Journal Description
Polymers
Polymers
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of polymer science published semimonthly online by MDPI. Belgian Polymer Group (BPG), European Colloid & Interface Society (ECIS), National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) and North American Thermal Analysis Society (NATAS) are affiliated with Polymers and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, PubMed, PMC, FSTA, CAPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Polymer Science) / CiteScore - Q1 (Polymers and Plastics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in MDPI journals, in appreciation of the work.
- Testimonials: See what our authors and editors say about Polymers.
Impact Factor:
5.0 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
5.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Influence of PEG-PPG-PEG Block Copolymer Concentration and Coagulation Bath Temperature on the Structure Formation of Polyphenylsulfone Membranes
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101349 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The effect of amphiphilic block copolymer polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polypropylene glycol (PPG)-PEG concentration in the polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) casting solution and coagulation bath temperature (CBT) on the structure, separation, and antifouling performance of PPSU ultrafiltration membranes was studied for the first time. According to the
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The effect of amphiphilic block copolymer polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polypropylene glycol (PPG)-PEG concentration in the polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) casting solution and coagulation bath temperature (CBT) on the structure, separation, and antifouling performance of PPSU ultrafiltration membranes was studied for the first time. According to the phase diagram obtained, PPSU/PEG-PPG-PEG/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) systems are characterized by a narrow miscibility gap. It was found that 20 wt. % PPSU solutions in NMP with the addition of 5–15 wt. % of PEG-PPG-PEG block copolymer feature upper critical solution temperature, gel point, and lower critical solution temperature. Membrane composition and structure were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, and water contact angle measurements. The addition of PEG-PPG-PPG to the PPSU casting solution was found to increase the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface (water contact angle decreased from 78° for the reference PPSU membrane down to 50° for 20 wt. %PPSU/15 wt. % PEG-PPG-PEG membrane). It was revealed that the pure water flux increased with the rise of CBT from 18–20 L·m−2·h−1 for the reference PPSU membrane up to 38–140 L·m−2·h−1 for 20 wt. % PPSU/10–15 wt. % PEG-PPG-PEG membranes. However, the opposite trend was observed for 20 wt. % PPSU/5–7 wt. % PEG-PPG-PEG membranes: pure water flux decreased with an increase in CBT. This is due to the differences in the mechanism of phase separation (non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) or a combination of NIPS and temperature-induced phase separation (TIPS)). It was shown that 20 wt. % PPSU/10 wt. % PEG-PPG-PEG membranes were characterized by significantly higher antifouling performance (FRR—81–89%, DRr—26–32%, DRir—10–20%, DT—33–45%) during the ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin solutions compared to the reference PPSU membrane prepared at different CBTs (FRR—29–38%, DRr—6–14%, DRir—74–89%, DT—88–94%).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Membranes and Films)
Open AccessArticle
Evaluating the Durability of Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membranes in Fuel Cells Using Combined Open-Circuit Voltage-Accelerated Stability Testing
by
Juniko Nur Pratama, Hyunwoo Song, Hansung Kim, Hyejin Lee, Dongwon Shin and Byungchan Bae
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101348 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This study evaluates the chemical and mechanical durability of membranes used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, highlighting the essential role of electrochemical tests in understanding the relationship between durability and performance. Our methodology integrates various electrochemical evaluation techniques to assess the degradation
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This study evaluates the chemical and mechanical durability of membranes used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, highlighting the essential role of electrochemical tests in understanding the relationship between durability and performance. Our methodology integrates various electrochemical evaluation techniques to assess the degradation of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes. The results highlight the considerable improvement in the chemical and mechanical durability of annealed 3M PFSA-reinforced composite membranes (RCMs) compared with their non-annealed counterparts and other membrane types, indicating their superior resilience under challenging conditions. Moreover, the results of using a combined open-circuit voltage-accelerated stability testing protocol demonstrate that annealed 3M PFSA RCMs exhibit enhanced resilience, reaching 18,000 cycles before failure, considerably outperforming NR 211 (5000 cycles) and other membranes. In addition, membrane deterioration over time can be precisely measured by interpreting electrochemical indicators (electrochemically active surface area, circuit resistance, high-frequency resistance, and proton resistance). This approach provides a clear relationship between electrochemical data and durability, offering a comprehensive understanding of how different membranes withstand operational stresses.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
