Polymers

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19 pages, 8390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Tribological Behavior of Polyurethane Acrylate Coatings with Different Matrix Constituents as Well as Graphite and PTFE

by Weihua Cao, Xiao Yang, Zhenjie Song, Jia Geng, Changxin Liu, Ning Zhang and Xiaowen Qi

Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081121 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

With the aim of developing a wear-resistant ultraviolet (UV)-cured self-lubricating coating, this study investigated the impact of matrix components and lubricants on UV-cured interpenetrating polymer network-polyurethane acrylate (IPN-PUA) self-lubricating coatings. Four coatings with different monomer combinations were prepared, using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) or [...] Read more.

With the aim of developing a wear-resistant ultraviolet (UV)-cured self-lubricating coating, this study investigated the impact of matrix components and lubricants on UV-cured interpenetrating polymer network-polyurethane acrylate (IPN-PUA) self-lubricating coatings. Four coatings with different monomer combinations were prepared, using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) or tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) in combination with hydroxypropyl acrylate (HPA) or 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). These coatings were denoted as IPDI-HPA, IPDI-HEA, TDI-HPA, and TDI-HEA, respectively. The surface morphologies, compositions, friction and wear properties, as well as the comprehensive performances were investigated. The results indicated that IPDI-HPA had the lowest surface roughness and that TDI-HEA had the smallest wear rate, while TDI-HPA showed the best overall performance (roughness of 1.485 μm, coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.746, and wear rate of 10.64 × 10⁻¹⁴ m³/N·m). With TDI-HPA as the matrix, graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles of different sizes were added as lubricants. The T-P-25F (TDI-HPA coating with 25 μm sized PTFE) coating had self-lubricating capabilities, as was manifested by a friction coefficient of 0.395, which was 47% lower than that of the pure TDI-HPA coating, and it simultaneously showed outstanding wear-resistance performance. The wear rate of the T-P-25F coating was 3.97 × 10⁻¹⁴ m³/N·m, 62.7% lower than that of the pure TDI-HPA coating. This research provides valuable guidance for optimizing the performance of such coatings and yields a self-lubricating coating with excellent wear resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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14 pages, 3152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exceptionally High-Temperature-Resistant Kapton-Type Polyimides with T_g > 520 °C: Synthesis via Incorporation of Spirobis(indene)-bis(benzoxazole)-Containing Diamines

by Peng Xiao, Xiaojie He and Qinghua Lu

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070832 - 21 Mar 2025

Viewed by 305

Abstract

Polyimides (PIs), recognized for their exceptional thermal stability, are extensively employed in advanced applications, including aerospace, flexible displays, flexible solar cells, flame-retardant materials, and high-temperature filtration materials. However, with the continuous advancements in science and technology, the demand for improved thermal performance of [...] Read more.

Polyimides (PIs), recognized for their exceptional thermal stability, are extensively employed in advanced applications, including aerospace, flexible displays, flexible solar cells, flame-retardant materials, and high-temperature filtration materials. However, with the continuous advancements in science and technology, the demand for improved thermal performance of PIs in these application areas has increased significantly. In this study, four spirobis(indene)-bis(benzoxazole) diamine monomers (5a, 5aa, 5b and 5bb) were designed and synthesized. These monomers were copolymerized with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4-diaminodiphenylmethane (ODA) to develop Kapton-type PIs. By varying the copolymerization molar ratios of the different diamines, a series of novel ultrahigh-temperature-resistant PI films were successfully prepared, and it was found that incorporating a highly rigid and twisted spirobis(indene)-bis(benzoxazole) structure into the PI matrix enhances the rigidity of the polymer chains and restricts their mobility, thereby significantly improving the thermal performance of the PI films. When 5a and ODA were copolymerized at molar ratios of 1:9 and 4:6, the glass transition temperature (T_g) of Kapton-type films significantly increased from 396 °C to 467 °C and >520 °C, respectively. These PI films also exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, with the modulus increasing from 1.6 GPa to 4.7 GPa, while demonstrating low dielectric performance, as evidenced by a decrease in the dielectric constant (D_k) from 3.51 to 3.08 under a 10 GHz high-frequency electric field. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to further explore the relationships between polymer molecular structure, condensed states, and film properties, providing theoretical guidance for the development of polymers with ultrahigh thermal resistance and superior overall performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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16 pages, 5102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tröger’s Base Polyimide Membranes with Enhanced Mechanical Robustness for Gas Separation

by Xingfeng Lei, Zixiang Zhang, Yuyang Xiao, Qinyu Yu, Yewei Liu, Xiaohua Ma and Qiuyu Zhang

