Search Results (3,082)

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is one of the most extensively studied metal–organic frameworks due to its high surface area, tunable porosity, chemical stability, and intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Recent research has focused on engineering ZIF-8 through metal doping and surface functionalization to enhance its physicochemical performance and expand its applications in food safety and environmental systems. Metal-doped ZIF-8 incorporating Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, Ag⁺, or Mn²⁺ improves reactive oxygen species generation, enables controlled metal-ion release, and promotes synergistic bactericidal mechanisms against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. In parallel, surface modification using biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, and polyethylene glycol enhances colloidal stability, reduces cytotoxicity, modulates surface charge, and improves adhesion to food-contact surfaces, thereby enhancing coating stability and sustained antimicrobial activity. These combined strategies support the development of multifunctional nanoplatforms with improved dispersibility, controlled release behavior, and compatibility with food packaging, sanitization, and water treatment applications. From a sustainability perspective, ZIF-8-based systems offer the potential to reduce reliance on conventional chemical disinfectants, minimize chemical residues, and enable the integration of biodegradable polymer matrices for safer and more environmentally responsible antimicrobial solutions. This review summarizes recent advances in synthesis strategies, structure–property relationships, antimicrobial and antibiofilm mechanisms, and environmental safety considerations. Key challenges, including scalability, regulatory acceptance, stability, and long-term ecotoxicological impact, are discussed, along with perspectives on stimuli-responsive systems, essential oil encapsulation, and smart antimicrobial coatings. Full article

The building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system has advantages in construction and energy, but due to the use of flammable polymer packaging materials, it introduces complex fire safety-related challenges. Although polymer backboards are traditionally considered to be the main combustible components in photovoltaic modules, recent studies have shown that ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) packaging materials play a key role in the development of fires. This study investigated the fire behavior, optical properties and system-level fire effects of montmorillonite (MMT) nano-clay-modified EVA packaging materials. Through the 50 kW/m² conical calorimeter test, optical transmittance measurement and the accelerated aging test, pure EVA and EVA containing 3% MMT were evaluated, and the measured fire parameters were further incorporated into the simplified BIPV cavity fire model. The results show that MMT modification reduces the peak heat release rate of EVA by about 30%, delays the ignition time, and increases the formation of carbides, while maintaining the optical transmittance of more than 88%. At the system level, the reduction in heat release leads to a decrease in the cavity temperature and delays the ignition of adjacent insulation materials. These findings establish a direct link between material-level fire behavior and the fire performance of BIPV systems, indicating that nano-clay-modified EVA is a feasible strategy that can improve the fire safety of BIPV systems integrated into the facade without compromising optical or durability requirements. Full article

Heterogeneous photocatalysis increasingly requires rapid polymer degradation tests relevant to aqueous conditions. In this study, a multi-technique approach was developed to monitor the early-stage photo-oxidation of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics in an aqueous ZnO–TiO₂ suspension under combined ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UV-A/B) irradiation. The changes were analyzed by ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and gravimetric measurements. For PE, the carbonyl index increased from 0.0189 to 0.1350 after 12 h, mass loss reached 16.98%, and crystallinity decreased from 32.05% to 25.36% after 8 h. The Raman spectra of PE showed band broadening and intensity redistribution, indicating increasing structural disorder. In contrast, PS showed weaker Raman changes, while FTIR revealed a non-monotonic carbonyl-index response, and DSC showed a 2.2 °C increase in Tg after 12 h. Gravimetric analysis also showed measurable mass loss in PS, reaching 18.62% after 12 h. The results demonstrate that the combined use of ATR-FTIR, Raman, DSC, and gravimetry enables reliable distinction between early oxidation, surface modification, and material erosion in photocatalytically treated microplastics. Full article

This review summarizes the current state of research on perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers, including both classic Nafion and a wide range of alternative chemical modifications, as well as new-generation composite and stabilized membranes. The accumulation of a large body of experimental and modeling data in recent years highlights the need to rethink the differences between traditional ionomers and their modern counterparts, which is especially relevant in light of the development of new materials and their expanding applications. PFSA ionomers have a rich research history, playing a key role in the development of polymer-electrolyte fuel cell technologies and other electrochemical systems. At the same time, these materials have become a unique interdisciplinary platform, stimulating the development of new methods of characterization, modeling, and analysis. In PFSA research, technological progress is closely intertwined with fundamental science, encompassing electrochemistry, polymer physics, mechanics, chemistry, and multiscale modeling. The data we collected allowed us to identify new structural and functional patterns, analyze the behavior of ionomers in various states—from thin films and interfaces to bulk membranes—and summarize numerous previously fragmented relationships. Full article

