Polymers

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20 pages, 23245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dial-In Synthesis of ‘Polymer Opal’ Core–Interlayer–Shell Composite Nanoparticles

by Giselle Rosetta, Line Macaire, Mike Butters and Chris E. Finlayson

Polymers 2023, 15(17), 3507; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15173507 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1300

The emulsion polymerization process via which core–interlayer–shell polymer nanoparticles are synthesized is engineered to offer a crucial control of the eventual size and monodispersity of the polystyrene (PS) cores. We examine the role of key experimental parameters, optimizing the temperature, reactant purity, and [...] Read more.

The emulsion polymerization process via which core–interlayer–shell polymer nanoparticles are synthesized is engineered to offer a crucial control of the eventual size and monodispersity of the polystyrene (PS) cores. We examine the role of key experimental parameters, optimizing the temperature, reactant purity, and agitation (stirring) rate. The subsequent addition of a poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) grafting layer and a poly(ethyl-acrylate) (PEA) shell layer produces composite particles, which are shear-orderable into opaline films, known as ‘polymer opals’. We thus demonstrate pathways toward a ‘dial-in’ process, where the time taken to obtain the target core size is mapped to the expected resultant structural color. At reaction temperatures of 60 and 70 °C, viable conditions are found where all syntheses give an excellent level of monodispersity (polydispersity index < 0.02), suitable for interlayer and shell growth. These reports may be readily applied to a wider industrial scale fabrication pipeline for these polymeric photonic materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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15 pages, 4028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Boron Removal Performance of Glycidol Modified PANI Nanorods: An Optimization Study Based on Response Surface Methodology

by Yunlong Le, Yunshan Guan, Xiaoying Ma and Weidong Zhang

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020459 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Boron removal from aqueous solutions has attracted increasing attention, offering benefits for animal and plant health as well as profound significance for exploiting Salt Lake boron resources. In this work, we synthesized novel glycidol-functionalized and hydrophilic polyaniline (PANI) nanorod adsorbents, which were prepared [...] Read more.

Boron removal from aqueous solutions has attracted increasing attention, offering benefits for animal and plant health as well as profound significance for exploiting Salt Lake boron resources. In this work, we synthesized novel glycidol-functionalized and hydrophilic polyaniline (PANI) nanorod adsorbents, which were prepared to separate boron compounds from boric acid aqueous solutions. The as-prepared adsorbents were significantly different from the traditional polymers’ grafting reaction because they had a higher functional yield and more active position for adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity (0.2210 mmoL∙g⁻¹) and optimal adsorption conditions (boric acid concentration of 1307 mg/L, pH = 9.82, time of 10 h) were obtained with single-factor experimentation and the response surface method (RSM). In addition, adsorption kinetics studies showed that the adsorption reaction belonged to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and diffusion was the key limiting factor; therefore, the adsorption equilibrium time is more than 10 h. Finally, the related possible adsorption mechanism was investigated based on the species and the diffusion of boron in the aqueous phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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19 pages, 6315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring Thermal and Electrical Properties of Jeffamine Segmented Polyetherimide Composite Films Containing BaTiO₃ particles

by Corneliu Hamciuc, Gabriela Lisa, Diana Serbezeanu, Luiza Mădălina Grădinaru, Mihai Asăndulesa, Niță Tudorachi and Tăchiță Vlad-Bubulac

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4715; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214715 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1807

Abstract

The continuous advancement of materials science has highlighted the ongoing need for additional studies on the main composite materials topics, particularly in the field of multifunctional nano-composites, towards improving their capability to meet multifaceted requirements in order to stimulate both scientific and technological [...] Read more.

The continuous advancement of materials science has highlighted the ongoing need for additional studies on the main composite materials topics, particularly in the field of multifunctional nano-composites, towards improving their capability to meet multifaceted requirements in order to stimulate both scientific and technological development. In this study, we report the preparation and characterization of polyetherimides (PEIs) derived from 4,4′-(4,4′-isopropylidenediphenoxy) bis (phthalic anhydride) following a two-step polycondensation reaction using either 4,4′-(1,3-phenylenedioxy) dianiline, or Jeffamine ED-600 as comonomers, or a mixture of the two diamines. Based on the PEI containing flexible Jeffamine segments, polymer composite films were developed by incorporating BaTiO₃ particles. The chemical structure and morphology of the composite films were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Thermal properties were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The influence of Jeffamine segments on the thermal decomposition process was investigated by TG/MS/FTIR measurements under air and nitrogen atmospheres. Based on the obtained data, the thermal decomposition mechanism was established and is discussed in accordance with the chemical structures of the polymers. The surface properties of the PEI and PEI-composite films were characterized by performing contact angle measurements. The addition of BaTiO₃ increased the wettability of the surfaces. The dielectric characteristics of polymer composite films were investigated by broad band dielectric spectroscopy measurements. It was noticed that the addition of BaTiO₃ nanoparticles to the copolymer matrix gradually enhanced the dielectric constant of the composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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13 pages, 6567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum Alloy by Creating a Superhydrophobic Surface Structure through a Two-Step Process of Etching Followed by Polymer Modification

