential for biomedical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Yanru Chen, Linbo Wu, Bo-Geng Li
Summary: PPecBT random copolyesters with a glass transition temperature of up to 136 degrees C were synthesized using a two-step melting polycondensation process. The addition of PeDO as a diol comonomer helped improve the thermal stability of PPecBT and reduce undesired melt foaming during processing. These copolymers exhibited superior tensile ductility, strength, and modulus, with their properties being determined by intrinsic viscosity, copolymer composition, and cis-cB unit fraction.
Article
Polymer Science
Yoshimichi Shimomura, Masatoshi Tokita, Atsuya Kawamura, Junji Watanabe, Gen-ichi Konishi
Summary: This study aims to lower the isothermalization temperature (T-i) of poly(pentylene 4,4’-bibenzoate) (BB-5) and enhance the processability of poly(pentylene 4,4’-terphenyldicarboxylate) (T-5) compounds. Six fluorinated BB-5 (F-BB-5) compounds with T-i values at least 35°C lower than that of BB-5 are synthesized. Fluorinated T-5 (F-T-5) compounds exhibit isotropic phases before thermal decompositions, unlike T-5. Moreover, F-BB-5 and F-T-5 form unexpected crystalline and higher-order smectic phases, expanding the possibilities of low-molecular-weight liquid crystals.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mingkun Chen, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: This study synthesized two types of PHF/MWCNTs composites through an in situ melt polycondensation method and found that the addition of low content of MWCNTs can significantly improve the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PHF.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yue Yin, Bo Jiang, Linghui Meng
Summary: By introducing sulfonated 1,4-butanediol as the third monomer into PET polymer, the nucleation efficiency and crystallization temperature of PET were successfully increased, avoiding the damage to the mechanical properties of PET caused by excessive addition of traditional nucleating agents.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paula Wagner-Egea, Lucia Aristizabal-Lanza, Cecilia Tullberg, Ping Wang, Katja Bernfur, Carl Grey, Baozhong Zhang, Javier A. Linares-Pasten
Summary: Enzymatic PET recycling processes are environmentally friendly and specific. The PET hydrolase PET2 showed high depolymerization yields for PBT and PHT. It also exhibited a preference for aromatic indole-based polyesters.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eduardo Galdon, Monica Millan-Jimenez, Gloria Mora-Castano, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya, Isidoro Caraballo
Summary: A biodegradable copolyester, poly(butylene succinate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PBS_CL), was successfully utilized as an excipient for pharmaceutical dosage forms using hot processing techniques such as ultrasound-assisted compression (USAC) and hot melt extrusion (HME). Controlled release of the drug was achieved with varying amounts of PBS_CL, with a percolation threshold around 23% v/v estimated.
Article
Polymer Science
Alfredo Martinez-Cutillas, Salvador Leon, Sejin Oh, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya
Summary: The use of renewable monomers to produce new polyesters through enzymatic ring opening polymerization is gaining attention as a green alternative to petrochemical-based polyesters. In this study, three different macrolactones were polymerized using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B, and for the first time, the resulting polymacrolactones were enzymatically depolymerized in solution. The depolymerization products were mainly cyclic monomers and dimers, with a small amount of macrocyclic oligoesters. The depolymerization reactions followed a Michaelis-Menten kinetic model and the macrocyclic oligoesters were successfully repolymerized, offering a pathway for chemical recycling of these interesting polymeric materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fouad Laoutid, Soumaya Lafqir, Antoniya Toncheva, Philippe Dubois
Summary: The study explores the use of vulcanized and devulcanized ground tire rubber microparticles as a minor phase in ABS and TPO for 3D printing to improve the circular economy of the automotive industry by proposing a promising route for recycling tire rubber waste. The results showed that the composites are suitable for filament production and offer interesting mechanical performances, with some blends having high impact properties similar to TPO-based composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Hongzhou Xie, Hongxu Meng, Linbo Wu, Bo-Geng Li, Philippe Dubois
Summary: Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) was modified with aliphatic polycarbonate (APC) diols by chain extension/coupling to obtain PEF materials with improved ductility, impact toughness, high strength, modulus, and excellent gas barrier performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Marius Murariu, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Fouad Laoutid, Philippe Dubois
Summary: This study demonstrates that specifically thermally treated AII made from natural gypsum is highly stable and can be used as a filler in PLA composites, resulting in composites with excellent filler dispersion and stability, improved thermal and mechanical properties, especially stiffness and impact resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Lourdes Urpi, Abdelilah Alla, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya
Summary: The study focuses on the use of renewable monomers and green polymerization processes to synthesize new synthetic polymers. High molecular weight copolyesters were obtained from omega-pentadeca-lactone (PDL), dimethyl succinate (DMS), and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (1,4-CHDM) through ring opening polymerization (ROP) and melt polycondensation processes. The copolyesters showed thermal stability up to 350°C, semicrystalline structure, and the melting temperatures decreased with the increased content of the counterpart comonomer. The crystalline structure and thermal transitions of the copolyesters were studied using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Copolyesters with elastomeric properties can be obtained at intermediate compositions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aicha Amior, Hamid Satha, Fouad Laoutid, Antoniya Toncheva, Philippe Dubois
Summary: Due to their natural availability, renewability, biodegradability, nontoxicity, light weight, and relatively low cost, natural fibers, especially lignocellulosic fibers, are attractive potential substitutes for non-eco-friendly synthetic fibers. In this study, Ziziphus jujuba fibers with low lignin content were used as an alternative renewable resource for the production of cellulosic fibers with suitable characteristics and minimal energy consumption. The efficient removal of noncellulosic compounds resulted in an increase in crystallinity index and higher surface area of the fibers, making Ziziphus jujuba fibers a suitable sustainable source for the production of cellulosic fibers.
