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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Analysis and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2025) | Viewed by 16256

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Dr. Daniel A. Gonçalves

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Institute of Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Amazonas—UFAM, Manaus 69080-900, AM, Brazil
Interests: analytical chemistry; spectrometry; chromatography; electroanalysis; calibration methods in analytical chemistry; multifunctional materials for determination of elements in low concentrations with application of atomic and electrochemical spectrometry

Prof. Dr. Cícero Cena

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SISFOTON-UFMS—Laboratório de Óptica e Fotônica, UFMS—Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
Interests: LIBS; spectroscopy; machine learning; photodiagnosis

Prof. Dr. Xavier Colom

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Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Barcelona Tech, 08222 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
Interests: rubber waste; ground tire rubber; biogenic composites; FTIR analysis; TGA analysis; microwave devulcanization
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer materials have a wide range of applications in analytical chemistry, mainly for the investigation of possible contaminants present in low concentrations in food, environmental, biological, and pharmaceutical samples, as well as contributions to forensic science. Here, we will present original contributions with a focus on microfluidic devices, molecularly imprinted polymers, and 3D-printed devices, as well as analytical methods for highly sensitive detection of emerging contaminants, elemental impurities, conjugate polymers, or microplastics analysis.

Dr. Daniel A. Gonçalves
Prof. Dr. Cícero Cena
Prof. Dr. Xavier Colom
Guest Editors

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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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

multivariate analysis
biomedical analysis
lab-one-a-chip
analytical techniques
chromatographic methods
mass spectrometry
spectroscopic methods
thermal analysis
microscopy methods
X-ray diffraction
electrical and mechanical properties

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 3949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Coupled Thermochemical Model for Predicting Fire-Induced Thermal Responses and Decomposition Behavior

by Bin Wu, Wenguo Weng, Tai Zeng, Zuxi Xia, Zhengliang Su and Fei Xie

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070939 - 30 Mar 2025

Viewed by 268

Abstract

Composite materials are increasingly used in aerospace applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, but their fire safety remains a critical concern. This study develops a coupled thermochemical model to predict the thermal response and decomposition behavior of composite materials under high-temperature fire conditions. The framework integrates heat transfer, resin pyrolysis kinetics, and gas generation dynamics, employing the Rule of Mixtures to dynamically update temperature-dependent thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and density). Decomposition kinetics are governed by an n-th-order Arrhenius equation, explicitly resolving the gas convection effects on energy transport. The governing equations are solved numerically using a hybrid explicit/implicit finite element scheme, ensuring stability under severe thermal gradients. Experimental validation compliant with the 14 CFR Part 25 and ISO 2685 standards demonstrates high predictive accuracy. The model successfully captures key phenomena, including the char layer insulation effects, transient heat flux attenuation, and decomposition-induced property transition. This work establishes a computational foundation for optimizing fire-resistant composites in aerospace applications, addressing critical gaps in the existing models through coupled multiphysics representation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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19 pages, 2520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Partial Permittivity of Rigid Polyurethane Foams by a Circular One-Side-Access Capacitive Sensor

by Ilze Beverte

Polymers 2025, 17(5), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050602 - 24 Feb 2025

Viewed by 442

Abstract

The determination of the surface charge density distribution and the transcapacitance of capacitive one-side-access circular sensors with three electrodes on the active surface remains problematic both theoretically and experimentally. To provide an input, a novel experimental study was carried out on the partial permittivity of rigid PU foams by means of a capacitive circular OSA sensor with three electrodes on the active surface. An original and effective method was elaborated in order to determine the model functions of the obtained experimental data of the partial permittivity. A numerical estimation for the rate of change in the partial permittivity was made and the highest rate of change was determined. It was identified that the highest rate of change takes place at the inter-electrode zone and depends on the density and the true permittivity in a nonlinear mode, approximated with second-order polynomials. The overall character of the rate of change in the partial permittivity in the dependence of the radius of the covered area was found to be comparable to that of the surface charge density distribution curve, estimated theoretically for a circular two-electrode OSA sensor. The experimental results on the partial permittivity can be useful in the performance evaluation and design of the optimal proportions of capacitive circular OSA sensors, as well as in the verification of the corresponding mathematical models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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13 pages, 1527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Sensitivity and Resolution of Dendrimer Identification in MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Using Varied Matrix Combinations

by Claudia Sanhueza, Nathalia Baptista Dias, Daniela Vergara, Lisette Silva, Emigdio Chávez-Ángel and Alejandro Castro-Alvarez

