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Polymers, Volume 11, Issue 10 (October 2019) – 196 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The pharmaceutical polymer carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was processed into pH-sensitive nanoparticles capable of direct complexation of a freshly generated 68Ga3+ radioisotope. A kit-type operator-friendly formulation was optimized and evaluated on donor white blood cells (WBC). The positron-emitting nanoparticles were able to label the WBC in accordance with hospital standard guidelines. The performed study appears promising for a future transition of the actual SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) clinical practices to PET (positron emission tomography) radioimaging, with a recognized greater spatial resolution and better patient convenience. A possible application of such a transition could be WBC-radiolabeling to precisely localize infection sites. View this paper.
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5 pages, 198 KiB  
Editorial
POSS-Based Polymers
by Joseph D. Lichtenhan, Krzysztof Pielichowski and Ignazio Blanco
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101727 - 22 Oct 2019
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 3770
Abstract
The combination of functional polymers with inorganic nanostructured compounds has become a major area of research and technological development owing to the remarkable properties and multifunctionalities deriving from their nano and hybrid structures [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue POSS-Based Polymers)
15 pages, 6938 KiB  
Article
Surface Modification of PET Fiber with Hybrid Coating and Its Effect on the Properties of PP Composites
by Yapeng Mao, Qiuying Li and Chifei Wu
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101726 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5707
Abstract
Surface modification fundamentally influences the morphology of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers produced from abandoned polyester textiles and improve the compatibility between the fiber and the matrix. In this study, PET fiber was modified through solution dip-coating using a novel synthesized tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)/KH550/ [...] Read more.
Surface modification fundamentally influences the morphology of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers produced from abandoned polyester textiles and improve the compatibility between the fiber and the matrix. In this study, PET fiber was modified through solution dip-coating using a novel synthesized tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)/KH550/ polypropylene (PP)-g-MAH (MPP) hybrid (TMPP). The PET fiber with TMPP modifier was exposed to the air. SiO2 particles would be hydrolyzed from TEOS and become the crystalline cores of MPP. Then, the membrane formed by MPP, SiO2 and KH550 covered the surface of the PET fiber. TMPP powder was investigated and characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TMPP-modified PET fiber was researched by X-ray diffraction and SEM. Furthermore, tensile strength of single fiber was also tested. PET fiber/PP composites were studied through dynamic mechanical analysis and SEM. Flexural properties of composites were also measured. The interfacial properties of PET fiber and PP matrix were indirectly represented by contact angle analysis. Results showed that the addition of TEOS is helpful in homogenizing the distribution of PP-g-MAH. Furthermore, TMPP generates an organic-inorganic ‘armor’ structure on PET fiber, which can make up for the damage areas on the surface of PET fiber and strengthen each single-fiber by 14.4%. Besides, bending strength and modulus of TMPP-modified PET fiber-reinforced PP composite respectively, increase by 10 and 800 MPa. The compatibility between PET fiber and PP was also confirmed to be increased by TMPP. Predictably, this work supplied a new way for PET fiber modification and exploited its potential applications in composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Reinforced Polymer Composites)
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14 pages, 1446 KiB  
Article
Modeling the Stiffness of Coupled and Uncoupled Recycled Cotton Fibers Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
by Albert Serra, Quim Tarrés, Miquel-Àngel Chamorro, Jordi Soler, Pere Mutjé, Francesc X. Espinach and Fabiola Vilaseca
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1725; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101725 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3337
Abstract
The stiffness of a composite material is mainly affected by the nature of its phases and its contents, the dispersion of the reinforcement, as well as the morphology and mean orientation of such reinforcement. In this paper, recovered dyed cotton fibers from textile [...] Read more.
The stiffness of a composite material is mainly affected by the nature of its phases and its contents, the dispersion of the reinforcement, as well as the morphology and mean orientation of such reinforcement. In this paper, recovered dyed cotton fibers from textile industry were used as reinforcement for a polypropylene matrix. The specific dye seems to decrease the hydrophilicity of the fibers and to increase its chemical compatibility with the matrix. The results showed a linear evolution of the Young’s moduli of the composites against the reinforcement contents, although the slope of the regression line was found to be lower than that for other natural strand reinforced polypropylene composites. This was blamed on a growing difficulty to disperse the reinforcements when its content increased. The micromechanics analysis returned a value for the intrinsic Young’s modulus of the cotton fibers that doubled previously published values. The use of two different micromechanics models allowed evaluating the impact of the morphology of the fibers on the Young’s modulus of a composite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Fibres and their Composites)
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17 pages, 3948 KiB  
Article
Tailoring Cod Gelatin Structure and Physical Properties with Acid and Alkaline Extraction
by Svetlana R. Derkach, Yuliya A. Kuchina, Andrey V. Baryshnikov, Daria S. Kolotova and Nikolay G. Voron’ko
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101724 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 5169
Abstract
Gelatin (G) was extracted from the skin of Atlantic cod at different pH of the aqueous phase (pH 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9) and at a temperature of 50 ± 1 °C. The yield of gelatin (G3, G4, G5, G8, and G9, [...] Read more.
Gelatin (G) was extracted from the skin of Atlantic cod at different pH of the aqueous phase (pH 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9) and at a temperature of 50 ± 1 °C. The yield of gelatin (G3, G4, G5, G8, and G9, respectively) was 49–55% of the dry raw material. The influence of extraction pH on the physicochemical and functional properties of gelatin was studied. Sample G5 was characterized by higher protein content (92.8%) while lower protein content was obtained for sample G3 (86.5%) extracted under more aggressive conditions. Analysis of the molecular weight distribution showed the presence of α- and β-chains as major components; the molecular weight of the samples ranged between 130 and 150 kDa, with sample G5 having the highest molecular weight. IR spectra of all samples had absorption bands characteristic of fish gelatin. The study of the secondary structure demonstrated higher amounts of ordered triple collagen-like helices for G5 extracted under mild conditions. Accordingly, sample G5 formed gels with high values for the storage modulus and gelling and melting temperatures, which decrease as pH changes into acidic or alkaline regions. In addition, the differential scanning calorimetry data showed that G5 had a higher glass transition temperature and melting enthalpy. Thus, cod skin is an excellent source of gelatin with the necessary physicochemical and functional properties, depending on the appropriate choice of aqueous phase pH for the extraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein Biopolymer II)
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22 pages, 4833 KiB  
Article
Organic Zinc Salts as Pro-Ecological Activators for Sulfur Vulcanization of Styrene–Butadiene Rubber
by Magdalena Maciejewska, Anna Sowińska and Judyta Kucharska
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101723 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4964
Abstract
Organic zinc salts and complexes were applied as activators for sulfur vulcanization of styrene–butadiene elastomer (SBR) in order to reduce the content of zinc ions in rubber compounds as compared with conventionally used zinc oxide. In this article, the effects of different organic [...] Read more.
