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Polymers
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Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications
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Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Physics and Theory".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2019) | Viewed by 52606

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Florian J. Stadler

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: nanomaterials science; polymer science; soft matter science; 2D materials; environmental chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Bing Du

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 510810, China
Interests: functional polymers; polyolefins; supramolecular bonding; rheology and advanced mechanics; electrospinning; ion- and thermoresponsive polymers; gas sensing; photocatalysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent years have seen significant improvements in the understanding of functional soft matter. Advances in organic chemistry have identified a vast variety of possible interactions, ranging from hydrophobic interactions, e.g., based on cyclodextrin or hydrophobic end-capping, host–guest interactions, multiple hydrogen bonding, such as 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) to metal–ligand bonding, such as terpyridines and catechols. Those functional moieties can link polymer-chains, usually in aqueous solution, and thus assemble solutions into gels. These discoveries of the last ca. 30 years by chemists worldwide have made it possible to understand biological soft matter significantly better, as well as to create our own soft materials with tailored properties, such as a pH-controlled behavior. Their current and future applications are often focused on the biomedical field, particularly on drug release and tissue engineering. However, functional polymer solutions and gels can also be envisioned for many other applications. For example, functional nanofibers electrospun from solution can be used for advanced applications as well. The resulting nanofibers combine an incredible high specific surface area with an excellent performance as membranes with high flux, good separator selectivity, as well as extraordinary selective absorption for both functional nanoparticles and pollutants in water.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the progress and fundamental aspects in the physical properties and applications of functional polymer melts and solutions, as well as of products derived from those. The topics to be included in this Special Issue are on functional polymer solutions and gels of all kinds with respect to understanding their physical properties and/or their application for, e.g., tissue engineering, drug delivery, and functional nanostructures.

Prof. Florian Stadler
Prof. Dr. Bing Du
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymer solution
  • supramolecular bonding
  • polymer gel
  • stimuli-responsiveness
  • polymer physics
  • rheology
  • functional membrane
  • advanced nanofiber

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 187 KiB  
Editorial
Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels—Physics and Novel Applications
by Bing Du and Florian J. Stadler
Polymers 2020, 12(3), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12030676 - 18 Mar 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1862
Abstract
Recent years have seen significant improvements in the understanding of functional soft matter [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

13 pages, 4422 KiB  
Article
Examination of Poly (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene)-Modified Asphalt Performance in Bonding Modified Aggregates Using Parallel Plates Method
by Xiangbing Gong, Zejiao Dong, Zhiyang Liu, Huanan Yu and Kaikai Hu
Polymers 2019, 11(12), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11122100 - 14 Dec 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2412
Abstract
Although asphalt-aggregate bonding provides contacting strength for hot mix asphalt (HMA), it is still ignorant in dynamic shear test, due to the only use of metal parallel plate. Modified parallel plates cored from different types of aggregate were provided to simulate aggregate-asphalt-aggregate (AAA) [...] Read more.
Although asphalt-aggregate bonding provides contacting strength for hot mix asphalt (HMA), it is still ignorant in dynamic shear test, due to the only use of metal parallel plate. Modified parallel plates cored from different types of aggregate were provided to simulate aggregate-asphalt-aggregate (AAA) sandwich in HMA, aiming at the comprehensive interpretation on bonding’s influence. This study began with an experimental design, aggregate plates, and joint clamps were processed to be installed into the rheometer. Aggregate type and loading conditions were set as essential variables. Subsequently, microscopic tests were utilized to obtain chemical components of aggregate, micro morphology of interface, and roughness of plates. The shearing tests for poly (styrene-butadiene-styrene)-modified asphalt were conducted in bonding with aggregate plates. Meanwhile, contrasting groups adopting metal plates followed the same experimental procedures. The results indicate that the influence of aggregate type on binder’s rheological characteristics is dependent on the experimental variables, and microscopic characteristics and component differences should be taken into consideration when selecting aggregates in designing asphalt mixtures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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15 pages, 5753 KiB  
Article
FluoroTome 1: An Apparatus for Tomographic Imaging of Radio-Fluorogenic (RFG) Gels
by John M. Warman, Matthijs P. de Haas, Leonard H. Luthjens, Tiantian Yao, Julia Navarro-Campos, Sölen Yuksel, Jan Aarts, Simon Thiele, Jacco Houter and Wilco in het Zandt
Polymers 2019, 11(11), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11111729 - 23 Oct 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2545
Abstract
Radio-fluorogenic (RFG) gels become permanently fluorescent when exposed to high-energy radiation with the intensity of the emission proportional to the local dose of radiation absorbed. An apparatus is described, FluoroTome 1, that is capable of taking a series of tomographic images (thin slices) [...] Read more.