Article
Polymer Science
Marius Murariu, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Fouad Laoutid, Philippe Dubois
Summary: Polypropylene (PP) filled with CaSO4 beta-anhydrite II (AII) from natural gypsum was studied for high-performance composites. The addition of zinc diacrylate (ZnDA) improved the thermal and mechanical properties of PP-AII composites. The composites also showed improved elastic behavior and heat deflection temperature. Reactive extrusion (REx) on twin-screw extruders was used for large-scale production and performance evaluation.
Article
Polymer Science
Marius Murariu, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Fouad Laoutid, Philippe Dubois
Summary: This study investigates the toughening effect of tributyl citrate (TBC) on polylactide (PLA) composites. The addition of TBC results in decreased glass transition temperature (T-g) and rigidity, increased ductility and impact resistance. Furthermore, reactive modification with epoxy functional styrene-acrylic oligomers enhances the rheological properties of the composites.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fouad Laoutid, Maryam Jouyandeh, Oltea Murariu, Henri Vahabi, Mohammad Reza Saeb, Loic Brison, Marius Murariu, Philippe Dubois
Summary: This study investigated the flame-retardant effect of transparent epoxy coating with aluminum hypophosphite nanoparticles on polylactic acid sheets. The addition of these nanoparticles into the epoxy resin accelerated the degradation of the coating, resulting in increased char residue. The presence of the nanoparticles reduced the peak heat release rate significantly, leading to the formation of a homogeneous char layer with a 15 wt.% nanoparticle content. However, further increase in content did not enhance the flame-retardant properties due to the formation of structural cracks in the coating.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. Martinez Cutillas, D. Sanz-Serrano, S. Oh, F. Ventura, A. Martinez de Ilarduya
Summary: Synthetic and functional grafts, such as the RGD-PEG-PLA-PGl-PLA-PEG-RGD scaffold used in this study, are a great alternative to conventional grafts. This multifunctional polymer provides physical support and precise signaling for cells to heal damaged tissues. The presence of PGl inner block enhances the toughness of the scaffold, while PEGylation improves its hydrophilicity. The functionalized RGD peptides on the scaffold surface significantly enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. These results make it a great candidate for temporary graft preparation.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mario Ivan Penas, Miryam Criado-Gonzalez, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya, Araceli Flores, Jean-Marie Raquez, Rosica Mincheva, Alejandro J. Mueller, Rebeca Hernandez
Summary: This study presents two strategies to regulate the enzymatic degradation of PBS films. One is to add multilayer coats of polysaccharide alginate and chitosan to the PBS films, and the other is to embed lipase-filled alginate particles in the PBS films. The results show that the number of protective coating layers and the amount of encapsulated enzyme affect the degradation extent of PBS films.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Porochista Dorost, Montserrat Garcia-Alvarez, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya
Summary: The delivery of hydrophobic and poorly water soluble drugs is challenging. Drug encapsulation on biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, such as poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGGA), can overcome this issue. PGGA derivatives with different hydrophilic-lipophilic balances were synthesized and self-assembled into nanoparticles. The hydrophobic core of these nanoparticles was used for the encapsulation of the anticancer drug, Doxorubicin (DOX). Drug release studies showed that the nanoparticles were effective in releasing DOX, especially at pH 4.2.
Article
Polymer Science
Leire Sangroniz, Maryam Safari, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya, Haritz Sardon, Dario Cavallo, Alejandro J. Mueller
Summary: This study investigates the effect of incorporating a second comonomer unit in the crystalline unit cell on the melt memory effect of a major component in a random isodimorphic copolymer. It is found that even small amounts of the second comonomer unit significantly reduce the melt memory effect of the copolymers. This reduction is attributed to the disruption of intermolecular interactions and the reduction in self-nucleation capacity caused by the incorporation of the second comonomer unit in the polymer chain.
Article
Polymer Science
Yilong Liao, Ricardo A. Perez-Camargo, Haritz Sardon, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya, Wenxian Hu, Guoming Liu, Dujin Wang, Alejandro J. Muller
Summary: In this study, poly(hexamethylene-ran-octamethylene carbonate) copolycarbonates were synthesized and found to exhibit higher crystallinities than the parent components. A new crystalline phase different from the homopolymers was also discovered. Through experimental and structural characterization, the unique thermal behavior of the copolymers was confirmed. This finding challenges the concept of isodimorphism.
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)