A Color-Detectable Vitamin C Controlled-Release System Fabricated Using Electrospinning
by
Min Jae Shin
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101347 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This study develops a vitamin C controlled-release system, trackable via color changes as a function of vitamin C release. The system is composed of coaxial microfibers prepared via coaxial electrospinning, with a core of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) incorporating vitamin C, and a shell
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This study develops a vitamin C controlled-release system, trackable via color changes as a function of vitamin C release. The system is composed of coaxial microfibers prepared via coaxial electrospinning, with a core of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) incorporating vitamin C, and a shell composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) containing polydiacetylene (PDA) as the color-changing material. The shell thickness is controlled by adjusting the amount of PCL ejected during electrospinning, allowing regulation of the release rate of vitamin C. When vitamin C added to PEO penetrates the PCL layer, the color of PDA changes from blue to red, indicating a color change. The results of this study can be applied to devices that require immediate detection of vitamin C release levels.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart and Functional Polymers)
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Open AccessArticle
Cotton Fabric-Reinforced Hydrogels with Excellent Mechanical and Broad-Spectrum Photothermal Antibacterial Properties
by
Xiangnan Yuan, Jun Zhang, Jiayin Shi, Wenfu Liu, Andreii S. Kritchenkov, Sandra Van Vlierberghe, Lu Wang, Wanjun Liu and Jing Gao
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101346 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings hold great potential in eliminating bacteria and accelerating the healing process. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate hydrogel wound dressings that simultaneously exhibit excellent mechanical and photothermal antibacterial properties. Here we report the development of polydopamine-functionalized graphene oxide
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Antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings hold great potential in eliminating bacteria and accelerating the healing process. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate hydrogel wound dressings that simultaneously exhibit excellent mechanical and photothermal antibacterial properties. Here we report the development of polydopamine-functionalized graphene oxide (rGO@PDA)/calcium alginate (CA)/Polypyrrole (PPy) cotton fabric-reinforced hydrogels (abbreviated as rGO@PDA/CA/PPy FHs) for tackling bacterial infections. The mechanical properties of hydrogels were greatly enhanced by cotton fabric reinforcement and an interpenetrating structure, while excellent broad-spectrum photothermal antibacterial properties based on the photothermal effect were obtained by incorporating PPy and rGO@PDA. Results indicated that rGO@PDA/CA/PPy FHs exhibited superior tensile strength in both the warp (289 ± 62.1 N) and weft directions (142 ± 23.0 N), similarly to cotton fabric. By incorporating PPy and rGO@PDA, the swelling ratio was significantly decreased from 673.5% to 236.6%, while photothermal conversion performance was significantly enhanced with a temperature elevated to 45.0 °C. Due to the synergistic photothermal properties of rGO@PDA and PPy, rGO@PDA/CA/PPy FHs exhibited excellent bacteria-eliminating efficiency for S. aureus (0.57%) and E. coli (3.58%) after exposure to NIR for 20 min. We believe that the design of fabric-reinforced hydrogels could serve as a guideline for developing hydrogel wound dressings with improved mechanical properties and broad-spectrum photothermal antibacterial properties for infected-wound treatment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymeric Materials for Engineering and Environmental Applications)
Open AccessReview
Fibrous Structures: An Overview of Their Responsiveness to External Stimuli towards Intended Application
by
Mónica P. S. Ferreira, Afonso S. Gonçalves, Joana C. Antunes, João Bessa, Fernando Cunha and Raúl Fangueiro
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101345 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In recent decades, the interest in responsive fibrous structures has surged, propelling them into diverse applications: from wearable textiles that adapt to their surroundings, to filtration membranes dynamically altering selectivity, these structures showcase remarkable versatility. Various stimuli, including temperature, light, pH, electricity, and
