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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2023) | Viewed by 23581

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Prof. Dr. Shouke Yan

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Guest Editor

1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
2. School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
Interests: multiscale structure of polymeric materials; orientation induced polymer crystallization; surface induced polymer crystallization; confined polymer crystallization; polymer blends
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Prof. Dr. Xuming Xie

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: super tough hydrogels; nanomaterials and nanocomposites; polymer blends; plastics recycling and value-added reuse
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers can offer many advantages for modern technologies, which has led to polymeric materials occupying a permanent place in many sophisticated application areas, such as in medicine, sensors, photoelectric devices, coatings, and so forth, owing to their great potential to meet various requirements.

The present Special Issue aims to collect featured research and review articles on all aspects of polymeric materials, including their preparation, characterization, processing, properties, and application. The following aspects are within its main scope:

Design and synthesis of polymeric materials;
Structure characterization of polymers;
Property and functionality of different kinds of polymers;
The structure-property/functionality relationship;
Multiscale structure regulation of polymers;
Processing techniques of polymeric materials;
Applications of polymeric materials;
Service evaluation of polymeric materials;
Recycling of polymeric materials.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

Material preparation;
Multiscale structures;
Structure regulation;
Crystallization and phase behavior;
Processing techniques and applications;
Structure and properties
Rubbers, plastics, and fibers;
Coatings and thin films;
Conducting polymers;
Shape memory polymers;
Biopolymers.

We kindly invite you to submit your work to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Shouke Yan
Prof. Dr. Xuming Xie
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. Materials 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 2600 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.

Prof. Dr. Xuming Xie
Prof. Dr. Shouke Yan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Keywords

polymerization
homopolymer
copolymer
biopolymer
conjugated polymer
polymer blend
polymer composite
processing
application
characterization
morphology
crystal structure
phase structure
properties
functionality

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Related Special Issues

Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials' (2nd Edition) in Materials (15 articles)
Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials' (3rd Edition) in Materials (1 article)

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 5256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Strain Rates and Heat Exposure on Polyamide (PA12) Processed via Selective Laser Sintering

by Chiara Morano, Marco Alfano and Leonardo Pagnotta

Materials 2023, 16(13), 4654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134654 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1749

Abstract

The use of polymers in the transportation industry represents a great opportunity to meet the growing demand for lightweight structures and to reduce polluting emissions. In this context, additive manufacturing represents a very effective fabrication route for mechanical components with sophisticated geometry that cannot be pursued by conventional methods. However, understanding the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polymers plays a crucial role in the performance and durability of polymer-based products. Polyamide is a commonly used material in 3D printing because of its excellent mechanical properties. However, the layer-by-layer deposition process and ensuing auxiliary steps (e.g., post-processing heating) may affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of 3D-printed nylon with respect to the bulk counterpart. In this work, we explore the effect of displacement rate and heat exposure on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polyamide (PA12) specimens obtained by selective laser sintering (SLS). Moreover, the thermal characteristics of the powders and sintered material were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Our results highlight the expected rate dependency of mechanical properties and show that a post-processing heat treatment partly affects mechanical behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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16 pages, 2377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Diisocyanate Structure to Modify Properties of Segmented Polyurethanes

by Manuel Asensio, Juan-Francisco Ferrer, Andrés Nohales, Mario Culebras and Clara M. Gómez

Materials 2023, 16(4), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041633 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

Segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes (PU) were synthetized using a polycarbonatediol macrodiol as a flexible or soft segment with a molar mass of 2000 g/mol, and different diisocyanate molecules and 1,4-butanediol as a rigid or hard segment. The diisocyanate molecules employed are 3,3′-Dimethyl-4,4′-biphenyl diisocyanate (TODI), 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 4,4′-Methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) 1-isocyanato-4-[(4-phenylisocyanate)methyl]benzene and 1-isocyanate-4-[(2-phenylisocyanate) methyl]benzene (ratio 1:1) (MDIi), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The polyurethanes obtained reveal a wide variation of microphase separation degree that is correlated with mechanical properties. Different techniques, such as DSC, DMA, and FTIR, have been used to determine flexible–rigid segment phase behavior. Mechanical properties, such as tensile properties, Shore D hardness, and “compression set”, have been determined. This work reveals that the structure of the hard segment is crucial to determine the degree of phase miscibility which affects the resulting mechanical properties, such as tensile properties, hardness, and “compression set”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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20 pages, 3557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Modification of PHBV Fibrous Scaffold via Lithium Borohydride Reduction

by Paweł Chaber, Grzegorz Tylko, Jakub Włodarczyk, Paweł Nitschke, Anna Hercog, Sebastian Jurczyk, Jakub Rech, Jerzy Kubacki and Grażyna Adamus

Materials 2022, 15(21), 7494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217494 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1724

