Polymers

Research

12 pages, 7575 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Polymer Composite Films with P(VDF-TrFE) and Molecular Ferroelectric Tris(hydroxymethyl) Nitromethane: Improvement of Their Ferroelectric Properties

by Marianela Escobar-Castillo, Samet Duman and Doru C. Lupascu

Polymers 2025, 17(3), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030354 - 28 Jan 2025

Viewed by 784

Abstract

Polymer composites of P(VDF-TrFE) and Tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane as filler material with different concentrations have been prepared. Tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane is an organic ferroelectric material with low preparation cost and easy processing, and it is also lightweight. Its properties enable it to be a potential [...] Read more.

Polymer composites of P(VDF-TrFE) and Tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane as filler material with different concentrations have been prepared. Tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane is an organic ferroelectric material with low preparation cost and easy processing, and it is also lightweight. Its properties enable it to be a potential candidate for use as filler material in polymers to improve their ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties. We investigated the effect of filler content on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties of the polymer. Our results show that Tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane retains its crystallinity after embedding it in the polymer matrix. It does not alter the crystalline ferroelectric β-phase of the polymer. All composites possess higher polarization compared to pure P(VDF-TrFE). Up to 11.4 µC/cm² remnant polarization and a dielectric constant of 14 at 1000 Hz have been obtained with the free-standing 10 wt% composite film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 11917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Superhydrophobic Coatings Based on PMMA-Siloxane-Silica and Modified Silica Nanoparticles Deposited on AA2024-T3

by Nina Kovač, Barbara Kapun, Matic Može, Iztok Golobič, Slavko Kralj, Ingrid Milošev and Peter Rodič

Polymers 2025, 17(2), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020195 - 14 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1412

Abstract

The study aimed to develop a superhydrophobic coating on the aluminium alloy 2024-T3 surface. The desired surface roughness and low surface energy were achieved with SiO₂ nanoparticles, synthesised via the Stöber method and modified with alkyl silane (AS) or perfluoroalkyl silane (FAS). [...] Read more.

The study aimed to develop a superhydrophobic coating on the aluminium alloy 2024-T3 surface. The desired surface roughness and low surface energy were achieved with SiO₂ nanoparticles, synthesised via the Stöber method and modified with alkyl silane (AS) or perfluoroalkyl silane (FAS). To enhance particle adhesion to the alloy substrate, nanoparticles were incorporated into a hybrid sol–gel coating composed of tetraethyl orthosilicate, methyl methacrylate, and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. The coated substrates were characterised using field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy for surface topography, nanoparticle size distribution, composition, and coating thickness. The corrosion resistance of the coatings on AA2024-T3 was evaluated in a 0.1 M NaCl solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The synthesised SiO₂ nanoparticles had an average size between 25 and 35 nm. The water contact angles on coated aluminium surfaces reached 135° for SiO₂ + AS and 151° for SiO₂ + FAS. SiO₂ + FAS, indicating superhydrophobic properties, showed the most uniform surface with the most consistent size distribution of the SiO₂ nanoparticles. Incorporation of nanoparticles into the hybrid sol–gel coating further improved particle adhesion. The ~2 µm-thick coating also demonstrated efficient barrier properties, significantly enhancing corrosion resistance for over two months under the test conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 7397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Fatigue Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Based on a Multiscale Approach

by Hyeonseok Han, Yuen Xia and Sung Kyu Ha

Polymers 2025, 17(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020157 - 9 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 989

Abstract

This study presents a methodology for characterizing the constituent properties of composite materials by back-calculating from the laminate behavior under fatigue loading. Composite materials consist of fiber reinforcements and a polymer matrix, with the fatigue performance of the laminate governed by the interaction [...] Read more.

This study presents a methodology for characterizing the constituent properties of composite materials by back-calculating from the laminate behavior under fatigue loading. Composite materials consist of fiber reinforcements and a polymer matrix, with the fatigue performance of the laminate governed by the interaction between these constituents. Due to the challenges in directly measuring the properties of individual fibers and the polymer matrix, a reverse-engineering approach was employed. Using the micro-mechanics of fatigue (MMFatigue), we predicted the laminate’s fatigue behavior based on assumed constituent properties and compared these predictions with experimental data from fatigue tests. The properties of the fiber and polymer matrix were iteratively adjusted to minimize the differences between predictions and experimental results, enabling accurate fatigue characterization. To ensure robustness, three laminate angles—0°, 30°, and 60°—were evaluated at three temperatures: low temperature (LT: −40 °C), room temperature (RT: 25 °C), and high temperature (HT: 85 °C). The error, defined as the fatigue life difference between the prediction and the experimental results, were obtained as 2.48% at LT, 7.18% at RT, and 1.25% at HT for a laminate angle of 45°. Finally, the applicability of the multiscale-based fatigue life prediction method was demonstrated through studies on laminates with various angles under tension–compression, and compression–compression cyclic loads, as well as composite pressure vessels under cyclic loading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 18257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Iron Particles and Polyethylene Glycol on Selected Properties of Polylactide-Based Composites

