Polymers

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14 pages, 4321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polylactide—Meso-Substituted Arylporphyrin Composites: Structure, Properties and Antibacterial Activity

by Yulia V. Tertyshnaya, Anton V. Lobanov, Egor S. Morokov, Grigorii A. Buzanov and Zubarzhat R. Abushakhmanova

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15041027 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1551

Abstract

The structural features and antibacterial properties of polymer–porphyrin composites were investigated. Meso-substituted arylporphyrin 0.2–0.5 wt.% was immobilized in a polylactide matrix. The immobilization of porphyrin causes a bathochromic shift and splitting of the Soret band. This study of the morphology of the obtained [...] Read more.

The structural features and antibacterial properties of polymer–porphyrin composites were investigated. Meso-substituted arylporphyrin 0.2–0.5 wt.% was immobilized in a polylactide matrix. The immobilization of porphyrin causes a bathochromic shift and splitting of the Soret band. This study of the morphology of the obtained composites demonstrated a uniform distribution of the meso-substituted arylporphyrin in the polylactide matrix. It was determined by the X-ray diffraction analysis that porphyrin does not affect the α-form of polylactide crystalline formations. However, its addition into the polymer somewhat reduces the melting point (by 1–2 °C) and the degree of crystallinity of polylactide (by 3–4%). The elastic characteristics of the resulting systems were determined by the ultrasonic method, and a decrease in the density of the samples with an increase of the arylporphyrin content was shown. According to the results of the biological test, the dark toxicity of the obtained composites against the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli was shown. Immobilizates containing 0.4 and 0.5 wt.% porphyrin showed the best antibacterial effect. The antibacterial activity of the studied composites makes it possible to attribute the polylactide–porphyrin systems to promising materials in the field of medicine and bioengineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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13 pages, 7675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Study of Polymer Composite Destruction in the Early Stages

by Vadim Levin, Yulia Petronyuk, Igor Artyukov, Inna Bukreeva, Alexander Malykhin, Elena Longo, Lorenzo D’Amico, Konstantinos Giannoukos and Giuliana Tromba

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020276 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1577

Abstract

The investigation of destruction processes in composite materials is a current problem for their structural application and the improvement of their functional properties. This work aimed to visualize structural changes induced in layered carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) with the help of synchrotron [...] Read more.

The investigation of destruction processes in composite materials is a current problem for their structural application and the improvement of their functional properties. This work aimed to visualize structural changes induced in layered carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) with the help of synchrotron X-ray microtomography. This article presents the details of destructive processes in the early stages of the deformation of reinforced polymers under uniaxial stretching, investigated at the micro level. Individual structural elements of the composite–filaments, parallel fiber bundles, the nonuniformity of the polymer binder distribution, and continuity defects—were observed under an external load. We have considered the influence of the material architecture and technological defects on fracture evolution in cross-ply and quasi-isotropic fiber-reinforced plastics. The results indicate the sequence of irreversible structural changes before the destruction of the material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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16 pages, 3550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Piezoelectric BaTiO₃ Filler on Mechanical and Magnetoelectric Properties of Zn_0.25Co_0.75Fe₂O₄/PVDF-TrFE Composites

by Kirill Sobolev, Valeria Kolesnikova, Alexander Omelyanchik, Yulia Alekhina, Valentina Antipova, Liudmila Makarova, Davide Peddis, Yuriy L. Raikher, Katerina Levada, Abdulkarim Amirov and Valeria Rodionova

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4807; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224807 - 8 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2376

Abstract

Polymer-based multiferroics, combining magnetic and piezoelectric properties, are studied experimentally—from synthesis to multi-parameter characterization—in view of their prospects for fabricating biocompatible scaffolds. The main advantage of these systems is facile generation of mechanical deformations and electric signals in response to external magnetic fields. [...] Read more.

Polymer-based multiferroics, combining magnetic and piezoelectric properties, are studied experimentally—from synthesis to multi-parameter characterization—in view of their prospects for fabricating biocompatible scaffolds. The main advantage of these systems is facile generation of mechanical deformations and electric signals in response to external magnetic fields. Herein, we address the composites based on PVDF-TrFE polymer matrices filled with a combination of piezoelectric (BaTiO_3, BTO) and/or ferrimagnetic (Zn_0.25Co_0.75Fe₂O₄, ZCFO) particles. It is shown that the presence of BTO micron-size particles favors stripe-type structuring of the ZCFO filler and enhances the magnetoelectric response of the sample up to 18.6 mV/(cm∙Oe). Besides that, the admixing of BTO particles is crucial because the mechanical properties of the composite filled with only ZCFO is much less efficient in transforming magnetic excitations into the mechanical and electric responses. Attention is focused on the local surfacial mechanical properties since those, to a great extent, determine the fate of stem cells cultivated on these surfaces. The nano-indentation tests are accomplished with the aid of scanning probe microscopy technique. With their proven suitable mechanical properties, a high level of magnetoelectric conversion and also biocompatibility, the composites of the considered type are enticing as the materials for multiferroic-based polymer scaffolds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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13 pages, 3925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Segregated Structure Copolymer of Vinylidene Fluoride and Tetrafluoroethylene Composites Filled with rGO, SWCNTs and Their Mixtures

by Kseniya Shiyanova, Maksim Gudkov, Mikhail Torkunov, Natalia Ryvkina, Igor Chmutin, Galina Goncharuk, Alexander Gulin, Sergey Bazhenov and Valery Melnikov

