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Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2023) | Viewed by 20315

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Alberto Jiménez Suárez

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Guest Editor

Materials Science and Engineering Area, Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Calle Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933 Madrid, Spain
Interests: multifunctional composite materials; self-healing materials; 3D printed nanocomposites; structural health monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

New research in the field of polymers and polymer-based composites is frequently focused on the development of new functionalities that increase their value, improve their quality, and improve their efficiency in terms of energy required for production, manufacturing times, maintenance and replacement, use of recycled or natural raw materials, etc.

Thermal functionalities (electric heating, magnetic induced heating, heat dissipation, etc.);
Self-sensing/SHM of polymers and composites;
Self-healing capabilities;
Shape-memory capabilities;
Advanced manufacturing approaches (3D and 4D printing, photocured coatings, etc.);
Natural-based polymers and composites;
Recycling and reuse of polymers and composites;
New approaches and functionalities of adhesive technology;
Advanced polymer-based coatings;
Smart materials with adaptative response.

Prof. Dr. Alberto Jiménez Suárez
Guest Editor

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. Polymers 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 2700 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

self-healing
shape memory
SHM
nanocomposites
natural polymers
circular economy
recycling
4D printing
3D printing
smart materials

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Effect of Network Structure and Disulfide Concentration on Vitrimer Properties

by Itxaso Azcune, Edurne Elorza, Alaitz Ruiz de Luzuriaga, Arrate Huegun, Alaitz Rekondo and Hans-Jürgen Grande

Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4123; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204123 - 17 Oct 2023

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Abstract

A set of five vitrimers with glass transition temperatures in the range of 80–90 °C were designed to assess the effect of the network structure and disulfide concentration on their dynamic and mechanical properties, and to find the best performing system overall compared to the commercial Araldite LY1564/Aradur 3486 commercial thermoset system. Vitrimer networks were prepared by incorporating mono- and bifunctional epoxy reactive diluents and an amine chain extender into the Araldite LY1564/4-aminophenyldisulfide system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 4204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel and Accessible Physical Recycling for Expanded Polystyrene Waste with the Use of Acetone as a Solvent and Additive Manufacturing (Direct Ink-Write 3D Printing)

by Rubén García-Sobrino, Alejandro Cortés, Rocío Calderón-Villajos, Jorge G. Díaz and Marta Muñoz

Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3888; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193888 - 26 Sep 2023

Viewed by 2067

Abstract

The current high production of plastics has prompted the exploration of alternative pathways to facilitate recycling, aiming for a progressively sustainable society. This paper presents an alternative and affordable technology for treating waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) mixed with acetone in a 100:1 volume ratio to be used as 3D printing ink for Direct Ink Write technology. In order to optimize the printing parameters, a comprehensive study was conducted, evaluating different needle diameters, printing speeds, and bed temperature values to achieve homogenous pieces and a highly repeatable 3D printing process. Results showed that the main optimum printing parameters were using needles with diameters of 14 to 16 G and printing speeds ranging from 2 to 12 mm/s, which were found to yield the most uniform ribbons. Increasing the bed temperature, despite favoring acetone evaporation, led to the generation of more heterogeneous structures due to void growth inside the printed ribbons. Thus, employing room temperature for the bed proved to be the optimal value. Lastly, a comparative study between the starting material and the EPS after the printing process was conducted using FTIR-ATR and GPC analyses, ensuring the preservation of the original polymer’s integrity during physical recycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 11808 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Electrically and Thermally Triggered Three-Dimensional Graphene-Foam-Reinforced Shape Memory Epoxy Composites

by Adeyinka Idowu, Tony Thomas, Jenniffer Bustillos, Benjamin Boesl and Arvind Agarwal

Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2903; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15132903 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1152

Abstract

Shape memory polymer (SMP) epoxy composites have attracted significant attention due to their easy processing, lightweight nature, and ability to recover strain. However, their limited recovery rate and inferior mechanical properties have hindered their functional applications. This research explores the potential of three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam (GrF) as a highly efficient reinforcement for SMP epoxy composites. We demonstrated that the incorporation of a mere 0.13 wt.% GrF into mold-cast SMP epoxy leads to a 19% increase in the glass transition temperature (T_g). To elucidate the reinforcing mechanism, we fabricated and extensively analyzed composites with varying weight percentages of GrF. The GrF-based SMP epoxy composite exhibits a 57% increase in thermal conductivity, measuring 0.296 W mK⁻¹ at 70 °C, due to the interconnected 3D graphene network within the matrix. Notably, this composite also demonstrates remarkable electrical conductivity, making it suitable for dual-triggering applications. The GrF-SMP epoxy composite achieves a maximum shape recovery ratio and a significant 23% improvement in the recovery rate, effectively addressing the issue of slow recovery associated with SMPs. We investigated the effect of switching temperatures on the shape recovery rate. We identified the optimal triggering temperature to initiate shape recovery for epoxy SMP and GrF-epoxy SMP as thermal energy equivalent to T_g + 20 °C. Additionally, we fabricated a bird-shaped composite using GrF reinforcement, which showcases self-healing capabilities through the crack opening and closure and serves as a tangible demonstration of the transformative potential of the composite. These GrF-epoxy SMP composites, responsive to stimuli, hold immense promise for diverse applications, such as mechanical systems, wearable sensors, morphing wings, foldable robots, and antennas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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21 pages, 3133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradable Block Poly(ester amine)s with Pendant Hydroxyl Groups for Biomedical Applications

by Natalia Śmigiel-Gac, Anna Smola-Dmochowska, Henryk Janeczek and Piotr Dobrzyński

Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061473 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1559

Abstract

The article presents the results of the synthesis and characteristics of the amphiphilic block terpolymers, built of a hydrophilic polyesteramine block, and hydrophobic blocks made of lactidyl and glycolidyl units. These terpolymers were obtained during the copolymerization of L-lactide with glycolide carried out in the presence of previously produced macroinitiators with protected amine and hydroxyl groups. The terpolymers were prepared to produce a biodegradable and biocompatible material containing active hydroxyl and/or amino groups, with strong antibacterial properties and high surface wettability by water. The control of the reaction course, the process of deprotection of functional groups, and the properties of the obtained terpolymers were made based on ¹H NMR, FTIR, GPC, and DSC tests. Terpolymers differed in the content of amino and hydroxyl groups. The values of average molecular mass oscillated from about 5000 g/mol to less than 15,000 g/mol. Depending on the length of the hydrophilic block and its composition, the value of the contact angle ranged from 50° to 20°. The terpolymers containing amino groups, capable of forming strong intra- and intermolecular bonds, show a high degree of crystallinity. The endotherm responsible for the melting of L-lactidyl semicrystalline regions appeared in the range from about 90 °C to close to 170 °C, with a heat of fusion from about 15 J/mol to over 60 J/mol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 3325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Environmental Impacts of Disposable Nonwoven Fabrics during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study on the Francesc de Borja Hospital

by Alberto Quintana-Gallardo, Romina del Rey, Salvador González-Conca and Ignacio Guillén-Guillamón

Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051130 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3050

Abstract

Hospitals generate huge amounts of nonwoven residues daily. This paper focused on studying the evolution of nonwoven waste generated in the Francesc de Borja Hospital, Spain, over the last few years and its relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective was to identify the most impacting pieces of nonwoven equipment in the hospital and to analyze possible solutions. The carbon footprint of the nonwoven equipment was studied through a life-cycle assessment. The results showed an apparent increase in the carbon footprint in the hospital from 2020. Additionally, due to the higher annual volume, the simple nonwoven gown used primarily for patients had a higher carbon footprint over a year than the more sophisticated surgical gowns. It can be concluded that developing a local circular economy strategy for medical equipment could be the solution to avoid the enormous waste generation and the carbon footprint of nonwoven production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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21 pages, 4576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Self-Assembled Nanoparticle–Polymer Hybrids from Modified Silica Nanoparticles and Polystyrene-Block-Polyacrylic Acid Vesicles via the Co-Precipitation Method

by Jil Mann, Georg Garnweitner and Carsten Schilde

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020444 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

Nanoparticle–polymer hybrids are becoming increasingly important because seemingly contrasting properties, such as mechanical stability and high elasticity, can be combined into one material. In particular, hybrids made of self-assembled polymers are of growing interest since they exhibit high structural precision and diversity and the subsequent reorganization of the nanoparticles is possible. In this work, we show, for the first time, how hybrids of silica nanoparticles and self-assembled vesicles of polystyrene-block-polyacrylic acid can be prepared using the simple and inexpensive method of co-precipitation, highlighting in particular the challenges of using silica instead of other previously well-researched materials, such as gold. The aim was to investigate the influence of the type of modification and the particle size of the silica nanoparticles on the encapsulation and structure of the polymer vesicles. For this purpose, we first needed to adjust the surface properties of the nanoparticles, which we achieved with a two-step modification procedure using APTES and carboxylic acids of different chain lengths. We found that silica nanoparticles modified only with APTES could be successfully encapsulated, while those modified with APTES and decanoic acid resulted in vesicle agglomeration and poor encapsulation due to their strong hydrophobicity. In contrast, no negative effects were observed when different particle sizes (20 nm and 45 nm) were examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifunctional Nanoparticles as High-Efficient Targeted Hypericin System for Theranostic Melanoma

by Flávia Amanda Pedroso de Morais, Ana Carolina Vieira De Oliveira, Rodolfo Bento Balbinot, Danielle Lazarin-Bidóia, Tânia Ueda-Nakamura, Sueli de Oliveira Silva, Katieli da Silva Souza Campanholi, Ranulfo Combuca da Silva Junior, Renato Sonchini Gonçalves, Wilker Caetano and Celso Vataru Nakamura

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010179 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1580

