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
Bilayer Hydrogel Actuators with High Mechanical Properties and Programmable Actuation via the Synergy of Double-Network and Synchronized Ultraviolet Polymerization Strategies
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060840 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
Bilayer hydrogel actuators, consisting of an actuating layer and a functional layer, show broad applications in areas such as soft robotics, artificial muscles, drug delivery and tissue engineering due to their inherent flexibility and responses to stimuli. However, to achieve the compatibility of
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Bilayer hydrogel actuators, consisting of an actuating layer and a functional layer, show broad applications in areas such as soft robotics, artificial muscles, drug delivery and tissue engineering due to their inherent flexibility and responses to stimuli. However, to achieve the compatibility of good stimulus responses and high mechanical properties of bilayer hydrogel actuators is still a challenge. Herein, based on the double-network strategy and using the synchronous ultraviolet (UV) polymerization method, an upper critical solution temperature (UCST)-type bilayer hydrogel actuator was prepared, which consisted of a poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)[MC] actuating layer and an agar/poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid)[AHA] functional layer. The results showed that the tensile stress/strain of the bilayer hydrogel actuator was 1161.21 KPa/222.07%. In addition, the UCST of bilayer hydrogels was ~35 °C, allowing the bilayer hydrogel actuator to be curled into an “◎” shape, which could be unfolded when the temperature was 65 °C, but not at a temperature of 5 °C. Furthermore, hydrogel actuators of three different shapes were designed, namely “butterfly”, “cross” and “circle”, all of which demonstrated good actuating performances, showing the programmable potential of bilayer hydrogels. Overall, the bilayer hydrogels prepared using double-network and synchronous UV polymerization strategies realized the combination of high mechanical properties with an efficient temperature actuation, which provides a new method for the development of bilayer hydrogel actuators.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymer Materials for Biomedical Applications)
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Advanced Electrospinning Technology Applied to Polymer-Based Sensors in Energy and Environmental Applications
by
Gang Lu, Tao Tian and Yuting Wang
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060839 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
Due to its designable nanostructure and simple and inexpensive preparation process, electrospun nanofibers have important applications in energy collection, wearable sports health detection, environmental pollutant detection, pollutant filtration and degradation, and other fields. In recent years, a series of polymer-based fiber materials have
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Due to its designable nanostructure and simple and inexpensive preparation process, electrospun nanofibers have important applications in energy collection, wearable sports health detection, environmental pollutant detection, pollutant filtration and degradation, and other fields. In recent years, a series of polymer-based fiber materials have been prepared using this method, and detailed research and discussion have been conducted on the material structure and performance factors. This article summarizes the effects of preparation parameters, environmental factors, a combination of other methods, and surface modification of electrospinning on the properties of composite nanofibers. Meanwhile, the effects of different collection devices and electrospinning preparation parameters on material properties were compared. Subsequently, it summarized the material structure design and specific applications in wearable device power supply, energy collection, environmental pollutant sensing, air quality detection, air pollution particle filtration, and environmental pollutant degradation. We aim to review the latest developments in electrospinning applications to inspire new energy collection, detection, and pollutant treatment equipment, and achieve the commercial promotion of polymer fibers in the fields of energy and environment. Finally, we have identified some unresolved issues in the detection and treatment of environmental issues with electrospun polymer fibers and proposed some suggestions and new ideas for these issues.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technology of Polymer Materials)
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Preliminary Assessment of Tara Gum as a Wall Material: Physicochemical, Structural, Thermal, and Rheological Analyses of Different Drying Methods
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Elibet Moscoso-Moscoso, Carlos A. Ligarda-Samanez, David Choque-Quispe, Mary L. Huamán-Carrión, José C. Arévalo-Quijano, Germán De la Cruz, Rober Luciano-Alipio, Wilber Cesar Calsina Ponce, Reynaldo Sucari-León, Uriel R. Quispe-Quezada and Dante Fermín Calderón Huamaní
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060838 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