by Zbigniew Oksiuta, Dominika Nowińska, Magdalena Joka Yildiz and Marek Jałbrzykowski

Polymers 2025, 17(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020146 - 9 Jan 2025

Viewed by 851

Abstract

This article presents the characteristics of composites comprising polylactide combined with iron powder, from 1 to 10 wt.%, and nanoiron powders with a mass fraction from 0.1 to 1.0 wt.%, along with polyethylene glycol. A total of nine composites were prepared, with three [...] Read more.

This article presents the characteristics of composites comprising polylactide combined with iron powder, from 1 to 10 wt.%, and nanoiron powders with a mass fraction from 0.1 to 1.0 wt.%, along with polyethylene glycol. A total of nine composites were prepared, with three variations each: polylactide with iron powder, polylactide with nanoiron powder, and polylactide with micro- and nanoiron powder combined with polyethylene glycol. The samples underwent mixing, extrusion, and pressing processes. To assess the properties of the resultant composite samples, ultimate tensile tests, Shore hardness tests, fracture surface observations, degradation tests in 0.9% saline solution, and DSC analyses were conducted. The findings revealed that nanoiron powder incorporated into the polylactide matrix demonstrates better tensile properties, both strength and elongation, compared to those incorporating micrometric-iron powder only. However, both iron powder additions led to a decrease in the total elongation of neat polylactide acid except for the composite with 1% nanoiron. Furthermore, all samples with polyethylene glycol addition show a lower Young’s modulus compared to neat PLA. In general, the microiron powder decreases the Young’s modulus of PLA composites, whereas the nanoiron powder slightly increases the Young’s modulus of these samples. Polyethylene glycol, a biocompatible substance, emerged as a suitable candidate for enhancing the adhesion of iron particles and improving the strength and elongation properties of the tested composites. Also, fracture surface analysis of the tensile samples suggests using fine nanoiron particles instead of coarse ones to improve the mechanical properties due to the stronger bonding of nanoiron particles to the PLA matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TEA Guiding Bimetallic MOF with Oriented Nanosheet Arrays for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors

by Xiling Mao, Hao Liu, Tingting Niu, Xinyu Yan and Mengwei Li

Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3198; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223198 - 18 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 792

Abstract

The development of supercapacitors with ultrahigh power density, high energy density, and compatible integration for wearable microelectronic devices is significant but challenging. Herein, a bimetallic metal–organic framework (Ni/Co-MOF) with oriented nanosheets was obtained via triethylamine (TEA) guiding using a hydrothermal treatment, in which [...] Read more.

The development of supercapacitors with ultrahigh power density, high energy density, and compatible integration for wearable microelectronic devices is significant but challenging. Herein, a bimetallic metal–organic framework (Ni/Co-MOF) with oriented nanosheets was obtained via triethylamine (TEA) guiding using a hydrothermal treatment, in which the TEA guides the vertically oriented array structures of the Ni/Co-MOF and ensures a fast ion/electron transmission path. Subsequently, an asymmetric supercapacitor was rationally designed by applying the bimetallic MOF cathode and an activated carbon (AC) anode. The obtained Ni/Co-MOF sample offers a high storage capacity of 2034 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ by harnessing the optimized Ni/Co-MOF with uniformly oriented nanosheet arrays. The constructed asymmetric supercapacitors exhibited a large voltage window of 1.4 V in 3.0 M KOH and an outstanding energy density of 29.5 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 199.1 W kg⁻¹ was obtained, with a remarkable capacitance retention of 89% after 2000 cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)Poly(N-Alkylcarbazole) Copolymer-Based Counter Electrode in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

by Sherif Dei Bukari, Aliya Yelshibay, Bakhytzhan Baptayev and Mannix P. Balanay

Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2941; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202941 - 20 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1073

Abstract

Conducting polymers are emerging as promising alternatives to rare and expensive platinum for counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells; due to their ease of synthesis, they can be chemically tuned and are suitable for roll-to-roll production. Among these, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based counter electrodes [...] Read more.