Polymers 2025, 17(4), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040524 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 644

Abstract

The rigid V-shaped Tröger’s base (TB) unit has been proven efficacious in creating microporosity, making TB-based polyimides (PIs) exhibiting significant advantages in simultaneously increasing gas permeability and selectivity for the separation industry. However, TB-based PIs commonly display undesired mechanical [...] Read more.

The rigid V-shaped Tröger’s base (TB) unit has been proven efficacious in creating microporosity, making TB-based polyimides (PIs) exhibiting significant advantages in simultaneously increasing gas permeability and selectivity for the separation industry. However, TB-based PIs commonly display undesired mechanical performance due to the low molecular weight resulting from the evident steric hindrance and low reactivity of TB-containing diamines. Herein, a novel diamine-containing bisimide linkage (BIDA) has been synthesized and then polymerized with paraformaldehyde via a moderate “TB polymerization” strategy to furnish polymers simultaneously, including imide linkages and TB units in the polymer main chains, namely, TB-PIs. This TB polymerization strategy avoids the direct polymerization of dianhydride with low-reactivity TB diamine. After incorporating a meta-methyl substituent into BIDA diamine, the m-MBIDA diamine-derived m-MTBPI ultimately exhibits a high molecular weight, good tensile strength (90.4 MPa) and an outstanding fracture toughness (45.1 MJ/m³). And more importantly, the m-MTBPI membrane displays an evidently enhanced gas separation ability in comparison with BIDA-derived TBPI, with overall separation properties much closer to the 1991 Robeson upper bound. Moreover, no sign of plasticization appears for the m-MTBPI membrane when separating a high-pressure CO₂/CH₄ mixture (v/v = 1/1) up to 20 bar, with the CO₂/CH₄ mixed-gas separation performance approaching the 2018 upper bound. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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11 pages, 2652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Resistance Enhancement and Wettability Amelioration of Poly(benzimidazole-aramid) Film by Silica Nanocomposites

by Jiabei Zhou, Xianzhu Zhong, Kenji Takada, Masayuki Yamaguchi and Tatsuo Kaneko

Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3563; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243563 - 20 Dec 2024

Viewed by 790

Abstract

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is a high-performance polymer known for its excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, attributes that are derived from its unique structure comprising repeated benzene and imidazole rings. However, limitations such as relatively low thermal stability and moisture sensitivity restrict [...] Read more.

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is a high-performance polymer known for its excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, attributes that are derived from its unique structure comprising repeated benzene and imidazole rings. However, limitations such as relatively low thermal stability and moisture sensitivity restrict its application as a super engineering plastic. In this study, amide groups are incorporated into the PBI backbone to synthesize the copolymer poly(BI-co-A), effecting a structural modification at the molecular level. Additionally, silica nanospheres were composited into the poly(BI-co-A) film to further enhance its thermal performance. The resulting composite films exhibited remarkable thermal stability, with the temperature for 10% weight loss reaching as high as 761 °C. To address increased water absorption due to the high hydrophilicity of hydroxyl groups on the silica nanospheres’ surface, a dehydration treatment was applied in an electric furnace. This treatment produced a highly thermoresistant poly(BI-co-A) nanocomposite film with reduced wettability, making it suitable for applications in humid environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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11 pages, 2147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Glycidyl Carbamate Functional Epoxy Resin Using Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene

by Hae-Chan Kim, Sun-Jae Moon, Yong-Rok Kwon, Seok-kyu Moon, Dah-hee Kim and Dong-Hyun Kim

Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3107; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223107 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1172

Abstract

Herein, a novel glycidyl carbamate functional epoxy resin (GCE) is synthesized by the additional reaction of the isocyanate group of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) with the hydroxyl group of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and glycidol. The successful synthesis of the GCE is confirmed by FT-IR [...] Read more.