Polymers 2025, 17(2), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020219 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 900

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a well-known technique for polymer analysis, particularly for determining the molecular weight and structural details of dendrimers. In this study, we evaluated the performance of various matrices, such as 2′,4′,6′-trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP), α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA), and sinapinic acid (SA), and their combinations, on the sensitivity and resolution of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers of different generations (G3.0, G4.0, and G5.0). Our results demonstrated that the combination of HCCA-THAP significantly enhanced spectral resolution and peak intensity compared to individual matrices, particularly for higher-generation dendrimers. This improvement is attributed to the better ionization efficiency achieved with the combined matrices. These findings provide critical insights into optimizing MALDI-TOF MS for the accurate characterization of complex polymers, with potential applications in drug delivery and nanotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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13 pages, 6013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of 3D-Printed PLA/Exfoliated Graphite Composites for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in Energy Storage Applications

by Ananias Lima dos Santos, Francisco Cezar Ramos de Souza, João Carlos Martins da Costa, Daniel Araújo Gonçalves, Raimundo Ribeiro Passos and Leandro Aparecido Pocrifka

Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3131; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223131 - 9 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1580

Abstract

This research introduces a new way to create a composite material (PLA/EG) for 3D printing. It combines polylactic acid (PLA) with exfoliated graphite (EG) using a physical mixing method, followed by direct mixing in a single-screw extruder. Structural and vibrational analyses using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the PLA/EG’s formation (composite). The analysis also suggests physical adsorption as the primary interaction between the two materials. The exfoliated graphite acts as a barrier (thermal behavior), reducing heat transfer via TG. Electrochemical measurements reveal redox activity (cyclic voltammetry) with a specific capacitance of ~ 6 F g⁻¹, low solution resistance, and negligible charge transfer resistance, indicating ion movement through a Warburg diffusion process. Additionally, in terms of complex behavior (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), the PLA/EG’s actual capacitance C’(ω) displayed a value greater than 1000 μF cm⁻², highlighting the composite’s effectiveness in storing charge. These results demonstrate that PLA/EG composites hold significant promise as electrodes in electronic devices. The methodology used in this study not only provides a practical way to create functional composites but also opens doors for new applications in electronics and energy storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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15 pages, 7135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Structural Changes in Silk Due to Tin Weighting

by Ibrahim Elrefaey, Hend Mahgoub, Chiara Vettorazzo, Marjan Marinšek, Anton Meden, Andrej Jamnik, Matija Tomšič and Matija Strlič

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2481; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172481 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1645

Abstract

In the 19th century, the weighting of silk with metal salts, such as tin, was a common practice to enhance certain properties of silk fabrics and compensate for the weight loss incurred during the degumming process. This technique induces both physical and chemical modifications to the fibres, contributing to their long-term degradation, which requires thorough investigation. This study aims to examine the structural changes in silk fibres caused by the accumulation of metal salts from the tin-weighting process, using mock-up samples prepared through successive loading with weighting agents using a traditional tin-phosphate treatment method. Unweighted and tin-weighted silk samples were compared using scanning electron (SEM) micrographs, which presented the dispersed nanoparticles on the fibres, while through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping, the presence and uniform distribution of the weighting agents were confirmed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed structural changes in tin-weighted silk samples compared to untreated ones, including shifts in amide bands, altered water/hydroxyl and skeletal stretching regions, and increased skeletal band intensities suggesting modifications in hydrogen bonding, β-sheet content, and structural disorder without significantly impacting the overall crystallinity index. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of both pristine and tin-weighted silk samples revealed significant alterations, predominantly in the amorphous regions of the silk upon weighting. These structural changes were further examined using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS), which provided detailed insights into modifications occurring at the nanometre scale. The analyses suggested disruptions in β-sheet crystals and intermolecular packing, especially in the amorphous regions, with increasing amounts of tin-weighting. Contact angle analysis (CA) revealed that the tin-phosphate-weighting process significantly impacted silk surface properties, transforming it from moderately hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic. These changes indicate that the incorporation of tin-phosphate nanoparticles on and within silk fibres could restrict the flexibility of polymer chains, impacting the physical properties and potentially the degradation behaviour of silk textiles. By studying these structural changes, we aim to deepen our understanding of how tin-weighting impacts silk fibre structure, contributing valuable insights into the longevity, conservation, and preservation strategies of silk textiles in the context of cultural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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12 pages, 3852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of a Highly Flame-Retardant Urea–Formaldehyde Resin and Flame Retardance Mechanism

