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Nanomaterials
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Advance in Nanostructured Polymers
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Advance in Nanostructured Polymers

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 16932

Special Issue Editor

Dr. David Jenkins

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
Interests: piezoelectric films; MEMS; micro-sensors; micro-actuators; functionalised materials; graphene and 2D materials; MEMS and materials; nano/micro characterisation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanostructured polymers are a remarkably interesting class of materials suitable for an incredibly diverse range of applications depending on the polymers used, whether they are doped, and also the solvents used in the fabrication process. Nanostructured polymers are certainly a unique class of materials that can take on different functional forms.

Polymers today may be considered to be structural or functional, and often most interestingly when they form nanostructured composites. They may often require simple or low-cost processing steps, and this can make them particularly attractive. Examples include solvent cast, electrospun nanofibre membranes through to aerogels. Polymers may be water or solvent soluble, and a range of additives can be introduced, such as nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced GO, etc. to functionalise them. Formed polymers may take different physical forms and require post-fabrication processing steps, for example, to add electrodes in functional systems.

This Special Issue aims to address the latest research devoted to exploring the potential to develop new and novel nanostructured polymers, to explore the materials processing required and the methods used to evaluate their intrinsic characteristics, as well as to analyse their functionality for a diverse range of applications. Research articles focusing on the development of novel biocompatible nanostructured polymers that can be applied in environmental, health, and life sciences and bioinspired soft robotics are especially welcome. Nanostructured polymers that can be developed for larger-scale applications are strongly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. David Jenkins
Guest Editor

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. Nanomaterials 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 2900 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

  • Nanostructured Polymers
  • Nanocomposites
  • Nanomaterials
  • Electrospinning
  • Systems Health
  • Monitoring
  • Life Sciences
  • Air and Water Filtration
  • Soft Robotics
  • Sensors
  • Actuators