This study investigates the incorporation of toner residue (TR), derived from post-consumer printing cartridges, as an alternative filler in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites, with emphasis placed on solid waste valorization and the promotion of a circular economy. TR consists predominantly of fine particles containing thermoplastic polymers, carbon black, metal oxides, and additives, exhibiting functional potential as a partially reinforcing filler material. Composites containing 0 to 50 phr of TR were prepared and characterized in terms of rheometric properties, dispersion degree, elemental composition by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), crosslink density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, Shore A hardness, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and tear resistance. Rheometric results indicated modifications in vulcanization kinetics and a reduction in maximum torque for formulations with high TR contents, suggesting a possible diluent effect or interference with elastomeric network formation. Conversely, moderate TR concentrations promoted increased hardness, improved tensile strength, and higher crosslink density, associated with adequate particle dispersion within the matrix, as confirmed by SEM analysis. However, excessive TR loading led to increased abrasion loss and an overall reduction in mechanical performance. It is concluded that TR demonstrates technical feasibility as a partial substitute for conventional fillers in SBR composites, with potential industrial application, such as in footwear sole prototypes, combining functional performance with environmental impact mitigation. Full article

In this paper, we have synthesized silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) via a simple, scalable hydrothermal method using [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl] trimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) as the Si precursor and L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) as the reductant. In order to improve carrier transport in the synthesized NPs to enhance their applicability in optoelectronic devices, a surface modification process had been carried out to replace the original long-chain dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) ligand with a shorter-chain 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) ligand. A hybrid test structure was then fabricated composed of the surface-modified SiNP layer with a conductive polymer, PEDOT:PSS, which served as the hole transport layer. This SiNP-PEDOT:PSS planar heterostructure served as a platform to probe the photoresponse and carrier dynamics of the modified nanoparticles. Compared to the as-synthesized SiNPs, the surface-modified SiNPs achieved a 20% increase in carrier lifetime and an on/off ratio of 7.28 at ±1 V applied bias under UV illumination. These findings highlight the potential of SiNPs for integration into solution-processed optoelectronic devices. Full article

Konjac glucomannan (KG) is a biocompatible polysaccharide with limited functional performance in its native form, motivating modification strategies to enhance its properties. This study investigates the effect of gallic acid (GA) functionalization on the structural, physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and biological properties of KG-based films. FTIR analysis confirmed that GA interacts with KG primarily through non-covalent hydrogen bonding without disrupting the polymer backbone. Modification with GA enabled concentration-dependent tuning of surface energy, roughness, hydration behavior, and water vapor permeability. Mechanical testing revealed a significant increase in stiffness and tensile strength accompanied by reduced elongation at higher GA contents. Antioxidant activity was markedly enhanced even at low GA concentrations. All films exhibited excellent hemocompatibility, while cytocompatibility toward human fibroblasts depended on GA content. Optical analysis indicated moderate color changes without severe discoloration. Overall, GA functionalization effectively improves the functional performance of KG films while preserving polymer integrity. Hence, GA-modified KG films as promising candidates for biomedical applications (like wound dressing) requiring antioxidant activity, controlled hydration, and biocompatibility. Full article

Calcium carbonate is a widely used filler in polymer composites due to its low cost and ability to improve stiffness, dimensional stability, and impact resistance. However, its hydrophilic surface limits compatibility with nonpolar polymer matrices, making surface modification essential to improve filler dispersion and interfacial adhesion. Stearic acid is commonly applied as a surface modifier for calcium carbonate because it readily chemisorbs onto the mineral surface and forms densely packed self-assembled monolayers that improve hydrophobic character. Despite its widespread use, stearic acid exhibits limited thermal and interfacial stability under polymer processing conditions, motivating the development of stabilization strategies. In this work, gamma and electron-beam irradiation were applied to stearic-acid-modified calcium carbonate to modify the surface-bound stearic acid layer with the aim of enhancing its interfacial stability, surface resistance, and hydrophobic performance, and to evaluate the influence of irradiation atmosphere on these effects. The modified materials were characterized in terms of structural integrity, surface wettability, surface free energy, thermal stability, and optical properties. The results demonstrate that ionizing radiation enhances surface hydrophobicity and coating durability while preserving the crystal structure of the CaCO₃ substrate. Gamma irradiation of stearic-acid-modified vaterite exhibited strong atmosphere dependence, with improved hydrophobicity under oxygen-free conditions, whereas electron-beam irradiation showed more robust and oxygen-insensitive behavior. Based on the observed improvements in hydrophobicity, surface free energy, and thermal stability, electron-beam irradiation emerges as a promising and less atmosphere-sensitive approach for producing durable stearic-acid-modified CaCO₃ fillers suitable for polymer composite applications. Full article

