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Polymers
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Advances in Polymers Science and Technology: From Nano-Engineering to Multifunctional...
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Advances in Polymers Science and Technology: From Nano-Engineering to Multifunctional Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2025 | Viewed by 4513

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dongsheng Mao

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
Interests: nanomaterials; nanocomposites; polymer composites; new materials and applications
Dr. Yunfu Ou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
Interests: nanomaterials; nanocomposites; fiber reinforced polymer composites; electrospun nanofibers; interlaminar toughening; fracture mechanics
Prof. Dr. Xudan Yao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
Interests: nanocomposites; aerospace materials and structures; polymer composites; CFRP; mechanical properties; carbon nanotubes; graphene

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer materials have a long track record of success. A lot of work is always being done to improve the use of polymer materials because they are now a significant concern for the scientific community on a global scale. Nanofillers, such as carbon-based nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanotube fibers, and carbon nanofibers, fullerenes, graphite nanoparticles, etc.), ceramic nanoparticles such as SiC, ZrC, Al2O3, and SiO2, and two-dimentional nanomaterials such as nanoclay, h-BN, MXene, etc., characterized by their exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, are integrated into various matrices to enhance the performance of the resulting polymers and polymer nanocomposites. This innovation opens the door to a plethora of applications, spanning from advanced electronics and aerospace materials to efficient energy storage solutions and ultra-sensitive sensors. Up to now, some nano-engineered polymers and polymer nanocomposites have been utilized in aerospace, renewable energy, sporting goods and recreation, biomedicine, and consumer electronics, to name but a few.

This Special Issue serves as an exclusive platform for researchers to comprehensively explore the diverse realm of nano-engineered polymers and polymer-based composites. Covering a wide spectrum of topics such as the utilization of nanomaterials to enhance mechanical properties such as strength, modulus, toughness, electrical conductivity, and thermal management of nanocomposites. We welcome the submission of original research articles and comprehensive reviews that shed light on the innovative structural applications of these polymers and polymer composites in industries. Researchers and experts are encouraged to contribute their cutting-edge research, insights, and the mechanics behind the senses, thus promoting advancements in polymer science and technology.

Prof. Dr. Dongsheng Mao
Dr. Yunfu Ou
Prof. Dr. Xudan Yao
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

  • polymers
  • nano-engineering
  • nanocomposites
  • nanofillers
  • mechanical properties
  • strength
  • modulus
  • toughness
  • structural applications
  • carbon nanotube
  • graphene
  • functional nanocomposites
  • electrical properties
  • thermal properties
  • industrial application