Tara gum, a natural biopolymer extracted from Caesalpinia spinosa seeds, was investigated in this study. Wall materials were produced using spray drying, forced convection, and vacuum oven drying. In addition, a commercial sample obtained through mechanical methods and direct milling was used as
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Tara gum, a natural biopolymer extracted from Caesalpinia spinosa seeds, was investigated in this study. Wall materials were produced using spray drying, forced convection, and vacuum oven drying. In addition, a commercial sample obtained through mechanical methods and direct milling was used as a reference. The gums exhibited low moisture content (8.63% to 12.55%), water activity (0.37 to 0.41), bulk density (0.43 to 0.76 g/mL), and hygroscopicity (10.51% to 11.42%). This allows adequate physical and microbiological stability during storage. Polydisperse particles were obtained, ranging in size from 3.46 µm to 139.60 µm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterisation confirmed the polysaccharide nature of tara gum, primarily composed of galactomannans. Among the drying methods, spray drying produced the gum with the best physicochemical characteristics, including higher lightness, moderate stability, smaller particle size, and high glass transition temperature (141.69 °C). Regarding rheological properties, it demonstrated a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour that the power law could accurately describe. The apparent viscosity of the aqueous dispersions of the gum decreased with increasing temperature. In summary, the results establish the potential of tara gum as a wall material applicable in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Polymers in Food Sciences)
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Evaluation of Functionalized Amberlite Type XAD7 Polymeric Resin with L-Valine Amino Acid Performance for Gallium Recovery
by
Cosmin Vancea, Loredana Ciocarlie, Adina Negrea, Giannin Mosoarca, Mihaela Ciopec, Narcis Duteanu, Petru Negrea, Bogdan Pascu and Nicoleta-Sorina Nemes
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060837 (registering DOI) - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Given the ever-increasing demand for gallium(III) as a crucial precursor in the fabrication of advanced materials, there arises an imperative to devise efficient recovery processes from primary and secondary sources. In the present investigation, the retrieval of gallium(III) from aqueous solutions through the
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Given the ever-increasing demand for gallium(III) as a crucial precursor in the fabrication of advanced materials, there arises an imperative to devise efficient recovery processes from primary and secondary sources. In the present investigation, the retrieval of gallium(III) from aqueous solutions through the mechanism of adsorption was investigated. Materials with superior adsorbent properties play an important role in the dynamics of the adsorption process. To enhance these properties, select materials, such as Amberlite-type polymeric resins, are amenable to functionalization through impregnation with extractants featuring specialized active groups, designed for the selective recovery of metal ions—specifically, Ga(III). The impregnation method employed in this study is the Solvent-Impregnated Resin (SIR) method, utilizing the amino acid DL-valine as the extractant. The new material was characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Elemental Analysis via X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to elucidate the presence of the extractant on the resin’s surface. Concurrently, the material’s pHPZC was determined. The adsorptive prowess of the synthesized material was investigated through kinetic, thermodynamic, and equilibrium studies. The influence of specific parameters in the adsorption process—namely, pH, contact time, temperature, and Ga(III) initial concentration—on the maximal adsorption capacity was determined. The optimal adsorption conditions were established using the Taguchi method.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Pollutant Adsorption from Contaminated Effluents)
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The Effects of Microcrystalline Cellulose Addition on the Properties of Wood–PLA Filaments for 3D Printing
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Daša Krapež Tomec, Manfred Schöflinger, Jürgen Leßlhumer, Urška Gradišar Centa, Jure Žigon and Mirko Kariž
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060836 (registering DOI) - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper describes the use of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as an additive in wood-polylactic acid (PLA) filaments suitable for 3D printing. Filaments prepared with PLA, thermally modified (TM) wood, and three different MCC loadings (1, 3, and 5 wt%) by two-step melt blending