by An Wei, Meifeng Ou, Shunxiang Wang, Yongjin Zou, Cuili Xiang, Fen Xu and Lixian Sun

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1761; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131761 - 21 Jun 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2243

Abstract

Urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin is the most widely used adhesive resin. However, it is necessary to improve its flame-retardant performance to expand its applications. In this study, exploiting electrostatic interactions, anionic phytic acid and cationic chitosan were combined to form a bio-based intumescent flame-retardant, denoted phytic acid–chitosan polyelectrolyte (PCS). The molecular structure of the urea–formaldehyde resin was optimized by crosslinking with melamine and plasticizing with polyvinyl alcohol-124. Thus, by combining PCS with the urea–formaldehyde resin and with ammonium polyphosphate and ammonium chloride as composite curing agents, flame-retardant urea–formaldehyde resins (FRUFs) were prepared. Compared to traditional UF resin, FRUF showed excellent flame retardancy and not only reached the UL-94 V-0 level, but the limit of oxygen index was also as high as 36%. Compared to those of UF, the total heat release and peak heat release rate of FRUF decreased by 86.44% and 81.13%, respectively. The high flame retardancy of FRUF originates from the combination of oxygen and heat isolation by the dense carbon layer, quenching of phosphorus free radicals, and dilution of oxygen by a non-flammable gas. In addition, the mechanical properties of the FRUF remained good, even after modification. The findings of this study provide a reference for the flame-retardant application of FRUF for applications in multiple fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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13 pages, 2109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elucidation of Dithiol-yne Comb Polymer Architectures by Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Ion Mobility Techniques

by Kayla Williams-Pavlantos, Abdol Hadi Mokarizadeh, Brennan J. Curole, Scott M. Grayson, Mesfin Tsige and Chrys Wesdemiotis

Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1665; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121665 - 12 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1446

Abstract

Polymers have a wide range of applications depending on their composition, size, and architecture. Varying any of these three characteristics can greatly impact the resulting chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. While many techniques are available to determine polymer composition and size, determining the exact polymer architecture is more challenging. Herein, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) methods are utilized to derive crucial architectural information about dithiol-yne comb polymers. Based on their unique fragmentation products and IM drift times, dithiol-yne oligomers with distinct architectures were successfully differentiated and characterized. Additionally, experimental collision cross-sections (Ω) derived via IM-MS were compared to theoretically extracted Ω values from molecular dynamics simulated structures to deduce the architectural motif of these comb oligomers. Overall, this work demonstrates the benefits of combining various mass spectrometry techniques in order to gain a complete understanding of a complex polymer mixture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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16 pages, 6243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Understanding of Ionic Channel Network Variation in Nafion with Hydration Using Current Sensing Atomic Force Microscopy

by Osung Kwon, Jihoon Lee, Hyungju Son and Jaehyoung Park

Polymers 2024, 16(5), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050604 - 22 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1555

Abstract

Proton exchange membranes are an essential component of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Their performance is directly related to the development of ionic channel networks through hydration. Current sensing atomic force microscopy (CSAFM) can map the local conductance and morphology of a sample surface with sub-nano resolution simultaneously by applying a bias voltage between the conducting tip and sample holder. In this study, the ionic channel network variation of Nafion by hydration has been quantitatively characterized based on the basic principles of electrodynamics and CSAFM. A nano-sized PEMFC has been created using a Pt-coated tip of CSAFM and one side Pt-coated Nafion, and studied under different relative humidity (RH) conditions. The results have been systematically analyzed. First, the morphology of PEMFC under each RH has been studied using line profile and surface roughness. Second, the CSAFM image has been analyzed statistically through the peak value and full-width half-maximum of the histograms. Third, the number of protons moving through the ionic channel network (NPMI) has been derived and used to understand ionic channel network variation by hydration. This study develops a quantitative method to comprehend variations in the ionic channel network by calculating the movement of protons into the ionic channel network based on CSAFM images. To verify the method, a comparison is made between the NPMI and the changes in proton conductivity under different RH conditions and it reveals a good agreement. This developed method can offer a quantitative approach for characterizing the morphological structure of PEM. Also, it can provide a quantitative tool for interpretating CSAFM images. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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18 pages, 1930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Ethylene Elastomer (EE) Blends