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4810 KiB  
Article
Optimization of UV-Curable Polyurethane Acrylate Coatings with Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) for Improved Mechanical and Adhesive Properties
by Vishal Gavande, Shanmugam Mahalingam, Junghwan Kim and Won-Ki Lee
Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2544; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172544 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 787
Abstract
Polymer coatings are widely used in industries for protection, decoration, and specific applications, typically including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to achieve low viscosity. The growing environmental concerns and the anticipated limits on fossil feedstock have driven the coating industry towards eco-friendly alternatives, with [...] Read more.
Polymer coatings are widely used in industries for protection, decoration, and specific applications, typically including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to achieve low viscosity. The growing environmental concerns and the anticipated limits on fossil feedstock have driven the coating industry towards eco-friendly alternatives, with UV-curing technology emerging as a promising solution due to its energy efficiency, low-temperature operation, reduced VOC emissions, and high curing speed. Polyurethane acrylates (PUAs) are critical in UV-curable formulations, offering excellent flexibility, impact strength, optical, and adhesion properties. However, UV-cured PUA coatings face limitations in thermal stability and tensile strength, which can be addressed by incorporating fillers. This study investigates the effects of multi-functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles on the mechanical, thermal, optical, and adhesion properties of UV-cured PUA films and coatings for pre-coated metals. The results demonstrated that incorporating hBN nanoparticles enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposite films, with optimal performance observed at 0.5% hBN loading. Despite the improved properties, the FTIR spectra indicated that the low concentration of hBN did not produce significant changes, potentially due to the overshadowing signals from the difunctional polyurethane acrylate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymers Science and Technology: From Nano-Engineering to Multifunctional Applications)
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24 pages, 12416 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Investigation Integrated with Machine Learning (ML) for the Prediction Strategy of DP590/CFRP Composite Laminates
by Haichao Hu, Qiang Wei, Tianao Wang, Quanjin Ma, Peng Jin, Shupeng Pan, Fengqi Li, Shuxin Wang, Yuxuan Yang and Yan Li
Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111589 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 709
Abstract
This study unveils a machine learning (ML)-assisted framework designed to optimize the stacking sequence and orientation of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)/metal composite laminates, aiming to enhance their mechanical properties under quasi-static loading conditions. This work pioneers the expansion of initial datasets for ML [...] Read more.
This study unveils a machine learning (ML)-assisted framework designed to optimize the stacking sequence and orientation of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)/metal composite laminates, aiming to enhance their mechanical properties under quasi-static loading conditions. This work pioneers the expansion of initial datasets for ML analysis in the field by uniquely integrating the experimental results with finite element simulations. Nine ML models, including XGBoost and gradient boosting, were assessed for their precision in predicting tensile and bending strengths. The findings reveal that the XGBoost and gradient boosting models excel in tensile strength prediction due to their low error rates and high interpretability. In contrast, the decision trees, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and random forest models show the highest accuracy in bending strength predictions. Tree-based models demonstrated exceptional performance across various metrics, notably for CFRP/DP590 laminates. Additionally, this study investigates the impact of layup sequences on mechanical properties, employing an innovative combination of ML, numerical, and experimental approaches. The novelty of this study lies in the first-time application of these ML models to the performance optimization of CFRP/metal composites and in providing a novel perspective through the comprehensive integration of experimental, numerical, and ML methods for composite material design and performance prediction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymers Science and Technology: From Nano-Engineering to Multifunctional Applications)
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12 pages, 3003 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Nano-Structured Conjugated Polymers with Multiple Micro-/Meso-Pores by the Post-Crosslinking of End-Functionalized Hyperbranched Conjugated Polymers
by Zhenfeng Liang and Hui Liang
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091192 - 24 Apr 2024
Viewed by 783
Abstract
A nano-structured conjugated polymer with multiple micro-/meso-pores was synthesized by post-crosslinking of an end-functionalized hyperbranched conjugated prepolymer. Firstly, an AB2 monomer 3-((3,5-dibromo-4-(octyloxy)phenyl)ethynyl)-6-ethynyl-9-octyl-9H-carbazole (PECz) was synthesized and polymerized by Sonogashira reaction to give the -Br end-functionalized hyperbranched conjugated prepolymer hb-PPECz. The photophysical [...] Read more.