Herein, a novel glycidyl carbamate functional epoxy resin (GCE) is synthesized by the additional reaction of the isocyanate group of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) with the hydroxyl group of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and glycidol. The successful synthesis of the GCE is confirmed by FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, a dual-curing adhesive system is developed using acrylic acid and trimethylolpropane triacrylate with varying GCE contents, and its adhesive performance is assessed by testing adhesive strength, pencil hardness, and surface energy. As a result, the dual-cure adhesive containing 0.2 mol of GCE demonstrates an impressive adhesive strength of 11.1 MPa, a pencil hardness of B, and surface energy comparable to that of standard polycarbonate film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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13 pages, 4481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Orientation Control of Perfluorosulfonic Acid Films via Addition of 1,2,4-Triazole during Casting

by Tatsuya Miyajima, Susumu Saito, Takumi Okuyama, Satoshi Matsushita, Tetsuji Shimohira and Go Matsuba

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2533; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172533 - 7 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1153

Abstract

Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers are used as electrolyte membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. To investigate the effect on proton conductivity through structural orientation control, we added 1,2,4-triazole to PFSA films during casting to impart anisotropy to the ion-cluster structure of the films. [...] Read more.

Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers are used as electrolyte membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. To investigate the effect on proton conductivity through structural orientation control, we added 1,2,4-triazole to PFSA films during casting to impart anisotropy to the ion-cluster structure of the films. The proton conductivities of the films were found to be high in the film-surface direction and low in the film-thickness direction. Structural analysis using small-angle X-ray scattering suggested that the anisotropy in proton conductivity was due to anisotropy in the ion-cluster structure, which in turn was attributed to the formation of a phase-separated structure via strong bonding between sulfonic acid groups and 1,2,4-triazole during cast film formation and the surface segregation of fluorine. We expect the findings of this study to aid in the fabrication of PFSA films with controlled ion clusters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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18 pages, 4357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Robust Design Optimization for Crashworthiness Enhancement of Hybrid 2D Triaxially Braided Composite Tube Using Evolutionary Algorithms

by Dongyang Sun, Yudu Jiao, Yuanhao Tian, Youkun Gong, Leilei Li and Huiming Ning

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172457 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 963

Abstract

An innovative optimal design framework is developed aiming at enhancing the crashworthiness while ensuring the lightweight design of a hybrid two-dimensional triaxial braided composite (2DTBC) tube, drawing insights from the mesostructure of the composite material. To achieve these goals, we first compile the [...] Read more.

An innovative optimal design framework is developed aiming at enhancing the crashworthiness while ensuring the lightweight design of a hybrid two-dimensional triaxial braided composite (2DTBC) tube, drawing insights from the mesostructure of the composite material. To achieve these goals, we first compile the essential mechanical properties of the 2DTBC using a concentric cylinder model (CCM) and an analytical laminate model. Subsequently, a kriging surrogate model to elucidate the intricate relationship between design variables and macroscopic crashworthiness is developed and validated. Finally, employing multi-objective evolutionary optimization, we identify Pareto optimal solutions, highlighting that reducing the total fiber volume and increasing the glass fiber content in the total fiber volume are crucial for optimal crashworthiness and the lightweight design of the hybrid 2DTBC tube. By integrating advanced predictive modeling techniques with multi-objective evolutionary optimization, the proposed approach not only sheds light on the fundamental principles governing the crashworthiness of hybrid 2DTBC but also provides valuable insights for the design of robust and lightweight composite structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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11 pages, 2403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Preparation of a Transparent, Self-Healing, and Recyclable Polysiloxane Elastomer Based on a Dynamic Imine and Boroxine Bond

by Peng Wang, Zhuochao Wang, Wenxin Cao and Jiaqi Zhu

Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091262 - 1 May 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1673

Abstract

Transparent polysiloxane elastomers with good self-healing and reprocessing abilities have attracted significant attention in the field of artificial skin and flexible displays. Herein, we propose a simple one-pot method to fabricate a room temperature self-healable polysiloxane elastomer (HPDMS) by introducing dynamic and reversible [...] Read more.

