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Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization
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Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2024) | Viewed by 8614

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Liangzhi Hong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
Interests: functional polymer; surface grafting and modification; functional coating
Dr. Jinbao Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Soft Condensed Matter, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: synthesis of biodegradable polymers; all-solid-state lithium polymer batteries

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer modification greatly improves the performance of polymer materials, or endows them with new functions, thus further broadening the application field of polymers and greatly improving their industrial application value.

The surface properties of polymer materials are closely related to the overall properties of materials. In multiphase systems, the interface properties have an important influence on the overall material properties. It is of great theoretical and practical value to study the surface and interface properties of polymers. This Special Issue mainly introduces the characterization and modification of polymer surfaces and interfaces, including the interface and compatibilization of polymer blending systems, the surface and interface of functional polymer materials, the friction and wear of polymer surfaces, the interface of polymer matrix composites, bonding and adhesives, and other aspects of the basic principles. The aim of this Special Issue is to present the latest experimental and theoretical developments in the field, through a combination of original research papers and review articles from leading research groups around the world.

Prof. Dr. Liangzhi Hong
Dr. Jinbao Xu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymer surfaces
  • surface characterization
  • surface modification (chemical methods and physical methods)
  • surface functionalization
  • surface functionalization
  • interface of polymer blending systems
  • polymer-based composite materials