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 8530 KiB  
Article
Role of MWCNTs Loading in Designing Self-Sensing and Self-Heating Structural Elements
by Liberata Guadagno, Raffaele Longo, Francesca Aliberti, Patrizia Lamberti, Vincenzo Tucci, Roberto Pantani, Giovanni Spinelli, Michelina Catauro and Luigi Vertuccio
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030495 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1859
Abstract
This work proposes nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes characterized by self-sensing and self-heating properties. Recently, a growing interest in these two properties has been found in many industrial sectors, especially in the aerospace and automotive fields. While the self-sensing function allows diagnosing the presence [...] Read more.
This work proposes nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes characterized by self-sensing and self-heating properties. Recently, a growing interest in these two properties has been found in many industrial sectors, especially in the aerospace and automotive fields. While the self-sensing function allows diagnosing the presence of micro-damage in the material thanks to the detection of residual resistance, the self-heating function is exploited to properly tune the heating performance in terms of the heating rate and final temperature values. An electrical percolation value of around 0.5% by weight of carbon nanotubes was found by electrical characterization. The AC conductivity of the nanocomposites, in the range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz, evidences that beyond a CNTs amount of 0.5% wt/wt, they are characterized by a purely resistive behavior. The self-sensing analysis displayed a gauge factor value of 4.1. The solid thermal stability up to 300 °C makes the material suitable as a heating element at high temperatures. SEM investigations and temperature maps evidence a good dispersion of the conductive filler in the epoxy matrix and, consequently, good isotropy in heat distribution. As regards the trend of electrical resistance by varying the temperature, the electro-thermal investigation has shown the presence of both Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) and Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) behaviors with a predominance of NTC as soon as the temperature becomes closer to the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanostructured Polymers)
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19 pages, 3739 KiB  
Article
Rheological, Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of Toughened Self-Healing Supramolecular Resins, Based on Hydrogen Bonding
by Liberata Guadagno, Marialuigia Raimondo, Carlo Naddeo, Luigi Vertuccio, Salvatore Russo, Generoso Iannuzzo and Elisa Calabrese
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4322; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234322 - 5 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1472
Abstract
This paper proposes the design of toughened self-healing supramolecular resins able to fulfill functional and structural requirements for industrial applications. These new nanocomposites are based on compounds acting as promotors of reversible self-healing interactions. Electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, selected among those allowing to [...] Read more.
This paper proposes the design of toughened self-healing supramolecular resins able to fulfill functional and structural requirements for industrial applications. These new nanocomposites are based on compounds acting as promotors of reversible self-healing interactions. Electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, selected among those allowing to reach the electrical percolation threshold (EPT) with a very low amount of nanofiller, were dispersed in the self-healing polymeric matrix to contrast the electrical insulating properties of epoxy matrices, as required for many applications. The formulated supramolecular systems are thermally stable, up to 360 °C. Depending on the chemical formulation, the self-healing efficiency η, assessed by the fracture test, can reach almost the complete self-repairing efficiency (η = 99%). Studies on the complex viscosity of smart nanocomposites highlight that the effect of the nanofiller dominates over those due to the healing agents. The presence of healing compounds anchored to the hosting epoxy matrix determines a relevant increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg), which results in values higher than 200 °C. Compared to the unfilled matrix, a rise from 189 °C to 223 °C is found for two of the proposed formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanostructured Polymers)
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24 pages, 16373 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Printed Polyamide 12 (PA12) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) Alumina (Al2O3) Nanocomposites with Significantly Enhanced Tensile, Flexural, and Impact Properties
by Markos Petousis, Nectarios Vidakis, Nikolaos Mountakis, Vassilis Papadakis and Lazaros Tzounis
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4292; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234292 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
The effect of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) as a reinforcing agent of Polyamide 12 (PA12) and Polylactic acid (PLA) in fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional printing (3DP) is reported herein for the first time. Alumina NPs are incorporated [...] Read more.
The effect of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) as a reinforcing agent of Polyamide 12 (PA12) and Polylactic acid (PLA) in fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional printing (3DP) is reported herein for the first time. Alumina NPs are incorporated via a melt–mixing compounding process, at four different filler loadings. Neat as well as nanocomposite 3DP filaments are prepared as feedstock for the 3DP manufacturing of specimens which are thoroughly investigated for their mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) proved the nature of the materials. Their morphological characteristics were thoroughly investigated with scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. Al2O3 NPs exhibited a positive reinforcement mechanism at all filler loadings, while the mechanical percolation threshold with the maximum increase of performance was found between 1.0–2.0 wt.% filler loading (1.0 wt.% for PA12, 41.1%, and 56.4% increase in strength and modulus, respectively; 2.0 wt.% for PLA, 40.2%, and 27.1% increase in strength and modulus, respectively). The combination of 3DP and polymer engineering using nanocomposite PA12 and PLA filaments with low-cost filler additives, e.g., Al2O3 NPs, could open new avenues towards a series of potential applications using thermoplastic engineering polymers in FFF 3DP manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanostructured Polymers)
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28 pages, 28373 KiB  
Article
Resorbable Nanomatrices from Microbial Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Design Strategy and Characterization
by Ekaterina I. Shishatskaya, Alexey E. Dudaev and Tatiana G. Volova
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3843; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213843 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1789
Abstract
From a series of biodegradable natural polymers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)—poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB) and copolymers containing, in addition to 3HB monomers, monomers of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV), 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx), and 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB), with different ratios of monomers poured—solvent casting films and nanomembranes with oriented and non-oriented ultrathin [...] Read more.