Organic zinc salts and complexes were applied as activators for sulfur vulcanization of styrene–butadiene elastomer (SBR) in order to reduce the content of zinc ions in rubber compounds as compared with conventionally used zinc oxide. In this article, the effects of different organic zinc activators on the curing characteristics, crosslink densities, and mechanical properties of SBR as well as the aging resistance and thermal behavior of vulcanizates are discussed. Organic zinc salts seem to be good substitutes for zinc oxide as activators for sulfur vulcanization of SBR rubber, without detrimental effects to the vulcanization time and temperature. Moreover, vulcanizates containing organic zinc salts exhibit higher tensile strength and better damping properties than vulcanizate crosslinked with zinc oxide. The application of organic zinc activators allows the amount of zinc ions in SBR compounds to be reduced by 70–90 wt % compared to vulcanizate with zinc oxide. This is very important for ecological reasons, since zinc oxide is classified as being toxic to aquatic species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eurofillers Polymer Blends)
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9 pages, 2370 KiB  
Article
Investigation into the Direct Photolysis Process of Photo-Induced RAFT Polymerization by ESR Spin Trapping
by Jiajia Li, Mengmeng Zhang, Jian Zhu and Xiulin Zhu
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101722 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3419
Abstract
The direct photolysis of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents under visible light was demonstrated by electron spin resonance (ESR) using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide as a typical spin trap. The hyperfine coupling lines obtained by ESR spectroscopy showed the successful capture of [...] Read more.
The direct photolysis of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents under visible light was demonstrated by electron spin resonance (ESR) using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide as a typical spin trap. The hyperfine coupling lines obtained by ESR spectroscopy showed the successful capture of the carbon-centered and the sulfur-centered radical. Photo-polymerization of vinyl acetate under different wavelengths was performed to verify the effects of wavelength on the process. The effect of the R group of RAFT agents on the photolysis was investigated by spin-trapping experiments using poly (butyl acrylate) and poly (vinyl acetate) as macroRAFT agents. The quantitative experiment showed the yield of photolysis of a xanthate to be only 0.023% under λ > 440 nm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Chemistry)
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19 pages, 7222 KiB  
Article
Tough Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels with Antimicrobial Property via Incorporation of Natural Multivalent Phytic Acid
by Hoang Linh Bui and Chun-Jen Huang
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101721 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6138
Abstract
Tough and antimicrobial dual-crosslinked poly((trimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate chloride)-phytic acid hydrogel (pTMAEMA-PA) has been synthesized by adding a chemical crosslinker and docking a physical crosslinker of multivalent phytic acid into a cationic polyelectrolyte network. By increasing the loading concentration of PA, the tough hydrogel exhibits [...] Read more.
Tough and antimicrobial dual-crosslinked poly((trimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate chloride)-phytic acid hydrogel (pTMAEMA-PA) has been synthesized by adding a chemical crosslinker and docking a physical crosslinker of multivalent phytic acid into a cationic polyelectrolyte network. By increasing the loading concentration of PA, the tough hydrogel exhibits compressive stress of >1 MPa, along with high elasticity and fatigue-resistant properties. The enhanced mechanical properties of pTMAEMA-PA stem from the multivalent ion effect of PA via the formation of ion bridges within polyelectrolytes. In addition, a comparative study for a series of pTMAEMA-counterion complexes was conducted to elaborate the relationship between swelling ratio and mechanical strength. The study also revealed secondary factors, such as ion valency, ion specificity and hydrogen bond formation, holding crucial roles in tuning mechanical properties of the polyelectrolyte hydrogel. Furthermore, in bacteria attachment and disk diffusion tests, pTMAEMA-PA exhibits superior fouling resistance and antibacterial capability. The results reflect the fact that PA enables chelating strongly with divalent metal ions, hence, disrupting the outer membrane of bacteria, as well as dysfunction of organelles, DNA and protein. Overall, the work demonstrated a novel strategy for preparation of tough polyelectrolyte with antibacterial capability via docking PA to open up the potential use of PA in medical application. Full article
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15 pages, 4675 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of a Biodegradable PLA Food Packaging Hold Monoterpene–Cyclodextrin Complexes against Alternaria alternata
by Velázquez-Contreras Friné, Acevedo-Parra Hector, Nuño-Donlucas Sergio Manuel, Núñez-Delicado Estrella and Gabaldón José Antonio
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1720; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101720 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4606
Abstract
The fungi of the genus Alternaria are among the main pathogens causing post-harvest diseases and significant economic losses. The consumption of Alternaria contaminated foods may be a major risk to human health, as many Alternaria species produce several toxic mycotoxins and secondary metabolites. [...] Read more.
The fungi of the genus Alternaria are among the main pathogens causing post-harvest diseases and significant economic losses. The consumption of Alternaria contaminated foods may be a major risk to human health, as many Alternaria species produce several toxic mycotoxins and secondary metabolites. To protect consumer health and extend the shelf life of food products, the development of new ways of packaging is of outmost importance. The aim of this work was to investigate the antifungal capacity of a biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) package filled with thymol or carvacrol complexed in β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) by the solubility method. Once solid complexes were obtained by spray drying, varying proportions (0.0%, 1.5%, 2.5%, and 5.0 wt%) of β-CD–thymol or β-CD–carvacrol were mixed with PLA for packaging development by injection process. The formation of stable complexes between β-CDs and carvacrol or thymol molecules was assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mechanical, structural, and thermal characterization of the developed packaging was also carried out. The polymer surface showed a decrease in the number of cuts and folds as the amount of encapsulation increased, thereby reducing the stiffness of the packaging. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a slight decrease in the temperature of degradation of PLA package as the concentration of the complexes increased, with β-CD–carvacrol or β-CDs–thymol complexes acting as plasticisers that lowered the intermolecular forces of the polymer chains, thereby improving the breaking point. Packages containing 2.5% and 5% β-CD–carvacrol, or 5% β-CD–thymol showed Alternaria alternata inhibition after 10 days of incubation revealing their potential uses in agrofood industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)
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22 pages, 11018 KiB  
Article
Effect of Alkyl Chain Length in POSS Nanocage on Non-Isothermal Crystallization Behavior of PCL/Amino-POSS Nanocomposites
by M. Dolores Fernández, Dailyn J. Guzmán, Johnny R. Ramos and M. Jesús Fernández
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101719 - 19 Oct 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3088
Abstract
The study of the non-isothermal crystallization behavior of polymers is of great importance due to the effect of degree of crystallinity and crystallization process on the polymer properties. The effect of aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (APIBPOSS) and aminopropylisooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (APIOPOSS) on [...] Read more.