Radio-fluorogenic (RFG) gels become permanently fluorescent when exposed to high-energy radiation with the intensity of the emission proportional to the local dose of radiation absorbed. An apparatus is described, FluoroTome 1, that is capable of taking a series of tomographic images (thin slices) of the fluorescence of such an irradiated RFG gel on-site and within minutes of radiation exposure. These images can then be compiled to construct a 3D movie of the dose distribution within the gel. The historical development via a laboratory-bench prototype to a readily transportable, user-friendly apparatus is described. Instrumental details and performance tests are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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25 pages, 2152 KiB  
Article
Basic Properties of a New Polymer Gel for 3D-Dosimetry at High Dose-Rates Typical for FFF Irradiation Based on Dithiothreitol and Methacrylic Acid (MAGADIT): Sensitivity, Range, Reproducibility, Accuracy, Dose Rate Effect and Impact of Oxygen Scavenger
by Muzafar Khan, Gerd Heilemann, Wolfgang Lechner, Dietmar Georg and Andreas Georg Berg
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101717 - 19 Oct 2019
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3451
Abstract
The photon induced radical-initiated polymerization in polymer gels can be used for high-resolution tissue equivalent dosimeters in quality control of radiation therapy. The dose (D) distribution in radiation therapy can be measured as a change of the physical measurement parameter T2 using T2-weighted [...] Read more.
The photon induced radical-initiated polymerization in polymer gels can be used for high-resolution tissue equivalent dosimeters in quality control of radiation therapy. The dose (D) distribution in radiation therapy can be measured as a change of the physical measurement parameter T2 using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The detection by T2 is relying on the local change of the molecular mobility due to local polymerization initiated by radicals generated by the ionizing radiation. The dosimetric signals R2 = 1/T2 of many of the current polymer gels are dose-rate dependent, which reduces the reliability of the gel for clinical use. A novel gel dosimeter, based on methacrylic acid, gelatin and the newly added dithiothreitol (MAGADIT) as an oxygen-scavenger was analyzed for basic properties, such as sensitivity, reproducibility, accuracy and dose-rate dependence. Dithiothreitol features no toxic classification with a difference to THPC and offers a stronger negative redox-potential than ascorbic acid. Polymer gels with three different concentration levels of dithiothreitol were irradiated with a preclinical research X-ray unit and MR-scanned (T2) for quantitative dosimetry after calibration. The polymer gel with the lowest concentration of the oxygen scavenger was about factor 3 more sensitive to dose as compared to the gel with the highest concentration. The dose sensitivity (α = ∆R2/∆D) of MAGADIT gels was significantly dependent on the applied dose rate D ˙ (≈48% reduction between D ˙ = 0.6 Gy/min and D ˙ = 4 Gy/min). However, this undesirable dose-rate effect reduced between 4–8 Gy/min (≈23%) and almost disappeared in the high dose-rate range (8 ≤   D ˙ ≤   12 Gy/min) used in flattening-filter-free (FFF) irradiations. The dose response varied for different samples within one manufacturing batch within 3%–6% (reproducibility). The accuracy ranged between 3.5% and 7.9%. The impact of the dose rate on the spatial integrity is demonstrated in the example of a linear accelerator (LINAC) small sized 5 × 10 mm2 10 MV photon field. For MAGADIT the maximum shift in the flanks in this field is limited to about 0.8 mm at a FFF dose rate of 15 Gy/min. Dose rate sensitive polymer gels likely perform better at high dose rates; MAGADIT exhibits a slightly improved performance compared to the reference normoxic polymer gel methacrylic and ascorbic acid in gelatin initiated by copper (MAGIC) using ascorbic acid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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11 pages, 2174 KiB  
Article
Reynolds Stress Model for Viscoelastic Drag-Reducing Flow Induced by Polymer Solution
by Yi Wang
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101659 - 11 Oct 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2931
Abstract
Viscoelasticity drag-reducing flow by polymer solution can reduce pumping energy of pipe flow significantly. One of the simulation manners is direct numerical simulation (DNS). However, the computational time is too long to accept in engineering. Turbulent model is a powerful tool to solve [...] Read more.
