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Polymers
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Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II
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Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2023) | Viewed by 11391

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Edina Rusen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: polymers; nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer science represents a domain of great interest due to the possible applications of polymers, from the most common to high-tech areas. To achieve this, synthesis and characterization techniques, as well as the correlation of polymers’ chemical structure and morphology with their properties, are critical. From the perspective of synthesis, there are two strategies for obtaining polymers: step-growth (polyaddition, polycondensation, and reversible-deactivation radical polymerization) and chain polymerization (radical polymerization, coordinative polymerization, and cationic and anionic polymerization). Polymer analogous reactions aimed at the control of the hydrophilic–hydrophobic characteristics of the surface or the introduction of responsive moieties onto a polymer backbone are also a very interesting related topic. Surface modification can also be performed using surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization reactions such as atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), nitroxide-mediated living free-radical polymerization (NMP), and iodine transfer polymerization (ITP). Through these methods, polymer grafts and block copolymers are obtained, displaying different properties than random or alternate polymers obtained by radical copolymerization, which follows the well-known Mayo–Lewis equation. Thus, the physical properties of the polymers can be tailored depending on the structures that are synthesized and on their morphology. The right design that encompasses structure, composition, and morphology is the key to the final applications of polymeric structures.

The advancement of polymer applications continues to generate an expansion of the synthesis and characterization techniques that can be facilitated by novel smart multifunctional polymers. There is a correlation between structure, composition, morphology, and properties that lead to substantial benefits for specific applications.

On the success of "Polymers Synthesis and Characterization", a Special Issue in Polymers, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/Polym_Synth_Charact, and to provide a continuity in this topic, we are pleased to open the second volume of this Special Issue in order to continue the collection of the latest developments in polymer synthesis, respectively their characterization techniques and structure-properties correlation.  

Dr. Edina Rusen
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. 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 synthesis
  • polymers characterization
  • smart multifunctional polymers
  • step-growth polymerization
  • chain polymerization
  • polymeric structures
  • atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)
  • reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)
  • nitroxide-mediated living free-radical polymerization (NMP)
  • iodine transfer polymerization (ITP)

