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22 pages, 6784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Hybrid Bio-Fillers and Modified Natural Rubber on Natural Rubber Composite Properties

by Supharat Inphonlek, Namthip Bureewong, Supawat Kotchapradit, Yupaporn Ruksakulpiwat and Chaiwat Ruksakulpiwat

Polymers 2025, 17(5), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050632 - 26 Feb 2025

Viewed by 934

Abstract

This work aims to investigate the synergistic effects of hybrid bio-fillers and compatibilizers on the properties of natural rubber composites. Rice husk silica (RSi) and hydroxyapatite (HA), derived from rice husk ash and seabass fish scales, respectively, were successfully prepared and used as [...] Read more.

This work aims to investigate the synergistic effects of hybrid bio-fillers and compatibilizers on the properties of natural rubber composites. Rice husk silica (RSi) and hydroxyapatite (HA), derived from rice husk ash and seabass fish scales, respectively, were successfully prepared and used as bio-fillers. Poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide)-grafted deproteinized natural rubber (gDPNR) was synthesized via emulsion graft copolymerization, achieving a grafting efficiency and grafting percentage of 15.94 and 4.23%, respectively. The gDPNR was utilized as a compatibilizer in the preparation of natural rubber composites. The addition of hybrid bio-fillers at an RSi-to-HA ratio of 25:75 exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to composites containing a single filler. The incorporation of gDPNR improved filler dispersion and interfacial adhesion between the NR matrix and the bio-fillers, further enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties. The composite with hybrid bio-fillers and 10 phr of gDPNR exhibited the highest tensile strength, showing a 2.10-fold and 1.06-fold improvement over neat natural rubber composite and hybrid filler composite without compatibilizer, respectively. The presence of polar functional groups in gDPNR enhanced the dielectric constant of the natural rubber composites. These composites could have potential in sustainable industrial applications, including flexible electronics and eco-friendly devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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22 pages, 4503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Adhesion–Cohesive Interactions of Modified Bitumen Compositions

by Antonina Dyuryagina, Alyona Degert, Yuliya Byzova, Kirill Ostrovnoy, Alexandr Demyanenko, Aida Lutsenko and Tatyana Shirina

Polymers 2025, 17(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020199 - 14 Jan 2025

Viewed by 697

Abstract

The aim of the work was to study the effect of additive concentration on changes in the adhesive and cohesive strength of bitumen. To evaluate the effectiveness of modifiers in the composition of binary and triple bitumen systems in relation to mineral fillers [...] Read more.

The aim of the work was to study the effect of additive concentration on changes in the adhesive and cohesive strength of bitumen. To evaluate the effectiveness of modifiers in the composition of binary and triple bitumen systems in relation to mineral fillers of two grades, the method of determination of the adhesive efficiency and thermodynamic calculations of adhesion and cohesion work were used. The following compounds were used as additives: AS-2 synthesized from the oil refining waste and AG-4I (waste sealing liquid). Adhesion–cohesion processes in modified bitumen systems are limited by the wetting effect of crushed stone and the intensity of intermolecular forces in the condensed phase of the binder. In the binary compositions, the addition of modifiers into bitumen significantly improves the cohesive strength and adhesive efficiency in relation to crushed stone. The introduction of AS-2 into bitumen compositions with AG-4I increases adhesion efficiency and thermodynamic work of adhesion in relation to the filler surface. The adhesion efficiency and thermodynamic work of adhesion in the “bitumen-AG-4I-AS-2” system reach their maximum at C_AG-4I = 3.0 g/dm³ and C_AS-2 = 1.5 g/dm³. In these concentration modes, the composition ensures maximum increase in adhesion efficiency (A_KS = 65.18%; A_KA = 48.11%) and the greatest increase in thermodynamic work of adhesion (W_A(KS) = 15.79 mN/m; W_A(KA) = 14.13 mN/m). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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16 pages, 3138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Liquid–Gas Phase Transition Actuator: Rejuvenation Procedure Extended and Open-Air Performance

by Igor Bezsudnov, Alina Khmelnitskaia, Aleksandra Kalinina, Kristina Monakhova and Sergey Ponomarenko

Polymers 2025, 17(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010020 - 25 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 660

Abstract

To achieve the actuation of silicone-based foamed composites, a liquid–gas phase transition of the liquid captured in its pores is employed. The uncertainty of key parameters for a single or sequential open-air performance of such soft actuators limits their application. To define the [...] Read more.