The study of the non-isothermal crystallization behavior of polymers is of great importance due to the effect of degree of crystallinity and crystallization process on the polymer properties. The effect of aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (APIBPOSS) and aminopropylisooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (APIOPOSS) on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) crystallization is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under non-isothermal conditions and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The crystallization kinetics is analyzed using the Avrami and Mo models, and effective activation energies are evaluated by the Friedman isoconversional method. The results show that the compatibility between polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and PCL and POSS loading affect the crystallization process. A higher crystallization temperature, a narrower size distribution of crystallite, and a faster crystallization rate are obtained in the presence of all the studied contents of APIBPOSS and at lower contents of APIOPOSS. At APIOPOSS contents higher than 2 wt %, the crystallization temperature is lowered, the size distribution of crystallite is broadened, and the crystallization process is retarded. The presence of POSS leads to an increase in the number of nucleation sites, and a reduction in the size of the crystallite and the overall degree of crystallinity, as a result of the confinement of PCL chains caused by POSS nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Analysis of Polymer Materials)
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12 pages, 3875 KiB  
Article
AgBr/BiOBr Nano-Heterostructure-Decorated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers: A Recyclable High-Performance Photocatalyst for Dye Degradation under Visible-Light Irradiation
by Mingyi Zhang, Ying Qi and Zhenyi Zhang
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101718 - 19 Oct 2019
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3979
Abstract
Macrostructural flexible photocatalysts have been proven to have desirable recyclable properties during the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water. However, the photocatalytic activities of these photocatalysts are often unsatisfactory due to the fast recombination of charge carriers and the limited surface active [...] Read more.
Macrostructural flexible photocatalysts have been proven to have desirable recyclable properties during the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water. However, the photocatalytic activities of these photocatalysts are often unsatisfactory due to the fast recombination of charge carriers and the limited surface active sites. Herein, we developed a novel flexible photocatalyst of AgBr/BiOBr/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite mats (CMs) through the controllable assembly of AgBr/BiOBr nano-heterostructures on electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PAN NFs) via a three-step synthesis route. The component ratio of AgBr to BiOBr in the CMs could be easily adjusted by controlling the in situ ion exchange process. The charge–transfer process occurring at the interface of the AgBr/BiOBr nano-heterostructures strongly hindered the recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs, thereby effectively enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the AgBr/BiOBr/PAN CMs. Meanwhile, the unique hierarchical inorganic/organic heterostructure of the AgBr/BiOBr/PAN CMs not only led to good flexibility, but also provided an abundance of active sites for photocatalytic reactions. Upon visible-light irradiation, AgBr/BiOBr/PAN CMs with an optimal ratio of AgBr to BiOBr components exhibited both enhanced photocatalytic activity and excellent separability during the degradation of methyl orange in water compared to the BiOBr/PAN CMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Adsorption at Interfaces)
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25 pages, 2152 KiB  
Article
Basic Properties of a New Polymer Gel for 3D-Dosimetry at High Dose-Rates Typical for FFF Irradiation Based on Dithiothreitol and Methacrylic Acid (MAGADIT): Sensitivity, Range, Reproducibility, Accuracy, Dose Rate Effect and Impact of Oxygen Scavenger
by Muzafar Khan, Gerd Heilemann, Wolfgang Lechner, Dietmar Georg and Andreas Georg Berg
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101717 - 19 Oct 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3771
Abstract
The photon induced radical-initiated polymerization in polymer gels can be used for high-resolution tissue equivalent dosimeters in quality control of radiation therapy. The dose (D) distribution in radiation therapy can be measured as a change of the physical measurement parameter T2 using T2-weighted [...] Read more.
The photon induced radical-initiated polymerization in polymer gels can be used for high-resolution tissue equivalent dosimeters in quality control of radiation therapy. The dose (D) distribution in radiation therapy can be measured as a change of the physical measurement parameter T2 using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The detection by T2 is relying on the local change of the molecular mobility due to local polymerization initiated by radicals generated by the ionizing radiation. The dosimetric signals R2 = 1/T2 of many of the current polymer gels are dose-rate dependent, which reduces the reliability of the gel for clinical use. A novel gel dosimeter, based on methacrylic acid, gelatin and the newly added dithiothreitol (MAGADIT) as an oxygen-scavenger was analyzed for basic properties, such as sensitivity, reproducibility, accuracy and dose-rate dependence. Dithiothreitol features no toxic classification with a difference to THPC and offers a stronger negative redox-potential than ascorbic acid. Polymer gels with three different concentration levels of dithiothreitol were irradiated with a preclinical research X-ray unit and MR-scanned (T2) for quantitative dosimetry after calibration. The polymer gel with the lowest concentration of the oxygen scavenger was about factor 3 more sensitive to dose as compared to the gel with the highest concentration. The dose sensitivity (α = ∆R2/∆D) of MAGADIT gels was significantly dependent on the applied dose rate D ˙ (≈48% reduction between D ˙ = 0.6 Gy/min and D ˙ = 4 Gy/min). However, this undesirable dose-rate effect reduced between 4–8 Gy/min (≈23%) and almost disappeared in the high dose-rate range (8 ≤   D ˙   12 Gy/min) used in flattening-filter-free (FFF) irradiations. The dose response varied for different samples within one manufacturing batch within 3%–6% (reproducibility). The accuracy ranged between 3.5% and 7.9%. The impact of the dose rate on the spatial integrity is demonstrated in the example of a linear accelerator (LINAC) small sized 5 × 10 mm2 10 MV photon field. For MAGADIT the maximum shift in the flanks in this field is limited to about 0.8 mm at a FFF dose rate of 15 Gy/min. Dose rate sensitive polymer gels likely perform better at high dose rates; MAGADIT exhibits a slightly improved performance compared to the reference normoxic polymer gel methacrylic and ascorbic acid in gelatin initiated by copper (MAGIC) using ascorbic acid. Full article
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14 pages, 4944 KiB  
Article
Multi-Responsive Nanocarriers Based on β-CD-PNIPAM Star Polymer Coated MSN-SS-Fc Composite Particles
by Feng Guo, Guiying Li, Songmei Ma, Hengquan Zhou and Xinyi Chen
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101716 - 19 Oct 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4426
Abstract
A temperature, glutathione (GSH), and H2O2 multi-responsive composite nanocarrier (MSN-SS-Fc@β-CD-PNIPAM) based on β-cyclodextrin-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (β-CD-PNIPAM) star polymer capped ferrocene modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-SS-Fc) was successfully prepared. The surface of the mesoporous silica was first modified by ferrocene (Fc) [...] Read more.