Abstract

In this study, lithium borohydride (LiBH₄) reduction was used to modify the surface chemistry of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) fibers. Although the most common reaction employed in the surface treatment of polyester materials is hydrolysis, it is not suitable for fiber modification of bacterial polyesters, which are highly resistant to this type of reaction. The use of LiBH₄ allowed the formation of surface hydroxyl groups under very mild conditions, which was crucial for maintaining the fibers’ integrity. The presence of these groups resulted in a noticeable improvement in the surface hydrophilicity of PHBV, as revealed by contact angle measurements. After the treatment with a LiBH₄ solution, the electrospun PHBV fibrous mat had a significantly greater number of viable osteoblast-like cells (SaOS-2 cell line) than the untreated mat. Moreover, the results of the cell proliferation measurements correlated well with the observed cell morphology. The most flattened SaOS-2 cells were found on the surface that supported the best cell attachment. Most importantly, the results of our study indicated that the degree of surface modification could be controlled by changing the degradation time and concentration of the borohydride solution. This was of great importance since it allowed optimization of the surface properties to achieve the highest cell-proliferation capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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15 pages, 5961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detecting Defects in Composite Polymers by Using 3D Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry

by Daria A. Derusova, Vladimir P. Vavilov, Nikolay V. Druzhinin, Victor Y. Shpil’noi and Alexey N. Pestryakov

Materials 2022, 15(20), 7176; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207176 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2062

Abstract

The technique of 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometry has recently appeared as a promising tool of nondestructive evaluation of discontinuity-like defects in composite polymers. The use of the phenomenon of local defect resonance (LDR) allows intensifying vibrations in defect zones, which can reliably be detected by means of laser vibrometry. The resonance acoustic stimulation of structural defects in materials causes compression/tension deformations, which are essentially lower than the material tensile strength, thus proving a nondestructive character of the LDR technique. In this study, the propagation of elastic waves in composites and their interaction with structural inhomogeneities were analyzed by performing 3D scanning of vibrations in Fast Fourier Transform mode. At each scanning point, the in-plane (x, y) and out of plane (z) vibration components were analyzed. The acoustic stimulation was fulfilled by generating a frequency-modulated harmonic signal in the range from 50 Hz to 100 kHz. In the case of a reference plate with a flat bottom hole, the resonance frequencies for all (x, y, and z) components were identical. In the case of impact damage in a carbon fiber reinforced plastic sample, the predominant contribution into total vibrations was provided by compression/tension deformations (x, y vibration component) to compare with vibrations by the z coordinate. In general, inspection results were enhanced by analyzing total vibration patterns obtained by averaging results at some resonance frequencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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10 pages, 2119 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Analysis of Elastic Properties of Polypropylene Composite Materials with Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Spherical Reinforcement

by Jong-Hwan Yun, Yu-Jae Jeon and Min-Soo Kang

Materials 2022, 15(16), 5602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15165602 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1899

Abstract

This study proposes an isotropic composite material with enhanced elastic properties based on a reinforcement mechanism using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) spherical molecules. Elastic properties are predicted through finite element analysis by randomly mixing UHMWPE using polypropylene (PP) as a matrix. The change in elastic properties of the composite is calculated for volume fractions of UHMWPE from 10 to 70%. Furthermore, the results of finite element analysis are compared and analyzed using a numerical approach. The results show that the physical properties of the composite material are enhanced by the excellent elastic properties of the UHMWPE, and the finite element analysis results confirm that it is effective up to a volume fraction of 35%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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18 pages, 4341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Biological Study of Composites Based on the Blends of Nanohydroxyapatite, Silk Fibroin and Chitosan

by Anna Tuwalska, Alina Sionkowska, Amadeusz Bryła, Grzegorz Tylko, Anna Maria Osyczka, Michele Laus and Lucy Vojtová

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155444 - 8 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2169

Abstract

In this work, the biological properties of three-dimensional scaffolds based on a blend of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), silk fibroin (SF), and chitosan (CTS), were prepared using a lyophilization technique with various weight ratios: 10:45:45, 15:15:70, 15:70:15, 20:40:40, 40:30:30, and 70:15:15 nHA:SF:CTS, respectively. The basic 3D scaffolds were obtained from 5% (w/w) chitosan and 5% silk fibroin solutions and then nHA was added. The morphology and physicochemical properties of scaffolds were studied and compared. A biological test was performed to study the growth and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). It was found that the addition of chitosan increases the resistance properties and extends the degradation time of materials. In vitro studies with human mesenchymal stem cells found a high degree of biotolerance for the materials produced, especially for the 20:40:40 and 15:70:15 (nHa:SF:CTS) ratios. The presence of silk fibroin and the elongated shape of the pores positively influenced the differentiation of cells into osteogenic cells. By taking advantage of the differentiation/proliferation cues offered by individual components, the composites based on the nanohydroxyapatite, silk fibroin, and chitosan scaffold may be suitable for bone tissue engineering, and possibly offer an alternative to the widespread use of collagen materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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15 pages, 3224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of 3-Mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane Modified Illite on the Reinforcement of SBR

by Zhepeng Wang, Hao Zhang, Qiang Liu, Shaojuan Wang and Shouke Yan

Materials 2022, 15(10), 3459; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15103459 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1973

