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11017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Regulation of Osteogenesis Using Electroactive Polypyrrole Films

by Chuan Li, Yi-Ting Hsu and Wei-Wen Hu

Polymers 2016, 8(7), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8070258 - 13 Jul 2016

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6304

To evaluate the effect of electrical conductivity of biomaterials on osteogenesis, polypyrrole (PPy) was fabricated by oxidative chemical polymerization as substrates for cell culture. Through adjusting the concentrations of monomer and initiator, polypyrrole films with different electrical conductivities were fabricated. These fabricated polypyrrole [...] Read more.

To evaluate the effect of electrical conductivity of biomaterials on osteogenesis, polypyrrole (PPy) was fabricated by oxidative chemical polymerization as substrates for cell culture. Through adjusting the concentrations of monomer and initiator, polypyrrole films with different electrical conductivities were fabricated. These fabricated polypyrrole films are transparent enough for easy optical microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and four-point probe were used to assess the microstructures, surface chemical compositions and electrical sheet resistance of films, respectively. Results indicate that higher monomer and initiator concentration leads to highly-branched PPy chains and thus promotes the electron mobility and electrical conductivity. Selected polypyrrole films then were applied for culturing rat bone marrow stromal cells. Cell viability and mineralization assays reveal that not only these films are biocompatible, but also capable of enhancing the calcium deposition into the extra cellular matrix by the differentiated cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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3500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Microparticles from Organosolv Lignin as Filler for Conducting Poly(Lactic Acid)

by Janea Köhnke, Christian Fürst, Christoph Unterweger, Harald Rennhofer, Helga C. Lichtenegger, Jozef Keckes, Gerhard Emsenhuber, Arunjunai Raj Mahendran, Falk Liebner and Wolfgang Gindl-Altmutter

Polymers 2016, 8(6), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8060205 - 26 May 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7007

Abstract

Carbon microparticles were produced from organosolv lignin at 2000 °C under argon atmosphere following oxidative thermostabilisation at 250 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electro-conductivity measurements revealed that the obtained particles were electrically conductive and were composed of large [...] Read more.

Carbon microparticles were produced from organosolv lignin at 2000 °C under argon atmosphere following oxidative thermostabilisation at 250 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electro-conductivity measurements revealed that the obtained particles were electrically conductive and were composed of large graphitic domains. Poly(lactic acid) filled with various amounts of lignin-derived microparticles showed higher tensile stiffness increasing with particle load, whereas strength and extensibility decreased. Electric conductivity was measured at filler loads equal to and greater than 25% w/w. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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3266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS) with Hydrophobic Properties and Excellent Thermal Stability

by Wonseok Cho, Soeun Im, Seyul Kim, Soyeon Kim and Jung Hyun Kim

Polymers 2016, 8(5), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8050189 - 12 May 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7793

Abstract

Hydrophobic and comparatively thermally-stable poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), i.e., poly(styrene sulfonate-co-vinyltrimethoxysilane) (PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS)) copolymer was successfully synthesized via the introduction of silane coupling agent into the PSS main chain to form P(SS-co-VTMS) copolymers. PSS and P(SS-co-VMTS) copolymers were [...] Read more.

Hydrophobic and comparatively thermally-stable poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), i.e., poly(styrene sulfonate-co-vinyltrimethoxysilane) (PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS)) copolymer was successfully synthesized via the introduction of silane coupling agent into the PSS main chain to form P(SS-co-VTMS) copolymers. PSS and P(SS-co-VMTS) copolymers were successfully synthesized via radical solution polymerization, and PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS) was synthesized via Fe⁺-catalyzed oxidative polymerization. The characterization of PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS) was performed through an analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results, water contact angle and optical images. The electrical properties of conductive PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS) thin films were evaluated by studying the influence of the VTMS content on the electrical and physical properties. The conductivity of PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS) decreased with an increase in the VTMS content, but was close to that of the PEDOT:PSS, 235.9 S·cm⁻¹. The introduction of VTMS into the PSS copolymer improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability and increased the hydrophobicity. The thermal stability test at a temperature over 240 °C indicated that the sheet resistance of PEDOT:PSS increased by 3,012%. The sheet resistance of PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS), on the other hand, only increased by 480%. The stability of PEDOT:P(SS-co-VTMS) was six-times higher than that of the reference PEDOT:PSS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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7579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Cryomilling CNTs on the Thermal and Electrical Properties of CNT/PMMA Composites

by Garima Mittal, Kyong Yop Rhee and Soo Jin Park

Polymers 2016, 8(5), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8050169 - 26 Apr 2016

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5731

Abstract

In this study, the cryomilling of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was carried out to accomplish better dispersion without using any hazardous chemicals. Accordingly, different samples of CNTs were prepared by varying the milling speed (10, 20, and 25 Hz) and time (5, 10, and [...] Read more.

