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Polymers
Special Issues
Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites
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Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2024 | Viewed by 4623

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Fei Han

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Life Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
Interests: stimuli-responsive polymers; hydrogels; wearables; health monitoring; colorimetric sensors; anti counterfeiting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The application and characterization of polymer composites has witnessed significant growth and innovation in recent years. This multidisciplinary domain encompasses the design, fabrication, testing, and utilization of polymer composites across various industries, including the aerospace, automotive, construction, renewable energy, biomedical industries, among many others. Characterization plays a pivotal role in understanding and optimizing the performance of polymer composites. Advanced analytical techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and non-destructive evaluation, enable researchers to elucidate the structure–property relationships of composites. Polymer composites, consisting of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers, particles, or additives, offer a diverse array of material structures (films, coatings, and hydrogels), making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including soft robots, wearable devices, energy storage materials, artificial skins, and sensors. Future research directions may include smart and multifunctional composites and novel applications in emerging technologies. This dynamic field offers exciting opportunities for researchers, educators, and industry professionals to shape the future of materials and technology.

Dr. Fei Han
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

  • polymer composites
  • polymer matrix
  • polymer characterization
  • multifunctional composites
  • wearable electronics
  • sensors
  • hydrogels

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 4314 KiB  
Article
Toward the Production of Hydroxyapatite/Poly(Ether-Ether-Ketone) (PEEK) Biocomposites: Exploring the Physicochemical, Mechanical, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties
by Meirilany Rozeno Costa, José Adeilton Carvalho Filho, Carlos Bruno Barreto Luna, Gleydis Manalig Pereira Dantas, Ana Cristina Figueiredo de Melo Costa and Nadja Maria da Silva Oliveira
Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2520; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172520 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 365
Abstract
The development of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) biocomposites has been extensively studied for bone repair applications due to the synergistic properties of the involved materials. In this study, we aimed to develop HAp/PEEK biocomposites using high-energy ball milling, with HAp [...] Read more.
The development of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) biocomposites has been extensively studied for bone repair applications due to the synergistic properties of the involved materials. In this study, we aimed to develop HAp/PEEK biocomposites using high-energy ball milling, with HAp concentrations (20%, 40%, and 60% w/v) in PEEK, to evaluate their physicochemical, mechanical, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties for potential applications in Tissue Engineering (TE). The biocomposites were characterized by structure, morphology, apparent porosity, diametral compression strength, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity. The study results demonstrated that the HAp/PEEK biocomposites were successfully synthesized. The C2 biocomposite, containing 40% HAp, stood out due to the optimal distribution of HAp particles in the PEEK matrix, resulting in higher compression strength (246 MPa) and a homogeneous microstructure. It exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, with no cytotoxicity observed. These properties make the C2 biocomposite promising for regenerative medicine applications, combining mechanical strength, bioactivity, and biocompatibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites)
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10 pages, 2526 KiB  
Article
Self-Floating Polydopamine/Polystyrene Composite Porous Structure via a NaCl Template Method for Solar-Driven Interfacial Water Evaporation
by Xiao Wang, Zhen Li, Xiaojing Wu, Bingjie Liu, Tian Tian, Yi Ding, Haibo Zhang, Yuanli Li, Ye Liu and Chunai Dai
Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2231; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152231 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 743
Abstract
Solar energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, holds significant promise for addressing water shortages. Utilizing solar energy for water evaporation is seen as an effective solution in this regard. While many existing interfacial photothermal water evaporation systems rely on nanoparticles or [...] Read more.
Solar energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, holds significant promise for addressing water shortages. Utilizing solar energy for water evaporation is seen as an effective solution in this regard. While many existing interfacial photothermal water evaporation systems rely on nanoparticles or graphene as photothermal or support materials, this study introduced polydopamine (PDA) as a photothermal material due to its environmental friendliness and excellent photon absorption characteristics that closely match the solar spectrum. Polystyrene (PS) was also introduced as a support material for its porous structure and density similar to water, enabling it to float on water. The resulting PS-PDA composite porous structure solar evaporator exhibited a photothermal conversion efficiency comparable to nanoparticles (over 75%), yet with lower production costs and minimal environmental impact. This innovative approach offers a scalable solution for water-scarce regions, providing a cost-effective and efficient means to address water scarcity. The use of PDA and PS in this context highlights the potential for utilizing common materials in novel ways to meet pressing environmental challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 7393 KiB  
Article
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Hydrogen Barrier Performance of Modified Polyamide 6 Lining of IV Hydrogen Storage Tank with Graphene