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This paper describes the use of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as an additive in wood-polylactic acid (PLA) filaments suitable for 3D printing. Filaments prepared with PLA, thermally modified (TM) wood, and three different MCC loadings (1, 3, and 5 wt%) by two-step melt blending in the extruder were characterized with respect to their rheological, thermal, and mechanical response. The analyses demonstrate that a low MCC content (1%) improves the mobility of the polymer chains and contributes to a higher elasticity of the matrix chain, a higher crystallinity, a lower glass transition temperature (by 1.66 °C), and a lower melting temperature (by 1.31 °C) and leads to a higher tensile strength (1.2%) and a higher modulus of elasticity (12.1%). Higher MCC loading hinders the mobility of the polymer matrix and leads to a rearrangement of the crystal lattice structure, resulting in a decrease in crystallinity. Scanning electron micrographs show that the cellulose is well distributed and dispersed in the PLA matrix, with some agglomeration occurring at higher MCC levels. The main objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a filament containing an optimal amount of MCC to improve compatibility between wood and PLA, optimize melt processability, and improve mechanical properties. It can be concluded that a 1% addition of MCC favorably changes the properties of the wood–PLA filaments, while a higher MCC content does not have this effect.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Polymer-Based Composite Materials)
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Augmenting the Efficacy of a Polyvinyl Alcohol Selective Layer Coated on Polyvinylidene Fluoride Support Membranes with Kaolinite Introduction for Improved Pervaporation Dehydration of Epichlorohydrin/Isopropanol/Water Ternary Systems
by
Shivshankar Chaudhari, YeWon Jeong, HyeonTae Shin, SeWook Jo, MinYoung Shon, SeungEun Nam and YouIn Park
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060835 (registering DOI) - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Composite membranes with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) selective layer composed of well-dispersed hydrophilic kaolinite particles coated on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) support were developed. They were applied to the pervaporation dehydration of the industrially important epichlorohydrin (ECH)/isopropanol (IPA)/water ternary mixture. In comparison with
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Composite membranes with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) selective layer composed of well-dispersed hydrophilic kaolinite particles coated on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) support were developed. They were applied to the pervaporation dehydration of the industrially important epichlorohydrin (ECH)/isopropanol (IPA)/water ternary mixture. In comparison with raw kaolinite (RK), hydrophilic kaolinite (HK) enhanced the mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability of the PVA selective layer, as confirmed by universal testing, the contact angle, and TGA analyses, respectively. The pervaporation results revealed that the addition of HK particles significantly enhanced the separation factor (3-fold). Only a marginal reduction in flux was observed with ECH/IPA/water, 50/30/20 (w/w %) at 40 °C. An HK particle concentration of 4 wt.% with respect to PVA delivered the highest flux performance of 0.86 kg/m2h and achieved a separation factor of 116. The PVA–kaolinite composite membrane exhibited pronounced resistance to the ECH-containing feed, demonstrating a sustained flux and separation factor throughout an extended pervaporation stability test lasting 250 h.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative and Functionalized Polymers: Processing, Development and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Effect of Resins of Different Origin on the Structure, Dynamics and Curing Characteristics of SBR Compounds
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Michele Pierigé, Francesca Nardelli, Lucia Calucci, Mattia Cettolin, Luca Giannini, Andrea Causa, Francesca Martini and Marco Geppi
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060834 (registering DOI) - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
The replacement of synthetic and petroleum-based ingredients with greener alternatives of natural origin is an imperative issue in rubber technology for the tire industry. In this study, a glycerin-esterified maleated rosin resin, derived from natural resources, is examined as a potential tackifier in
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The replacement of synthetic and petroleum-based ingredients with greener alternatives of natural origin is an imperative issue in rubber technology for the tire industry. In this study, a glycerin-esterified maleated rosin resin, derived from natural resources, is examined as a potential tackifier in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) formulations. A comparison is made with two synthetic resins commonly used as tackifiers in tire manufacturing: a petroleum-derived aromatic resin and a phenolic resin. Specifically, this research investigates how these resins affect the structure, dynamics, and curing characteristics of SBR compounds, which are strictly related to the mechanical and technological properties of the final products. Moving die rheometer and equilibrium swelling experiments are employed to analyze vulcanization kinetics and crosslink density, which are differently influenced by the different resins. Information on the polymer–resin compatibility is gained by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamo-mechanical analysis, while solid-state NMR methods offer insights into the structure and dynamics of both cured and uncured SBR compounds at the molecular level. Overall, our analysis shows that the resin of vegetal origin has a comparable impact on the SBR compound to that observed for the synthetic resins and could be further tested for industrial applications.