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In recent decades, the interest in responsive fibrous structures has surged, propelling them into diverse applications: from wearable textiles that adapt to their surroundings, to filtration membranes dynamically altering selectivity, these structures showcase remarkable versatility. Various stimuli, including temperature, light, pH, electricity, and chemical compounds, can serve as triggers to unleash physical or chemical changes in response. Processing methodologies such as weaving or knitting using responsive yarns, electrospinning, as well as coating procedures, enable the integration of responsive materials into fibrous structures. They can respond to these stimuli, and comprise shape memory materials, temperature-responsive polymers, chromic materials, phase change materials, photothermal materials, among others. The resulting effects can manifest in a variety of ways, from pore adjustments and altered permeability to shape changing, color changing, and thermal regulation. This review aims to explore the realm of fibrous structures, delving into their responsiveness to external stimuli, with a focus on temperature, light, and pH.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Smart Applications of Functional Polymeric Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Valorization of Winery By-Products as Bio-Fillers for Biopolymer-Based Composites
by
Filippo Biagi, Alberto Giubilini, Paolo Veronesi, Giovanni Nigro and Massimo Messori
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101344 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Grape seeds (GS), wine lees (WL), and grape pomace (GP) are common winery by-products, used as bio-fillers in this research with two distinct biopolymer matrices—poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)—to create fully bio-based composite materials. Each composite included at least
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Grape seeds (GS), wine lees (WL), and grape pomace (GP) are common winery by-products, used as bio-fillers in this research with two distinct biopolymer matrices—poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)—to create fully bio-based composite materials. Each composite included at least 30 v% bio-filler, with a sample reaching 40 v%, as we sought to determine a composition that could be economically and environmentally effective as a substitute for a pure biopolymer matrix. The compounding process employed a twin-screw extruder followed by an injection molding procedure to fabricate the specimens. An acetylation treatment assessed the specimen’s efficacy in enhancing matrix–bio-filler affinity, particularly for WL and GS. The fabricated bio-composites underwent an accurate characterization, revealing no alteration in thermal properties after compounding with bio-fillers. Moreover, hygroscopic measurements indicated increased water-affinity in bio-composites compared to neat biopolymer, most significantly with GP, which exhibited a 7-fold increase. Both tensile and dynamic mechanical tests demonstrated that bio-fillers not only preserved, but significantly enhanced, the stiffness of the neat biopolymer across all samples. In this regard, the most promising results were achieved with the PBAT and acetylated GS sample, showing a 162% relative increase in Young’s modulus, and the PBS and WL sample, which exhibited the highest absolute values of Young’s modulus and storage modulus, even at high temperatures. These findings underscore the scientific importance of exploring the interaction between bio-fillers derived from winery by-products and three different biopolymer matrices, showcasing their potential for sustainable material development, and advancing polymer science and bio-sourced material processing. From a practical standpoint, the study highlighted the tangible benefits of using by-product bio-fillers, including cost savings, waste reduction, and environmental advantages, thus paving the way for greener and more economically viable material production practices.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites in Waste Recycling)
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Open AccessReview
Review and Assessment of Existing and Future Techniques for Traceability with Particular Focus on Applicability to ABS Plastics
by
Ignacy Jakubowicz and Nazdaneh Yarahmadi
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101343 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
It is generally recognized that the use of physical and digital information-based solutions for tracking plastic materials along a value chain can favour the transition to a circular economy and help to overcome obstacles. In the near future, traceability and information exchange between
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It is generally recognized that the use of physical and digital information-based solutions for tracking plastic materials along a value chain can favour the transition to a circular economy and help to overcome obstacles. In the near future, traceability and information exchange between all actors in the value chain of the plastics industry will be crucial to establishing more effective recycling systems. Recycling plastics is a complex process that is particularly complicated in the case of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic because of its versatility and use in many applications. This literature study is part of a larger EU-funded project with the acronym ABSolEU (Paving the way for an ABS recycling revolution in the EU). One of its goals is to propose a suitable traceability system for ABS products through physical marking with a digital connection to a suitable data-management system to facilitate the circular use of ABS. The aim of this paper is therefore to review and assess the current and future techniques for traceability with a particular focus on their use for ABS plastics as a basis for this proposal. The scientific literature and initiatives are discussed within three technological areas, viz., labelling and traceability systems currently in use, digital data sharing systems and physical marking. The first section includes some examples of systems used commonly today. For data