From a series of biodegradable natural polymers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)—poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB) and copolymers containing, in addition to 3HB monomers, monomers of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV), 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx), and 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB), with different ratios of monomers poured—solvent casting films and nanomembranes with oriented and non-oriented ultrathin fibers were obtained by electrostatic molding. With the use of SEM, AFM, and measurement of contact angles and energy characteristics, the surface properties and mechanical and biological properties of the polymer products were studied depending on the method of production and the composition of PHAs. It has been shown in cultures of mouse fibroblasts of the NIH 3T3 line and diploid human embryonic cells of the M22 line that elastic films and nanomembranes composed of P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymers have high biocompatibility and provide adhesion, proliferation and preservation of the high physiological activity of cells for up to 7 days. Polymer films, namely oriented and non-oriented nanomembranes coated with type 1 collagen, are positively evaluated as experimental wound dressings in experiments on laboratory animals with model and surgical skin lesions. The results of planimetric measurements of the dynamics of wound healing and analysis of histological sections showed the regeneration of model skin defects in groups of animals using experimental wound dressings from P(3HB-co-4HB) of all types, but most actively when using non-oriented nanomembranes obtained by electrospinning. The study highlights the importance of nonwoven nanomembranes obtained by electrospinning from degradable low-crystalline copolymers P(3HB-co-4HB) in the effectiveness of the skin wound healing process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanostructured Polymers)
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11 pages, 2269 KiB  
Article
Engineered Cu-PEN Composites at the Nanoscale: Preparation and Characterisation
by Jana Pryjmaková, Mariia Hryhoruk, Martin Veselý, Petr Slepička, Václav Švorčík and Jakub Siegel
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(7), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12071220 - 5 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1944
Abstract
As polymeric materials are already used in many industries, the range of their applications is constantly expanding. Therefore, their preparation procedures and the resulting properties require considerable attention. In this work, we designed the surface of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) introducing copper nanowires. The [...] Read more.
As polymeric materials are already used in many industries, the range of their applications is constantly expanding. Therefore, their preparation procedures and the resulting properties require considerable attention. In this work, we designed the surface of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) introducing copper nanowires. The surface of PEN was transformed into coherent ripple patterns by treatment with a KrF excimer laser. Then, Cu deposition onto nanostructured surfaces by a vacuum evaporation technique was accomplished, giving rise to nanowires. The morphology of the prepared structures was investigated by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the distribution of Cu in the nanowires and their gradual oxidation. The optical properties of the Cu nanowires were measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The sessile drop method revealed the hydrophobic character of the Cu/PEN surface, which is important for further studies of biological responses. Our study suggests that a combination of laser surface texturing and vacuum evaporation can be an effective and simple method for the preparation of a Cu/polymer nanocomposite with potential exploitation in bioapplications; however, it should be borne in mind that significant post-deposition oxidation of the Cu nanowire occurs, which may open up new strategies for further biological applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanostructured Polymers)
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17 pages, 6043 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable 3D Printed Scaffolds of Modified Poly (Trimethylene Carbonate) Composite Materials with Poly (L-Lactic Acid) and Hydroxyapatite for Bone Regeneration
by Honglei Kang, Xudong Jiang, Zhiwei Liu, Fan Liu, Guoping Yan and Feng Li
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3215; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123215 - 26 Nov 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2641
Abstract
Biodegradable scaffolds based on biomedical polymeric materials have attracted wide interest in bone transplantation for clinical treatment for bone defects without a second operation. The composite materials of poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(L-lactic acid), and hydroxyapatite (PTMC/PLA/HA and PTMC/HA) were prepared by the modification and [...] Read more.
Biodegradable scaffolds based on biomedical polymeric materials have attracted wide interest in bone transplantation for clinical treatment for bone defects without a second operation. The composite materials of poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(L-lactic acid), and hydroxyapatite (PTMC/PLA/HA and PTMC/HA) were prepared by the modification and blending of PTMC with PLA and HA, respectively. The PTMC/PLA/HA and PTMC/HA scaffolds were further prepared by additive manufacturing using the biological 3D printing method using the PTMC/PLA/HA and PTMC/HA composite materials, respectively. These scaffolds were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), automatic contact-angle, scanning electronic micrographs (SEM), diffraction of X-rays (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry (TG). Subsequently, their properties, such as mechanical, biodegradation, cell cytotoxicity, cell compatibility in vitro, and proliferation/differentiation assay in vivo, were also investigated. Experiment results indicated that PTMC/PLA/HA and PTMC/HA scaffolds possessed low toxicity, good biodegradability, and good biocompatibility and then enhanced the cell multiplication ability of osteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1). Moreover, PTMC/PLA/HA and PTMC/HA scaffolds enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and enabled the bone cell proliferation and induction of bone tissue formation. Therefore, these composite materials can be used as potential biomaterials for bone repatriation and tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanostructured Polymers)
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Review

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29 pages, 7058 KiB  
Review
Nude and Modified Electrospun Nanofibers, Application to Air Purification
by Patricio J. Espinoza-Montero, Marjorie Montero-Jiménez, Stalin Rojas-Quishpe, Christian David Alcívar León, Jorge Heredia-Moya, Alfredo Rosero-Chanalata, Carlos Orbea-Hinojosa and José Luis Piñeiros
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030593 - 1 Feb 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3859
Abstract
Air transports several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), which can produce cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Thus, it is a challenge to control pollutant emissions before releasing them to the environment. Until now, filtration has been the most efficient processes for removing PM. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Air transports several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), which can produce cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Thus, it is a challenge to control pollutant emissions before releasing them to the environment. Until now, filtration has been the most efficient processes for removing PM. Therefore, the electrospinning procedure has been applied to obtain membranes with a high filtration efficiency and low pressure drop. This review addressed the synthesis of polymers that are used for fabricating high-performance membranes by electrospinning to remove air pollutants. Then, the most influential parameters to produce electrospun membranes are indicated. The main results show that electrospun membranes are an excellent alternative to having air filters due to the versatility of the process, the capacity for controlling the fiber diameter, porosity, high filtration efficiency and low-pressure drop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanostructured Polymers)
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