To achieve the actuation of silicone-based foamed composites, a liquid–gas phase transition of the liquid captured in its pores is employed. The uncertainty of key parameters for a single or sequential open-air performance of such soft actuators limits their application. To define the main characteristics of the composites, in this work, two functions of the liquid there were separated: the pore-forming agent (FPA) and working liquid (WL). It was demonstrated that the composites can be fabricated using either ethanol or methanol as the PFA, while any of the C1-C4 alcohols can be used as the WL. The results of the sequential actuation tests of the composites revealed that pore formation depends on the composite viscosity during curation, while their expansion in single heat experiments can be approximated by a unified linear relation. Based on a Mendeleev–Clapeyron equation, the qualitative model for predicting the actuator strain is proposed. It was found that the composites with C3–C4 alcohols as the WL outperform ethanol-containing composites on the number of cycles survived under open-air conditions. These findings pave the way to control the operation of soft actuators by manipulating WL variation and PFA content during the composite cure to set the operation temperature and degree of expansion of pre-formed actuators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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22 pages, 7824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Stability Evaluation of Ceria Slurry Using Polymer Dispersants with Varying Contents for Chemical Mechanical Polishing Process

by Sohee Hwang, Jihee Park and Woonjung Kim

Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3593; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243593 - 22 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

The chemical mechanical polishing/planarization (CMP) is essential for achieving the desired surface quality and planarity required for subsequent layers and processing steps. However, the aggregation of slurry particles caused by abrasive materials can lead to scratches, defects, increased surface roughness, degradation the quality [...] Read more.

The chemical mechanical polishing/planarization (CMP) is essential for achieving the desired surface quality and planarity required for subsequent layers and processing steps. However, the aggregation of slurry particles caused by abrasive materials can lead to scratches, defects, increased surface roughness, degradation the quality and durability of the finished surface after milling processes during the CMP process. In this study, ceria slurry was prepared using polymer dispersant with zinc salt of ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer at different contents of 5, 6, and 7 wt% (denoted as D5, D6, and D7) to minimize particle aggregation commonly observed in CMP slurries. Among them, the D7 sample exhibited smaller particle sizes compared to commercial ceria slurry, which was attributed to the influence of the carboxyl groups (-COOH) of the polyacrylic acid polymer coating the ceria particles. It is believed that the polymer dispersant more effectively adsorbs onto the particle surfaces, increasing electrostatic repulsion between particles and thereby reducing particle size. Furthermore, the stability of the prepared slurry was evaluated under extreme conditions over three months at 25 °C (both open and closed conditions), 4 °C, and 60 °C. The D7 slurry remained stable with no significant changes observed. In addition, the prepared D7 ceria slurry exhibited a slightly higher removal rate (RR) and better uniformity, which can be attributed to the smaller particle sizes of the ceria nanoparticles compared to those in the commercial slurry. This suggests that the colloidal stability of the D7 ceria slurry is superior to that of the commercial ceria slurry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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14 pages, 7727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites Fabricated with Copper Nanoparticles and Photopolymer Resin via Vat Photopolymerization Additive Manufacturing

by Leon D. Gil, Sergio Neves Monteiro and Henry A. Colorado

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172434 - 28 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1405

Abstract

This investigation explores the fabrication of polymer matrix nanocomposites via additive manufacturing (AM), using a UV photopolymerization resin and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) with vat photopolymerization 3D printing technology. The aim in this study is to investigate the mentioned materials in different formulations in [...] Read more.

This investigation explores the fabrication of polymer matrix nanocomposites via additive manufacturing (AM), using a UV photopolymerization resin and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) with vat photopolymerization 3D printing technology. The aim in this study is to investigate the mentioned materials in different formulations in terms of inexpensive processing, the property related variability, and targeting multifunctional applications. After the AM process, samples were post-cured with UV light in order to obtain better mechanical properties. The particles and resin were mixed using an ultrasonicator, and the particle contents used were 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 wt %. The process used in this investigation was simple and inexpensive, as the technologies used are quite accessible, from the 3D printer to the UV curing device. These formulations were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the materials’ microstructure and tensile tests to quantify stress–strain derived properties. Results showed that, besides the simplicity of the process, the mixing was effective, which was observed in the scanning electron microscope. Additionally, the tensile strength was increased with the UV irradiation exposure, while the strain properties did not change significantly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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15 pages, 13986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Polydopamine Functionalized HNIW Crystals and Application in Solid Propellants

by Fengdan Zhu, Chang Liu, Desheng Yang and Guoping Li

Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111566 - 1 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1202

Abstract

The application of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) as an oxidizer in solid propellants aligns with the pursuit of high-energy materials. However, the phase transformation behavior and high impact sensitivity of HNIW are its limitations. Due to the strong adhesion and mild synthesis conditions, polydopamine (PDA) [...] Read more.