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4105; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194105 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1371

Abstract

This work is devoted to the formation and study of polymer composites with a segregated structure filled with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and their mixtures. For the first time, polymer composites with a segregated structure filled with rGO/SWCNTs mixtures [...] Read more.

This work is devoted to the formation and study of polymer composites with a segregated structure filled with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and their mixtures. For the first time, polymer composites with a segregated structure filled with rGO/SWCNTs mixtures were obtained. A copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene (P(VDF-TFE)) was used as a polymer matrix. At a fixed value of the total mass fraction of carbon nanofillers (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt%), the rGO/SWCNTs ratio was varied. The composites were examined using scanning electron microscopy, wide-range dielectric spectroscopy, and tested for the compression. The effect of the rGO/SWCNTs ratio on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites was evaluated. It was shown that, with a decrease in the rGO/SWCNTs ratio, the electrical conductivity increased and reached the maximum at the 1 wt% filling, regardless of the samples’ composition. The maximum value of electrical conductivity from the entire data set was 12.2 S/m. The maximum of elastic modulus was 378.7 ± 3.5 MPa for the sample with 1 wt% SWCNTs, which is 14% higher than the P(VDF-TFE) elastic modulus. The composite filled with a mixture of 0.5 wt% rGO and 0.5 wt% SWCNTs reflected 70% of the electromagnetic wave energy from the front boundary, which is 14% and 50% more than for composites with 1 wt% SWCNTs and with 1 wt% rGO, respectively. The lowest transmission coefficient of ultra-high frequencies waves was obtained for a composite sample with a mixture of 0.5 wt% rGO and 0.5 wt% SWCNTs and amounted to less than 1% for a 2 mm thickness sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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9 pages, 2862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Fabrication of Dual Functional Graphene Oxide Microcapsules Carrying Corrosion Inhibitor and Encapsulating Self-Healing Agent

by Jing Li, Zhenglin Tao, Jincan Cui, Shuling Shen and Hanxun Qiu

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4067; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194067 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1972

Abstract

Dual functional graphene oxide (GO) microcapsules were fabricated through self-assembly in Pickering emulsions, carrying corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) on the microcapsule shells and encapsulating a self-healing agent epoxy monomer. The formation of the GO microcapsules was assisted by the interaction between BTA and [...] Read more.

Dual functional graphene oxide (GO) microcapsules were fabricated through self-assembly in Pickering emulsions, carrying corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) on the microcapsule shells and encapsulating a self-healing agent epoxy monomer. The formation of the GO microcapsules was assisted by the interaction between BTA and GO, which provided robust encapsulation for the epoxy monomer. The loading capacity of BTA and epoxy monomer reached 90.5%. The addition of the GO microcapsules simultaneously promoted the corrosion protection and self-healing properties of the waterborne epoxy composite coatings. The healing efficiency of the composite coatings reached over 99.7% when the content of the microcapsules was 10 wt%. Meanwhile, the corrosion current density of the intact coatings was decreased for around 50 times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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13 pages, 2950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How the Nonwoven Polymer Volume Microstructure Is Transformed under Tension in an Aqueous Environment

by Elena Khramtsova, Egor Morokov, Christina Antipova, Sergei Krasheninnikov, Ksenia Lukanina and Timofei Grigoriev

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3526; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173526 - 27 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1778

Abstract

The fibrous porous structure of polymers can mimic the extracellular matrix of the native tissue, therefore such polymers have a good potential for use in regenerative medicine. Organs and tissues within the body exhibit different mechanical properties depending on their functionality, thus artificial [...] Read more.