Viscoelasticity drag-reducing flow by polymer solution can reduce pumping energy of pipe flow significantly. One of the simulation manners is direct numerical simulation (DNS). However, the computational time is too long to accept in engineering. Turbulent model is a powerful tool to solve engineering problems because of its fast computational ability. However, its precision is usually low. To solve this problem, we introduce DNS to provide accurate data to construct a high-precision turbulent model. A Reynolds stress model for viscoelastic polymer drag-reducing flow is established. The rheological behavior of the drag-reducing flow is described by the Giesekus constitutive Equation. Compared with the DNS data, mean velocity, mean conformation tensor, drag reduction, and stresses are predicted accurately in low Reynolds numbers and Weissenberg numbers but worsen as the two numbers increase. The computational time of the Reynolds stress model (RSM) is only 1/120,960 of DNS, showing the advantage of computational speed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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21 pages, 3126 KiB  
Article
Linear and Nonlinear Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Micellar Assemblies Connected by Metallo-Supramolecular Interactions
by Zhi-Chao Yan, Florian J. Stadler, Pierre Guillet, Clément Mugemana, Charles-André Fustin, Jean-François Gohy and Christian Bailly
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101532 - 20 Sep 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2309
Abstract
The linear and nonlinear rheology of associative colloidal polymer assemblies with metallo-supramolecular interactions is herein studied. Polystyrene-b-poly(tert-butylacrylate) with a terpyridine ligand at the end of the acrylate block is self-assembled into micelles in ethanol, a selective solvent for the [...] Read more.
The linear and nonlinear rheology of associative colloidal polymer assemblies with metallo-supramolecular interactions is herein studied. Polystyrene-b-poly(tert-butylacrylate) with a terpyridine ligand at the end of the acrylate block is self-assembled into micelles in ethanol, a selective solvent for the latter block, and supramolecularly connected by complexation to divalent metal ions. The dependence of the system elasticity on polymer concentration can be semi-quantitatively understood by a geometrical packing model. For strongly associated (Ni2+, Fe2+) and sufficiently concentrated systems (15 w/v%), any given ligand end-group has a virtually 100% probability of being located in an overlapping hairy region between two micelles. By assuming a 50% probability of intermicellar crosslinks being formed, an excellent prediction of the plateau modulus was achieved and compared with the experimental results. For strongly associated but somewhat more dilute systems (12 w/v%) that still have significant overlap between hairy regions, the experimental modulus was lower than the predicted value, as the effective number of crosslinkers was further reduced along with possible density heterogeneities. The reversible destruction of the network by shear forces can be observed from the strain dependence of the storage and loss moduli. The storage moduli of the Ni2+ and Zn2+ systems at a lower concentration (12 w/v%) showed a rarely observed feature (i.e., a peak at the transition from linear to nonlinear regime). This peak disappeared at a higher concentration (15 w/v%). This behavior can be rationalized based on concentration-dependent network stretchability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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13 pages, 3555 KiB  
Article
Novel Antibacterial and Toughened Carbon-Fibre/Epoxy Composites by the Incorporation of TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Electrospun Nanofibre Veils
by Cristina Monteserín, Miren Blanco, Nieves Murillo, Ana Pérez-Márquez, Jon Maudes, Jorge Gayoso, Jose Manuel Laza, Estíbaliz Hernáez, Estíbaliz Aranzabe and Jose Luis Vilas
Polymers 2019, 11(9), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091524 - 19 Sep 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3008
Abstract
The inclusion of electrospun nanofiber veils was revealed as an effective method for enhancing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites. These veils will eventually allow the incorporation of nanomaterials not only for mechanical reinforcement but also in multifunctional applications. Therefore, this [...] Read more.