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 5832 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of Al2O3-Siloxane Composite Thermal Pads for Thermal Interface Materials
by Seul-Ki Kim, Yeong-Jin Koo, Hyun Sik Kim, Jong-Keun Lee, Kyounghoon Jeong, Younki Lee and Eun Young Jung
Materials 2024, 17(4), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17040914 - 16 Feb 2024
Viewed by 507
Abstract
In this study, Al2O3–siloxane composite thermal pads were fabricated using a tape–casting technique, and the thermal conductivity effect of the Al2O3 nanoparticle powder synthesized using a flame fusion process on siloxane composite thermal pads was investigated. [...] Read more.
In this study, Al2O3–siloxane composite thermal pads were fabricated using a tape–casting technique, and the thermal conductivity effect of the Al2O3 nanoparticle powder synthesized using a flame fusion process on siloxane composite thermal pads was investigated. Furthermore, various case studies were implemented, wherein the synthesized Al2O3 nanoparticle powder was subjected to different surface treatments, including dehydration, decarbonization, and silylation, to obtain Al2O3–siloxane composite thermal pads with high thermal conductivity. The experimental results confirmed that the thermal conductivity of the Al2O3–siloxane composite pads improved when fabricated using surface–treated Al2O3 nanoparticle powder synthesized with an optimally spheroidized crystal structure compared to that produced using non–treated Al2O3 nanoparticle powder. Therefore, this study provides guidelines for fabricating Al2O3–siloxane composite thermal pads with high thermal conductivity in the field of thermal interface materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization)
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14 pages, 2875 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Amphiphilic Block Copolymer and Its Application in Pigment-Based Ink
by Jingjing Yuan and Jinbao Xu
Materials 2024, 17(2), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020330 - 09 Jan 2024
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Amphiphilic block copolymers-based aqueous color inks show great potential in the field of visual communication design. However, the conventional step-by-step chemistry employed to synthesize the amphiphilic block copolymers is intricate, with low yield and high economic and environmental costs. In this work, we [...] Read more.
Amphiphilic block copolymers-based aqueous color inks show great potential in the field of visual communication design. However, the conventional step-by-step chemistry employed to synthesize the amphiphilic block copolymers is intricate, with low yield and high economic and environmental costs. In this work, we present a novel method for preparing an amphiphilic AB di-block copolymer of PCL-b-PAA by employing a combined polymerization strategy that involves both cationic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the ε-caprolactone monomer and the reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization on the acrylic acid monomer simultaneously. The corresponding polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) serve as the hydrophobic and hydrophilic units, respectively. The effectiveness of the amphiphilic AB di-block copolymer as the polymeric pigment dispersant for water-based color inks is evaluated. The amphiphilic AB di-block copolymer of PCL-b-PAA exhibits a molecular weight of 1400 g mol−1, which is consistent with the theoretical value and suitable for polymeric dispersant application. The high surface excess (Γmax) of the PCL-b-PAA in water indicates a densely packed molecular morphology at the water/air interface. Additionally, micelles can be stably formed in the aqueous PCL-b-PAA solution at very low concentrations by demonstrating a low CMC value of 10−4 wt% and a micelle dimension of approximately 30 nm. The model ink dispersion is prepared using organic dyes (Disperse Yellow 232) and the amphiphilic block copolymer of PCL-b-PAA. The dispersion demonstrates near-Newtonian behavior, which is highly favorable for the application as inkjet ink. Furthermore, the ink dispersion displays a low viscosity, making it particularly suitable for visual communication design and printing purposes. Moreover, the ink dispersion demonstrates an unimodal distribution of the particle size, with an average diameter of approximately 500 nm. It retains exceptional stability of dispersion and even conducts a thermal aging treatment at 60 °C for 5 days. This work presents a facile and efficient synthetic strategy and molecular design of AB di-block copolymer-based dispersants for dye dispersions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization)
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12 pages, 3598 KiB  
Article
Methyl-Trimethoxy-Siloxane-Modified Mg-Al-Layered Hydroxide Filler for Thermal-Insulation Coatings
by Yanhua Zhao, Guanhua Shen, Yongli Wang, Xiangying Hao and Huining Li
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124464 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 811
Abstract
The development of high-performance insulation materials that facilitate the reduction in building energy consumption is of paramount significance. In this study, magnesium–aluminum-layered hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by the classical hydrothermal reaction. By implementing methyl trimethoxy siloxane (MTS), two different MTS-functionalized LDHs were prepared [...] Read more.
The development of high-performance insulation materials that facilitate the reduction in building energy consumption is of paramount significance. In this study, magnesium–aluminum-layered hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by the classical hydrothermal reaction. By implementing methyl trimethoxy siloxane (MTS), two different MTS-functionalized LDHs were prepared via a one-step in situ hydrothermal synthesis method and a two-step method. Furthermore, using techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, we evaluated and analyzed the composition, structure, and morphology of the various LDH samples. These LDHs were then employed as inorganic fillers in waterborne coatings, and their thermal-insulation capabilities were tested and compared. It was found that MTS-modified LDH via a one-step in situ hydrothermal synthesis method (M-LDH-2) exhibited the best thermal insulating properties by displaying a thermal-insulation-temperature difference (ΔT) of 25 °C compared with the blank panel. In contrast, the panels coated with unmodified LDH and the MTS-modified LDH via the two-step method exhibited thermal-insulation-temperature difference values of 13.5 °C and 9.5 °C, respectively. Our investigation involved a comprehensive characterization of LDH materials and coating films, unveiling the underlying mechanism of thermal insulation and establishing the correlation between LDH structure and the corresponding insulation performance of the coating. Our findings reveal that the particle size and distribution of LDHs are critical factors in dictating their thermal-insulation capabilities in the coatings. Specifically, we observed that the MTS-modified LDH, prepared via a one-step in situ hydrothermal approach, possessed a larger particle size and wider particle size distribution, resulting in superior thermal-insulation effectiveness. In contrast, the MTS-modified LDH via the two-step method exhibited a smaller particle size and narrow particle size distribution, causing a moderate thermal-insulation effect. This study has significant implications for opening up the potential for LDH-based thermal-insulation coatings. We believe the findings can promote the development of new products and help upgrade industries, while contributing to local economic growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization)
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13 pages, 2746 KiB  
Article
An In Situ Prepared Comb-like Polycaprolactone-Based Gel Electrolyte for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries
by Yange Fan, Huifeng Wang, Shipeng Chen, Yimin Hou and Shujiang Wang