A temperature, glutathione (GSH), and H2O2 multi-responsive composite nanocarrier (MSN-SS-Fc@β-CD-PNIPAM) based on β-cyclodextrin-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (β-CD-PNIPAM) star polymer capped ferrocene modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-SS-Fc) was successfully prepared. The surface of the mesoporous silica was first modified by ferrocene (Fc) via a disulfide bond (–SS–) to form an oxidizing and reducing site and then complexed with a β-CD-PNIPAM star shaped polymer through host–guest interactions as a nano-valve to provide temperature responsive characteristics. The structure and properties of the complex nanoparticles were studied by FTIR, TGA, EDS, Zeta potential, and elemental analysis. Doxorubicin (DOX) and Naproxen (NAP), as model drugs, were loaded into nanocarriers to assess drug loading and release behaviour. The release of drugs from nanocarriers was enhanced with an increase of the GSH, H2O2 concentration, or temperatures of the solution. The kinetics of the release process were studied using different models. This nanocarrier presents successful multi-stimuli responsive drug delivery in optimal stimuli and provides potential applications for clinical treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers and Drug Delivery)
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20 pages, 6975 KiB  
Article
Adsorption of Pb2+ from Aqueous Solutions Using Novel Functionalized Corncobs via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
by Shanglong Chen and Wei Zhao
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101715 - 19 Oct 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2936
Abstract
The present study developed novel functionalized corncobs introducing brushes with dense and active carboxyl groups (–COOH), named MC-g-PAA, for the highly efficient adsorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. MC-g-PAA were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and characterized by Fourier transform [...] Read more.
The present study developed novel functionalized corncobs introducing brushes with dense and active carboxyl groups (–COOH), named MC-g-PAA, for the highly efficient adsorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. MC-g-PAA were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of Pb2+ adsorbed on MC-g-PAA by hydrolysis with t-BuOK was 2.28 times greater than that with NaOH, attributed to the larger steric effect of t-BuOK, which reduced the hydrolysis of the bromo-ester groups. The influence of different parameters including the solid/liquid ratio, working solution pH, sorption temperature, and initial concentration and sorption time on the adsorption of Pb2+ were investigated in detail in batch experiments. Thermodynamic studies have shown that the adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic, and accompanied by an increase in randomness. A better fit for the isotherm data was obtained using the Langmuir model than for the other four models and the maximum amount ( q max ) of Pb2+ adsorbed on MC-g-PAA was 342.47 mg/g, which is 21.11 times greater when compared with that of pristine corncobs (16.22 mg/g). The adsorption of Pb2+ on MC-g-PAA was very fast and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation with a correlation coefficient of 0.99999. This monolayer adsorption process was dominated by chemical adsorption, and may proceed according to complexation and electrostatic interactions between Pb2+ and the carboxylate groups. This study indicated that MC-g-PAA could be successfully used as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions due to its excellent efficiency. Full article
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13 pages, 2400 KiB  
Article
Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Diabetes Potential of Water-Soluble Chitosan–Glucose Derivatives Produced by Maillard Reaction
by Thi Ngoc Tran, Chien Thang Doan, Van Bon Nguyen, Anh Dzung Nguyen and San-Lang Wang
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101714 - 18 Oct 2019
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4167
Abstract
Chitosan-sugar derivatives demonstrate some useful biology activities (for example anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities). In this study, water-soluble chitosan–glucose derivatives (WSCGDs) were produced from a water-soluble chitosan hydrochloride (WSC) with 12.5 kDa of molecular weight and 24.05% of degree of acetylation (DA) via Maillard [...] Read more.
Chitosan-sugar derivatives demonstrate some useful biology activities (for example anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities). In this study, water-soluble chitosan–glucose derivatives (WSCGDs) were produced from a water-soluble chitosan hydrochloride (WSC) with 12.5 kDa of molecular weight and 24.05% of degree of acetylation (DA) via Maillard reaction with the heating temperatures of 100 °C and 121 °C. The Maillard reaction between WSC and glucose was investigated by measuring the absorbances at 420 nm and 294 nm, indicating that the reaction took place more effectively at 121 °C. All WSCGDs exhibited higher anti-oxidant activity than WSC, in which WSCGDs obtained at the treatment 121 °C for 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h expressed the highest ability (IC50 range from 1.90–1.05 mg/mL). Increased anti-α-amylase and anti-α-glucosidase activities were also observed in WSCGDs from the treatment at 121 °C. In detail, the highest IC50 values of anti-α-amylase activity were 18.02 mg/mL (121 °C, 3 h) and 18.37 mg/mL (121 °C, 4 h), whereas the highest IC50 values of anti-α-glucosidase activity were in range of 7.09–5.72 mg/mL (121 °C, for 1–4 h). According to the results, WSCGD obtained from 121 °C for 3 h was selected for further characterizing by high performance liquid chromatography size exclusion chromatography (HPLC SEC), colloid titration, FTIR, as well as 1H-NMR, indicating that the derivative of WSC and glucose was successfully synthesized with a molecular weight of 15.1 kDa and degree of substitution (DS) of 34.62 ± 2.78%. By expressing the excellent anti-oxidant and anti-diabetes activities, WSCGDs may have potential use in health food or medicine applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Properties and Applications)
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12 pages, 10394 KiB  
Article
Structural Design of Three-Dimensional Graphene/Nano Filler (Al2O3, BN, or TiO2) Resins and Their Application to Electrically Conductive Adhesives
by Chia-Hsin Zhang, Chia-Hung Huang and Wei-Ren Liu
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101713 - 18 Oct 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2969
Abstract
In this study, we designed a three-dimensional structure of electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) by adding three different kinds of nano filler, including BN, TiO2, and Al2O3 particles, into a few-layered graphene (FLG)/polymer composite to avoid FLG aggregation. Three [...] Read more.