The inclusion of electrospun nanofiber veils was revealed as an effective method for enhancing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites. These veils will eventually allow the incorporation of nanomaterials not only for mechanical reinforcement but also in multifunctional applications. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of electrospun nanofibrous veils made of polyamide 6 modified with TiO2 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of a carbon-fiber/epoxy composite. The nanofibers were included in the carbon-fiber/epoxy composite as a single structure. The effect of positioning these veils in different composite positions was investigated. Compared to the reference, the use of unmodified and TiO2 modified veils increased the flexural stress at failure and the fracture toughness of composites. When TiO2 modified veils were incorporated, new antibacterial properties were achieved due to the photocatalytic properties of the veils, widening the application area of these composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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19 pages, 3903 KiB  
Article
Ion-Imprinted Polypropylene Fibers Fabricated by the Plasma-Mediated Grafting Strategy for Efficient and Selective Adsorption of Cr(VI)
by Zhengwei Luo, Jiahuan Xu, Dongmei Zhu, Dan Wang, Jianjian Xu, Hui Jiang, Wenhua Geng, Wuji Wei and Zhouyang Lian
Polymers 2019, 11(9), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091508 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2796
Abstract
To improve the adsorption selectivity towards hexavalent chromium anion (Cr(VI)), surface Cr(VI)-imprinted polypropylene (PP) fibers were fabricated by the plasma-mediated grafting strategy. Hence, a non-thermal Rradio frequency discharge plasma irradiation followed by a gaseous phase grafting was used to load acrylic acid (AA) [...] Read more.
To improve the adsorption selectivity towards hexavalent chromium anion (Cr(VI)), surface Cr(VI)-imprinted polypropylene (PP) fibers were fabricated by the plasma-mediated grafting strategy. Hence, a non-thermal Rradio frequency discharge plasma irradiation followed by a gaseous phase grafting was used to load acrylic acid (AA) onto PP fibers, which was afterwards amidated with triethylenetetramine and subjected to imprinting with a Cr(VI) template. The plasma irradiation conditions, i.e., gas species, output power, pressure, and time, were optimized and then the influence of grafting time, pressure, and temperature on the grafting degree of AA was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the characterization of pristine and modified fibers and to confirm the synthesis success. The hydrophilicity of modified fibers was greatly improved compared with pristine PP fibers. The adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics of Cr(VI) were investigated, as well as the elution efficiency and reusability. The prepared imprinted fibers showed superior adsorption selectivity to Cr(VI) compared with non-imprinted fibers. Finally, the stability of the imprinted fibers against the oxidation ability of Cr(VI) is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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15 pages, 3088 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Polydimethylsiloxane-Ethylcellulose Coating Blends on the Surface Characterization and Drug Release of Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica
by Adrianna Skwira, Adrian Szewczyk and Magdalena Prokopowicz
Polymers 2019, 11(9), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091450 - 04 Sep 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3638
Abstract
In this study, we obtained novel solid films composed of ciprofloxacin-loaded mesoporous silica materials (CIP-loaded MCM-41) and polymer coating blends. Polymer coating blends were composed of ethylcellulose (EC) with various levels of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, 0, 1, 2% (v/v)). The [...] Read more.