The application of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) as an oxidizer in solid propellants aligns with the pursuit of high-energy materials. However, the phase transformation behavior and high impact sensitivity of HNIW are its limitations. Due to the strong adhesion and mild synthesis conditions, polydopamine (PDA) has been employed to modify HNIW. However, the method suffers from a slow coating process and a non-ideal coating effect under short reaction time. Herein, oxygen-accelerated dopamine in situ polymerization coating method was developed. It was found that oxygen not only reduced the coating time but also contributed to forming a dense and uniform PDA layer. HNIW@PDA coated in oxygen for 6 h exhibited the most favorable performance, with a delay of 20.8 °C in the phase transition temperature and a reduction of 145.45% in the impact sensitivity. The -OH groups on the surface of PDA enhanced the interaction between HNIW and polymer binders, resulting in a 20.36% reduction in the dewetting percentage. The lower content of PDA in HNIW@PDA (1.17%) resulted in minimal variation in the heat of explosion for HNIW@PDA-based HTPB propellant (6287 kJ/kg) in comparison to HNIW-based HTPB propellant (6297 kJ/kg). Hence, HNIW@PDA-based propellants are expected to offer an alternative with promising safety and mechanical performance compared to existing HNIW-based propellants, thus facilitating the application of HNIW in high-energy propellants. This work presents a low-cost method for efficiently inhibiting the phase transformation of polycrystalline explosives and reducing the impact sensitivity. It also offers a potential approach to enhance the interfacial interaction between nitro-containing explosives and polymer binders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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19 pages, 6494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Investigation of Nano-Sized Silica and Micrometer-Sized Calcium Carbonate on Structure and Properties of Natural Rubber Composites

by Nabil Hayeemasae, Siriwat Soontaranon and Abdulhakim Masa

Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081051 - 11 Apr 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1603

Abstract

Fillers have been widely used in natural rubber (NR) products. They are introduced to serve as a strategy for modifying the final properties of NR vulcanizates. Silica and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are among the fillers of choice when the color of [...] Read more.

Fillers have been widely used in natural rubber (NR) products. They are introduced to serve as a strategy for modifying the final properties of NR vulcanizates. Silica and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are among the fillers of choice when the color of the products is concerned. In this case, a special focus was to compare the vulcanizing efficiency of NR filled with two different filler types, namely nano-sized silica and micrometer-sized CaCO₃. This study focused on the effects of the loading level (10–50 parts per hundred parts of rubber, phr) on the final properties and structural changes of NR composites. The results indicated that increased filler loading led to higher curing torques and stiffness of the rubber composites irrespective of the type of filler used. The better filler dispersion was achieved in composites filled with CaCO₃ which is responsible for less polarity of CaCO₃ compared to silica. Good filler distribution enhanced filler–matrix interactions, improving swelling resistance and total crosslink density, and delaying stress relaxation. The modulus and tensile strength of both composites also improved over the content of fillers. The CaCO₃-filled composites reached their maximum tensile strength at 40 phr, exceeding, by roughly 88%, the strength of an unfilled sample. Conversely, the maximum tensile strength of silica-filled NR was at 20 phr and was only slightly higher than that of its unfilled counterpart. This discrepancy was ascribed to the stronger rubber–filler interactions in cases with CaCO₃ filler. Effective rubber–filler interactions improved strain-induced crystallization, increasing crystallinity during stretching and reducing the strain at which crystallization begins. In contrast, large silica aggregates with poor dispersion reduced the overall crosslink density, and degraded the thermomechanical properties, tensile properties, and strain-induced crystallization ability of the NR. The results clearly indicate that CaCO₃ should be favored over silica as a filler in the production of some rubber products where high performance was not the main characteristic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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15 pages, 4588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of Polyethylene Glycol-Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate Polymeric Micelles Loaded with Curcumin for Cellular Internalization and Cytotoxicity to Wilms Tumor 1-Expressing Myeloblastic Leukemia K562 Cells

by Siriporn Okonogi, Chuda Chittasupho, Tanongsak Sassa-deepaeng, Nattakanwadee Khumpirapang and Songyot Anuchpreeda

Polymers 2024, 16(7), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16070917 - 27 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1599

Abstract

Curcumin loaded in micelles of block copolymers of ω-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) and N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide modified with aliphatic dilactate (CD) or aromatic benzoyl group (CN) were previously reported to inhibit human ovarian carcinoma (OVCAR-3), human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), and human lymphoblastic leukemia (Molt-4) cells. Myeloblastic [...] Read more.