Transparent polysiloxane elastomers with good self-healing and reprocessing abilities have attracted significant attention in the field of artificial skin and flexible displays. Herein, we propose a simple one-pot method to fabricate a room temperature self-healable polysiloxane elastomer (HPDMS) by introducing dynamic and reversible imine bonds and boroxine into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks. The presence of imine bonds and boroxine is proved by FT−IR and NMR spectra. The obtained HPDMS elastomer is highly transparent with a transmittance of up to 80%. The TGA results demonstrated that the HPDMS elastomer has good heat resistance and can be used in a wide temperature range. A lower glass transition temperature (T_g, −127.4 °C) was obtained and revealed that the elastomer is highly flexible at room temperature. Because of the reformation of dynamic reversible imine bonds and boroxine, the HPDMS elastomers exhibited excellent autonomous self-healing properties. After healing for 3 h, the self-healing efficiency of HPDMS reached 96.3% at room temperature. Moreover, the elastomers can be repeatedly reprocessed multiple times under milder conditions. This work provides a simple but effective method to prepare transparent self-healable and reprocessable polysiloxane elastomers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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12 pages, 1937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intrinsically Microporous Polyimides Derived from 2,2′-Dibromo-4,4′,5,5′-bipohenyltetracarboxylic Dianhydride for Gas Separation Membranes

by Yongle Li, Yao Lu, Chun Tian, Zhen Wang and Jingling Yan

Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091198 - 25 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1338

Abstract

This work aims to expand the structure–property relationships of bromo-containing polyimides and the influence of bromine atoms on the gas separation properties of such materials. A series of intrinsically microporous polyimides were synthesized from 2,2′-dibromo-4,4′,5,5′-bipohenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (Br-BPDA) and five bulky diamines, (7,7′-(mesitylmethylene)bis(8-methyldibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxin-2-amine) (MMBMA), [...] Read more.

This work aims to expand the structure–property relationships of bromo-containing polyimides and the influence of bromine atoms on the gas separation properties of such materials. A series of intrinsically microporous polyimides were synthesized from 2,2′-dibromo-4,4′,5,5′-bipohenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (Br-BPDA) and five bulky diamines, (7,7′-(mesitylmethylene)bis(8-methyldibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxin-2-amine) (MMBMA), 7,7′-(Mesitylmethylene)bis(1,8-dimethyldibenzo[b,e][1,4] dioxin-2-amine) (MMBDA), 4,10-dimethyl-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine-2,8-diamine (TBDA1), 4,10-dimethyl-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine-3,9-diamine (TBDA2), and (9R,10R)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-[1,2]benzenoanthracene-2,6-diamine (DAT). The Br-BPDA-derived polyimides exhibited excellent solubility, high thermal stability, and good mechanical properties, with their tensile strength and modulus being 59.2–109.3 MPa and 1.8–2.2 GPa, respectively. The fractional free volumes (FFVs) and surface areas (S_BET) of the Br-BPDA-derived polyimides were in the range of 0.169–0.216 and 211–342 m² g⁻¹, following the order of MMBDA > MMBMA > TBDA2 > DAT > TBDA1, wherein the Br-BPDA-MMBDA exhibited the highest S_BET and FFV and thus highest CO₂ permeability of 724.5 Barrer. Moreover, Br-BPDA-DAT displayed the best gas separation performance, with CO₂, H₂, O₂, N₂, and CH₄ permeabilities of 349.8, 384.4, 69.8, 16.3, and 19.7 Barrer, and H₂/N₂ selectivity of 21.4. This can be ascribed to the ultra-micropores (<0.7 nm) caused by the high rigidity of Br-BPDA-DAT. In addition, all the bromo-containing polymers of intrinsic microporosity membranes exhibited excellent resistance to physical ageing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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41 pages, 22874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(ester imide)s with Low Linear Coefficients of Thermal Expansion and Low Water Uptake (VII): A Strategy to Achieve Ultra-Low Dissipation Factors at 10 GHz

by Masatoshi Hasegawa, Taro Fukuda and Junichi Ishii

Polymers 2024, 16(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050653 - 28 Feb 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

In this study, a series of ester-linked tetracarboxylic dianhydrides (TCDAs) with 2,6-naphthalene-containing longitudinally extended structures consisting of different numbers of aromatic rings (N_Ar = 6–8) was synthesized to obtain novel modified polyimides, poly(ester imide)s (PEsIs). These TCDAs were fully compatible with [...] Read more.