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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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Progress and Prospect of Ion Imprinting Technology in Targeted Extraction of Lithium
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Keke Zhi, Jinwang Duan, Jiarui Zhang, Lianting Huang, Lianghui Guo and Lulu Wang
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060833 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Ion Imprinting Technology (IIT) is an innovative technique that produces Ion-Imprinted polymers (IIPs) capable of selectively extracting ions. IIPs exhibit strong specificity, excellent stability, and high practicality. Due to their superior characteristics, the application of IIPs for lithium resource extraction has garnered significant
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Ion Imprinting Technology (IIT) is an innovative technique that produces Ion-Imprinted polymers (IIPs) capable of selectively extracting ions. IIPs exhibit strong specificity, excellent stability, and high practicality. Due to their superior characteristics, the application of IIPs for lithium resource extraction has garnered significant attention. This paper discusses the following aspects based on existing conventional processes for lithium extraction and the latest research progress in lithium IIPs: (1) a detailed exposition of existing lithium extraction processes, including comparisons and summaries; (2) classification, comparison, and summarization of the latest lithium IIPs based on different material types and methods; (3) summarization of the applications of various lithium IIPs, along with a brief description of future directions in the development of lithium IIP applications. Finally, the prospects for targeted recovery of lithium resources using lithium IIPs are presented.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative and Functionalized Polymers: Processing, Development and Applications)
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Exploration of Voids, Acoustic Properties and Vibration Damping Ratio of Cyperus Pangorei Rottb Fiber and Ramie Fiber Reinforced with Epoxy Resin Hybrid Composites
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Sudhakar Kanniyappan and Senthil Kumaran Selvaraj
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060832 - 18 Mar 2024
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Noise pollution is a major threat to the health and well-being of the entire world; this issue forces researchers to find new sound absorption and insulating material. In this paper, the sound absorption coefficient and vibration damping factor of panels manufactured from Cyperus
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Noise pollution is a major threat to the health and well-being of the entire world; this issue forces researchers to find new sound absorption and insulating material. In this paper, the sound absorption coefficient and vibration damping factor of panels manufactured from Cyperus pangorei rottb and ramie fiber reinforced with epoxy resin are explored. Cyperus pangorei rottb grass fiber and ramie fiber are widely available natural fibers. Cyperus pangorei rottb grass fiber is used in mat manufacturing, whereas ramie is widely used as a fabric. Using both of these fibers, six variant panels using a vacuum resin infusion process (VRIP) were fabricated. The panels were named C, R, CR, RCR-Flat, RCR-Curved, and RCR-Perforated. All the panels were tested for the sound absorption coefficient using an impedance tube with a frequency ranging up to 6300 Hz. Modal analysis was carried out by using the impulse hammer excitation method. A micro X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan was used to study the voids present in the panels. The results were compared among the six variants. The results show that the RCR-curved panel had the highest sound-absorbing coefficient of 0.976 at a frequency range between 4500 Hz to 5000 Hz. These panels also showed better natural frequency and damping factors. The presence of internal voids in these panels enhances sound absorption properties. These panels can be used at higher frequencies.
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Various FDM Mechanisms Used in the Fabrication of Continuous-Fiber Reinforced Composites: A Review
by
Armin Karimi, Davood Rahmatabadi and Mostafa Baghani
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060831 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology that has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating 3D printed polymers. It has gained attention recently due to its ease of use, efficiency, low cost, and safety. However, 3D-printed FDM components lack sufficient
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Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology that has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating 3D printed polymers. It has gained attention recently due to its ease of use, efficiency, low cost, and safety. However, 3D-printed FDM components lack sufficient strength compared to those made using conventional manufacturing methods. This low strength can be mainly attributed to high porosity and low sinterability of layers and then to the characteristics of the polymer used in the FDM process or the FDM process itself. Regarding polymer characteristics, there are two main types of reinforcing fibers: discontinuous (short) and continuous. Continuous-fiber reinforced composites are becoming popular in various industries due to their excellent mechanical properties. Since continuous reinforcing fibers have a more positive effect on increasing the strength of printed parts, this article focuses primarily on continuous long fibers. In addition to polymer characteristics, different mechanisms have been developed and introduced to address the issue of insufficient strength in 3D-printed FDM parts. This article comprehensively explains two main FDM mechanisms: in-situ fusion and ex-situ prepreg. It also provides relevant examples of these mechanisms using different reinforcing elements. Additionally, some other less frequently utilized mechanisms are discussed. Each mechanism has its own advantages and disadvantages, indicating that further development and modification are needed to increase the strength of 3D-printed FDM parts to be comparable to those produced using traditional methods.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Composites II)