In this study, we obtained novel solid films composed of ciprofloxacin-loaded mesoporous silica materials (CIP-loaded MCM-41) and polymer coating blends. Polymer coating blends were composed of ethylcellulose (EC) with various levels of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, 0, 1, 2% (v/v)). The solid films were prepared via the solvent-evaporation molding method and characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical profilometry, and wettability analyses. The solid-state of CIP present in the solid films was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The release profiles of CIP were examined as a function of PDMS content in solid films. The surface morphology analysis of solid films indicated the progressive increase in surface heterogeneity and roughness with increasing PDMS content. The contact angle study confirmed the hydrophobicity of all solid films and significant impact of both PDMS and CIP-loaded MCM-41 on surface wettability. DSC and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of amorphous/semi-crystalline CIP in solid films. The Fickian diffusion-controlled drug release was observed for the CIP-loaded MCM-41 coated with PDMS-free polymer blend, whereas zero-order drug release was noticed for the CIP-loaded MCM-41 coated with polymer blends enriched with PDMS. Both the release rate and initial burst of CIP decreased with increasing PDMS content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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16 pages, 5749 KiB  
Article
Hydrophilic Molecularly Imprinted Chitosan Based on Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Enrichment of Gallic Acid in Red Ginseng Tea
by Guizhen Li and Kyung Ho Rwo
Polymers 2019, 11(9), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091434 - 01 Sep 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3808
Abstract
Hydrophilic molecularly imprinted chitosan (HMICS) were synthesized based on hydrophilic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and the DESs was used as both a template and functional monomer for the enrichment of gallic acid (GA) from red ginseng tea using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) [...] Read more.
Hydrophilic molecularly imprinted chitosan (HMICS) were synthesized based on hydrophilic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and the DESs was used as both a template and functional monomer for the enrichment of gallic acid (GA) from red ginseng tea using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) method. Using the response surface methodology (RSM) strategy, the optimal extraction amount (8.57 mg·g−1) was found to be an extraction time of 30 min, a solid to liquid ratio of 20 mg·mL−1, and five adsorption/desorption cycles. Compared to traditional methods, the produced HMICS-SPME exhibited the advantages of simplicity of operation, higher recovery and selectivity, improved analytical characteristics and reduced sample and reagent consumption, and it is expected to promote the rapid development and wide applications of molecular imprinting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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18 pages, 2775 KiB  
Article
Use of Polyphenol Tannic Acid to Functionalize Titanium with Strontium for Enhancement of Osteoblast Differentiation and Reduction of Osteoclast Activity
by Chris Steffi, Zhilong Shi, Chee Hoe Kong, Sue Wee Chong, Dong Wang and Wilson Wang
Polymers 2019, 11(8), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11081256 - 29 Jul 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4663
Abstract
Implant anchorage remains a challenge, especially in porous osteoporotic bone with high osteoclast activity. The implant surface is modified with osteogenic molecules to stimulate osseointegration. Strontium (Sr) is known for its osteogenic and anti-osteoclastogenic effects. In this study, Sr was immobilized on a [...] Read more.
Implant anchorage remains a challenge, especially in porous osteoporotic bone with high osteoclast activity. The implant surface is modified with osteogenic molecules to stimulate osseointegration. Strontium (Sr) is known for its osteogenic and anti-osteoclastogenic effects. In this study, Sr was immobilized on a titanium (Ti) surface using bioinspired polyphenol tannic acid (pTAN) coating as an ad-layer (Ti-pTAN). Two separate coating techniques were employed for comparative analysis. In the first technique, Ti was coated with a tannic acid solution containing Sr (Ti-pTAN-1Stp). In the second method, Ti was first coated with pTAN, before being immersed in a SrCl2 solution to immobilize Sr on Ti-pTAN (Ti-pTAN-2Stp). Ti-pTAN-1Stp and Ti-pTAN-2Stp augmented the alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen secretion, osteocalcin production and calcium deposition of MC3T3-E1 cells as compared to those of Ti and Ti-pTAN. However, osteoclast differentiation of RAW 264.7, as studied by TRAP activity, total DNA, and multinucleated cell formation, were decreased on Ti-pTAN, Ti-pTAN-1Stp and Ti-pTAN-2Stp as compared to Ti. Of all the substrates, osteoclast activity on Ti-pTAN-2Stp was the lowest. Hence, an economical and simple coating technique using pTAN as an adlayer preserved the dual biological effects of Sr. These results indicate a promising new approach to tailoring the cellular responses of implant surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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13 pages, 2566 KiB  
Article
Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Aging Properties of SBS-Modified Asphalt Binders
by Huanan Yu, Xianping Bai, Guoping Qian, Hui Wei, Xiangbing Gong, Jiao Jin and Zhijie Li
Polymers 2019, 11(7), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11071111 - 01 Jul 2019
Cited by 103 | Viewed by 5469
Abstract
Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) polymer-modified asphalt binders have become widely used in asphalt pavement because of their advantages in high- and low-temperature performance and fatigue resistance. Asphalt pavement is inevitably exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation during its construction and service life. [...] Read more.
Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) polymer-modified asphalt binders have become widely used in asphalt pavement because of their advantages in high- and low-temperature performance and fatigue resistance. Asphalt pavement is inevitably exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation during its construction and service life. However, consideration of the aging effect of UV radiation is still limited in current pavement design and evaluation systems. In order to evaluate the impact of UV radiation on the aging properties of SBS-modified asphalt binders, UV aging tests were performed on Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT)-aged samples with different UV radiation intensities and aging times. Sixteen different groups of tests were conducted to compare the rheological properties and functional group characteristics of SBS-modified asphalt binders. Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR), FTIR, and SEM tests were conducted to evaluate the aging mechanisms in various UV aging conditions. The results found that UV radiation seriously destroys the network structure formed by the cross-linking effect in SBS-modified asphalt binders, which aggravates the degradation of SBS and results in a great change of rheological properties after UV aging. The nature of SBS-modified asphalt binder aging resulted from the degradation of SBS and the changes of asphalt binder base composition, which lead to the transformation of colloidal structure and the deterioration of asphalt binder performance. The tests also found that continuous UV radiation can increase shrinkage stress in the asphalt binder surface and leads to surface cracking of the asphalt binder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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21 pages, 7173 KiB  
Article
Effect of Hydrophobic Interactions on Lower Critical Solution Temperature for Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-dopamine Methacrylamide) Copolymers
by Alberto García-Peñas, Chandra Sekhar Biswas, Weijun Liang, Yu Wang, Pianpian Yang and Florian J. Stadler
Polymers 2019, 11(6), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11060991 - 04 Jun 2019
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5996
Abstract
For the preparation of thermoresponsive copolymers, for e.g., tissue engineering scaffolds or drug carriers, a precise control of the synthesis parameters to set the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is required. However, the correlations between molecular parameters and LCST are partially unknown and, [...] Read more.
For the preparation of thermoresponsive copolymers, for e.g., tissue engineering scaffolds or drug carriers, a precise control of the synthesis parameters to set the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is required. However, the correlations between molecular parameters and LCST are partially unknown and, furthermore, LCST is defined as an exact temperature, which oversimplifies the real situation. Here, random N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)/dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) copolymers were prepared under a systematical variation of molecular weight and comonomer amount and their LCST in water studied by calorimetry, turbidimetry, and rheology. Structural information was deduced from observed transitions clarifying the contributions of molecular weight, comonomer content, end-group effect or polymerization degree on LCST, which were then statistically modeled. This proved that the LCST can be predicted through molecular structure and conditions of the solutions. While the hydrophobic DMA lowers the LCST especially the onset, polymerization degree has an important but smaller influence over all the whole LCST range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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15 pages, 4923 KiB  
Article
Hydrogel Small-Diameter Vascular Graft Reinforced with a Braided Fiber Strut with Improved Mechanical Properties
by Guoping Guan, Chenglong Yu, Meiyi Xing, Yufen Wu, Xingyou Hu, Hongjun Wang and Lu Wang
Polymers 2019, 11(5), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11050810 - 06 May 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4012
Abstract
Acute thrombosis remains the main limitation of small-diameter vascular grafts (inner diameter <6 mm) for bridging and bypassing of small arteries defects and occlusion. The use of hydrogel tubes represents a promising strategy. However, their low mechanical strength and high swelling tendency may [...] Read more.