In this study, a series of ester-linked tetracarboxylic dianhydrides (TCDAs) with 2,6-naphthalene-containing longitudinally extended structures consisting of different numbers of aromatic rings (N_Ar = 6–8) was synthesized to obtain novel modified polyimides, poly(ester imide)s (PEsIs). These TCDAs were fully compatible with the conventional manufacturing processes of conventional polyimide (PI) systems. As an example, the PEsI film obtained from the ester-linked TCDA (N_Ar = 8) and an ester-linked diamine achieved unprecedented outstanding dielectric properties without the support of fluorinated monomers, specifically an ultra-low dissipation factor (tan δ) of 0.00128 at a frequency of 10 GHz (50% RH and 23 °C), in addition to an extremely high glass transition temperature (T_g) of 365 °C, extremely low linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 6.8 ppm K⁻¹, suppressed water uptake (0.24%), requisite film ductility, and a low haze. Consequently, certain PEsI films developed in this study are promising candidates for heat-resistant dielectric substrates for use in 5G-compatible high-speed flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs). The chemical and physical factors denominating tan δ are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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11 pages, 2901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Properties of Mechanically Robust, Colorless, and Transparent Aramid Films

by Heesang Kim, Jin-Hee Noh, Young-Rae Kim, Hyojin Kim and Giseop Kwak

Polymers 2024, 16(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050575 - 20 Feb 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1706

Abstract

In this study, various diamine monomers were used to synthesize aramid polymer films via a low-temperature solution condensation reaction with diacid chloride. For diamines with relatively high basicity, the reaction system became opaque because amine salt formation inhibited polymer synthesis. Meanwhile, low-basicity diamines [...] Read more.

In this study, various diamine monomers were used to synthesize aramid polymer films via a low-temperature solution condensation reaction with diacid chloride. For diamines with relatively high basicity, the reaction system became opaque because amine salt formation inhibited polymer synthesis. Meanwhile, low-basicity diamines with strong electron-withdrawing groups, such as CF₃ and sulfone, were smoothly polymerized without amine salt formation to provide highly viscous solutions. The acid byproduct HCl generated during polymerization was removed by adding propylene oxide to the reaction vessel and converting the acid into highly volatile inert substances. The resulting solutions were used as varnishes without any additional purification, and polymer films with an excellent appearance were easily obtained through a conventional casting and convection drying process. The films neither tore nor broke when pulled or bent by hand; furthermore, even when heated up to 400 °C, they did not decompose or melt. Moreover, polymers prepared from 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB) and bis(4-aminophenyl)sulfone (pAPS) did not exhibit glass transition until decomposition. The prepared polymer films showed a high elastic modulus of more than 4.1 GPa and a high tensile strength of more than 52 MPa. In particular, TFMB-, pAPS-, and 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane-based polymer films were colorless and transparent, with very high light transmittances of 95%, 96%, and 91%, respectively, at 420 nm and low yellow indexes of 2.4, 1.9, and 4.3, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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13 pages, 3357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

N-Halamine-Based Polypropylene Melt-Blown Nonwoven Fabric with Superhydrophilicity and Antibacterial Properties for Face Masks

by Zhuo Chen, Qinghua Zhao, Jiahui Chen, Tao Mei, Wenwen Wang, Mufang Li and Dong Wang

Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4335; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214335 - 6 Nov 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

Polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabric (PP MNF) masks can effectively block pathogens in the environment from entering the human body. However, the adhesion of surviving pathogens to masks poses a risk of human infection. Thus, embedding safe and efficient antibacterial materials is the key [...] Read more.

Polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabric (PP MNF) masks can effectively block pathogens in the environment from entering the human body. However, the adhesion of surviving pathogens to masks poses a risk of human infection. Thus, embedding safe and efficient antibacterial materials is the key to solving pathogen infection. In this study, stable chlorinated poly(methacrylamide-N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide) polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabrics (PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs) have been fabricated by a simple UV cross-link and chlorination process, and the active chlorine content can reach 3500 ppm. The PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs show excellent hydrophilic and antibacterial properties. The PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs could kill all bacteria (both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) with only 5 min of contact. Therefore, incorporating PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNF as a hydrophilic antimicrobial layer into a four-layer PP-based mask holds great potential for enhancing protection and comfort. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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13 pages, 4402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boosted Chemical Protective Properties Using Interface Constructed between Ti₃C₂T_x MXene and Natural Rubber

by Qinyu Chen, Min Zhang, Xiaopeng Li, Chuan Zhou, Guang Yang, Heguo Li and Xiaohui Zheng

Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4260; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214260 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1899

Abstract

Rubbers are extensively applied in chemical protective clothing (CPC) due to their eye-catching anti-penetration of chemicals. However, their impermeability, particularly that of natural rubber (NR), is unsatisfactory. In this work, we demonstrate the facile construction of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/NR [...] Read more.

Rubbers are extensively applied in chemical protective clothing (CPC) due to their eye-catching anti-penetration of chemicals. However, their impermeability, particularly that of natural rubber (NR), is unsatisfactory. In this work, we demonstrate the facile construction of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/NR interface using a plant-scale and feasible method combining latex mixing, emulsion flocculation, and flat-plate vulcanisation. The above crafts achieved a homogeneous dispersion of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene in the NR matrix in a single layer, thereby constructing a strong interfacial interaction between Ti₃C₂T_x MXene and NR, which induced the formation of a robust three-dimensional (3D) network in the composite. The anti-swelling capacity of the 3D cross-linked network structure and the layered structure of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene effectively prolonged the permeation path of toxic chemicals. Compared with pure NR, the nanocomposite with 1 wt% of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene showed substantially enhanced breakthrough times of toluene, dichloromethane, and concentrated sulfuric acid (increased by 140%, 178.6%, and 92.5%, respectively). Furthermore, its tensile strength, elongation at break, and shore hardness increased by 7.847 MPa, 194%, and 12 HA, respectively. Taken together with the satisfactory anti-permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, and shore hardness, the resulting Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/NR nanocomposites hold promise for application to long-term and high-strength CPC in the chemical industry and military fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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Review

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39 pages, 11956 KiB

Open AccessReview

Comprehensive Review: Optimization of Epoxy Composites, Mechanical Properties, & Technological Trends

by Jozef Jaroslav Fekiač, Michal Krbata, Marcel Kohutiar, Róbert Janík, Lucia Kakošová, Alena Breznická, Maroš Eckert and Pavol Mikuš

Polymers 2025, 17(3), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030271 - 22 Jan 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2213

Abstract

Epoxy composites play a crucial role in modern materials technologies, with their exceptional properties such as high strength and thermal and chemical resistance, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and energy. This review article provides [...] Read more.

Epoxy composites play a crucial role in modern materials technologies, with their exceptional properties such as high strength and thermal and chemical resistance, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and energy. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current trends and advancements in epoxy composites, focusing on mechanical properties and their optimization. Attention is given to technological innovations, including the use of nanotechnologies, hybrid reinforcement, and eco-friendly materials, which are key to enhancing the performance and sustainability of these materials. The analysis shows that the introduction of nanomaterials, such as graphene, titanium dioxide, and silicon dioxide, can significantly improve the strength, fatigue resistance, and electrical properties of epoxy composites, opening new possibilities in advanced technologies. Another significant contribution is the development of hybrid composites, which combine different types of fibers, such as carbon, aramid, and glass fibers, enabling the optimization of key properties, including interlayer strength and delamination resistance. The article also highlights the importance of environmental innovations, such as bio-based resins and self-healing mechanisms, which enable more sustainable and long-term effective use of composites. The combination of theoretical knowledge with practical applications provides valuable guidance for designing materials with precisely defined properties for future industrial use. This text thus offers a comprehensive view of the possibilities of epoxy composites in the context of increasing demands for performance, reliability, and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)

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