by Jin Li, Xiaokou Zhao, Jianguo Liang, Chunjiang Zhao, Ning Feng, Guanyu Guo and Zhengze Zhou
Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152185 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 813
Abstract
The polymer liner of the hydrogen storage cylinder was studied to investigate better hydrogen storage capacity in Type-IV cylinders. Molecular dynamics methods were used to simulate the adsorption and diffusion processes of hydrogen in a graphene-filled polyamide 6 (PA6) system. The solubility and [...] Read more.
The polymer liner of the hydrogen storage cylinder was studied to investigate better hydrogen storage capacity in Type-IV cylinders. Molecular dynamics methods were used to simulate the adsorption and diffusion processes of hydrogen in a graphene-filled polyamide 6 (PA6) system. The solubility and diffusion characteristics of hydrogen in PA6 systems filled with different filler ratios (3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, and 7 wt%) were studied under working pressures (0.1 MPa, 35 MPa, 52 MPa, and 70 MPa). The effects of filler ratio, temperature, and pressure on hydrogen diffusion were analyzed. The results show that at atmospheric pressure when the graphene content reaches 5 wt%, its permeability coefficient is as low as 2.44 × 10−13 cm3·cm/(cm2·s·Pa), which is a 54.6% reduction compared to PA6. At 358 K and 70 MPa, the diffusion coefficient of the 5 wt% graphene/PA6 composite system is 138% higher than that at 298 K and 70 MPa. With increasing pressure, the diffusion coefficients of all materials generally decrease linearly. Among them, pure PA6 has the largest diffusion coefficient, while the 4 wt% graphene/PA6 composite system has the smallest diffusion coefficient. Additionally, the impact of FFV (free volume fraction) on the barrier properties of the material was studied, and the movement trajectory of H2 in the composite system was analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 3785 KiB  
Article
Preparation of an Antibacterial Branched Polyamide 6 via Hydrolytic Ring-Opening Co-Polymerization of ε-Caprolactam and Lysine Derivative
by Xiaoyu Mao, Wei Liu, Zeyang Li, Shan Mei and Baoning Zong
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16141997 - 12 Jul 2024
Viewed by 539
Abstract
In this study, we successfully realized the hydrolytic ring-opening co-polymerization of ε-caprolactam (CPL) and lysine derivative. A novel antibacterial modified polyamide 6 with a branched structure was obtained after the quaternization of the co-polymers. The co-polymers exhibited a significant increase in zero shear [...] Read more.
In this study, we successfully realized the hydrolytic ring-opening co-polymerization of ε-caprolactam (CPL) and lysine derivative. A novel antibacterial modified polyamide 6 with a branched structure was obtained after the quaternization of the co-polymers. The co-polymers exhibited a significant increase in zero shear viscosity, melt index and storage modulus at the low frequency region. The quaternized co-polymers displayed thermal properties different from pure PA6 and good mechanical (tensile) properties. The antibacterial activity of the quaternized co-polymers depends on the quaternary ammonium groups’ incorporated content. At 6.2 mol% incorporation of quaternary ammonium groups, the strong antibacterial activity has been introduced to the co-polymers. As the quaternary ammonium groups approached 10.1 mol%, the antibacterial polymers demonstrated nearly complete killing of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative). The above research results provided a new approach for the study of high-performance nylon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites)
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25 pages, 15074 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Reinforcing Filler Systems on Devulcanizate Composites
by Rounak Ghosh, Christian Mani, Roland Krafczyk, Rupert Schnell, Auke Talma, Anke Blume and Wilma K. Dierkes
Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111448 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Composites revolutionize material performance, fostering innovation and efficiency in diverse sectors. Elastomer-based polymeric composites are crucial for applications requiring superior mechanical strength and durability. Widely applied in automotives, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods, they excel under extreme conditions. Composites based on recycled rubber, [...] Read more.
Composites revolutionize material performance, fostering innovation and efficiency in diverse sectors. Elastomer-based polymeric composites are crucial for applications requiring superior mechanical strength and durability. Widely applied in automotives, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods, they excel under extreme conditions. Composites based on recycled rubber, fortified with reinforcing fillers, represent a sustainable material innovation by repurposing discarded rubber. The integration of reinforcing agents enhances the strength and resilience of this composite, and the recycled polymeric matrix offers an eco-friendly alternative to virgin elastomers, reducing their environmental impact. Devulcanized rubber, with inherently lower mechanical properties than virgin rubber, requires enhancement of its quality for reuse in a circular economy: considerable amounts of recycled tire rubber can only be applied in new tires if the property profile comes close to the one of the virgin rubber. To achieve this, model passenger car tire and whole tire rubber granulates were transformed into elastomeric composites through optimized devulcanization and blending with additional fillers like carbon black and silica–silane. These fillers were chosen as they are commonly used in tire compounding, but they lose their reactivity during their service life and the devulcanization process. Incorporation of 20% (w/w) additional filler enhanced the strength of the devulcanizate composites by up to 15%. Additionally, increased silane concentration significantly further improved the tensile strength, Payne effect, and dispersion by enhancing the polymer–filler interaction through improved silanization. Higher silane concentrations reduced elongation at break and increased crosslink density, as it leads to a stable filler–polymer network. The optimal concentration of a silica–silane filler system for a devulcanizate was found to be 20% silica with 3% silane, showing the best property profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites)
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