In this study, the cryomilling of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was carried out to accomplish better dispersion without using any hazardous chemicals. Accordingly, different samples of CNTs were prepared by varying the milling speed (10, 20, and 25 Hz) and time (5, 10, and 15 min) and incorporated into the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The changes of the morphology were analyzed by utilizing a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM). Qualitative analysis of the cryomilled CNTs was carried out using Raman spectroscopy, and their surface area was determined via Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Subsequently, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to evaluate the thermal properties, whereas the surface resistivity and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness for the electrical conductivity were also examined. It was observed that the composite with Cr-20-10 showed better thermal stability and lower resistivity in comparison to the others because, as the cryomilling time and frequency increased the distribution, dispersion and surface area also increased. Consequently, a better interaction between CNTs and PMMA took place. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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3856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies of Grafted and Sulfonated Spiro Poly(isatin-ethersulfone) Membranes by Super Acid-Catalyzed Reaction

by Lei Jin, Hohyoun Jang, Jiho Yoo, Jaeseong Ha, Kunyoung Choi, Taewook Ryu, Sungkwun Lee and Whangi Kim

Polymers 2016, 8(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8040114 - 29 Mar 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6675

Abstract

Spiro poly(isatin-ethersulfone) polymers were prepared from isatin and bis-2,6-dimethylphenoxyphenylsulfone by super acid catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation reactions. We designed and synthesized bis-2,6-dimethylphenoxyphenylsulfone, which is structured at the meta position steric hindrance by two methyl groups, because this structure minimized crosslinking reaction during super acid catalyzed [...] Read more.

Spiro poly(isatin-ethersulfone) polymers were prepared from isatin and bis-2,6-dimethylphenoxyphenylsulfone by super acid catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation reactions. We designed and synthesized bis-2,6-dimethylphenoxyphenylsulfone, which is structured at the meta position steric hindrance by two methyl groups, because this structure minimized crosslinking reaction during super acid catalyzed polymerization. In addition, sulfonic acid groups were structured in both side chains and main chains to form better polymer chain morphology and improve proton conductivity. The sulfonation reactions were performed in two steps which are: in 3-bromo-1-propanesulfonic acid potassium salt and in con. sulfuric acid. The membrane morphology was studied by tapping mode atomic force microscope (AFM). The phase difference between the hydrophobic polymer main chain and hydrophilic sulfonated units of the polymer was shown to be the reasonable result of the well phase separated structure. The correlations of proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity (IEC) and single cell performance were clearly described with the membrane morphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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6893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Polyaniline (PANI) in Nano-Reaction Field of Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF), and Carbonization

by Yuki Kaitsuka, Noriko Hayashi, Tomoko Shimokawa, Eiji Togawa and Hiromasa Goto

Polymers 2016, 8(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8020040 - 02 Feb 2016

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 11440

Abstract

Polymerization of aniline in the presence of cellulose nano-fiber (CNF) is carried out. We used dried CNF, CNF suspension, and CNF treated by enzyme and ultra-sonification to obtain polyaniline (PANI)/CNF as a synthetic polymer/natural nano-polymer composite. The polymerization proceeds on the surface of [...] Read more.

Polymerization of aniline in the presence of cellulose nano-fiber (CNF) is carried out. We used dried CNF, CNF suspension, and CNF treated by enzyme and ultra-sonification to obtain polyaniline (PANI)/CNF as a synthetic polymer/natural nano-polymer composite. The polymerization proceeds on the surface of CNF as a nano-reaction field. Resultant composites show extended effective π-conjugation length because CNF as a reaction field in molecular level produced polymer with expanded coil structure with an aid of orientation effect of CNF. Possibility of PANI β-pleats structure in molecular level of PANI on the CNF is also discussed. SEM observation showed that fine structure is easily obtained by combining PANI with CNF. Carbonization of PANI/CNF allows production of nano-fine form with shape preserved carbonization (SPC). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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Review

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4248 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conducting Polymer Based Nanobiosensors

by Chul Soon Park, Changsoo Lee and Oh Seok Kwon

Polymers 2016, 8(7), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8070249 - 30 Jun 2016

Cited by 99 | Viewed by 13728

Abstract

In recent years, conducting polymer (CP) nanomaterials have been used in a variety of fields, such as in energy, environmental, and biomedical applications, owing to their outstanding chemical and physical properties compared to conventional metal materials. In particular, nanobiosensors based on CP nanomaterials [...] Read more.