In this study, we designed a three-dimensional structure of electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) by adding three different kinds of nano filler, including BN, TiO2, and Al2O3 particles, into a few-layered graphene (FLG)/polymer composite to avoid FLG aggregation. Three different lateral sizes of FLG (FLG3, FLG8, and FLG20) were obtained from graphite (G3, G8, and G20) by a green, facile, low-cost, and scalable jet cavitation process. The corresponding characterizations, such as Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), verified the successful preparation of graphene flakes. Based on the results of four-point probe measurements, FLG20 demonstrated the lowest sheet resistance value of ~0.021 Ω/■. The optimized ECAs’ composition was a 60% solid content of FLG20 with the addition 2 wt.% of Al2O3. The sheet resistance value was as low as 51.8 Ω/■, which was a reduction of 73% compared to that of pristine FLG/polymer. These results indicate that this method not only paves the way for the cheaper and safer production of graphene, but also holds great potential for applications in energy-related technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites)
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14 pages, 1338 KiB  
Article
A Highly Efficient White Luminescent Zinc (II) Based Metallopolymer by RGB Approach
by Barbara Panunzi, Rosita Diana and Ugo Caruso
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101712 - 18 Oct 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2507
Abstract
Three aryl-hydrazone O,N,O tridentate ligands with a different electron-withdrawing substituent were prepared. The introduction of a flexible charged chain in the ligands guaranteed solubility in many organic solvents and in water. The increasing withdrawing aptitude of the substituents red-shifted [...] Read more.
Three aryl-hydrazone O,N,O tridentate ligands with a different electron-withdrawing substituent were prepared. The introduction of a flexible charged chain in the ligands guaranteed solubility in many organic solvents and in water. The increasing withdrawing aptitude of the substituents red-shifted the emission in the correspondent metallopolymers. The metallated polymers were obtained by grafting ligand-zinc (II) coordination fragments onto commercial poly-(4-vinylpyridine). Metallopolymers thin films exhibited red, green and blue emission colors defined by Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates and medium to excellent photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (PLQYs) comparable with other highly-performing active materials for Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). By grafting a suitable mix of the three different coordination pendants, an efficient single-component white emissive metallopolymer with CIE (0.30, 0.31) was prepared. Thanks to the charged moiety, the polymers resulted miscible with an ionic liquid. The addition produced homogeneous polymeric layers with unaltered PL performances, potentially employable in Light-emitting Electrochemical Cells (LECs). Full article
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13 pages, 2410 KiB  
Article
Using Methacryl-Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane as the Thermal Stabilizer and Plasticizer in Poly(vinyl chloride) Nanocomposites
by Yu-Kai Wang, Fang-Chang Tsai, Chao-Chen Ma, Min-Ling Wang and Shiao-Wei Kuo
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101711 - 18 Oct 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4549
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the influence of methacryl-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MA-POSS) nanoparticles as a plasticizer and thermal stabilizer for a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) homopolymer and for a poly(vinyl chloride)/dissononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (PVC/DINCH) binary blend system. The PVC and the PVC/DINCH blend both [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigated the influence of methacryl-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MA-POSS) nanoparticles as a plasticizer and thermal stabilizer for a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) homopolymer and for a poly(vinyl chloride)/dissononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (PVC/DINCH) binary blend system. The PVC and the PVC/DINCH blend both became flexible, with decreases in their glass transition temperatures and increases in their thermal decomposition temperatures, upon an increase in MA-POSS content, the result of hydrogen bonding between the C=O groups of MA-POSS and the H–CCl units of the PVC, as determined using infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the first thermal decomposition temperature of the pure PVC, due to the emission of HCl, increased from 290 to 306 °C, that is, the MA-POSS nanoparticles had a retarding effect on the decomposition of the PVC matrix. In tensile tests, all the PVC/DINCH/MA-POSS ternary blends were transparent and displayed flexibility, but their modulus and tensile strength both decreased, while their elongation properties increased, upon an increase in MA-POSS concentration, both before and after thermal annealing. In contrast, the elongation decreased, but the modulus and tensile strength increased, after thermal annealing at 100 °C for 7 days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites)
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19 pages, 3162 KiB  
Article
Lignocellulose@ Activated Clay Nanocomposite with Hierarchical Nanostructure Enhancing the Removal of Aqueous Zn(II)
by Xiaotao Zhang, Yinan Hao, Zhangjing Chen, Yuhong An, Wanqi Zhang and Ximing Wang
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101710 - 18 Oct 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2412
Abstract
A lignocellulose@ activated clay (Ln@AC) nanocomposite with a hierarchical nanostructure was successfully synthesized by the chemical intercalation reaction and applied in the removal of Zn(II) from an aqueous solution. Ln@AC was characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning Electron [...] Read more.
A lignocellulose@ activated clay (Ln@AC) nanocomposite with a hierarchical nanostructure was successfully synthesized by the chemical intercalation reaction and applied in the removal of Zn(II) from an aqueous solution. Ln@AC was characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and the results indicate that an intercalated–exfoliated hierarchical nanostructure was formed. The effects of different adsorption parameters on the Zn(II) removal rate (weight ratio of Ln to AC, Ln@AC dosage, initial Zn(II) concentration, pH value, adsorption temperature, and time) were investigated in detail. The equilibrium adsorption capacity reached 315.9 mg/g under optimal conditions (i.e., the weight ratio of Ln to AC of 3:1, Ln@AC dosage of 1 g/L, initial Zn(II) concentration of 600 mg/L, pH value of 6.8, adsorption temperature of 65 °C, and adsorption time of 50 min). The adsorption process was described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Langmuir isotherm model, and the Elovich model. Moreover, Zn(II) could be easily eluted by HCl, and the effects of HCl concentration, desorption temperature, and ultrasonic desorption time on desorbed amount were tested. Desorption studies revealed that with an HCl concentration of 0.25 mol/L, desorption temperature of 70 °C, and ultrasonic desorption time of 20 min, the maximum desorption capacity and efficiency were achieved at 202.5 mg/g and 64.10%, respectively. Regeneration experimental results indicated that the Ln@AC exhibited a certain recyclable regeneration performance. Due to such outstanding features, the novel Ln@AC nanocomposite proved to have great adsorption potential for Zn(II) removal from wastewater, and exhibited an extremely significant amount of adsorbed Zn(II) when compared to conventional adsorbents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Processing and Engineering)
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12 pages, 4681 KiB  
Article
Structural Parameters Affecting Electrothermal Properties of Woolen Knitted Fabrics Integrated with Silver-Coated Yarns
by Kexia Sun, Su Liu and Hairu Long
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101709 - 18 Oct 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4221
Abstract
Recently, more and more researchers have focused on electrical textiles that can provide or convert energy to facilitate people’s lives. Knitting conductive yarns into ordinary fabrics is a common way for electrical textiles to transmit heat or electrical signals to humans. This paper [...] Read more.