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Synthesis and Thermo-Responsive Behavior of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-Poly(N-vinylisobutyramide) Diblock Copolymer
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Jun Hyok Yoon, Taehyoung Kim, Myungeun Seo and Sang Youl Kim
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060830 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Thermo-responsive diblock copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(N-vinylisobutyramide) was synthesized via switchable reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and its thermal transition behavior was studied. Poly(N-vinylisobutyramide) (PNVIBA), a structural isomer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) shows a thermo-response character
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Thermo-responsive diblock copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(N-vinylisobutyramide) was synthesized via switchable reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and its thermal transition behavior was studied. Poly(N-vinylisobutyramide) (PNVIBA), a structural isomer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) shows a thermo-response character but with a higher lower critical solution temperature (LCST) than PNIPAM. The chain extension of the PNVIBA block from the PNIPAM block proceeded in a controlled manner with a switchable chain transfer reagent, methyl 2-[methyl(4-pyridinyl)carbamothioylthio]propionate. In an aqueous solution, the diblock copolymer shows a thermo-responsive behavior but with a single LCST close to the LCST of PNVIBA, indicating that the interaction between the PNIPAM segment and the PNVIBA segment leads to cooperative aggregation during the self-assembly induced phase separation of the diblock copolymer in solution. Above the LCST of the PNIPAM block, the polymer chains begin to collapse, forming small aggregates, but further aggregation stumbled due to the PNVIBA segment of the diblock copolymer. However, as the temperature approached the LCST of the PNVIBA block, larger aggregates composed of clusters of small aggregates formed, resulting in an opaque solution.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Copolymers: Preparation, Characterization, and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Colorimetric Indicator Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Sodium Alginate for Monitoring Fish Spoilage
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Lissage Pierre, Julio Elías Bruna Bugueño, Patricio Alejandro Leyton Bongiorno, Alejandra Torres Mediano and Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Mercado
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060829 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this work, a colorimetric indicator based on gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and a biodegradable and eco-friendly polymer (sodium alginate, Alg.), was developed for the real-time detection of fish spoilage products. The AuNPs and the colorimetric indicator were characterized using UV-VIS, FTIR spectroscopies, TGA,
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In this work, a colorimetric indicator based on gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and a biodegradable and eco-friendly polymer (sodium alginate, Alg.), was developed for the real-time detection of fish spoilage products. The AuNPs and the colorimetric indicator were characterized using UV-VIS, FTIR spectroscopies, TGA, DSC, XRD, TEM, and colorimetry. The UV-VIS spectrum and TEM showed the successful synthesis, the spherical shape, and the size of AuNPs. The results indicated color changes of the indicator in packaged fish on day 9 of storage at a refrigerated temperature (5 °C. These results showed the successful application of the colorimetric indicator in the detection of TVB-N in packaged fish.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Polymers in Food Sciences)
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Incorporation of Graphene Nanoplatelets into Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in the Presence of Highly Branched Waterborne Polyurethanes
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Ayşe Durmuş-Sayar, Murat Tansan, Tuğçe Çinko-Çoban, Dilay Serttan, Bekir Dizman, Mehmet Yildiz and Serkan Ünal
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060828 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
Enhancing interfacial interactions in fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) is crucial for improving their mechanical properties. This can be achieved through the incorporation of nanomaterials or chemically functional agents into FRPCs. This study reports the tailoring of the fiber–matrix interface in FRPCs using non-functionalized
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Enhancing interfacial interactions in fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) is crucial for improving their mechanical properties. This can be achieved through the incorporation of nanomaterials or chemically functional agents into FRPCs. This study reports the tailoring of the fiber–matrix interface in FRPCs using non-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in combination with a waterborne, highly branched, multi-functional polyurethane dispersion (HBPUD). A unique ultrasonic spray deposition technique was utilized to deposit aqueous mixtures of GNP/HBPUDs onto the surfaces of carbon fiber fabrics, which were used to prepare epoxy-prepreg sheets and corresponding FRPC laminates. The influence of the polyurethane (PU) and GNP content and their ratio at the fiber–matrix interface on the tensile properties of resulting high-performance composites was systematically investigated using stress–strain analysis of the produced FRPC plates and SEM analysis of their fractured surfaces. A synergistic stiffening and toughening effect was observed when as low as 20 to 30 mg of GNPs was deposited per square meter of each side of the carbon fiber fabrics in the presence of the multi-functional PU layer. This resulted in a significant improvement in the tensile strength from 908 to 1022 MPa, while maintaining or slightly improving the initial Young’s modulus from approximately 63 to 66 MPa.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Polyurethane and Composites)
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The Crystallization Morphology and Conformational Changes of Polypropylene Random Copolymer Induced by a Novel β-Nucleating Agent