In recent years, conducting polymer (CP) nanomaterials have been used in a variety of fields, such as in energy, environmental, and biomedical applications, owing to their outstanding chemical and physical properties compared to conventional metal materials. In particular, nanobiosensors based on CP nanomaterials exhibit excellent performance sensing target molecules. The performance of CP nanobiosensors varies based on their size, shape, conductivity, and morphology, among other characteristics. Therefore, in this review, we provide an overview of the techniques commonly used to fabricate novel CP nanomaterials and their biosensor applications, including aptasensors, field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors, human sense mimicking biosensors, and immunoassays. We also discuss prospects for state-of-the-art nanobiosensors using CP nanomaterials by focusing on strategies to overcome the current limitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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4991 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Recent Advances in Boron-Containing Conjugated Porous Polymers

by Feng Qiu, Wuxue Zhao, Sheng Han, Xiaodong Zhuang, Hualin Lin and Fan Zhang

Polymers 2016, 8(5), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8050191 - 12 May 2016

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 14379

Abstract

Porous polymers, integrating the advantages of porous materials and conventional polymers, have been well developed and exhibited tremendous attention in the fields of material, chemistry and biology. Of these, boron-containing conjugated porous polymers, featuring tunable geometric structures, unique Lewis acid boron centers and [...] Read more.

Porous polymers, integrating the advantages of porous materials and conventional polymers, have been well developed and exhibited tremendous attention in the fields of material, chemistry and biology. Of these, boron-containing conjugated porous polymers, featuring tunable geometric structures, unique Lewis acid boron centers and very rich physical properties, such as high specific surface, chargeable scaffold, strong photoluminescence and intramolecular charge transfer, have emerged as one of the most promising functional materials for optoelectronics, catalysis and sensing, etc. Furthermore, upon thermal treatment, some of them can be effectively converted to boron-doped porous carbon materials with good electrochemical performance in energy storage and conversion, extensively enlarging the applicable scope of such kinds of polymers. In this review, the synthetic approaches, structure analyses and various applications of the boron-containing conjugated porous polymers reported very recently are summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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8687 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conductive Elastomers for Stretchable Electronics, Sensors and Energy Harvesters

by Jin-Seo Noh

Polymers 2016, 8(4), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8040123 - 05 Apr 2016

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 18456

Abstract

There have been a wide variety of efforts to develop conductive elastomers that satisfy both mechanical stretchability and electrical conductivity, as a response to growing demands on stretchable and wearable devices. This article reviews the important progress in conductive elastomers made in three [...] Read more.

There have been a wide variety of efforts to develop conductive elastomers that satisfy both mechanical stretchability and electrical conductivity, as a response to growing demands on stretchable and wearable devices. This article reviews the important progress in conductive elastomers made in three application fields of stretchable technology: stretchable electronics, stretchable sensors, and stretchable energy harvesters. Diverse combinations of insulating elastomers and non-stretchable conductive materials have been studied to realize optimal conductive elastomers. It is noted that similar material combinations and similar structures have often been employed in different fields of application. In terms of stretchability, cyclic operation, and overall performance, fields such as stretchable conductors and stretchable strain/pressure sensors have achieved great advancement, whereas other fields like stretchable memories and stretchable thermoelectric energy harvesting are in their infancy. It is worth mentioning that there are still obstacles to overcome for the further progress of stretchable technology in the respective fields, which include the simplification of material combination and device structure, securement of reproducibility and reliability, and the establishment of easy fabrication techniques. Through this review article, both the progress and obstacles associated with the respective stretchable technologies will be understood more clearly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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7879 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Nanostructured Conducting Polymers: from Synthesis to Practical Applications

by Duong Nguyen Nguyen and Hyeonseok Yoon

Polymers 2016, 8(4), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8040118 - 31 Mar 2016

Cited by 172 | Viewed by 16788

Abstract

Conducting polymers (CPs) have been widely studied to realize advanced technologies in various areas such as chemical and biosensors, catalysts, photovoltaic cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and others. In particular, hybridization of CPs with inorganic species has allowed the production of promising functional materials with [...] Read more.

Conducting polymers (CPs) have been widely studied to realize advanced technologies in various areas such as chemical and biosensors, catalysts, photovoltaic cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and others. In particular, hybridization of CPs with inorganic species has allowed the production of promising functional materials with improved performance in various applications. Consequently, many important studies on CPs have been carried out over the last decade, and numerous researchers remain attracted to CPs from a technological perspective. In this review, we provide a theoretical classification of fabrication techniques and a brief summary of the most recent developments in synthesis methods. We evaluate the efficacy and benefits of these methods for the preparation of pure CP nanomaterials and nanohybrids, presenting the newest trends from around the world with 205 references, most of which are from the last three years. Furthermore, we also evaluate the effects of various factors on the structures and properties of CP nanomaterials, citing a large variety of publications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conductive Polymers 2016)

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