Curcumin loaded in micelles of block copolymers of ω-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) and N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide modified with aliphatic dilactate (CD) or aromatic benzoyl group (CN) were previously reported to inhibit human ovarian carcinoma (OVCAR-3), human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), and human lymphoblastic leukemia (Molt-4) cells. Myeloblastic leukemia cells (K562) are prone to drug resistance and differ in both cancer genotype and phenotype from the three mentioned cancer cells. In the present study, CD and CN micelles were prepared and their effects on K562 and normal cells were explored. The obtained CD and CN showed a narrow size distribution with diameters of 63 ± 3 and 50 ± 1 nm, respectively. The curcumin entrapment efficiency of CD and CN was similarly high, above 80% (84 ± 8% and 91 ± 3%). Both CD and CN showed suppression on WT1-expressing K562 and high cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. However, CD showed significantly higher cytotoxicity to K562, with faster cellular uptake and internalization than CN. In addition, CD showed better compatibility with normal red blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells than CN. The promising CD will be further investigated in rodents and possibly in clinical studies for leukemia treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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13 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Testing of Selective-Laser-Sintered Polyamide PA2200 Details: Analysis of Tensile Properties via Finite Element Method and Machine Learning Approaches

by Ivan Malashin, Dmitriy Martysyuk, Vadim Tynchenko, Vladimir Nelyub, Aleksei Borodulin and Andrey Galinovsky

Polymers 2024, 16(6), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060737 - 8 Mar 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1883

Abstract

This study delves into the mechanical characteristics of polyamide PA2200 components crafted using selective laser sintering (SLS) technology. Our primary objective is to analyze the tensile behavior of the components printed at various orientations, showing its response to diverse loading conditions. Finite element [...] Read more.

This study delves into the mechanical characteristics of polyamide PA2200 components crafted using selective laser sintering (SLS) technology. Our primary objective is to analyze the tensile behavior of the components printed at various orientations, showing its response to diverse loading conditions. Finite element method (FEM) modeling was employed to analyze the tensile behavior of these details. The time determined for breaking the detail is 9 s. In addition we forecast key properties, such as tensile behavior and strength, using machine learning (ML) techniques, and the best models are for predicting relative elongation are KNeighborsRegressor and SVR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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21 pages, 6998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mouldable Conductive Plastic with Optimised Mechanical Properties

by Arfat Anis, Abdullah Alhamidi, Zahir Bashir, Mohammad Asif Alam and Saeed M. Al-Zahrani

Polymers 2024, 16(3), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030311 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1758

Abstract

This paper investigates making an injection mouldable conductive plastic formulation that aims for conductivity into the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding range, with good mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness, strength, and impact resistance). While conductivity in the range (electrostatic charge dissipation) and EMI shielding have [...] Read more.

This paper investigates making an injection mouldable conductive plastic formulation that aims for conductivity into the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding range, with good mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness, strength, and impact resistance). While conductivity in the range (electrostatic charge dissipation) and EMI shielding have been attained by incorporating conductive fillers such as carbon black, metals powders, and new materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), this often occurs with a drop in tensile strength, elongation-to-break resistance, and impact resistance. It is most often the case that the incorporation of high modulus fillers leads to an increase in modulus but a drop in strength and impact resistance. In this work, we have used short carbon fibres as the conductive filler and selected a 50/50 PBT/rPET (recycled PET) for the plastic matrix. Carbon fibres are cheaper than CNTs and graphenes. The PBT/rPET has low melt viscosity and crystallises sufficiently fast during injection moulding. To improve impact resistance, a styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) rubber toughening agent was added to the plastic. The PBT/rPET had very low-impact resistance and the SEBS provided rubber toughening to it; however, the rubber caused a drop in the tensile modulus and strength. The short carbon fibre restored the modulus and strength, which reached higher value than the PBT/rPET while providing the conductivity. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed quite good bonding of the current filler (CF) to the PBT/rPET. An injection mouldable conductive plastic with high conductivity and raised modulus, strength, and impact resistance could be made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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17 pages, 2731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Vinyl-Containing Polydimethylsiloxane in An Active Medium

by Alina G. Khmelnitskaia, Aleksandra A. Kalinina, Ivan B. Meshkov, Rinat S. Tukhvatshin, Georgii V. Cherkaev, Sergey A. Ponomarenko and Aziz M. Muzafarov