Conducting polymers are emerging as promising alternatives to rare and expensive platinum for counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells; due to their ease of synthesis, they can be chemically tuned and are suitable for roll-to-roll production. Among these, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based counter electrodes have shown leading photovoltaic performance. However, certain conductivity issues remain that affect the effectiveness of these counter electrodes. In this study, we present an electropolymerized PEDOT and poly(N-alkylated-carbazole) copolymer as an efficient electrocatalyst for the reduction in

I_{3}^{-}

in dye-sensitized solar cells. Copolymerization with N-alkylated carbazoles significantly increases the conductivity of the polymer film and facilitates rapid charge transport at the interface between the polymer electrode and the electrolyte. The length of the alkyl substituents also plays a crucial role in this improvement. Electrochemical analysis showed a reduction in charge transport resistance from 3.31 Ω·cm² for PEDOT to 2.26 Ω·cm² for the PEDOT:poly(N-octylcarbazole) copolymer, which is almost half the resistance of a platinum-based counter electrode (4.12 Ω·cm²). Photovoltaic measurements showed that the solar cell with the PEDOT:poly(N-octylcarbazole) counter electrode achieved an efficiency of 8.88%, outperforming both PEDOT (7.90%) and platinum-based devices (7.57%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 16217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Temperature at Al/Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Interfaces When Drilling Composites of Different Stacking Arrangements

by Brahim Salem, Ali Mkaddem, Malek Habak, Yousef Dobah, Makram Elfarhani and Abdessalem Jarraya

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192823 - 6 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3171

Abstract

This attempt covers an investigation of cutting temperature at interfaces of Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) made of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) stacked with an Al2020 alloy. GFRP/Al/GFRP and Al/GFRP/Al composite stacks are both investigated to highlight the effect of stacking arrangement on thermal [...] Read more.

This attempt covers an investigation of cutting temperature at interfaces of Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) made of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) stacked with an Al2020 alloy. GFRP/Al/GFRP and Al/GFRP/Al composite stacks are both investigated to highlight the effect of stacking arrangement on thermal behavior within the interfaces. In a first test series, temperature history is recorded within the metal/composite stack interfaces using preinstalled thermocouples. In a second test series, a wireless telemetry system connected to K-type thermocouples implanted adjacent to the cutting edge of the solid carbide drill is used to record temperature evolution at the tool tip. Focus is put on the effects of cutting speed and stacking arrangement on the thrust force, drilling temperature, and delamination. From findings, the temperature histories show high sensitivity to the cutting speed. When cutting Al/GFRP/Al, the peak temperature is found to be much higher than that recorded in GFRP/Al/GFRP and exceeds the glass transition point of the GFRP matrix under critical cutting speeds. However, thrust force obtained at constitutive phases exhibits close magnitude when the stacking arrangement varies, regardless of cutting speed. Damage analysis is also discussed through the delamination factor at different stages of FML thickness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 11750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Application of Salophen Derivatives in Organic Electronics as a Composite Film with a Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) Matrix

by María Elena Sánchez Vergara, Omar Jimenez Correa, Ricardo Ballinas-Indilí, Ismael Cosme, José Ramón Álvarez Bada and Cecilio Álvarez-Toledano

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2622; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182622 - 17 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2693

Abstract

In this work, we present the innovative synthesis of salophen (acetaminosalol) derivatives in a solvent-free environment by high-speed ball milling, using a non-conventional activation method, which allowed obtaining compounds in a shorter time and with a better yield. Furthermore, for the first time, [...] Read more.

In this work, we present the innovative synthesis of salophen (acetaminosalol) derivatives in a solvent-free environment by high-speed ball milling, using a non-conventional activation method, which allowed obtaining compounds in a shorter time and with a better yield. Furthermore, for the first time, the salophen derivatives were deposited as composite films, using a matrix of poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) polymer. Significant findings include the transformation from the benzoid to the quinoid form of PEDOT post-IPA treatment, as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. SEM analysis revealed the formation of homogeneous films, and AFM provided insights into the changes in surface roughness and morphology post-IPA treatment, which may be crucial for understanding potential applications in electronics. The optical bandgap ranges between 2.86 and 3.2 eV for PEDOT:PSS-salophen films, placing them as organic semiconductors. The electrical behavior of the PEDOT:PSS-salophen films undergoes a transformation with the increase in voltage, from ohmic to space charge-limited conduction, and subsequently to constant current, with a maximum of 20 mA. These results suggest the possible use of composite films in organic electronics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding and Thermal Management of Sandwich-Structured Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composite (CFRC) for Electric Vehicle Battery Casings

by Shi Hu, Dan Wang, Josef Večerník, Dana Křemenáková and Jiří Militký

Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2291; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162291 - 14 Aug 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3262

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for lightweight yet robust materials in electric vehicle (EV) battery casings, this study introduces an advanced carbon fiber-reinforced composite (CFRC). This novel material is engineered to address critical aspects of EV battery casing requirements, including mechanical strength, [...] Read more.