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3994 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Application of Cyclodextrin-Based Polyrotaxanes for Reinforced Atelocollagen Threads
by Riku Kubota and Ichiro Fujimoto
Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3325; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153325 - 7 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1215
Abstract
Preparing strong and flexible atelocollagen-based materials for biomedical applications is still a challenging task. To address this challenge, this study describes the synthesis and characterization of water-soluble polyrotaxanes (PRs) with different coverage ratios and molecular weights of axle polymers, and their potential applications [...] Read more.
Preparing strong and flexible atelocollagen-based materials for biomedical applications is still a challenging task. To address this challenge, this study describes the synthesis and characterization of water-soluble polyrotaxanes (PRs) with different coverage ratios and molecular weights of axle polymers, and their potential applications for PR-reinforced atelocollagen threads (PRATs). A novel method was established for the syntheses of PRs with relatively low coverage ratio at the sub-gram scale, in which the aldehyde groups were employed as crosslinking sites for preparing the PRATs via reductive amination. The aldehyde groups were successfully quantified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy using 1,1-dimethylhydrazine as an aldehyde marker. Fourier-transform infrared and thermogravimetric analysis measurements supported the characterization of the PRs. Interestingly, tensile testing demonstrated that coverage ratio affected the mechanical properties of the PRATs more strongly than molecular weight. The insights obtained in this study would facilitate the development of soft materials based on atelocollagens and PRs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II)
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16 pages, 2168 KiB  
Article
Novel 1,2-Bismethacrylate-3-Eugenyl Propane for Resin Composites: Synthesis, Characterization, Rheological, and Degree of Conversion
by Haifa Masfeer Al-Kahtani, Abdel-Basit Al-Odayni, Waseem Sharaf Saeed, Ali Robaian, Abdullah Al-Kahtani, Taieb Aouak and Ali Alrahlah
Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061481 - 16 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1313
Abstract
This work aimed to synthesize a novel dimethacrylated-derivative of eugenol (Eg) (termed EgGAA) as potential biomaterial for certain applications such as dental fillings and adhesives. EgGAA was synthesized through a two-step reaction: (i) a mono methacrylated-eugenol (EgGMA) was produced via a ring-opening etherification [...] Read more.
This work aimed to synthesize a novel dimethacrylated-derivative of eugenol (Eg) (termed EgGAA) as potential biomaterial for certain applications such as dental fillings and adhesives. EgGAA was synthesized through a two-step reaction: (i) a mono methacrylated-eugenol (EgGMA) was produced via a ring-opening etherification of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) with Eg; (ii) EgGMA was condensed with methacryloyl chloride into EgGAA. EgGAA was further incorporated in matrices containing BisGMA and TEGDMA (50:50 wt%) (TBEa), in which EgGAA replaced BisGMA as 0–100 wt% to get a series of unfilled resin composites (TBEa0–TBEa100), and by addition of reinforcing silica (66 wt%), a series of filled resins were also obtained (F-TBEa0–F-TBEa100). Synthesized monomers were analyzed for their structural, spectral, and thermal properties using FTIR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, mass spectrometry, TGA, and DSC. Composites rheological and DC were analyzed. The viscosity (η, Pa·s) of EgGAA (0.379) was 1533 times lower than BisGMA (581.0) and 125 times higher than TEGDMA (0.003). Rheology of unfilled resins (TBEa) indicated Newtonian fluids, with viscosity decreased from 0.164 Pa·s (TBEa0) to 0.010 Pa·s (TBEa100) when EgGAA totally replaced BisGMA. However, composites showed non-Newtonian and shear-thinning behavior, with complex viscosity (η*) being shear-independent at high angular frequencies (10–100 rad/s). The loss factor crossover points were at 45.6, 20.3, 20.4, and 25.6 rad/s, indicating a higher elastic portion for EgGAA-free composite. The DC was insignificantly decreased from 61.22% for the control to 59.85% and 59.50% for F-TBEa25 and F-TBEa50, respectively, while the difference became significant when EgGAA totally replaced BisGMA (F-TBEa100, DC = 52.54%). Accordingly, these properties could encourage further investigation of Eg-containing resin-based composite as filling materials in terms of their physicochemical, mechanical, and biological potentiality as dental material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II)
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11 pages, 1613 KiB  
Article
A Hydrocarbon Soluble, Molecular and “Complete” Al-Cocatalyst for High Temperature Olefin Polymerization
by Gaia Urciuoli, Francesco Zaccaria, Cristiano Zuccaccia, Roberta Cipullo, Peter H. M. Budzelaar, Antonio Vittoria, Christian Ehm, Alceo Macchioni and Vincenzo Busico
Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061378 - 9 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1585
Abstract
The dinuclear aluminum salt {[iBu2(DMA)Al]2(μ-H)}+[B(C6F5)4]− (AlHAl; DMA = N,N-dimethylaniline) is the prototype of a new class of molecular cocatalysts for catalytic [...] Read more.
The dinuclear aluminum salt {[iBu2(DMA)Al]2(μ-H)}+[B(C6F5)4]− (AlHAl; DMA = N,N-dimethylaniline) is the prototype of a new class of molecular cocatalysts for catalytic olefin polymerization, its modular nature offering easy avenues for tailoring the activator to specific needs. We report here, as proof of concept, a first variant (s-AlHAl) bearing p-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethylaniline (DMAC16) units, which enhances solubility in aliphatic hydrocarbons. The novel s-AlHAl was used successfully as an activator/scavenger in ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization in a high-temperature solution process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II)