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is widely used as a low-cost and effective disinfectant; however, its instability under heat and light necessitates simple and reliable monitoring methods. Herein, we report a morphology-evolving thin-film colorimetric sensor that enables intuitive visual detection of HClO through simultaneous color and pattern transitions. The sensor integrates two polymer films with distinct charge-state response behaviors, patterned in X-shaped and circular geometries on a single substrate. Upon exposure to HClO, chlorine-induced modification of amide and amine groups alters the surface charge states, thereby switching the adsorption preference for anionic and cationic dyes. This mechanism results in a pronounced transformation from a blue X-shaped motif to a red circular pattern, enabling direct visual discrimination between different HClO concentrations. Quantitative analysis of RGB values confirmed semi-quantitative detection in the sub-millimolar to millimolar range. The sensor exhibited a linear response in the range of 0–3 mM (R² > 0.979) with a limit of detection of 0.103 mM. The sensor further demonstrated practical applicability by tracking photodecomposition of a commercial disinfectant. This work demonstrates pattern-coupled colorimetric sensing as a straightforward, user-friendly approach for HClO monitoring. Full article

Degradable polymers, such as poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), are widely investigated for biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems and temporary implants. Their functionality can be expanded by incorporating degradable metal microparticles that may influence degradation behaviour and enable additional surface modification strategies. In this study, the feasibility of composites consisting of PLLA and biodegradable iron microparticles was investigated. Composites were fabricated by solvent casting, providing a gentle alternative to thermal processing methods, which often compromise polymer integrity. Composites were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Incorporation of iron altered thermal behaviour and crystallinity of PLLA, indicating interactions between polymer matrix and dispersed metal phase that may affect degradation kinetics and material stability. While iron addition reduced Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break, composites maintained sufficient structural integrity for potential biomedical applications. XPS and SEM confirmed the embedding of particles within the polymer matrix, enabling potential post-processing approaches. In vitro direct contact and eluate tests demonstrated good cell viability, whereas exposure to free iron particles resulted in dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects. Overall, the results demonstrate the feasibility of solvent-cast PLLA–iron composites for resorbable biomedical applications. Full article

The interface between biomaterials and biological systems is crucial for medical implants and tissue engineering. Surface modifications are a key strategy for controlling interactions. Synthetic glycopolymers offer a versatile toolbox, mimicking the structure and function of natural glycoconjugates like mucins. This review highlights the significance of glycopolymers for targeted surface modifications of established biomaterials, such as silicones and poly(meth)acrylates. Controlled polymerization techniques, like the reversible-addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization, enable the synthesis of well-defined glycopolymer architectures. Glycopolymeric surface functionalization creates tailored interfaces for different biological responses, from preventing protein and cell adhesion to promoting specific cell-type binding. The focus lies on using single, well-characterized polymeric base materials and tuning their surface properties through glycopolymer coatings to achieve various and specific functions. This approach opens new dimensions in the development of advanced biomaterials for applications like contact lenses, drug delivery systems, and biosensors and also possesses potential regulatory advantages by leveraging the safety profiles of existing materials. Full article