Materials 2023, 16(5), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052117 - 06 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1522
Abstract
Herein, we present the synthesis and electrochemical performance of a comb-like polycaprolactone-based gel electrolyte from acrylate terminated polycaprolactone oligomers and liquid electrolyte for high-voltage lithium metal batteries. The ionic conductivity of this gel electrolyte at room temperature was measured to be 8.8 × [...] Read more.
Herein, we present the synthesis and electrochemical performance of a comb-like polycaprolactone-based gel electrolyte from acrylate terminated polycaprolactone oligomers and liquid electrolyte for high-voltage lithium metal batteries. The ionic conductivity of this gel electrolyte at room temperature was measured to be 8.8 × 10−3 S cm−1, which is an exceptionally high value that is more than sufficient for the stable cycling of solid-state lithium metal batteries. The Li+ transference number was detected to be 0.45, facilitating the prohibition of concentration gradients and polarization, thereby prohibiting lithium dendrite formation. In addition, the gel electrolyte exhibits high oxidation voltage up to 5.0 V vs. Li+/Li and perfect compatibility against metallic lithium electrodes. The superior electrochemical properties provide the LiFePO4-based solid-state lithium metal batteries with excellent cycling stability, displaying a high initial discharge capacity of 141 mAh g−1 and an extraordinary capacity retention exceeding 74% of its initial specific capacity after being cycled for 280 cycles at 0.5C at room temperature. This paper presents a simple and effective in situ preparation process yielding an excellent gel electrolyte for high-performance lithium metal battery applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization)
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16 pages, 5361 KiB  
Article
Molecularly Imprinted Membrane Produced by Electrospinning for β-Caryophyllene Extraction
by João de Deus Pereira de Moraes Segundo, Maria Oneide Silva de Moraes, Walter Ricardo Brito, Robert S. Matos, Marco Salerno, Yonny Romaguera Barcelay, Karen Segala, Henrique Duarte da Fonseca Filho and Marcos Akira d’Ávila
Materials 2022, 15(20), 7275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207275 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1521
Abstract
Molecularly imprinted membrane of β-caryophyllene (MIM–βCP) was fabricated incorporating β-caryophyllene molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (βCP–NP) into polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers via electrospinning. The βCP–NP were synthesized by precipitation polymerization using the βCP as a template molecule and acrylic acid as a functional monomer in [...] Read more.
Molecularly imprinted membrane of β-caryophyllene (MIM–βCP) was fabricated incorporating β-caryophyllene molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (βCP–NP) into polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers via electrospinning. The βCP–NP were synthesized by precipitation polymerization using the βCP as a template molecule and acrylic acid as a functional monomer in the proportion of 1:4 mol, respectively. Atomic force microscopy images and X-ray diffraction confirmed the nanoparticles’ incorporation into MIM–βCP. MIM–βCP functionalization was evaluated by gas chromatography. The binding capacity was 1.80 ± 0.05 μmol/cm2, and the selectivity test was performed with a mixing solution of βCP and caryophyllene oxide, as an analog compound, that extracted 77% of the βCP in 5 min. The electrospun MIM–βCP can be used to detect and extract the βCP, applications in the molecular sieve, and biosensor production and may also contribute as an initial methodology to enhance versatile applications in the future, such as in the treatment of skin diseases, filters for extraction, and detection of βCP to prevent counterfeiting of commercial products, and smart clothing with insect-repellent properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization)
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10 pages, 2610 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Investigation of PE-SiO2@PZS Composite Separator for Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Liguo Xu, Yanwu Chen, Peijiang Liu and Jianghua Zhan
Materials 2022, 15(14), 4875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15144875 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1347
Abstract
Commercial polyolefin separators exhibit problems including shrinkage under high temperatures and poor electrolyte wettability and uptake, resulting in low ionic conductivity and safety problems. In this work, core–shell silica-polyphosphazene nanoparticles (SiO2@PZS) with different PZS layer thicknesses were synthesized and coated onto [...] Read more.
Commercial polyolefin separators exhibit problems including shrinkage under high temperatures and poor electrolyte wettability and uptake, resulting in low ionic conductivity and safety problems. In this work, core–shell silica-polyphosphazene nanoparticles (SiO2@PZS) with different PZS layer thicknesses were synthesized and coated onto both sides of polyethylene (PE) microporous membranes to prepare composite membranes. Compared to pure silica-coated membranes and PE membranes, the PE-SiO2@PZS composite membrane had higher ionic conductivity. With the increase in the SiO2@PZS shell thickness, the electrolyte uptake, ionic conductivity and discharge capacity gradually increased. The discharge capacity of the PE-SiO2@PZS composite membrane at 8 C rate was 129 mAh/g, which was higher than the values of 107 mAh/g for the PE-SiO2 composite membrane and 104 mAh/g for the PE membrane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization)
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16 pages, 5023 KiB  
Article
Directional Migration and Distribution of Magnetic Microparticles in Polypropylene-Matrix Magnetic Composites Molded by an Injection Molding Assisted by External Magnetic Field
by Hang Gu, Guofeng Qin, Anfu Chen, Mingke Li, Dejie Huang, Zhangyuan Peng, Jingjing Zhang and Caihong Lei
Materials 2022, 15(13), 4632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15134632 - 01 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1479
Abstract
Surface-functionalized polymer composites with spherical particles as fillers offer great qualities and have been widely employed in applications of sensors, pharmaceutical industries, anti-icing, and flexible electromagnetic interference shielding. The directional migration and dispersion theory of magnetic microparticles in polypropylene (PP)-matrix magnetic composites must [...] Read more.
Surface-functionalized polymer composites with spherical particles as fillers offer great qualities and have been widely employed in applications of sensors, pharmaceutical industries, anti-icing, and flexible electromagnetic interference shielding. The directional migration and dispersion theory of magnetic microparticles in polypropylene (PP)-matrix magnetic composites must be studied to better acquire the functional surface with remarkable features. In this work, a novel simulation model based on multi-physical field coupling was suggested to analyze the directed migration and distribution of magnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) particles in injection molding assisted by an external magnetic field using COMSOL Multiphysics® software. To accurately introduce rheological phenomena of polymer melt into the simulation model, the Carreau model was used. Particle size, magnetic field intensity, melt viscosity, and other parameters impacting particle directional motion were discussed in depth. The directional distribution of particles in the simulation model was properly assessed and confirmed by experiment results. This model provides theoretical support for the control, optimization, and investigation of the injection-molding process control of surface-functionalized polymer composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Surface Modification and Characterization)
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