sharing, three digital technologies are discussed, viz., Digital Product Passports, blockchain solutions and certification systems, which identify a product through information that is attached to it and store, share and analyse data throughout the product’s life cycle. Finally, several different methods for physical marking are described and evaluated, including different labels on a product’s surface and the addition of a specific material to a polymer matrix that can be identified at any point in time with the use of a special light source or device. The conclusion from this study is that the most promising data management technology for the near future is blockchain technology, which could be shared by all ABS products. Regarding physical marking, producers must evaluate different options for individual products, using the most appropriate and economical technology for each specific product. It is also important to evaluate what information should be attached to a specific product to meet the needs of all actors in the value chain.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Waste Recycling and Management II)
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Open AccessArticle
Digital Light Processing Route for 3D Printing of Acrylate-Modified PLA/Lignin Blends: Microstructure and Mechanical Performance
by
Sofiane Guessasma, Nicolas Stephant, Sylvie Durand and Sofiane Belhabib
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101342 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, digital light processing (DLP) was utilized to generate 3D-printed blends composed of photosensitive acrylate-modified polylactic acid (PLA) resin mixed with varying weight ratios of lignin extracted from softwood, typically ranging from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. The microstructure of these
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In this study, digital light processing (DLP) was utilized to generate 3D-printed blends composed of photosensitive acrylate-modified polylactic acid (PLA) resin mixed with varying weight ratios of lignin extracted from softwood, typically ranging from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. The microstructure of these 3D-printed blends was examined through X-ray microtomography. Additionally, the tensile mechanical properties of all blends were assessed in relation to the weight ratio and post-curing treatment. The results suggest that post-curing significantly influences the tensile properties of the 3D-printed composites, especially in modulating the brittleness of the prints. Furthermore, an optimal weight ratio was identified to be around 5 wt%, beyond which UV light photopolymerization experiences compromises. These findings regarding acrylate-modified PLA/lignin blends offer a cost-effective alternative for producing 3D-printed bio-sourced components, maintaining technical performance in reasonable-cost, low-temperature 3D printing, and with a low environmental footprint.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
Open AccessArticle
Mechanical, Flame-Retardant and Dielectric Properties of Intumescent Flame Retardant/Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene through a Novel Dispersed Distribution Mode
by
Jingwen Li, Yiliang Sun, Boming Zhang and Guocheng Qi
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101341 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The application of continuous glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene thermoplastic composites (GF/PP) is limited due to the inadequate flame retardancy of the polypropylene (PP) matrix. Apart from altering the composition of the flame retardants, the distribution modes of flame retardants also impact material performance. In
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The application of continuous glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene thermoplastic composites (GF/PP) is limited due to the inadequate flame retardancy of the polypropylene (PP) matrix. Apart from altering the composition of the flame retardants, the distribution modes of flame retardants also impact material performance. In this study, an alternative approach involving non-uniform distribution is proposed, namely, dispersed distribution, in which non-flame-retardant-content layers (NFRLs) and/or low-flame-retardant-content layers (LFRLs) are dispersed among high-flame-retardant-content layers (HFRLs). The mechanical, flame retardant and dielectric properties of GF/PP with intumescent flame retardant (IFR/GF/PP) are investigated comparatively under uniform, gradient, and dispersed distributions of the flame retardants. The results demonstrate that non-uniform distribution exhibits superior flame retardant performance compared to uniform distribution. Dispersed distribution enables IFR/GF/PP to attain enhanced mechanical properties and reduced dielectric constants while maintaining excellent flame-retardant properties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Flame Retardant Polymers)
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Open AccessArticle
Improved Mechanical Performance in FDM Cellular Frame Structures through Partial Incorporation of Faces
by
Mahan Ghosh and Nandika Anne D’Souza
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101340 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The utilization of lattice-type cellular architectures has seen a significant increase, owing to their predictable shape and the ability to fabricate templated porous materials through low-cost 3D-printing methods. Frames based on atomic lattice structures such as face-centered cubic (FCC), body-centered cubic (BCC), or