The present theoretical study proposes and unravels chemical graft modification using a novel voltage stabilizer (3-amino-5-chlorophenyl 3-fluorophenyl methanone, ACFM) to ameliorate electrical insulation performance, oxygen-resistant characteristics, and thermal stability of addition-cure silicone rubber (SiR) used for cable accessory insulation in power transmission systems. First-principles calculations demonstrate that chemically grafted ACFM introduces shallow hole and electron traps into addition-cure SiR macromolecules to respectively impede hole transport and restrict hot electron production. Through molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation, the chemically grafted ACFM is verified to enhance chain segment coalescence and decrease oxygen compatibility of addition-cure SiR macromolecules due to its higher dipole moment, leading to a reduction in oxygen permeation and improvement in thermal stability of the SiR crosslinked material. It is indicated from first-principles oxidation reaction paths that chemical grafting ACFM contributes positively to the oxidative stability of addition-cure SiR. The improved abilities of charge trapping and withstanding high temperatures together with enhanced resistance to both oxygen infiltration and oxidation of the addition-cure SiR material, as unraveled on a molecular scale in this research, open an avenue for developing advanced polymer dielectrics applied in harsh environments. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale grid storage due to inherent safety, low cost, environmental compatibility, high theoretical capacity (820 mAhg⁻¹), and suitable redox potential (−0.763 V vs. SHE). However, practical deployment is hindered by coupled challenges at the zinc anode–hydrogen evolution, dendrite growth, and corrosion/passivation, which severely limit cycle life and coulombic efficiency. This review systematically summarizes key advances in AZIB research. It first elucidates working principles and four cathode energy storage mechanisms: Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction, H⁺/Zn²⁺ co-insertion, chemical conversion, and dissolution/deposition. Second, it examines four mainstream cathodes (manganese-based, vanadium-based, Prussian blue analogs, and organic compounds), analyzing performance bottlenecks and corresponding optimization via structural modification. Third, it explores functional mechanisms of advanced separators (polymer, inorganic/ceramic composite, MOF-based, and cellulose-based) in regulating uniform Zn²⁺ deposition and suppressing dendrites. Fourth, it summarizes anode optimization strategies: artificial protective layers for interface stabilization, electrolyte additives to modulate Zn²⁺ solvation/deposition, and 3D porous structures to reduce local current density and provide nucleation sites. Finally, key scientific challenges and future directions are discussed—multi-strategy synergy, in situ characterization, practical battery construction, and sustainable technological development, offering theoretical guidance for advancing AZIBs toward large-scale applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective spanning from materials to systems, and from mechanisms to applications. Its core objective is not merely to list the types of cathode materials, but to establish a logical bridge directly connecting “key challenges” to “optimization strategies,” with a particular emphasis on the issues and solutions related to the cathode side. Full article

The inherent hydrophobicity of polyolefin separators significantly impedes rapid electrolyte wetting, thereby limiting the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries. Cellulose, as a hydroxyl-rich natural polymer, serves as an ideal material for enhancing the interface properties of separators. However, there is still a lack of systematic understanding regarding how the morphological structures of cellulose (such as granular, fibrous, or network-like forms) influence the coating structure and ion transport mechanisms. Here, three representative cellulose derivatives—microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and bacterial cellulose (BC)—were selected to construct functionalized polypropylene (PP) composite separators through vacuum filtration. Experimental results demonstrate that all three cellulose coatings reduced contact angles from 50.8° to below 10°, significantly enhancing interfacial affinity. Systematic comparison reveals that cellulose configuration decisively influences separator performance: unlike the dense fiber entanglement networks formed by CNF and BC, the unique rigid granular packing structure of MCC maintains hydrophilicity while establishing more permeable ion transport pathways. Among these, MCC@PP exhibited optimal electrochemical performance, with the lithium-ion migration number increasing to 0.41 and a capacity retention rate of 88.04% after 100 cycles at 0.5 A/g. This study elucidates the relationship between cellulose configuration and the modification of separator performance, demonstrating that MCC represents a more efficient, robust, and cost-effective option for separator modification compared to complex fiber networks. Full article

Methacrylate-POSS (M-POSS) is a novel organic–inorganic additive shown to reinforce dental composites and reduce polymerization shrinkage. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of M-POSS addition (0.5, 2, 10, or 15 wt.%) on the mechanical properties of an experimental polymer matrix (bis-GMA/UDMA/TEGDMA/HEMA = 35/35/20/10 wt.%) and a dental resin composite (45 wt.% silanized silica as filler). Vickers hardness (HV), three-point bending strength (FS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and shrinkage stress generated during polymerization were studied. The results show HV values between 16 and 18 compared to 15 ± 1 in the control group. Hardness in the control composite was 34 ± 4, and after modification, it showed similar or slightly lower values between 32 and 35. FS increased from 90 ± 4 MPa before modification to 100 ± 5 MPa for 2 wt.% M-POSS, and then decreased to 78 ± 5 MPa for materials containing 15 wt.% M-POSS. FS of composites were within the range of 61–77 MPa, with a similar tendency in variation to that of matrices. DTS values decreased after M-POSS addition, from 37 ± 4 MPa before modification to 31–33 MPa after modification. Flexural modulus decreases after modification, both for matrices and composites. The morphology of composites with >10 wt. % M-POSS showed visible surface irregularities. In conclusion, M-POSS affects matrix hardness, resulting in an increase in HV. The addition of M-POSS also increases FS values of the matrix, but only up to a certain concentration. However, the introduction of M-POSS does not significantly affect the HV or bending strength of the composites. Although DTS values decreased, this change was not statistically significant. Finally, contraction stress was significantly reduced for groups containing 2 wt.% and 10 wt.% M-POSS, representing an anticipated and promising improvement. Full article