Acute thrombosis remains the main limitation of small-diameter vascular grafts (inner diameter <6 mm) for bridging and bypassing of small arteries defects and occlusion. The use of hydrogel tubes represents a promising strategy. However, their low mechanical strength and high swelling tendency may limit their further application. In the present study, a hydrogel vascular graft of Ca alginate/polyacrylamide reinforced with a braided fiber strut was designed and fabricated with the assistance of a customized casting mold. Morphology, structure, swellability, mechanical properties, cyto- and hemocompatibility of the reinforced graft were characterized. The results showed that the reinforced graft was transparent and robust, with a smooth surface. Scanning electron microscopic examination confirmed a uniform porous structure throughout the hydrogel. The swelling of the reinforced grafts could be controlled to 100%, obtaining clinically satisfactory mechanical properties. In particular, the dynamic circumferential compliance reached (1.7 ± 0.1)%/100 mmHg for 50–90 mmHg, a value significantly higher than that of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts. Biological tests revealed that the reinforced graft was non-cytotoxic and had a low hemolysis percentage (HP) corresponding to (0.9 ± 0.2)%. In summary, the braided fiber-reinforced hydrogel vascular grafts demonstrated both physical and biological superiority, suggesting their suitability for vascular grafts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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18 pages, 2844 KiB  
Article
Rheological Study on the Thermoreversible Gelation of Stereo-Controlled Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) in an Imidazolium Ionic Liquid
by Zhi-Chao Yan, Chandra Sekhar Biswas and Florian J. Stadler
Polymers 2019, 11(5), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11050783 - 02 May 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3104
Abstract
The thermoreversible sol-gel transition for an ionic liquid (IL) solution of isotactic-rich poly (N-isopropylacrylamides) (PNIPAMs) is investigated by rheological technique. The meso-diad content of PNIPAMs ranges between 47% and 79%, and molecular weight (Mn) is ~35,000 and ~70,000 [...] Read more.
The thermoreversible sol-gel transition for an ionic liquid (IL) solution of isotactic-rich poly (N-isopropylacrylamides) (PNIPAMs) is investigated by rheological technique. The meso-diad content of PNIPAMs ranges between 47% and 79%, and molecular weight (Mn) is ~35,000 and ~70,000 g/mol for two series of samples. PNIPAMs are soluble in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide ([BMIM][TFSI]) at high temperatures but undergo a gelation with decreasing temperatures. The transition temperature determined from G’-G” crossover increases with isotacticity, consistent with the previous cloud-point result at the same scanning rate, indicating imide groups along the same side of backbones are prone to be aggregated for formation of a gel. The transition point based on Winter-Chambon criterion is on average higher than that of the G’-G” crossover method and is insensitive to tacticity and molecular weight, since it correlates with percolation of globules rather than the further formation of elastic network (G’ > G”). For the first time, the phase diagram composed of both G’-G” crossover points for gelation and cloud points is established in PNIPAM/IL mixtures. For low-Mn PNIPAMs, the crossover-point line intersects the cloud-point line. Hence, from solution to opaque gel, the sample will experience two different transitional phases, either clear gel or opaque sol. A clear gel is formed due to partial phase separation of isotactic segments that could act as junctions of network. However, when the partial phase separation is not faster than the formation of globules, an opaque sol will be formed. For high-Mn PNIPAMs, crossover points are below cloud points at all concentrations, so their gelation only follows the opaque sol route. Such phase diagram is attributed to the poorer solubility of high-Mn polymers for entropic reasons. The phase diagram composed of Winter-Chambon melting points, crossover points for melting, and clear points is similar with the gelation phase diagram, confirming the mechanism above. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Solutions and Gels–Physics and Novel Applications)
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