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The utilization of lattice-type cellular architectures has seen a significant increase, owing to their predictable shape and the ability to fabricate templated porous materials through low-cost 3D-printing methods. Frames based on atomic lattice structures such as face-centered cubic (FCC), body-centered cubic (BCC), or simple cubic (SC) have been utilized. In FDM, the mechanical performance has been impeded by stress concentration at the nodes and melt-solidification interfaces arising from layer-by-layer deposition. Adding plates to the frames has resulted in improvements with a concurrent increase in weight and hot-pocket-induced dimensional impact in the closed cells formed. In this paper, we explore compressive performance from the partial addition of plates to the frames of a SC-BCC lattice. Compression testing of both single unit cells and 4 × 4 × 4 lattices in all three axial directions is conducted to examine stress transfer to the nearest neighbor and assess scale-up stress transfer. Our findings reveal that hybrid lattice structure unit cells exhibit significantly improved modulus in the range of 125% to 393%, specific modulus in the range of 13% to 120%, and energy absorption in the range of 17% to 395% over the open lattice. The scaled-up lattice modulus increased by 8% to 400%, specific modulus by 2% to 107%, and energy absorption by 37% to 553% over the lattice frame. Parameters that emerged as key to improved lightweighting.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Estimation of the Shear Viscosity of Mixed-Polymer Materials for Screw Extrusion-Based Recycling Process Modeling
by
Christian Kneidinger, Emil Wagner, Manuel Längauer and Gernot Zitzenbacher
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101339 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The scope of this work is the development of a method to estimate the temperature and shear rate-dependent viscosity of mixtures composed of two polymers. The viscosity curve of polymer mixtures is crucial for the modeling and optimization of extrusion-based recycling, which is
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The scope of this work is the development of a method to estimate the temperature and shear rate-dependent viscosity of mixtures composed of two polymers. The viscosity curve of polymer mixtures is crucial for the modeling and optimization of extrusion-based recycling, which is the most efficient way to recycle polymeric materials. The modeling and simulation of screw extruders requires detailed knowledge of the properties of the processed material, such as the thermodynamic properties, the density, and the rheological behavior. These properties are widely known for pure materials; however, the incorporation of impurities, like other polymers in recycled materials, alters the properties. In this work, miscible, immiscible, and compatibilized immiscible polymer mixtures are considered. A new method based on shear stress is proposed and compared to the shear rate-based method. Several mixing rules are evaluated for their accuracy in predicting mixture viscosity. The developed methods allow the prediction of the viscosity of a compatibilized immiscible mixture with deviations below 5% and that of miscible polymer mixtures with deviations below 3.5%.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Screw Processing of Polymeric Materials - In Memory of Professor James Lindsay White)
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Open AccessArticle
Synthesis of New Ruthenium Complexes and Their Exploratory Study as Polymer Hybrid Composites in Organic Electronics
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Ricardo Ballinas-Indilí, María Elena Sánchez Vergara, Saulo C. Rosales-Amezcua, Joaquín André Hernández Méndez, Byron López-Mayorga, René Miranda-Ruvalcaba and Cecilio Álvarez-Toledano
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101338 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Polymeric hybrid films, for their application in organic electronics, were produced from new ruthenium indanones in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the drop-casting procedure. Initially, the synthesis and structural characterization of the ruthenium complexes were performed, and subsequently, their properties as a potential semiconductor
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Polymeric hybrid films, for their application in organic electronics, were produced from new ruthenium indanones in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the drop-casting procedure. Initially, the synthesis and structural characterization of the ruthenium complexes were performed, and subsequently, their properties as a potential semiconductor material were explored. Hence hybrid films in ruthenium complexes were deposited using PMMA as a polymeric matrix. The hybrid films were characterized by infrared spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of the ruthenium complexes enhanced the mechanical properties in addition to increasing the transmittance, favoring the determination of their optical parameters. Both hybrid films exhibited a maximum stress around 10.5 MPa and a Knoop hardness between 2.1 and 18.4. Regarding the optical parameters, the maximum transparency was obtained at wavelengths greater than 590 nm, the optical band gap was in the range of 1.73–2.24 eV, while the Tauc band gap was in the range of 1.68–2.17 eV, and the Urbach energy was between 0.29 and 0.50 eV. Consequently, the above comments are indicative of an adequate semiconductor behavior; hence, the target polymeric hybrid films must be welcomed as convenient candidates as active layers or transparent electrodes in organic electronics.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Hybrid Composites II)