Recently, more and more researchers have focused on electrical textiles that can provide or convert energy to facilitate people’s lives. Knitting conductive yarns into ordinary fabrics is a common way for electrical textiles to transmit heat or electrical signals to humans. This paper is aimed at studying the resistance values and temperatures of electrothermal knitted conductive fabric (EKCF) subjected to certain voltages over time. Six types of EKCFs with structural differences were fabricated using a computerized flat knitting machine with intarsia technology. Uniform samples 10 × 10 cm in size were made from wool, as were two different specifications of silver-coated conductive yarns. The wool yarn and one silver-coated yarn were mixed to knit a resistance area 2 × 2 cm in size in the center of the EKCF to observe heating behaviors. The experiment results showed that when the EKCFs were subjected to certain voltages over time, the resistance values of the resistance area increased over a short time and then gradually decreased, and the temperature gradually increased in the first 1000 s and tended toward stability after a certain period of time. The structural coefficient κ between different knitted structures (which predicted the thermal properties of different EKCFs subjected to different voltages) was analyzed. These results are of great significance for predicting the electrothermal performance of EKCFs with different knitted structures. On the basis of these results, an optimized knitted structure was selected as the best EKCF for wearable textiles, and the findings contribute to the field of technological and intelligent electrothermal garments and related products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Energy Storage and Conversion)
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13 pages, 2232 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of K-Carrageenan Flame-Retardant Microspheres and Its Application for Waterborne Epoxy Resin with Functionalized Graphene
by Na Wang, Haiwei Teng, Fei Yang, Jiaqi You, Jing Zhang and Deyi Wang
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1708; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101708 - 17 Oct 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3176
Abstract
In this article, the intumescent flame-retardant microsphere (KC-IFR) was prepared by inverse emulsion polymerizations, with the use of k-carrageenan (KC) as carbon source, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as acid source, and melamine (MEL) as gas source. Meanwhile, benzoic acid functionalized graphene (BFG) was synthetized [...] Read more.
In this article, the intumescent flame-retardant microsphere (KC-IFR) was prepared by inverse emulsion polymerizations, with the use of k-carrageenan (KC) as carbon source, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as acid source, and melamine (MEL) as gas source. Meanwhile, benzoic acid functionalized graphene (BFG) was synthetized as a synergist. A “four-source flame-retardant system” (KC-IFR/BFG) was constructed with KC-IFR and BFG. KC-IFR/BFG was blended with waterborne epoxy resin (EP) to prepare flame-retardant coatings. The effects of different ratios of KC-IFR and BFG on the flame-retardant properties of EP were investigated. The results showed that the limiting oxygen index (LOI) values increased from 19.7% for the waterborne epoxy resin to 28.7% for the EP1 with 20 wt% KC-IFR. The addition of BFG further improved the LOI values of the composites. The LOI value reached 29.8% for the EP5 sample with 18 wt% KC-IFR and 2 wt% BFG and meanwhile, UL-94 test reached the V-0 level. In addition, the peak heat release (pHRR) and smoke release rate (SPR) of EP5 decreased by 63.5% and 65.4% comparing with EP0, respectively. This indicated the good flame-retardant and smoke suppression property of EP composites coating. Full article
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10 pages, 2326 KiB  
Article
Kenaf Composites for Automotive Components: Enhancement in Machinability and Moldability
by Nabilah Afiqah Mohd Radzuan, Nur Farhani Ismail, Mohd Khairul Fadzly Md Radzi, Zakaria Bin Razak, Izdihar Binti Tharizi, Abu Bakar Sulong, Che Hassan Che Haron and Norhamidi Muhamad
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101707 - 17 Oct 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3362
Abstract
To date, the mechanical performance of kenaf composites is still unsatisfied in term of its mechanical performance. Therefore, research focuses on kenaf composites fabrication through the selection of polymer resin, including epoxy, polypropylene, and polylactic acid. The incorporated kenaf fibre at 10 wt [...] Read more.
To date, the mechanical performance of kenaf composites is still unsatisfied in term of its mechanical performance. Therefore, research focuses on kenaf composites fabrication through the selection of polymer resin, including epoxy, polypropylene, and polylactic acid. The incorporated kenaf fibre at 10 wt % to 40 wt % loadings was conducted using injection and a compression moulding process. The compressed materials indicated high tensile strength at 240 MPa compared to inject materials (60 MPa). Significant improvement on impact strength (9 kJ/m2) was due to the unpulled-out fibre that dispersed homogenously and hence minimize the microcrack acquire. Meanwhile, high flexural strength (180 MPa) obtained by kenaf/epoxy composites due to the fibre orientate perpendicular to the loading directions, which improve its mechanical properties. The findings indicate that the kenaf fibre reinforced thermoset materials exhibit better mechanical properties as a function to the battery tray applications. Full article
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30 pages, 5861 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Polymer-Containing Soft Matters for Safe Mining of Coal
by Hetang Wang, Yunhe Du, Deming Wang and Botao Qin
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101706 - 17 Oct 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4359
Abstract
Safe mining is the premise and guarantee of sustainable development of coal energy. Due to the combination of excellent properties of polymers and traditional soft matters, polymer-containing soft matters are playing an increasingly important role in mine disaster and hazard control. To summarize [...] Read more.
Safe mining is the premise and guarantee of sustainable development of coal energy. Due to the combination of excellent properties of polymers and traditional soft matters, polymer-containing soft matters are playing an increasingly important role in mine disaster and hazard control. To summarize the valuable work in recent years and provide reference and inspiration for researchers in this field, this paper reviewed the recent research progress in polymer-containing soft matters with respect to mine dust control, mine fire control, mine gas control and mine roadway support. From the perspective role of polymers in a material system, we classify mine polymer-containing soft matters into two categories. The first is polymer additive materials, in which polymers are used as additives to modify fluid-like soft matters, such as dust-reducing agents (surfactant solution) and dust-suppressing foams. The second is polymer-based materials, in which polymers are used as a main component to form high performance solid-like soft matters, such as fire prevention gels, foam gels, gas hole sealing material and resin anchorage agent. The preparation principle, properties and application of these soft matters are comprehensively reviewed. Furthermore, future research directions are also suggested. Full article
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22 pages, 11056 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Effect of Carbonyl Iron Micro-Particles on the Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Isotropic and Anisotropic MREs: Constitutive Magneto-Mechanical Material Model
by Cintya G. Soria-Hernández, Luis M. Palacios-Pineda, Alex Elías-Zúñiga, Imperio A. Perales-Martínez and Oscar Martínez-Romero
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101705 - 17 Oct 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4288
Abstract
This article focuses on evaluating the influence that the addition of carbonyl iron micro-particles (CIPs) and its alignment have on the mechanical and rheological properties for magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer, and 24 wt % of silicone oil (SO). A [...] Read more.