The fibrous porous structure of polymers can mimic the extracellular matrix of the native tissue, therefore such polymers have a good potential for use in regenerative medicine. Organs and tissues within the body exhibit different mechanical properties depending on their functionality, thus artificial scaffolds should have mechanical behaviors similar to the extracellular matrix in conditions like living organisms, primarily in aqueous media. Several methods have been investigated in aquatic environments, including noninvasive techniques based on ultrasonic focused beams for biological objectives. In this study we explored the tensile behavior of poly(L-lactide) nonwoven polymer scaffolds using high-frequency ultrasound microscopy combined with a horizontal testing machine, which provided a visualization of the reorganization and transformation of the dynamic volume microstructure. The mechanisms of unwinding, elongation, orientation, and deformation of polymer fibers under uniaxial tension were revealed. We observed an association between the lined plastic deformation from 100 to 400% and the formation of multiple necks in the fibers, which caused stress relaxation and significant rarefaction of the fibrous microstructure. It was shown that both peaks on the stress–strain curve corresponded to the microstructure of aligned fibers in terms of initial diameter and thinning fibers. We discuss the possible influence of these microstructure transformations on cell behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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Review

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35 pages, 6127 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bacterial Cellulose-Based Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review

by Viktor V. Revin, Elena V. Liyaskina, Marina V. Parchaykina, Tatyana P. Kuzmenko, Irina V. Kurgaeva, Vadim D. Revin and Muhammad Wajid Ullah

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4670; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214670 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4695

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is currently one of the most popular environmentally friendly materials with unique structural and physicochemical properties for obtaining various functional materials for a wide range of applications. In this regard, the literature reporting on bacterial nanocellulose has increased exponentially in [...] Read more.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is currently one of the most popular environmentally friendly materials with unique structural and physicochemical properties for obtaining various functional materials for a wide range of applications. In this regard, the literature reporting on bacterial nanocellulose has increased exponentially in the past decade. Currently, extensive investigations aim at promoting the manufacturing of BC-based nanocomposites with other components such as nanoparticles, polymers, and biomolecules, and that will enable to develop of a wide range of materials with advanced and novel functionalities. However, the commercial production of such materials is limited by the high cost and low yield of BC, and the lack of highly efficient industrial production technologies as well. Therefore, the present review aimed at studying the current literature data in the field of highly efficient BC production for the purpose of its further usage to obtain polymer nanocomposites. The review highlights the progress in synthesizing BC-based nanocomposites and their applications in biomedical fields, such as wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering. Bacterial nanocellulose-based biosensors and adsorbents were introduced herein. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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59 pages, 11961 KiB

Open AccessReview

Radio-Absorbing Materials Based on Polymer Composites and Their Application to Solving the Problems of Electromagnetic Compatibility

by Alexander Fionov, Ivan Kraev, Gleb Yurkov, Vitaly Solodilov, Alexander Zhukov, Anastasia Surgay, Iren Kuznetsova and Vladimir Kolesov

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3026; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153026 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3830

Abstract

Recently, designers of electronic equipment have paid special attention to the issue of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of devices with their own components and assemblies. This is due to the high sensitivity of semiconductor microcircuits to electromagnetic interference. This interference can be caused either [...] Read more.

Recently, designers of electronic equipment have paid special attention to the issue of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of devices with their own components and assemblies. This is due to the high sensitivity of semiconductor microcircuits to electromagnetic interference. This interference can be caused either by natural phenomena, such as lightning strikes, or by technical processes, such as transients in circuits during fast periodic or random switching. Either way, interference implies a sudden change in voltage or current in a circuit, which is undesirable, whether it propagates along a cable or is transmitted as an electromagnetic wave. The purpose of this article is to review the works devoted to the development, creation, and investigation of modern polymeric nanocomposite materials used for shielding electromagnetic radiation and their effective application for solving problems of electromagnetic compatibility. Additionally, the approach to design EMI shielding complex media with predetermined parameters based on investigation of various properties of possible components is shown. In the review, all polymer composites are classified according to the type of filler. The issues of the interaction of a polymer with conductive fillers, the influence of the concentration of fillers and their location inside the matrix, and the structure of the nanocomposite on the mechanisms of electromagnetic interaction are considered. Particular attention is paid to a new generation of nanocomposite materials with widely adjustable electrical and magnetic properties. A wide class of modern filled polymeric materials with dielectric and magneto-dielectric losses is considered. These materials make it possible to create effective absorbers of electromagnetic waves that provide a low level of reflection coefficient in the microwave range. The model mechanisms for shielding electromagnetic radiation are considered in the paper. A detailed review of the electro-physical properties of polymer nanocomposites is provided. Multilayer electrodynamic media containing combinations of layers of filled polymer composite materials with nanoparticles of different compositions and manufactured using a single technology will make it possible to create electrodynamic media and coatings with the required electro-physical characteristics of absorption, transmission, and reflection. Within the framework of the two-layer coating model, the difference in the effects of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with conductive layers located on a dielectric and metal substrate is demonstrated. It is shown that in order to achieve optimal (maximum) values of reflection and absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the appropriate frequency range, it is necessary to fit the appropriate layer thicknesses, specific conductivity, and permittivity. Such approach allows designers to create new shielding materials that can effectively vary the shielding, absorbing, and matching characteristics of coatings over a wide frequency band. In general, it can be said that the development of innovative polymer composite materials for shielding electronic devices from electromagnetic interference and excessive electromagnetic background is still an important task. Its solution will ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of modern digital electronics and can be used for other applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites and Their Applications in Device and Construction)

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