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Open AccessArticle
Anti-Oxidized Self-Assembly of Multilayered F-Mene/MXene/TPU Composite with Improved Environmental Stability and Pressure Sensing Performances
by
Zhong Zheng, Qian Yang, Shuyi Song, Yifan Pan, Huan Xue and Jing Li
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101337 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
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MXenes, as emerging 2D sensing materials for next-generation electronics, have attracted tremendous attention owing to their extraordinary electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. However, challenges remain due to the weak stability in the oxygen environment and nonnegligible aggregation of layered MXenes, which severely
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MXenes, as emerging 2D sensing materials for next-generation electronics, have attracted tremendous attention owing to their extraordinary electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. However, challenges remain due to the weak stability in the oxygen environment and nonnegligible aggregation of layered MXenes, which severely affect the durability and sensing performances of the corresponding MXene-based pressure sensors, respectively. Here, in this work, we propose an easy-to-fabricate self-assembly strategy to prepare multilayered MXene composite films, where the first layer MXene is hydrogen-bond self-assembled on the electrospun thermoplastic urethane (TPU) fibers surface and the anti-oxidized functionalized-MXene (f-MXene) is subsequently adhered on the MXene layer by spontaneous electrostatic attraction. Remarkably, the f-MXene surface is functionalized with silanization reagents to form a hydrophobic protective layer, thus preventing the oxidation of the MXene-based pressure sensor during service. Simultaneously, the electrostatic self-assembled MXene and f-MXene successfully avoid the invalid stacking of MXene, leading to an improved pressure sensitivity. Moreover, the adopted electrospinning method can facilitate cyclic self-assembly and the formation of a hierarchical micro-nano porous structure of the multilayered f-MXene/MXene/TPU (M-fM2T) composite. The gradient pores can generate changes in the conductive pathways within a wide loading range, broadening the pressure detection range of the as-proposed multilayered f-MXene/MXene/TPU piezoresistive sensor (M-fM2TPS). Experimentally, these novel features endow our M-fM2TPS with an outstanding maximum sensitivity of 40.31 kPa−1 and an extensive sensing range of up to 120 kPa. Additionally, our M-fM2TPS exhibits excellent anti-oxidized properties for environmental stability and mechanical reliability for long-term use, which shows only ~0.8% fractional resistance changes after being placed in a natural environment for over 30 days and provides a reproducible loading–unloading pressure measurement for more than 1000 cycles. As a proof of concept, the M-fM2TPS is deployed to monitor human movements and radial artery pulse. Our anti-oxidized self-assembly strategy of multilayered MXene is expected to guide the future investigation of MXene-based advanced sensors with commercial values.
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Open AccessArticle
In Vitro Cytotoxic and Inflammatory Response of Gingival Fibroblasts and Oral Mucosal Keratinocytes to 3D Printed Oral Devices
by
Maximilian Kollmuss, Daniel Edelhoff, Falk Schwendicke and Sabina Noreen Wuersching
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101336 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the biocompatibility of 3D printed materials used for additive manufacturing of rigid and flexible oral devices. Oral splints were produced and finished from six printable resins (pairs of rigid/flexible materials: KeySplint Hard [KR], KeySplint Soft
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The purpose of this study was to examine the biocompatibility of 3D printed materials used for additive manufacturing of rigid and flexible oral devices. Oral splints were produced and finished from six printable resins (pairs of rigid/flexible materials: KeySplint Hard [KR], KeySplint Soft [KF], V-Print Splint [VR], V-Print Splint Comfort [VF], NextDent Ortho Rigid [NR], NextDent Ortho Flex [NF]), and two types of PMMA blocks for subtractive manufacturing (Tizian Blank PMMA [TR], Tizian Flex Splint Comfort [TF]) as controls. The specimens were eluted in a cell culture medium for 7d. Human gingival fibroblasts (hGF-1) and human oral mucosal keratinocytes (hOK) were exposed to the eluates for 24 h. Cell viability, glutathione levels, apoptosis, necrosis, the cellular inflammatory response (IL-6 and PGE2 secretion), and cell morphology were assessed. All eluates led to a slight reduction of hGF-1 viability and intracellular glutathione levels. The strongest cytotoxic response of hGF-1 was observed with KF, NF, and NR eluates (p < 0.05 compared to unexposed cells). Viability, caspase-3/7 activity, necrosis levels, and IL-6/PGE2 secretion of hOK were barely affected by the materials. All materials showed an overall acceptable biocompatibility. hOK appeared to be more resilient to noxious agents than hGF-1 in vitro. There is insufficient evidence to generalize that flexible materials are more cytotoxic than rigid materials. From a biological point of view, 3D printing seems to be a viable alternative to milling for producing oral devices.