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Bo Wu, Xian Zheng, Yanwei Ren, Hailong Yu, Yubo Wang and Huanfeng Jiang
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060827 - 16 Mar 2024
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The crystal morphology and conformational changes during crystallization of a polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) are the basis for understanding its crystallization process. In this work, novel rare-earth β-nucleating agent WBN-28 was directly added into PPR to induce β-crystallization. The results of differential scanning
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The crystal morphology and conformational changes during crystallization of a polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) are the basis for understanding its crystallization process. In this work, novel rare-earth β-nucleating agent WBN-28 was directly added into PPR to induce β-crystallization. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that it has an excellent β-crystal-induced effect. The β-crystal content could surpass 85%, calculated from wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) data. The morphology of the β-crystal and α-crystal was intuitively observed via a polarizing optical microscope (POM). The β-crystallites were interconnected to naturally develop plate-like crystalline regions possessing a certain size, and the α-crystallites with sufficient thicknesses possessed a cross-hatched phenomenon. The bundle-like supramolecular structure of the β-crystal induced by WBN-28 was further observed via a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The conformational changes in the crystallization process of PPR were resolved via high-resolution infrared spectroscopy to understand its β-crystallization in depth. The conformational changes during the crystallization of PPR were found to be different from those of the isotactic polypropylene homopolymer (PPH); they had their own characteristics. This will provide guidance for understanding the β-crystallization of PPR in depth.
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Open AccessArticle
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Mechanical Durability of the Composite PLGA/CaP/Ti Scaffolds for Orthopedic Implants
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Konstantin A. Prosolov, Ekaterina G. Komarova, Ekaterina A. Kazantseva, Nikita A. Luginin, Alexander D. Kashin, Pavel V. Uvarkin and Yurii P. Sharkeev
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060826 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
In addressing the challenge of enhancing orthopedic implants, 3D porous calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings on titanium (Ti) substrates modified with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were proposed. CaP coatings on Ti were deposited using the ultrasonic-assisted micro-arc oxidation (UMAO) method, followed by modification with PLGA
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In addressing the challenge of enhancing orthopedic implants, 3D porous calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings on titanium (Ti) substrates modified with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were proposed. CaP coatings on Ti were deposited using the ultrasonic-assisted micro-arc oxidation (UMAO) method, followed by modification with PLGA through a dip coating process at concentrations of 5%, 8%, and 10%. The addition of PLGA significantly improved adhesive–cohesive strength according to the scratch test, while PLGA to CaP adhesion was found to be not less than 8.1 ± 2.2 MPa according to the peel test. Tensile testing showed a typical fracture of CaP coatings and mechanisms of brittle fracture. Corrosion resistance, assessed via gravimetric and electrochemical methods in 0.9% NaCl and PBS solutions, revealed PLGA’s substantial reduction in corrosion rates, with the corrosion current decreasing by two orders of magnitude even for the 5% PLGA/CaP/Ti sample. Also, the PLGA layer significantly enhanced the impedance modulus by two orders of magnitude, indicating a robust barrier against corrosion at all PLGA concentrations. Higher PLGA concentrations offered even greater corrosion resistance and improved mechanical properties. This research underscores the potential of using CaP- and PLGA-modified coatings to extend the life and functionality of orthopedic implants, addressing a significant challenge in biomedical engineering.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymeric Composites: Processing, Characterization and Mechanical Behavior)
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Open AccessCommunication
Exceptional Lithography Sensitivity Boosted by Hexafluoroisopropanols in Photoresists
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Junjun Liu, Dong Wang, Yitan Li, Haihua Wang, Huan Chen, Qianqian Wang and Wenbing Kang
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060825 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Advanced lithography requires highly sensitive photoresists to improve the lithographic efficiency, and it is critical, yet challenging, to develop high-sensitivity photoresists and imaging strategies. Here, we report a novel strategy for ultra-high sensitivity using hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-containing fluoropolymer photoresists. The incorporation of HFIP, with
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Advanced lithography requires highly sensitive photoresists to improve the lithographic efficiency, and it is critical, yet challenging, to develop high-sensitivity photoresists and imaging strategies. Here, we report a novel strategy for ultra-high sensitivity using hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-containing fluoropolymer photoresists. The incorporation of HFIP, with its strong electrophilic property and the electron-withdrawing effect of the fluorine atoms, significantly increases the acidity of the photoresist after exposure, enabling imaging without conventional photoacid generators (PAGs). The HFIP-containing photoresist has been evaluated by electron beam lithography to achieve a trench of ~40 nm at an extremely low dose of 3 μC/cm2, which shows a sensitivity enhancement of ~10 times compared to the commercial system involving PAGs, revealing its high sensitivity and high-resolution features. Our results demonstrate a new type of PAGs and a novel approach to higher-performance imaging beyond conventional photoresist performance tuning.