This article focuses on evaluating the influence that the addition of carbonyl iron micro-particles (CIPs) and its alignment have on the mechanical and rheological properties for magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer, and 24 wt % of silicone oil (SO). A solenoid device was designed and built to fabricate the corresponding composite magnetorheological material and to perform uniaxial cyclic tests under uniform magnetic flux density. Furthermore, a constitutive material model that considers both elastic and magnetic effects was introduced to predict stress-softening and permanent set effects experienced by the MRE samples during cyclic loading tests. Moreover, experimental characterizations via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile mechanical testing, and rheological tests were performed on the produced MRE samples in order to assess mechanical and rheological material properties such as mechanical strength, material stiffness, Mullins and permanent set effects, damping ratio, stiffness magnetorheological effect (SMR), and relative magnetorheological storage and loss moduli effects. Experimental results and theoretical predictions confirmed that for a CIPs concentration of 70 wt %, the material samples exhibit the highest shear modulus, stress-softening effects, and engineering stress values when the samples are subject to a maximum stretch value of 1.64 and a uniform magnetic flux density of 52.2 mT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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15 pages, 2867 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Progressive Antibacterial LDPE Surface via Active Biomolecule Deposition Approach
by Salma Habib, Marian Lehocky, Daniela Vesela, Petr Humpolíček, Igor Krupa and Anton Popelka
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101704 - 17 Oct 2019
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4334
Abstract
The use of polymers in all aspects of daily life is increasing considerably, so there is high demand for polymers with specific properties. Polymers with antibacterial properties are highly needed in the food and medical industries. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in [...] Read more.
The use of polymers in all aspects of daily life is increasing considerably, so there is high demand for polymers with specific properties. Polymers with antibacterial properties are highly needed in the food and medical industries. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in various industries, especially in food packaging, because it has suitable mechanical and safety properties. Nevertheless, the hydrophobicity of its surface makes it vulnerable to microbial attack and culturing. To enhance antimicrobial activity, a progressive surface modification of LDPE using the antimicrobial agent grafting process was applied. LDPE was first exposed to nonthermal radio-frequency (RF) plasma treatment to activate its surface. This led to the creation of reactive species on the LDPE surface, resulting in the ability to graft antibacterial agents, such as ascorbic acid (ASA), commonly known as vitamin C. ASA is a well-known antioxidant that is used as a food preservative, is essential to biological systems, and is found to be reactive against a number of microorganisms and bacteria. The antimicrobial effect of grafted LDPE with ASA was tested against two strong kinds of bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), with positive results. Surface analyses were performed thoroughly using contact angle measurements and peel tests to measure the wettability or surface free energy and adhesion properties after each modification step. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to analyze the surface morphology or topography changes of LDPE caused by plasma treatment and ASA grafting. Surface chemistry was studied by measuring the functional groups and elements introduced to the surface after plasma treatment and ASA grafting, using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These results showed wettability, adhesion, and roughness changes in the LDPE surface after plasma treatment, as well as after ASA grafting. This is a positive indicator of the ability of ASA to be grafted onto polymeric materials using plasma pretreatment, resulting in enhanced antibacterial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Biointerfaces)
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12 pages, 3887 KiB  
Article
Carbon Loaded Nano-Designed Spherically High Symmetric Lithium Iron Orthosilicate Cathode Materials for Lithium Secondary Batteries
by Diwakar Karuppiah, Rajkumar Palanisamy, Subadevi Rengapillai, Wei-Ren Liu, Chia-Hung Huang and Sivakumar Marimuthu
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101703 - 17 Oct 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2885
Abstract
In the present study, Li2FeSiO4 (LFS) cathode material has been prepared via a modified polyol method. The stabilizing nature of polyol solvent was greatly influenced to reduce the particle size (~50 nm) and for coating the carbon on the surface [...] Read more.
In the present study, Li2FeSiO4 (LFS) cathode material has been prepared via a modified polyol method. The stabilizing nature of polyol solvent was greatly influenced to reduce the particle size (~50 nm) and for coating the carbon on the surface of the as-mentioned materials (~10 nm). As-prepared nano-sized Li2FeSiO4 material deliver initial discharge capacity of 186 mAh·g−1 at 1C with the coulombic efficiency of 99% and sustain up to 100 cycles with only 7 mAh·g−1 is the difference of discharge capacity from its 1st cycle to 100th cycle. The rate performance illustrates the discharge capacity 280 mAh·g−1 for lower C-rate (C/20) and 95 mAh·g−1 for higher C-rate (2C). Full article
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16 pages, 4880 KiB  
Article
The Thermoviscosifying Behavior of Water-Soluble Polymer Based on Graft Polymerization of Pluronic F127 with Acrylamide and 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt
by Hongping Quan, Luyao Xie, Xin Su and Yujun Feng
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101702 - 16 Oct 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4151
Abstract
A new concept of thermoviscosifying polymers is proposed to address the problems about decreasing viscosity of polymer solution under high temperatures. However, existing thermoviscosifying polymers have complicated synthesis processes and high costs, and both of them restrict the wide practical applications of thermoviscosifying [...] Read more.
A new concept of thermoviscosifying polymers is proposed to address the problems about decreasing viscosity of polymer solution under high temperatures. However, existing thermoviscosifying polymers have complicated synthesis processes and high costs, and both of them restrict the wide practical applications of thermoviscosifying polymers. Although polyethers have the characteristics of thermal gelatinization, they just display thermoviscosifying behaviors only under extremely high concentrations (>15 wt %). Therefore, the graft copolymerization of the commercialized Pluronic F127 (PEO100-PPO65-PEO100) with acrylamide and 2-acrylamide-methylpropionic acid sodium salt was studied here. A series of graft modified polyether polymers were prepared and it was expected to get thermoviscosifying polymers with high molecular weights and low association temperatures. Several factors on thermoviscosifying behaviors were investigated, such as polymerization condition, polymer concentration, hydrophilic monomer, molecular structure and molecular weight. It was also proven that the apparent viscosity of polymer solution is influenced by polymer concentration, molecular weight of polymer, and content of anion groups. Full article
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12 pages, 1821 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Assisted Preparation of Chitosan/Nano-Activated Carbon Composite Beads Aminated with (3-Aminopropyl)Triethoxysilane for Adsorption of Acetaminophen from Aqueous Solutions
by Mohammadtaghi Vakili, Parisa Amouzgar, Giovanni Cagnetta, Baozhen Wang, Xiaogang Guo, Amin Mojiri, Ehsan Zeimaran and Babak Salamatinia
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101701 - 16 Oct 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4062
Abstract
A composite chitosan/nano-activated carbon (CS-NAC) aminated by (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) was prepared in the form of beads and applied for the removal of acetaminophen from aqueous solutions. NAC and APTES concentrations were optimized to obtain a suitable adsorbent structure for enhanced removal of the [...] Read more.