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(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Bovine Serum Albumin Effect on Collapsing PNIPAM Chains in Aqueous Solutions: Spin Label and Spin Probe Study
by
Georgii A. Simenido, Ekaterina M. Zubanova, Evgenii A. Ksendzov, Sergei V. Kostjuk, Peter S. Timashev and Elena N. Golubeva
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101335 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The influence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on collapsing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains was studied with turbidimetry and spin probe and spin label electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. An increased ratio of collapsed chains in aqueous solutions in the narrow temperature region near
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The influence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on collapsing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains was studied with turbidimetry and spin probe and spin label electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. An increased ratio of collapsed chains in aqueous solutions in the narrow temperature region near the LCST appeared in the presence of 2.5–10 wt% BSA. The spin probe EPR data indicate that the inner cavities of the BSA dimers are probably responsive to the capture of small hydrophobic or amphiphilic molecules, such as TEMPO nitroxyl radical. The observed features of the structure and dynamics of inhomogeneities of aqueous PNIPAM-BSA solutions, including their mutual influence on the behavior of the polymer and protein below the LCST, should be considered when developing and investigating PNIPAM-based drug delivery systems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Spectroscopy Methods in Polymer-Based Materials Analysis and Characterization)
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Open AccessArticle
Preparation of Polyoxymethylene/Exfoliated Molybdenum Disulfide Nanocomposite through Solid-State Shear Milling
by
Shuo Feng, Xinwen Zhou, Sen Yang, Jiayu Tan, Meiqiong Chen, Yinghong Chen, Huarong Zhang, Xu Zhu, Shulong Wu and Haidong Gu
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101334 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, the solid-state shear milling (S3M) strategy featuring a very strong three-dimensional shear stress field was adopted to prepare the high-performance polyoxymethylene (POM)/molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) functional nanocomposite. The transmission electron microscope and Raman measurement results confirmed that
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In this paper, the solid-state shear milling (S3M) strategy featuring a very strong three-dimensional shear stress field was adopted to prepare the high-performance polyoxymethylene (POM)/molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) functional nanocomposite. The transmission electron microscope and Raman measurement results confirmed that the bulk MoS2 particle was successfully exfoliated into few-layer MoS2 nanoplatelets by the above simple S3M physical method. The polarized optical microscope (PLM) observation indicated the pan-milled nanoscale MoS2 particles presented a better dispersion performance in the POM matrix. The results of the tribological test indicated that the incorporation of MoS2 could substantially improve the wear resistance performance of POM. Moreover, the pan-milled exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets could further substantially decrease the friction coefficient of POM. Scanning electron microscope observations on the worn scar revealed the tribological mechanism of the POM/MoS2 nanocomposite prepared by solid-state shear milling. The tensile test results showed that the pan-milled POM/MoS2 nanocomposite has much higher elongation at break than the conventionally melt-compounded material. The solid-state shear milling strategy shows a promising prospect in the preparation of functional nanocomposite with excellent comprehensive performance at a large scale.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art and Perspectives of Polymer Science and Technology in China)
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Open AccessArticle
Alternating Current Electrospinning of Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Nanofibers for Wound Healing Applications
by
Jon Andrade del Olmo, Petr Mikeš, Nikifor Asatiani, José María Alonso, Virginia Sáez Martínez and Raúl Pérez González
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101333 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Traditional wound dressings have not been able to satisfy the needs of the regenerative medicine biomedical area. With the aim of improving tissue regeneration, nanofiber-based wound dressings fabricated by electrospinning (ES) processes have emerged as a powerful approach. Nowadays, nanofiber-based bioactive dressings are
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Traditional wound dressings have not been able to satisfy the needs of the regenerative medicine biomedical area. With the aim of improving tissue regeneration, nanofiber-based wound dressings fabricated by electrospinning (ES) processes have emerged as a powerful approach. Nowadays, nanofiber-based bioactive dressings are mainly developed with a combination of natural and synthetic polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and chitosan (CHI). Accordingly, herein, PCL/CHI nanofibers have been developed with varying PCL:CHI weight ratios (9:1, 8:2 and 7:3) or CHI viscosities (20, 100 and 600 mPa·s) using a novel alternating current ES (ACES) process. Such nanofibers were thoroughly characterized by determining physicochemical and nanomechanical properties, along with wettability, absorption capacity and hydrolytic plus enzymatic stability. Furthermore, PCL/CHI nanofiber biological safety was validated in terms of cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility (hemolysis < 2%), in addition to a notable antibacterial performance (bacterial reductions of 99.90% for S. aureus and 99.91% for P. aeruginosa). Lastly, the enhanced wound healing activity of PCL/CHI nanofibers was confirmed thanks to their ability to remarkably promote cell proliferation, which make them ideal candidates for long-term applications such as wound dressings.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications II)