In response to the growing demand for lightweight yet robust materials in electric vehicle (EV) battery casings, this study introduces an advanced carbon fiber-reinforced composite (CFRC). This novel material is engineered to address critical aspects of EV battery casing requirements, including mechanical strength, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and thermal management. The research strategically combines carbon composite components with copper-plated polyester non-woven fabric (CFRC/Cu) and melamine foam board (CFRC/Me) into a sandwich-structure composite plus a series of composites with graphite particle-integrated matrix resin (CFRC+Gr). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the inclusion of copper-plated fabric significantly enhanced the stiffness, and the specific tensile strength of the new composites reached 346.8 MPa/(g/cm³), which was higher than that of other metal materials used for EV battery casings. The new developed composites had excellent EMI shielding properties, with the highest shielding effectives of 88.27 dB from 30 MHz to 3 GHz. Furthermore, after integrating the graphite particles, the peak temperature of all composites via Joule heating was increased. The CFRC+Gr/Me reached 68.3 °C under a 5 V DC power supply after 180 s. This research presents a comprehensive and innovative approach that adeptly balances mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermal requirements for EV battery casings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 18271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavior of Composites Made of Quadriaxial Glass Fiber Fabrics and Epoxy Resin under Three-Point Bending

by Ioana Gabriela Chiracu, George Ghiocel Ojoc, George Cătălin Cristea, Mihail Boțan, Alina Cantaragiu Ceoromila, Cătălin Pîrvu, Alexandru Viorel Vasiliu and Lorena Deleanu

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131925 - 5 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1747

Abstract

This paper presents experimental results from three-point bending tests for a composite made of quadriaxial glass fiber fabrics and an epoxy resin. Two composites were tested, one with 8 layers and the other with 16 layers; both had the same matrix (the epoxy [...] Read more.

This paper presents experimental results from three-point bending tests for a composite made of quadriaxial glass fiber fabrics and an epoxy resin. Two composites were tested, one with 8 layers and the other with 16 layers; both had the same matrix (the epoxy resin). Tests were carried out, using five different test rates from 10 mm/min to 1000 mm/min. The following parameters were recorded and calculated: Young’s modulus, flexural stress, flexural strain, energy, force, and all four for the first peak. The experimental data reveal no sensitivity for these materials based on the test rates, at least for the analyzed range; but, the characteristics for the thicker composite, with 16 layers of fabric, are slightly lower than those for the thinner composite, with 8 layers. The results pointed out that, for the same thickness of composite, certain characteristics, such as stress at the first peak, the flexural modulus, strain at the first peak, and energy at the first peak, are not sensitive to the test rate in the range 10–1000 mm/min. The energy at the first peak is double for the 16-layer composite compared to the 8-layer composite, but the specific energy (as energy on cross-sectional area) has close values: 103.47 kJ/m² for the 8-layer composite and 106.51 kJ/m² for the 16-layer composite. The results recommend this composite for applications in components with resistance to bending or for low-velocity impact protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of High Strain Dynamic Loading on HEMA–DMAEMA Hydrogel Storage Modulus and Time Dependence

by Kimberly Cook-Chennault, Sharmad Anaokar, Alejandra M. Medina Vázquez and Mizan Chennault

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131797 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1875

Abstract

Hydrogels have been extensively studied for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue-engineered scaffolds, and biosensors. There is a gap in the literature pertaining to the mechanical properties of hydrogel materials subjected to high-strain dynamic-loading conditions even though empirical data of this type [...] Read more.