Polymers 2024, 16(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020257 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2891

Abstract

This research deals with the synthesis of copoly(methylvinyl)(dimethyl)siloxanes by the copolycondensation of dimethyldiethoxy- and methylvinyldimethoxysilane in an active medium, followed by thermal condensation in a vacuum. We achieved a range of copolymers exhibiting finely tuned molecular weights spanning between 1500 and 20,000 with [...] Read more.

This research deals with the synthesis of copoly(methylvinyl)(dimethyl)siloxanes by the copolycondensation of dimethyldiethoxy- and methylvinyldimethoxysilane in an active medium, followed by thermal condensation in a vacuum. We achieved a range of copolymers exhibiting finely tuned molecular weights spanning between 1500 and 20,000 with regulated functional methylvinylsiloxane units. Analysis of the microstructure showed that the copolymerization predominantly formed products demonstrating a random distribution of units (R~1). However, an increase in the content of vinyl-containing monomers increases the R parameter, indicating an enhanced tendency towards alternating linkages within the copolymer matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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12 pages, 2321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of PVA Hydrogel by Low-Temperature Segment Self-Assembly vs. Freeze–Thaw Cycles

by Fei Wu, Jianfeng Gao, Yang Xiang and Jianming Yang

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3782; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183782 - 15 Sep 2023

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4950

Abstract

The rapid and effective fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels with good mechanical properties is of great significance yet remains a huge challenge. The preparation of PVA hydrogels via the conventional cyclic freeze–thaw method is intricate and time-intensive. In this study, a pioneering [...] Read more.

The rapid and effective fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels with good mechanical properties is of great significance yet remains a huge challenge. The preparation of PVA hydrogels via the conventional cyclic freeze–thaw method is intricate and time-intensive. In this study, a pioneering approach involving the utilization of low-temperature continuous freezing is introduced to produce a novel PVA-ethylene glycol (EG) gel. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirm that with the assistance of EG, PVA molecular chains can self-assemble to generate an abundance of microcrystalline domains at low temperatures, thus improving the mechanical properties of PVA-EG gel. Remarkably, when the mass ratio of H₂O/EG is 4:6, the gel’s maximum tensile strength can reach 2.5 MPa, which is much higher than that of PVA gels prepared via the freeze–thaw method. The preparation process of PVA-EG gel is simple, and its properties are excellent, which will promote the wide application of PVA tough gel in many fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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17 pages, 41014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Antioxidant Activity and Reduced Cytotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles Stabilized by Different Humic Materials

by Maria V. Zykova, Alexander B. Volikov, Evgeny E. Buyko, Kristina A. Bratishko, Vladimir V. Ivanov, Andrey I. Konstantinov, Lyudmila A. Logvinova, Dmitrii A. Mihalyov, Nikita A. Sobolev, Anastasia M. Zhirkova, Sergey V. Maksimov, Irina V. Perminova and Mikhail V. Belousov

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3386; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163386 - 12 Aug 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2122

Abstract

The current article describes the biological activity of new biomaterials combining the “green” properties of humic substances (HSs) and silver nanoparticles. The aim is to investigate the antioxidant activity (AOA) of HS matrices (macroligands) and AgNPs stabilized with humic macroligands (HS-AgNPs). The unique [...] Read more.

The current article describes the biological activity of new biomaterials combining the “green” properties of humic substances (HSs) and silver nanoparticles. The aim is to investigate the antioxidant activity (AOA) of HS matrices (macroligands) and AgNPs stabilized with humic macroligands (HS-AgNPs). The unique chemical feature of HSs makes them very promising ligands (matrices) for AgNP stabilization. HSs have previously been shown to exert many pharmacological effects mediated by their AOA. AgNPs stabilized with HS showed a pronounced ability to bind to reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the test with ABTS. Also, higher AOA was observed for HS-AgNPs as compared to the HS matrices. In vitro cytotoxicity studies have shown that the stabilization of AgNPs with the HS matrices reduces the cytotoxicity of AgNPs. As a result of in vitro experiments with the use of 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), it was found that all HS materials tested and the HS-AgNPs did not exhibit prooxidant effects. Moreover, more pronounced AOA was shown for HS-AgNP samples as compared to the original HS matrices. Two putative mechanisms of the pronounced AOA of the tested compositions are proposed: firstly, the pronounced ability of HSs to inactivate ROS and, secondly, the large surface area and surface-to-volume ratio of HS-AgNPs, which facilitate electron transfer and mitigate kinetic barriers to the reduction reaction. As a result, the antioxidant properties of the tested HS-AgNPs might be of particular interest for biomedical applications aimed at inhibiting the growth of bacteria and viruses and the healing of purulent wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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26 pages, 22547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thioether-Containing Zirconium(Alkoxy)Siloxanes: Synthesis and Study of Dielectric and Mechanical Properties of Silica-Filled Polydimethylsiloxane Compositions Cured by Them

by Alexander N. Tarasenkov, Maria S. Parshina, Galina P. Goncharuk, Kirill M. Borisov, Evgeniy K. Golubev, Ivan B. Meshkov, Georgiy V. Cherkaev, Vitaliy G. Shevchenko, Sergey A. Ponomarenko and Aziz M. Muzafarov

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3361; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163361 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1564

Abstract

A number of thioether-containing zirconium siloxanes, differing in their composition and metal atom shielding degree with a siloxy substituent, were synthesized and characterized. Synthesis of such compounds made it possible to evaluate the effect of sulfur atoms’ presence in the cured compositions on [...] Read more.

A number of thioether-containing zirconium siloxanes, differing in their composition and metal atom shielding degree with a siloxy substituent, were synthesized and characterized. Synthesis of such compounds made it possible to evaluate the effect of sulfur atoms’ presence in the cured compositions on their dielectric properties, as well as to evaluate their curing ability and influence on mechanical characteristics compared to the sulfur-free analogs obtained earlier. Studying a wide range of compositions differing in their content and ratio of metallosiloxane and silica components revealed that such systems are still typical dielectrics. At the same time, the introduction of thioether groups can provide increased dielectric constant and conductivity in comparison with previously obtained sulfur-free similar compositions in the <10² Hz frequency range (dielectric constant up to ~10–30 at frequency range 1–10 Hz). As before, the dielectric parameters increase is directly determined by the silica component proportion in the cured material. It is also shown that varying sulfur-containing zirconium siloxanes structure and functionality and its combination with previously obtained sulfur–free analogs, along with varying the functionality and rubber chain length, can be an effective tool for changing the dielectric and mechanical material parameters in a wide range (tensile strength 0.5–7 Mpa, elastic deformation 2–300%), which determine the prospects for the use of such cured systems as dielectric elastomers for various purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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18 pages, 1023 KiB

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Chitosan Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

by Alina Stefanache, Ionut Iulian Lungu, Nicoleta Anton, Daniela Damir, Cristian Gutu, Iulia Olaru, Alina Plesea Condratovici, Madalina Duceac (Covrig), Marcu Constantin, Gabriela Calin, Letitia Doina Duceac and Monica Boev

Polymers 2025, 17(11), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17111453 - 23 May 2025

Abstract

The effectiveness and uses of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in drug delivery systems are examined in this work. Important results include the improved drug encapsulating efficiency: CNPs showed up to 90% encapsulation for different therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the research shows that CNPs provide extended-release [...] Read more.

The effectiveness and uses of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in drug delivery systems are examined in this work. Important results include the improved drug encapsulating efficiency: CNPs showed up to 90% encapsulation for different therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the research shows that CNPs provide extended-release patterns, greatly enhancing medication bioavailability especially for hydrophobic compounds. One interesting outcome was the greater drug stability in acidic surroundings, which are common in the stomach, where CNPs turn into a gel and later inflate in the intestine where the drug is released. Moreover, CNPs showed a 2–3-fold improvement in the absorption of encapsulated pharmaceuticals relative to traditional formulations, therefore indicating their capacity to overcome the problems of low oral bioavailability. These nanoparticles’ pH-sensitive character produced a 50–70% increase in drug release at certain pH values, hence maximizing therapeutic results. Significantly less systemic toxicity was seen in the in vivo tests, and at therapeutic dosages there were no noted side effects. Histological study confirmed the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of CNPs, therefore attesting their fit for long-term usage. These results highlight the great potential of CNPs in providing effective, focused, continuous drug release, hence improving therapeutic effectiveness and patient compliance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites: Manufacturing, Processing and Applications)

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