Abstract

To achieve the sustainable development of the rubber industry, the substitute of carbon black, the most widely used but non-renewable filler produced from petroleum, has been considered one of the most effective ways. The naturally occurring illite with higher aspect ratio can be easily obtained in large amounts at lower cost and with lower energy consumption. Therefore, the expansion of its application in advanced materials is of great significance. To explore their potential use as an additive for reinforcing rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites with illites of different size with and without 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (KH580) modification were studied. It was found that the modification of illite by KH580 increases the K-illite/SBR interaction, and thus improves the dispersion of K-illite in the SBR matrix. The better dispersion of smaller size K-illite with stronger interfacial interaction improves the mechanical properties of SBR remarkably, by an increment of about nine times the tensile strength and more than ten times the modulus. These results demonstrate, except for the evident effect of particle size, the great importance of filler–rubber interaction on the performance of SBR composites. This may be of great significance for the potential wide use of the abundant naturally occurring illite as substitute filler for the rubber industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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15 pages, 4698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Chitosan Deacetylation on Its Affinity to Type III Collagen: A Molecular Dynamics Study

by Piotr Bełdowski, Maciej Przybyłek, Alina Sionkowska, Piotr Cysewski, Magdalena Gadomska, Katarzyna Musiał and Adam Gadomski

Materials 2022, 15(2), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15020463 - 8 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3442

Abstract

The ability to form strong intermolecular interactions by linear glucosamine polysaccharides with collagen is strictly related to their nonlinear dynamic behavior and hence bio-lubricating features. Type III collagen plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration, and its presence in the articular cartilage affects its bio-technical features. In this study, the molecular dynamics methodology was applied to evaluate the effect of deacetylation degree on the chitosan affinity to type III collagen. The computational procedure employed docking and geometry optimizations of different chitosan structures characterized by randomly distributed deacetylated groups. The eight different degrees of deacetylation from 12.5% to 100% were taken into account. We found an increasing linear trend (R² = 0.97) between deacetylation degree and the collagen–chitosan interaction energy. This can be explained by replacing weak hydrophobic contacts with more stable hydrogen bonds involving amino groups in N-deacetylated chitosan moieties. In this study, the properties of chitosan were compared with hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of synovial fluid and cartilage. As we found, when the degree of deacetylation of chitosan was greater than 0.4, it exhibited a higher affinity for collagen than in the case of hyaluronic acid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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10 pages, 2437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Robust Heterojunctions of Metallic Alloy and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composite Induced by Laser Processing

by Haipeng Wang, Peng Yan and Yingchun Guan

Materials 2021, 14(23), 7469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14237469 - 6 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2475

Abstract

The development of heterojunctions with a strong bonding interface between metals and non-metals has attracted much attention owing to their great potential for use in lightweight structures. Laser joining technology, which emerged as a fast and reliable method, has proven its feasibility and unique advantages in joining metal to polymer matrix composites. Herein, an optimized laser joining configuration has been employed to realize high-quality joining of titanium alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced composite. Cross-sectional microstructures of laser-produced joints reveal that micro-bubbles near the interface have been effectively suppressed and eliminated due to the continual clamping pressure applied to the joined area during the joining process. Tensile tests suggest that the joint strength increases with structure density on a titanium alloy surface, and the greatest fracture strength of joints reaches more than 60 MPa even after experiencing a high–low temperature alternating aging test. For higher structure density (>95%), the joints fail by the fracture of parent plastics near the joined area due to the tensile-loading-induced peel stress at the edges of the overlap region. Otherwise, the joints fail by interfacial shear fracture with breakage when the structure density is lower than 91.5%. The obtained high-performance heterojunctions show great potential in the aerospace and automotive fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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Review

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20 pages, 4959 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optimization to Assist Design and Analysis of Temperature Control Strategies for Injection Molding—A Review

by Sofia B. Rocha, Tatiana Zhiltsova, Victor Neto and Mónica S. A. Oliveira

Materials 2022, 15(12), 4048; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15124048 - 7 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2215

Abstract

Injection molding (IM) is the most widespread and economical way to obtain high-quality plastic components. The process depends, however, to a great extent, on the quality and efficiency of the injection molding tools. Given the nature of the IM process, the temperature control system (TCS), its design, and its efficiency are of utmost importance for achieving the highest possible quality of plastic parts in the shortest possible time. For that reason, the implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) in novel IM temperature control strategies has gained considerable interest in academia and industry over the years. Conformal cooling channels (CCCs) are TCSs that have already demonstrated great potential when compared to conventional gun-drilling systems. Nevertheless, despite the recent advances, the design of these systems is still an open field of study and requires additional research in both aspects deemed as critical: thermo-mechanical models and the application of optimization techniques. This review paper tackles all the relevant, available papers on this topic, highlighting thermo-mechanical models developed by TCS designers and the optimization techniques used. The articles were thoroughly analyzed, and key points on the design of new TCS and new opportunities were identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials')

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