Abstract

Biotin, spermine, and folic acid were covalently linked to the F127 copolymer to obtain a new drug delivery system designed for HY-loaded PDT treatment against B₁₆F₁₀ cells. Chemical structures and binders quantification were performed by spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques (¹NMR, HABA/Avidin reagent, fluorescamine assay). Critical micelle concentration, critical micelle temperature, size, polydispersity, and zeta potential indicate the hydrophobicity of the binders can influence the physicochemical parameters. Spermine-modified micelles showed fewer changes in their physical and chemical parameters than the F127 micelles without modification. Furthermore, zeta potential measurements suggest an increase in the physical stability of these carrier systems. The phototherapeutic potential was demonstrated using hypericin-loaded formulation against B₁₆F₁₀ cells, which shows that the combination of the binders on F127 copolymer micelles enhances the photosensitizer uptake and potentializes the photodynamic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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12 pages, 2799 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Alternating Multi-Layered Design on Damping Characteristics of Butyl Rubber Composites and a New Idea for Achieving Wide Temperature Range and High Damping Performance

by Chao Qin, Qiang Feng, Jie Zhang, Jiang Li and Shaoyun Guo

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5484; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245484 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of an alternating multi-layered design on the material loss factor and effective temperature range of free/constrained-damping butyl rubber, and then proposes a new method of designing materials with high damping properties and a wide temperature range. First, the wide-temperature rubber IIR-0, the low-temperature rubber IIR-1, the medium-temperature rubber IIR-2, and the high-temperature rubber IIR-3 are prepared and characterized. Second, the influences of an alternating multi-layered design on the damping peak values and temperature range of free damping and micro-constrained damping of the rubber types are investigated. Finally, different methods for broadening the damping temperature range and improving the damping loss factor are discussed. The results show that the loss factor of the alternating multi-layered, constrained damping structure is increased to 0.488, while that of the free-damping structure is increased to 0.845. Their damping-temperature ranges are increased to 89.4 °C and 93.2 °C, respectively. A wide temperature range and high damping performance can be achieved by the alternating multi-layered design of rubber/plastic micro-constrained damping composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 2662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Ionic Conductivity of PEGDMA-Based Polymer Electrolytes by Reducing the Interfacial Resistance for LIBs

by Lei Jin, Giseok Jang, Hyunmin Lim, Wei Zhang, Sungjun Park, Minhyuk Jeon, Hohyoun Jang and Whangi Kim

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3443; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173443 - 23 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2307

Abstract

Polymer electrolytes (PEs) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have gained increasing interest in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and are expected to solve the safety issue of commercial liquid electrolytes due to their excellent thermal and mechanical stability, suppression of lithium dendrites and shortened battery assembly process. However, challenges, such as high interfacial resistance between electrolyte and electrodes and poor ionic conductivity (σ) at room temperature (RT), still limit the use of PEO-based PEs. In this work, an in situ PEO-based polymer electrolyte consisting of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) 1000, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and DMF is cured on a LiFePO₄ (LFP) cathode to address the above-mentioned issues. As a result, optimized PE shows a promising σ and lithium-ion transference number (t_Li⁺) of 6.13 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ and 0.63 at RT and excellent thermal stability up to 136 °C. Moreover, the LiFePO₄//Li cell assembled by in situ PE exhibits superior discharge capacity (141 mAh g⁻¹) at 0.1 C, favorable Coulombic efficiency (97.6%) after 100 cycles and promising rate performance. This work contributes to modifying PEO-based PE to force the interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrode and to improve LIBs’ performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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Review

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16 pages, 3593 KiB

Open AccessReview

Characterization, Properties and Mixing Mechanism of Rubber Asphalt Colloid for Sustainable Infrastructure

by Lu Zhang, Chuanping Zhang, Zhen Zhang, Hanbing Wang and Shifeng Wang

Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4429; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204429 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2309

Abstract

Rubber asphalt has always been considered to have the most potential for the disposal of waste tires as sustainable infrastructure. However, the covalently cross-linked tire rubber presents an extreme challenge in reusing waste rubbers in roads. Rubberized asphalt with finely dispersed or colloidal structure has been regarded as a potential binder used as road material because of the improved properties in terms of storage stability, easy processing and high content of incorporation. However, the mixing mechanism between the finely dispersed rubber on micro-nano scale with asphalt is still not clear, which restricts its further development as value-added material. Devulcanized rubber (DR) was introduced to improve the compatibility between asphalt and rubber. The basic chemicals of DR and asphalt were introduced based on their structures. Furthermore, the interactions between DR and asphalt were discussed according to the functional elements at different levels, and the concept of DR as “the fifth component” of asphalt was put forward. Finally, high performance, environmental and economic effects and applications of devulcanized-rubber-modified asphalt (DRMA) were discussed. The review is expected to provide a guide for the wide application of DRMA, which is still restricted by poor compatibility and bad stability during processing, storage and recycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers and Composites: New Functionalities and Sustainability)

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