by Tian Shi, Jingsong Liang, Xuewu Li, Chuanwei Zhang and Hejie Yang

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4509; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214509 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3384

Abstract

A multifunctional aviation aluminum alloy with good superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance was prepared by a two-step process of etching followed by polymer modification. Meanwhile, micro- and nanostructures formed on the processed sample. Compared with bare sample, the static liquid contact angle on the [...] Read more.

A multifunctional aviation aluminum alloy with good superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance was prepared by a two-step process of etching followed by polymer modification. Meanwhile, micro- and nanostructures formed on the processed sample. Compared with bare sample, the static liquid contact angle on the as-prepared sample was increased by 100.8°. Further polarization tests showed that the corrosion potential of such a sample increased, and the corrosion current density decreased obviously, thus suggesting that the corrosion resistance of the modified sample was significantly improved. The same conclusion was confirmed by subsequent impedance testing. The work is of great economic value and practical significance to enhance the corrosion resistance of aviation actuator materials and also lays a foundation for future hydrophobic application research in aeronautical engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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11 pages, 3443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Aging Performance of PVDF in Acid Oil and Gas Medium

by Guoquan Qi, Hongxia Yan, Dongtao Qi, Houbu Li and Zhao Zhang

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4244; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194244 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1780

Abstract

In the process of transporting oil and gas, the service performance of thermoplastic pipes will decline due to the multiple influences of medium, temperature, and pressure. In order to study the service performance changes of PVDF pipes under oil and gas transportation conditions, [...] Read more.

In the process of transporting oil and gas, the service performance of thermoplastic pipes will decline due to the multiple influences of medium, temperature, and pressure. In order to study the service performance changes of PVDF pipes under oil and gas transportation conditions, the high-temperature autoclave is used to simulate the service state of the pipe in the mediums. The PVDF samples are exposed to simulated oil and gas mediums for 1 week, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 7 weeks under 60 °C and 90 °C conditions. After the exposure test, the physical and chemical properties of the PVDF pipe are tested and compared with the initial samples. Compared with the initial sample, the sample quality after the exposure test has a slight increase, with growth rates of 2% and 3% at 60 °C and 90 °C, respectively. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the samples is about 13% and 21% lower than that of the initial sample, respectively. According to the microscopic morphology analyses, there are some crack defects on the surface of the sample after the exposure test. Through infrared analysis, it is shown that no molecular chain breakage, crosslinking, or other reactions are found after the exposure test. The above analysis shows that the PVDF sample has slight penetration and swelling during the exposure test. However, due to the large force between the PVDF molecules, its mechanical properties have a small downward trend, showing excellent environmental stress crack resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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14 pages, 4788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Thermal Conductive and Electrically Insulating Epoxy Composites Based on Zinc-Oxide-Coated Silver Nanowires

by Li Zhang, Wenfeng Zhu, Guoquan Qi, Houbu Li, Dongtao Qi and Shuhua Qi

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3539; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173539 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2365

Abstract

Nano-ZnO particles were deposited on the surface of silver nanowires (AgNWs) by the precipitation method, and the obtained AgNW@ZnO filler with core-shell structure was added to epoxy resin to prepare AgNW@ZnO/EP thermally conductive composites. The ZnO coating on the surface of AgNWs effectively [...] Read more.