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(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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Designing Sustainable Hydrophilic Interfaces via Feature Selection from Molecular Descriptors and Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Curves
by
Masayuki Okada, Yoshifumi Amamoto and Jun Kikuchi
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060824 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Surface modification using hydrophilic polymer coatings is a sustainable approach for preventing membrane clogging due to foulant adhesion to water treatment membranes and reducing membrane-replacement frequency. Typically, both molecular descriptors and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) data, which reveal physicochemical properties and polymer-chain
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Surface modification using hydrophilic polymer coatings is a sustainable approach for preventing membrane clogging due to foulant adhesion to water treatment membranes and reducing membrane-replacement frequency. Typically, both molecular descriptors and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) data, which reveal physicochemical properties and polymer-chain dynamics, respectively, are required to predict the properties and understand the mechanisms of hydrophilic polymer coatings. However, studies on the selection of essential components from high-dimensional data and their application to the prediction of surface properties are scarce. Therefore, we developed a method for selecting features from combined high-dimensional molecular descriptors and TD-NMR data. The molecular descriptors of the monomers present in polyethylene terephthalate films were calculated using RDKit, an open-source chemoinformatics toolkit, and TD-NMR spectroscopy was performed over a wide time range using five-pulse sequences to investigate the mobility of the polymer chains. The model that analyzed the data using the random forest algorithm, after reducing the features using gradient boosting machine-based recursive feature elimination, achieved the highest prediction accuracy. The proposed method enables the extraction of important elements from both descriptors of surface properties and can contribute to the development of new sustainable materials and material-specific informatics methodologies encompassing multiple information modalities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Studies of Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces)
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Development and Characterization of Electrodes Coated with Plasma-Synthesized Polypyrrole Doped with Iodine, Implanted in the Rat Brain Subthalamic Nucleus
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Daniel Ruiz-Diaz, Joaquín Manjarrez-Marmolejo, Araceli Diaz-Ruiz, Camilo Ríos, María G. Olayo, Roberto Olayo, Guillermo J. Cruz, Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos, Marisela Mendez-Aramenta and Juan Morales-Corona
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060823 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Biological treatments involve the application of metallic material coatings to enhance biocompatibility and properties. In invasive therapies, metallic electrodes are utilized, which are implanted in patients. One of these invasive therapeutic procedures is deep brain stimulation (DBS), an effective therapy for addressing the
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Biological treatments involve the application of metallic material coatings to enhance biocompatibility and properties. In invasive therapies, metallic electrodes are utilized, which are implanted in patients. One of these invasive therapeutic procedures is deep brain stimulation (DBS), an effective therapy for addressing the motor disorders observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This therapy involves the implantation of electrodes (IEs) into the subthalamic nucleus (STN). However, there is still a need for the optimization of these electrodes. Plasma-synthesized polypyrrole doped with iodine (PPPy/I) has been reported as a biocompatible and anti-inflammatory biomaterial that promotes nervous system regeneration. Given this information, the objective of the present study was to develop and characterize a PPPy/I-coated electrode for implantation into the STN. The characterization results indicate a uniform coating along the electrode, and physical–chemical characterization studies were conducted on the polymer. Subsequently, the IEs, both coated and uncoated with PPPy/I, were implanted into the STN of male rats of the Wistar strain to conduct an electrographic recording (EG-R) study. The results demonstrate that the IE coated with PPPy/I exhibited superior power and frequency signals over time compared to the uncoated IE (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we conclude that an IE coated with PPPy/I has optimized functional performance, with enhanced integrity and superior signal quality compared to an uncoated IE. Therefore, we consider this a promising technological development that could significantly improve functional outcomes for patients undergoing invasive brain therapies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Medical and Dental Applications)