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17 pages, 9540 KiB  
Article
Copper II Complexes Based on Benzimidazole Ligands as a Novel Photoredox Catalysis for Free Radical Polymerization Embedded Gold and Silver Nanoparticles
by Lama M. Alhomaidan, Haja Tar, Abrar S. Alnafisah, Lotfi M. Aroua, Noura KouKi, Fahad M. Alminderej and Jacques Lalevee
Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051289 - 3 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1748
Abstract
The copper II complex’s novel benzimidazole Schiff base ligands were manufactured and gauged as a new photoredox catalyst/photoinitiator amalgamated with triethylamine (TEA) and iodonium salt (Iod) for the polymerization of ethylene glycol diacrylate while exposed to visible light by an LED Lamp at [...] Read more.
The copper II complex’s novel benzimidazole Schiff base ligands were manufactured and gauged as a new photoredox catalyst/photoinitiator amalgamated with triethylamine (TEA) and iodonium salt (Iod) for the polymerization of ethylene glycol diacrylate while exposed to visible light by an LED Lamp at 405 nm with an intensity of 543 mW/cm2 at 28 °C. Gold and silver nanoparticles were obtained through the reactivity of the copper II complexes with amine/Iod salt. The size of NPs was around 1–30 nm. Lastly, the high performance of copper II complexes for photopolymerization containing nanoparticles is presented and examined. Ultimately, the photochemical mechanisms were observed using cyclic voltammetry. The preparation of the polymer nanocomposite nanoparticles in situ was photogenerated during the irradiation LED at 405 nm with an intensity of 543 mW/cm2 at 28 °C process. UV-Vis, FTIR, and TEM analyses were utilized for the determination of the generation of AuNPs and AgNPs which resided within the polymer matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II)
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16 pages, 2648 KiB  
Article
Effect of Aromatic Chain Extenders on Polyurea and Polyurethane Coatings Designed for Defense Applications
by Gabriela Toader, Andreea Elena Moldovan, Aurel Diacon, Florin Marian Dirloman, Edina Rusen, Alice Podaru, Traian Rotariu, Raluca Elena Ginghina and Oana Elisabeta Hoza
Polymers 2023, 15(3), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030756 - 2 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2437
Abstract
The present work describes the synthesis of new versatile polyurea (PU) and polyurethane (PUR) matrices, including different chain extenders, which facilitate the design of distinct, tunable properties, and high-performance derivatives. These polymers can be used for various defense and security applications, such as [...] Read more.
The present work describes the synthesis of new versatile polyurea (PU) and polyurethane (PUR) matrices, including different chain extenders, which facilitate the design of distinct, tunable properties, and high-performance derivatives. These polymers can be used for various defense and security applications, such as coatings for ballistic protection, CBRN protection, binders for energetic formulations, etc. Combining aliphatic and aromatic molecules in PU or PUR structures enables the synthesis of polymers with improved and controllable thermo-mechanical properties. Thus, for polyurea synthesis, we utilized two types of polymeric aliphatic diamines and three types of aromatic chain extenders (1,1’-biphenyl-4,4’-diamine, benzene-1,2-diamine, and 1,2-diphenylhydrazine). An analogous method was used to synthesize polyurethane films by employing one polymeric aliphatic polyol and three types of aromatic chain extenders (benzene-1,3-diol, benzene-1,4-diol, and benzene-1,2,3-triol). Subsequently, various analytic techniques (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), single cantilever dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), frequency-dependent shear modulus survey, tensile tests, water contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX)) have been utilized to characterize the synthesized materials and to evaluate the influence of each chain extender on their final properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II)
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Review

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26 pages, 8701 KiB  
Review
Lignocellulose Biomass Liquefaction: Process and Applications Development as Polyurethane Foams
by Marius Gabriel Bontaş, Aurel Diacon, Ioan Călinescu and Edina Rusen
Polymers 2023, 15(3), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030563 - 21 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2309
Abstract
One of the main strategies for sustainable human society progress is the development of efficient strategies to limit waste production and maximize renewable resource utilization. In this context, this review highlights the opportunity to transform vegetable biomass residues into valuable commercial products. Biomass [...] Read more.
One of the main strategies for sustainable human society progress is the development of efficient strategies to limit waste production and maximize renewable resource utilization. In this context, this review highlights the opportunity to transform vegetable biomass residues into valuable commercial products. Biomass conversion entails the depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass towards biopolyols and the synthesis and characterization of the valuable products obtained by using them. The influence of the reaction parameters in both acid and basic catalysis is highlighted, respectively the influence of microwaves on the liquefaction reaction versus conventional heating. Following the depolymerization reaction, polyols are employed to produce polyurethane foams. As a special characteristic, the addition of flame-retardant properties was emphasized. Another interesting topic is the biodegradability of these products, considering the negative consequences that waste accumulation has on the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers Synthesis and Characterization II)
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