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Open AccessArticle
Diffusing Wave Microrheology in Polymeric Fluids
by
George David Joseph Phillies
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101332 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Recently, there has been interest in determining the viscoelastic properties of polymeric liquids and other complex fluids by means of Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS). In this technique, light-scattering spectroscopy is applied to highly turbid fluids containing optical probe particles. The DWS spectrum is
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Recently, there has been interest in determining the viscoelastic properties of polymeric liquids and other complex fluids by means of Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS). In this technique, light-scattering spectroscopy is applied to highly turbid fluids containing optical probe particles. The DWS spectrum is used to infer the time-dependent mean-square displacement and time-dependent diffusion coefficient D of the probes. From D, values for the storage modulus and the loss modulus are obtained. This paper is primarily concerned with the inference of the mean-square displacement from a DWS spectrum. However, in much of the literature, central to the inference that is said to yield D is an invocation of the Gaussian Approximation for the field correlation function of the scattered light in terms of the mean-square displacement of a probe particle during time t. Experiment and simulation both show that the Gaussian approximation is invalid for probes in polymeric liquids and other complex fluids. In this paper, we obtain corrections to the Gaussian approximation that will assist in interpreting DWS spectra of probes in polymeric liquids. The corrections reveal that these DWS spectra receive contributions from higher moments , , of the probe displacement distribution function.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Physics and Theory)
Open AccessArticle
Tension and Shear Behaviour of Basalt Fiber Bio-Composites with Digital Image Correlation and Acoustic Emission Monitoring
by
Tomaž Kek, Roman Šturm and Zoran Bergant
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101331 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This research investigates the mechanical behavior and damage evolution in cross-ply basalt fiber composites subjected to different loading modes. A modified Arcan rig for simultaneous acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was designed and manufactured to apply quasi-isotropic shear, combined tensile and shear loading, and
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This research investigates the mechanical behavior and damage evolution in cross-ply basalt fiber composites subjected to different loading modes. A modified Arcan rig for simultaneous acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was designed and manufactured to apply quasi-isotropic shear, combined tensile and shear loading, and pure tensile loading on specimens with a central notch. Digital image correlation (DIC) was applied for high-resolution strain measurements. The measured failure strengths of the bio-composite specimens under different loading angles are presented. The different competing failure mechanisms that contribute to the local reduction in stress concentration are described. Different damage mechanisms trigger elastic waves in the composite, with distinct AE signatures that closely follow the sequence of fracture mechanisms. AE monitoring is employed to capture signals associated with structural damage initiation and progression. The characteristic parameters of AE signals are correlated with crack modes and damage mechanisms. The evolution of AE parameters during the peak load transition is presented, which enables the timely AE detection of the maximum load transition. The combination of DIC and AE monitoring improves understanding of the mechanical response and failure mechanisms in cross-ply basalt fiber composites, offering valuable insights for possible performance monitoring and structural reliability in diverse engineering applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber and Polymer Composites: Processing, Simulation, Properties and Applications II)
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Bulk Free Radical Terpolymerization of Butyl Acrylate, 2-Methylene-1,3-Dioxepane and Vinyl Acetate: Terpolymer Reactivity Ratio Estimation
by
Maryam Movafagh, Kelly M. Meek, Alison J. Scott, Alexander Penlidis and Marc A. Dubé
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101330 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This investigation introduces the first estimation of ternary reactivity ratios for a butyl acrylate (BA), 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO), and vinyl acetate (VAc) system at 50 °C, with an aim to develop biodegradable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). In this study, we applied the error-in-variables model (EVM)
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This investigation introduces the first estimation of ternary reactivity ratios for a butyl acrylate (BA), 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO), and vinyl acetate (VAc) system at 50 °C, with an aim to develop biodegradable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). In this study, we applied the error-in-variables model (EVM) to estimate reactivity ratios. The ternary reactivity ratios were found to be r12 = 0.417, r21 = 0.071, r13 = 4.459, r31 = 0.198, r23 = 0.260, and r32 = 55.339 (BA/MDO/VAc 1/2/3), contrasting with their binary counterparts, which are significantly different, indicating the critical need for ternary system analysis to accurately model multicomponent polymerization systems. Through the application of a recast Alfrey–Goldfinger model, this investigation predicts the terpolymer’s instantaneous and cumulative compositions at various conversion levels, based on the ternary reactivity ratios. These predictions not only provide crucial insights into the incorporation of MDO across different initial feed compositions but also offer estimates of the final terpolymer compositions and distributions, underscoring their potential in designing compostable or degradable polymers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in Canada)
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