Nano-ZnO particles were deposited on the surface of silver nanowires (AgNWs) by the precipitation method, and the obtained AgNW@ZnO filler with core-shell structure was added to epoxy resin to prepare AgNW@ZnO/EP thermally conductive composites. The ZnO coating on the surface of AgNWs effectively improves the thermal conductivity of the composites. When 8 wt% AgNW@ZnO filler was added to the epoxy resin, the thermal conductivity of the AgNW@ZnO/EP composite increased to 0.77 W/(m·K). The enhancement of the thermal conductivity is attributed to the fact that ZnO effectively improves the interface bonding between AgNWs and the epoxy matrix, thus strengthening the contact between AgNWs. In addition, the electrical insulation of the AgNW@ZnO/EP composites was improved upon the introduction of the ZnO coating over AgNWs. For the filler content of 8 wt%, the volume resistivity of the AgNW@ZnO/EP composites was found to be higher than 10¹³ Ω·cm. AgNW@ZnO/EP composites have also exhibited low dielectric constant and good thermal stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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12 pages, 6210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Tribological Properties of Bismaleimide Matrix Composites Reinforced with Covalent Organic Framework Coated Graphene Nanosheets

by Chao Liu, Xin Xue, Qiming Yuan, Yang Lin, Yan Bao, Yinkun He and Wenbo Zhang

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163289 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1904

Abstract

The poor compatibility between the polymer matrix and complex modification processes greatly affects the excellent tribological properties of graphene in the polymer matrix. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF)-coated graphene hybrid lubricating filler (G/COFs) was synthesized in situ using a sample [...] Read more.

The poor compatibility between the polymer matrix and complex modification processes greatly affects the excellent tribological properties of graphene in the polymer matrix. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF)-coated graphene hybrid lubricating filler (G/COFs) was synthesized in situ using a sample one-step mechanochemical synthesis process. This was used to improve the tribological properties of bismaleimide (BMI) resin. The morphology and microstructure of the G/COFs hybrid were characterized, and the effect of the added amount on the tribological properties of the G/COFs/BMI composites was studied. The results showed that the G/COFs hybrid could improve the stability of the friction coefficient and decrease the volume wear rate of BMI composites. Compared to the neat BMI, the 0.6 wt% G/COFs/BMI composites showed optimal tribological performance, with the friction coefficient and volume wear rate decreasing from 0.35 to 0.14 and from 48 × 10⁻⁶ to 10.6 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/(N‧m), respectively. In addition, the G/COFs/BMI composites showed lower friction coefficient fluctuations and volume wear rates than G/BMI composites. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the deposition of COFs can not only effectively prevent the aggregation of graphene nanosheets, but can also significantly improve the compatibility and interfacial bond between the graphene and BMI matrix. Moreover, the good synergistic effect between the lamellar COFs and graphene nanosheets can generate high-quality self-lubricating transfer films during the friction process. The excellent dispersibility, efficient chemical functionalization, better friction reduction and wear-resistance properties, and facile preparation method make graphene/COFs hybrid nanoparticles promising as an excellent lubricating filler. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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13 pages, 3563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Properties of Double Network Hydrogel with High Compressive Strength

by Bo Kang, Qingli Lang, Jian Tu, Jun Bu, Jingjing Ren, Bin Lyu and Dangge Gao

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050966 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2465

Abstract

In this work, p–double network (p–DN) hydrogels were formed by the interpenetration of poly(2–acrylamide–2–methylpropanesulfonic acid–copolymer– acrylamide) microgel and polyacrylamide. The initial viscosity of prepolymer solution before hydrogel polymerization, mechanical properties, temperature and salt resistance of the hydrogels were studied. The results showed that [...] Read more.

In this work, p–double network (p–DN) hydrogels were formed by the interpenetration of poly(2–acrylamide–2–methylpropanesulfonic acid–copolymer– acrylamide) microgel and polyacrylamide. The initial viscosity of prepolymer solution before hydrogel polymerization, mechanical properties, temperature and salt resistance of the hydrogels were studied. The results showed that the initial viscosity of the prepolymer was less than 30 mP·s, and the p–DN hydrogel not only exhibited high compressive stress (37.80 MPa), but the compressive strength of p–DN hydrogel could also reach 23.45 MPa after heating at 90 °C, and the compressive strength of p–DN hydrogel could reach 13.32 MPa after soaking for 24 h in the solution of 5W mineralization. In addition, the cyclic loading behavior of hydrogel was studied. The dissipation energy of p–DN hydrogel under 80% strain was 7.89 MJ/m³, which effectively dissipated energy. Meanwhile, p–DN hydrogel maintained its original form while breaking the pressure greater than 30 MPa, indicating excellent plugging performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Functional Polymer Composites)

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