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Property Enhancement of Waste Printed Circuit Boards Powders Reinforced Polypropylene by In Situ Magnesium Hydroxide Impregnation from Waste Lye
by
Shenghui Tian, Jingwei Liu, Jiabao Gu, Chaoting Xie, Xiong Zhang and Xinlu Liu
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060822 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Using alkali pretreatment can effectively remove residual variable-valence metals from non-metallic powder (WPCBP) in waste printed circuit boards. However, substantial amounts of waste lye are generated, which causes secondary pollution. On this basis, this study innovatively utilized waste alkali lye to prepare nano-magnesium
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Using alkali pretreatment can effectively remove residual variable-valence metals from non-metallic powder (WPCBP) in waste printed circuit boards. However, substantial amounts of waste lye are generated, which causes secondary pollution. On this basis, this study innovatively utilized waste alkali lye to prepare nano-magnesium hydroxide. When the dispersant polyethylene glycol 6000 was used at a dosage of 3 wt.% of the theoretical yield of magnesium hydroxide, the synthesized nano-magnesium hydroxide exhibited well-defined crystallinity, good thermal stability and uniform particle size distribution, with a median diameter of 197 nm. Furthermore, the in situ method was selected to prepare WPCBP/Mg(OH)2 hybrid filler (MW) and the combustion behavior, thermal and mechanical properties of PP blends filled with MW were evaluated. The combustion behavior of the PP/MW blends increased with the increasing hybrid ratio of Mg(OH)2, and the MW hybrid filler reinforced PP blends showed better thermal and mechanical properties compared to the PP/WPCBP blends. Furthermore, the dynamic mechanical properties of the PP/MW blends were also increased due to the improved interfacial adhesion between the MW fillers and PP matrix. This method demonstrated high economic and environmental value, providing a new direction for the high value-added utilization of WPCBP.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)
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Analysis of Polarization Angle on Holographic Recording Based on PQ/PMMA
by
Wanxiang He, Defa Liu, Hang Chen, Jundi Wang, Yaping Zhang and Bing Zhang
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060821 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
The polarization state of light waves significantly affects the quality of holographic recordings. This paper quantitatively analyzes the impact of different polarization states of signal and reference beams on the quality of holographic recordings in PQ/PMMA photopolymer systems during the holography process. By
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The polarization state of light waves significantly affects the quality of holographic recordings. This paper quantitatively analyzes the impact of different polarization states of signal and reference beams on the quality of holographic recordings in PQ/PMMA photopolymer systems during the holography process. By deriving the light field distribution of the interference between two light waves of different polarization states and introducing the interference fringe contrast and the modulation of the refractive index of the photopolymer, we established the relationship between the diffraction efficiency of PQ/PMMA photopolymer holographic gratings and the angle between polarization directions. Based on this relationship, simulations and experiments were conducted. The experimental results demonstrated that as the angle between the polarization directions increased, the diffraction efficiency of the material decreased, with the efficiency dropping to 24.69% of its original value when the angle increased from 0° to 50°. When the angle increased to 60°, the influence of polarization characteristics became gradually significant, and at 90°, it was entirely dominated by polarization characteristics. The photoinduced birefringence properties of the PQ/PMMA prepared in the measurement experiment were studied, and the polarization characteristics of the reconstructed light under polarization direction angles of 0°, 60°, and 90° were investigated. The results indicated that at a polarization direction angle of 60 degrees, the material exhibited a significant response to the polarization information of the signal light. Finally, holographic recordings of objects at different polarization direction angles were conducted, and the reconstructed images were used to visually reflect the impact of the polarization direction angle on the quality of holographic recordings.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamental Aspects and Applications of Photoactive and Electro-Optic Polymers)
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