A composite chitosan/nano-activated carbon (CS-NAC) aminated by (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) was prepared in the form of beads and applied for the removal of acetaminophen from aqueous solutions. NAC and APTES concentrations were optimized to obtain a suitable adsorbent structure for enhanced removal of the pharmaceutical. The aminated adsorbent (CS-NAC-APTES beads) prepared with 40% w/w NAC and 2% v/v APTES showed higher adsorption capacity (407.83 mg/g) than CS-NAC beads (278.4 mg/g). Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis demonstrated that the surface area of the CS-NAC-APTES beads was larger than that of CS-NAC beads (1.16 times). The adsorption process was well fitted by the Freundlich model (R2 > 0.95), suggesting a multilayer adsorption. The kinetic study also substantiated that the pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.98) was in better agreement with the experimental data. Finally, it was proved that the prepared beads can be recycled (by washing with NaOH solution) at least 5 times before detectable performance loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Water and Wastewater Management)
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12 pages, 4081 KiB  
Article
Water-Erodible Xanthan-Acrylate-Polyurethane Antifouling Coating
by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Md. Hasan Zahir, Mohammad Abu Jafar Mazumder and A. Madhan Kumar
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101700 - 16 Oct 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3342
Abstract
Biopolymer xanthan (Xn) and its functionalized polymer xanthan acrylate (XnAc) were used to improve the antifouling properties of synthesized waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) coatings, namely, WBPU-Xn and WBPU-XnAc. XnAc was synthesized by functionalization of xanthan (Xn) using polyacrylic acid. Coating hydrophilicity, adhesive strength, and [...] Read more.
Biopolymer xanthan (Xn) and its functionalized polymer xanthan acrylate (XnAc) were used to improve the antifouling properties of synthesized waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) coatings, namely, WBPU-Xn and WBPU-XnAc. XnAc was synthesized by functionalization of xanthan (Xn) using polyacrylic acid. Coating hydrophilicity, adhesive strength, and erosion all varied with the Xn and XnAc contents. A moderate erosion rate was recorded only for the WBPU-XnAc coating. A good antifouling property for longer time was found in the WBPU-XnAc coating using zinc pyrithione as a biocide in the field test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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17 pages, 3020 KiB  
Article
Gellan Gum-Based Hydrogel for the Transdermal Delivery of Nebivolol: Optimization and Evaluation
by Anroop B. Nair, Jigar Shah, Bader M. Aljaeid, Bandar E. Al-Dhubiab and Shery Jacob
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101699 - 16 Oct 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4302
Abstract
Poor solubility and appreciable first-pass metabolism have limited the oral bioavailability of nebivolol. The objective of the current investigation was to design, formulate, and optimize a hydrogel-based transdermal system for nebivolol using factorial design and compare its pharmacokinetics with oral suspension. Hydrogel formulations [...] Read more.
Poor solubility and appreciable first-pass metabolism have limited the oral bioavailability of nebivolol. The objective of the current investigation was to design, formulate, and optimize a hydrogel-based transdermal system for nebivolol using factorial design and compare its pharmacokinetics with oral suspension. Hydrogel formulations (F1–F8) were prepared by varying the amounts of gellan gum, carbopol, and polyethylene glycol. A 23 full factorial design was used to assess the effect of independent variables such as gellan gum, carbopol, and polyethylene glycol 400 on dependent variables like viscosity, in vitro release, and ex vivo permeation after 2 h at two levels. Optimized gel (F7), containing nebivolol hydrochloride (75 mg), gellan gum (300 mg), carbopol (150 mg), polyethylene glycol 400 (20 µL), tween 80 (1 mL), ethanol (10 mL), and water (up to 30 mL) was selected and evaluated in albino rats. The physicochemical properties of F7 (pH: 7.1 ± 0.15, viscosity: 8943 ± 116 centipoise, drug content: 98.81% ± 2.16%) seem ideal for transdermal application. It was noticed that the concentration of carbopol has a more significant role than gellan gum in gel viscosity. A biphasic release pattern was exhibited by gels, and the release rate was mainly influenced by the concentration of gellan gum. Greater transdermal flux (30.86 ± 4.08 µg/cm2/h) was observed in F7 as compared with other prepared gels. Noticeable enhancement in AUC0-α value (986.52 ± 382.63 ng.h/mL; p < 0.01) of transdermal therapy (~2-fold higher compared with oral administration) established the potential of F7 to improve the rate and extent of nebivolol delivery. The overall results demonstrated here signify that F7 could be a feasible alternative to oral therapy of nebivolol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmaceutical Polymers)
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11 pages, 2202 KiB  
Article
In-Line Monitoring the Degradation of Polypropylene under Multiple Extrusions Based on Raman Spectroscopy
by Xuemei Guo, Zenan Lin, Yingjun Wang, Zhangping He, Mengmeng Wang and Gang Jin
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101698 - 16 Oct 2019
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4639
Abstract
Polymer degradation is a common problem in the extrusion process. In this work, Raman spectroscopy, a robust, rapid, and non-destructive tool for in-line monitoring, was utilized to in-line monitor the degradation of polypropylene (PP) under multiple extrusions. Raw spectra were pretreated by chemometrics [...] Read more.
Polymer degradation is a common problem in the extrusion process. In this work, Raman spectroscopy, a robust, rapid, and non-destructive tool for in-line monitoring, was utilized to in-line monitor the degradation of polypropylene (PP) under multiple extrusions. Raw spectra were pretreated by chemometrics methods to extract variations of spectra and eliminate noise. The variation of Raman intensity with the increasing number of extrusions was caused by the scission of PP chains and oxidative degradation, and the variation trend of Raman intensity indicated that long chains were more likely to be damaged by the extrusion. For the quantitative analysis of degradation, the partial least square was used to build a model to predict the degree of PP degradation measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For the calibration set, the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) were 0.9859 and 1.2676%, and for the prediction set, R2 and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were 0.9752 and 1.7228%, which demonstrated the accuracy of the proposed model. The in-line Raman spectroscopy combined with the chemometrics methods was proved to be an accurate and highly effective tool, which can monitor the degradation of polymer in real time. Full article
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