A nano-structured conjugated polymer with multiple micro-/meso-pores was synthesized by post-crosslinking of an end-functionalized hyperbranched conjugated prepolymer. Firstly, an AB2 monomer 3-((3,5-dibromo-4-(octyloxy)phenyl)ethynyl)-6-ethynyl-9-octyl-9H-carbazole (PECz) was synthesized and polymerized by Sonogashira reaction to give the -Br end-functionalized hyperbranched conjugated prepolymer hb-PPECz. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of hb-PPECz were investigated. The λmax of absorption and emission of hb-PPECz in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution was 313 and 483 nm, respectively. The optical energy bandgap, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of hb-PPECz were 2.98, −5.81, and −2.83 eV, respectively. Then, the prepolymer hb-PPECz was post-crosslinked by Heck reaction with divinylbenzene to give the porous conjugated polymer c-PPECz. The effects of hb-PPECz concentration and added dispersant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30) on the morphology and porosity of c-PPECz were investigated. The resulting c-PPECzs showed multiple porous structures mainly constructed by micropores and mesopores. Under a higher hb-PPECz concentration (4 wt/v%), a bulky gel product was obtained. Under lower hb-PPECz concentrations (0.6 wt/v%~2 wt/v%), the resulting c-PPECzs were mainly composed of nano-sized particles. Nearly spheric nanoparticles (200~300 nm) (c-PPECz-5) were obtained under the concentration of 1 wt/v% in the presence of PVP (10 wt% of hb-PPECz). The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, pore volume, average pore size, and percentage of pore size below 10 nm of c-PPECz-5 were 10.7781 m2·g−1, 0.0108 cm3·g−1, 4.0081 nm, and 94.47%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymers Science and Technology: From Nano-Engineering to Multifunctional Applications)
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13 pages, 6193 KiB  
Article
Maximizing Interlaminar Fracture Toughness in Bidirectional GFRP through Controlled CNT Heterogeneous Toughening
by Hongchen Zhao, Yunxiao Zhang, Yunfu Ou, Longqiang Wu, Juan Li, Xudan Yao, Xiongwu Yang and Dongsheng Mao
Polymers 2024, 16(7), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16071011 - 8 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1065
Abstract
“Interleaving” is widely used for interlaminar toughening of fiber-reinforced composites, and the structure of interleaving is one of the important factors affecting the toughening efficiency of laminates. Several experiments have demonstrated that compared to continuous and dense structures, toughening layers with structural heterogeneity [...] Read more.
“Interleaving” is widely used for interlaminar toughening of fiber-reinforced composites, and the structure of interleaving is one of the important factors affecting the toughening efficiency of laminates. Several experiments have demonstrated that compared to continuous and dense structures, toughening layers with structural heterogeneity can trigger multiple toughening mechanisms and have better toughening effects. On this basis, this work further investigates the application of heterogeneous toughening phases in interlaminar toughening of bidirectional GFRP. CNT was selected to construct toughening phases, which was introduced into the interlaminar of composites through efficient spraying methods. By controlling the amount of CNT, various structures of CNT toughening layers were obtained. The fracture toughness of modified laminates was tested, and their toughening mechanism was analyzed based on fracture surface observation. The results indicate that the optimal CNT usage (0.5 gsm) can increase the initial and extended values of interlayer fracture toughness by 136.0% and 82.0%, respectively. The solvent acetone sprayed with CNT can dissolve and re-precipitate a portion of the sizing agent on the surface of the fibers, which improves the bonding of the fibers to the resin. More importantly, larger discrete particles are formed between the layers, guiding the cracks to deflect in the orientation of the toughened layer. This generates additional energy dissipation and ultimately presents an optimal toughening effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymers Science and Technology: From Nano-Engineering to Multifunctional Applications)
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14 pages, 6036 KiB  
Review
Constructing Multifunctional Composite Single Crystals via Polymer Gel Incorporation
by Zhiwen Mao, Jie Ren and Hanying Li
Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2379; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162379 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 532
Abstract
The non-uniformity of a single crystal can sometimes be found in biominerals, where surrounding biomacromolecules are incorporated into the growing crystals. This unique composite structure, combining heterogeneity and long-range ordering, enables the functionalization of single crystals. Polymer gel media are often used to [...] Read more.
The non-uniformity of a single crystal can sometimes be found in biominerals, where surrounding biomacromolecules are incorporated into the growing crystals. This unique composite structure, combining heterogeneity and long-range ordering, enables the functionalization of single crystals. Polymer gel media are often used to prepare composite single crystals, in which the growing crystals incorporate gel networks and form a bi-continuous interpenetrating structure without any disruption to single crystallinity. Moreover, dyes and many kinds of nanoparticles can be occluded into single crystals under the guidance of gel incorporation. On this basis, the bio-inspired method has been applied in crystal morphology control, crystal dyeing, mechanical reinforcement, and organic bulk heterojunction-based optoelectronics. In this paper, the composite structure, the incorporation mechanisms, and the multiple functions of gel-incorporated single crystals are reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymers Science and Technology: From Nano-Engineering to Multifunctional Applications)
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