by Giordano P. Bernardes, Matheus P. Andrade, Matheus Poletto, Nathália R. Luiz, Ruth M. C. Santana and Maria M. de C. Forte

Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4324; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214324 - 4 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

The influences of ethylene-based elastomer (EE) and the compatibilizer agent ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EBAGMA) on the thermal degradation of PLA/EE blends were evaluated by the thermal degradation kinetics and thermodynamic parameters using thermogravimetry. The presence of EE and EBAGMA synergistically improved the PLA thermal stability. The temperature of 10% of mass loss (T_10%) of PLA was around 365 °C, while in the compatibilized PLA/EE blend, this property increased to 370 °C. The PLA average activation energy (

\bar{E_{a}}

) reduced in the PLA/EE blend (from 96 kJ/mol to 78 kJ/mol), while the presence of EBAGMA in the PLA/EE blend increased the

\bar{E_{a}}

due to a better blend compatibilization. The solid-state thermal degradation of the PLA and PLA/EE blends was classified as a D-type degradation mechanism. In general, the addition of EE increased the thermodynamic parameters when compared to PLA and the compatibilized blend due to the increase in the collision rate between the components over the thermal decomposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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12 pages, 4760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Detergency Determination for Single Polymeric Fibers Using Confocal Microscopy

by Qian Hu, Jindan Wu, Zhiqiang Qin, Xuanxiang Wei, Chenchen Jiang, Minghua Wu, Deyou Yu and Jiping Wang

Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3314; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153314 - 5 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1621

Abstract

Detergency determination for single polymeric fibers is of significant importance to screening effective detergents for laundry, but remains challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a novel and effective method to quantify the detergency for single polymeric fibers using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). It was applied to visualize the oil-removing process of single polymeric fibers and thus assess the detergency of various detergents. Four typical surfactants were selected for comparison, and a compounded detergent containing multiple components (e.g., anionic and nonionic surfactants, enzymes) was demonstrated to be the most effective and powerful soil-removing detergent because more than 50% of oil on the cotton fiber could be easily removed. Moreover, the oil removal process of three kinds of fibers (i.e., cotton, viscose, and polyester) was imaged and monitored by confocal microscopy. It was found that the percentage of the detergency of a single polyester fiber exceeded 70%, which is much higher than that of cotton and viscose fibers (~50%), which may be due to its relatively smooth surface. Compared to traditional methods, the CLSM imaging method is more feasible and effective to determine the detergency of detergents for single polymeric fibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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16 pages, 8014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PVDF/Clay Spheres Obtained through Phase Inversion for Cu Ion Removal

by Gabriel C. Dias, Mayk F. Cardoso, Alex O. Sanches, Mirian C. Santos and Luiz F. Malmonge

Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122643 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

In this study, spheres of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/clay were synthesized using an easy dripping method (also known as phase inversion). The spheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. Finally, application tests were carried out using commercial cachaça, a popular alcoholic beverage in Brazil. The SEM images revealed that during the solvent exchange process for sphere formation, PVDF tends to form a three-layered structure with a low-porosity intermediate layer. However, the inclusion of clay was observed to reduce this layer and also widen the pores in the surface layer. The results of the batch adsorption tests showed that the composite with 30% clay content in relation to the mass of PVDF was the most effective among those tested, with the removal of 32.4% and 46.8% of the total copper present in the aqueous and ethanolic media, respectively. The adsorption of copper from cachaça in columns containing cut spheres resulted in adsorption indexes above 50% for samples with different copper concentrations. Such removal indices fit the samples within the current Brazilian legislation. Adsorption isotherm tests indicate that the data fit better to the BET model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Methods for Applied Polymeric Science)

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