Hydrogels have been extensively studied for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue-engineered scaffolds, and biosensors. There is a gap in the literature pertaining to the mechanical properties of hydrogel materials subjected to high-strain dynamic-loading conditions even though empirical data of this type are needed to advance the design of innovative biomedical designs and inform numerical models. For this work, HEMA–DMAEMA hydrogels are fabricated using a photopolymerization approach. Hydrogels are subjected to high-compression oscillatory dynamic mechanical loading at strain rates equal to 50%, 60%, and 70%, and storage and loss moduli are observed over time, e.g., 72 h and 5, 10, and 15 days. As expected, the increased strains resulted in lower storage and loss moduli, which could be attributed to a breakdown in the hydrogel network attributed to several mechanisms, e.g., increased network disruption, chain scission or slippage, and partial plastic deformation. This study helps to advance our understanding of hydrogels subjected to high strain rates to understand their viscoelastic behavior, i.e., strain rate sensitivity, energy dissipation mechanisms, and deformation kinetics, which are needed for the accurate modeling and prediction of hydrogel behavior in real-world applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 7920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Mechanical Alteration on Repair Bond Strength of S-PRG-Filler-Based Resin Composite Materials

by Md Sofiqul Islam, Smriti Aryal A C, Shadi El Bahra, Abdullah Jamal Abuhajjeh, Akram Mohammad Al Mofleh, Vivek Padmanabhan and Muhammed Mustahsen Rahman

Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1488; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111488 - 24 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1832

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of mechanical alteration on resin composite surfaces and its subsequent effect on repair bond strength. A total of 100 resin composite disks were prepared and were allocated for 24 h or 1 year of artificial aging. Specimens were [...] Read more.

This study investigates the impact of mechanical alteration on resin composite surfaces and its subsequent effect on repair bond strength. A total of 100 resin composite disks were prepared and were allocated for 24 h or 1 year of artificial aging. Specimens were embedded in epoxy resin, and the composite surfaces were mechanically altered using either diamond burs or air abrasion with aluminum oxide or glass beads. A universal bonding material was applied and a 2 mm circular and 3 mm high repair composite cylinder were prepared using a Teflon mold. Then, the specimens were tested for their shear bond strength, and the de-bonded specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope to determine the failure pattern. SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Two-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant effect of mechanical alteration and aging on the shear bond strength of S-PRG-filler-based resin composite (p < 0.05). Surface modification with a fine diamond bur showed a significantly higher bond strength in both 24-h- and 1-year-aged specimens. Surface modification with alumina significantly increased the bond strength of 1-year-aged specimens; however, it was statistically insignificant for 24 h-aged specimens. Mechanical alteration with a fine diamond bur and 50-micron alumina can improve the repair bond strength of the composite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ionizing Radiation Synthesis of Hydrogel Nanoparticles of Gelatin and Polyethylene Glycol at High Temperature

by Patricia Y. I. Takinami, Nelida L. del Mastro, Aiysha Ashfaq and Mohamad Al-Sheikhly

Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4128; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204128 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1475

Abstract

Nanohydrogel particles of polyethylene glycol (PEG), gelatin (GEL), and PEG–GEL mixtures (MIXs) were synthesized with a high electron beam and ⁶⁰Co gamma-ray radiation. The relatively novel technique of Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation (AF4 or AFFFF) coupled to a Multi-Angle Laser Light [...] Read more.

Nanohydrogel particles of polyethylene glycol (PEG), gelatin (GEL), and PEG–GEL mixtures (MIXs) were synthesized with a high electron beam and ⁶⁰Co gamma-ray radiation. The relatively novel technique of Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation (AF4 or AFFFF) coupled to a Multi-Angle Laser Light Scattering (MALLS) detector was mainly used to determine the hydrodynamic diameter (D_h) of the radiation-synthesized PEG, GEL, and PEG–GEL nanohydrogel particles. Our approach to achieving nanohydrogel particles is to enhance the intracrosslinking reactions and decrease the intercrosslinking reactions of the C-centered radicals of the PEG and GEL. The intracrosslinking reactions of these free radicals were enhanced via irradiation at temperatures of 77–80 °C and using a high dose rate and pulsed irradiation. The shorter average distance between the C-centered free radicals on the backbone of the thermally collapsed PEG and GEL chain, due to the destruction of hydrogen bonds, enhances the intracrosslinking reactions. It was observed that increasing the dose and dose rate decreased the D_h. DLS results lined up with AF4 measurements. This study provides researchers with a clean method to produce GEL–PEG hydrogels without the use of toxic reagents. Particle size can be tuned with dose, dose rate, and temperature as demonstrated in this work. This is ideal for medical applications as the use of ionizing radiation eliminates toxicity concerns and provides simultaneous sterilization of the material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application II

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI