Open Access Published since January 1, 2001

e-Polymers

ISSN: 1618-7229

Editor-in-chief: Seema Agarwal

Managing Editor: Krzysztof Dębniak

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e-Polymers is an open access, single-blind peer-reviewed scientific journal. The aim of e-Polymers is to publish, in an ongoing way, pure and applied polymer-science-related original research articles, reviews, and feature articles. It includes synthetic methodologies, characterization, and processing techniques for polymer materials. Reports on interdisciplinary polymer science and on applications of polymers in all areas are welcome.

In 2013 e-Polymers has been transferred from the e-Polymer Foundation to the scientific publisher De Gruyter. Prof. Seema Agarwal and Prof. Andreas Greiner took over as Editors-in-Chief. e-Polymers is dedicated to serve the polymer community and will continue publishing scientific contributions on highest possible standards.

The present Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Seema Agarwal, would like to thank the authors, the reviewers, the editorial staff, the advisory board, and the supporting organization that made e-Polymers a successful and sustainable scientific journal of the polymer community. The Editors of e-Polymers feel very much engaged to provide best publishing services at the highest possible level.

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Pure and Applied Polymer Science
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Polymer Science and Technology

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"Biodegradable and bio-based polymers: Green approaches"
Guest Editors: Dr. Kumaran Subramanian (Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar, India), Prof. A. Wilson Santhosh Kumar (AMITY University, Mumbai, India), and　Dr. Venkatajothi Ramarao (The Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia)

Submission deadline: August 31, 2023

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Volume 23 Issue 1

January 2023

Research Articles

Open Access January 6, 2023

Chitosan nanocomposite film incorporating Nigella sativa oil, Azadirachta indica leaves’ extract, and silver nanoparticles

Afnan S. Batubara, Najla A. Obaid, Hanan M. Alharbi, Turki Mohammed Altalhi, Mohammed Abdullah Alasmari, Ammar Zuhair Alghamdi, Eram Sharmin

Article number: 20228083

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Abstract

Nanocomposite films have been prepared from chitosan, cinnamaldehyde, Nigella sativa or blackseed oil, and silver nanoparticles (NPs) biosynthesized in Azadirachta indica or neem leaves’ extract. The methodology involved simple blending of components through “green chemistry” route. The films obtained were soft and foldable. The morphology by scanning electron microscopy confirmed the inclusion of NPs in the films. Microbial penetration study demonstrated that the films offered good resistance to secondary bacterial infection. The antibacterial study against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and E. coli (ATCC 25922) indicated moderate antibacterial behavior of the films. The swelling behavior in water, phosphate buffer saline, and simulated wound fluid was found to be appropriate for use as wound dressings. The films were biodegradable in soil and showed good thermal stability up to 200°C.

Open Access January 6, 2023

Effect of Zr-doped CaCu₃Ti_3.95Zr_0.05O₁₂ ceramic on the microstructure, dielectric properties, and electric field distribution of the LDPE composites

Liang Gao, Jiaqi Zhang, Yang Cui, Xuan Wang

Article number: 20228100

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Abstract

In this article, CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 (CCTO) and Zr-doped CaCu 3 Ti 3.95 Zr 0.05 O 12 (CCTZO) particles were fabricated by the sol–gel combustion method, and then, CCTO/LDPE and CCTZO/LDPE composite films were prepared by the melt-blending and hot briquetting. The microstructures and dielectric properties of fillers and LDPE composites were investigated in detail. Results showed the lattice expansion of CCTZO caused by Zr doping reduced grain size, increased size uniformity, and remarkably reduced dielectric loss and conductivity. Compared with CCTO, small-size CCTZO enhanced dielectric constant of LDPE by 88.5% (∼3.45) due to enhanced interfacial polarization included by ultrahigh interfacial area (∼3.0 × 10 5 m 2 ), remaining a lower loss tangent (0.013) and conductivity (2.42 × 10 −13 S·cm −1 ) for the 10 vol% CCTZO/LDPE composite. Furthermore, finite element simulation proofed small-size and uniform CCTZO particles played a prominent role in homogenize electric field distribution in LDPE composite, which was beneficial for the use of these composites in the high voltage power cable field. Graphical abstract Small-size CaCu 3 Ti 3.95 Zr 0.05 O 12 enhanced dielectric constant of LDPE by 88.5% due to enhancing interfacial polarization included by ultrahigh interfacial area (∼3.0 × 10 5 m 2 ) and played a prominent role in homogenize electric field distribution in LDPE composite.

Open Access January 30, 2023

Effects of dry heating, acetylation, and acid pre-treatments on modification of potato starch with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)

Xiao Xian Lim, Musfirah Zulkurnain, Nor Shariffa Yussof, Uthumporn Utra

Article number: 20228090

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Abstract

Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch is widely used to stabilize emulsions. Nevertheless, the poor compatibility of starch with hydrophobic groups has restricted the performance of OSA modification. In this work, potato starch was pre-treated once or twice (dry heating, acetylation, and acid modification) prior to OSA modification. Pre-treatments increased the degree of substitution (DS), hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and decreased amylose content of OSA starches, with dual pre-treatments having greater effects. Among all pre-treatments, acid modification followed by dry heating resulted in the greatest OSA modification (DS: 0.015) and water-binding capacity (155%). Meanwhile, acid modification followed by acetylation produced OSA starch with the highest oil-binding capacity (290%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the granular deformation of dual pre-treated OSA starches was greater compared to single pre-treated and non-pre-treated OSA starches (O). Dual pre-treated OSA starches (ADO, 7%; ACO, 8%) had lower amylose contents than those of single pre-treated (AO: 12%, CO: 17%, DO: 21%) and O (36%). All the pre-treatments reduced the setback viscosity of OSA starch to a lower range (70–394 cP), simultaneously decreasing their retrograde tendency. This study suggested that dual pre-treatments could improve the efficiency of OSA modification and produce OSA starch with greater emulsifying potential. Graphical abstract Pre-treatments of dry heating, acetylation, and acid modification could enhance the emulsifying potential of OSA-modified starch.

Open Access February 3, 2023

Loading conditions impact on the compression fatigue behavior of filled styrene butadiene rubber

Liu Yang, Xi Dai, Xuan Zhao, Feng Liu, Yunhui Xu, Yanqiu Wang

Article number: 20228091

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Abstract

Fatigue failure, commonly encountered in rubber materials, is a critical issue. In this study, the compression fatigue tests of filled styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) under different loading conditions were performed, applying cylindrical specimens. A stress–strain curve and modulus drop curves were generated by nine fatigue loading cases, covering different R ratios in the range of 0 < R < 1. The temperature variation in the process of compression fatigue was explored. Three different approaches were applied to investigate the fatigue life of the SBR (it is used twice hence abbreviation should be used) vulcanizates. These methods were validated in assessing the fatigue failure of the specimens. According to the experimental fatigue life, a fatigue life prediction model based on strain amplitude as the damage parameter was established. The results demonstrated that both R ratio and strain amplitude could affect the fatigue life. For all the loading cases, the fatigue life generally increases with the increase of R ratio. Under the compression loading condition, the narrower range of strain and the lower mean strain are beneficial to the fatigue resistance of rubbers, which also indicates a larger pre-load provides much higher fatigue resistance. During the fatigue loading, the temperature rises rapidly until it reaches a peak value, then drops slightly, and finally reaches a plateau.

Open Access February 6, 2023

Characterization and compatibility of bio-based PA56/PET

Shouyun Zhang

Article number: 20228082

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Abstract

The properties and compatibility of bio-based PA56 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers were studied in detail. The experimental results showed that when compared with PET, bio-based PA56 had better moisture absorption, softness, and dyeing characteristics. By calculating and analyzing the macromolecular structures of bio-based PA56 and PET, the difference in solubility was obtained as 4.18 Cal 0.5 ·cm 1.5 ·mol −1 . Thermodynamic analysis showed that the measured change in mixing enthalpy far exceeds the range of the compatible system when the proportion of bio-based PA56 exceeded 15%. When the content of bio-based PA56 in PET exceeded 20%, the glass transition temperature of the blends with different proportions all had double peaks and the eutectic phenomenon was not observed. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the cross-section morphology of bio-based PA56/PET blends before and after etching. We found that the interface between the two phases was clear and a “sea-island” dispersed structure was formed. The results of the analysis indicated that the compatibility of the bio-based PA56 and PET was not good.

Open Access February 13, 2023

Study on the aging of three typical rubber materials under high- and low-temperature cyclic environment

Sen Li, Yuchao Ke, Lingyun Xie, Zhenzhen Zhao, Xiaoyu Huang, Yichun Wang, Zixi Wang

Article number: 20228089

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Abstract

As the key components of sealing applications, rubber seals are subject to complicated environmental conditions during the service lifetime. In this study, the aging of three typical rubber materials, ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber, liquid silicone rubber, and fluorine rubber, was tested under different high- and low-temperature cycle aging environments. The experimental results confirm that the reciprocating temperature cycle causes a type of fatigue failure, which could result in an increase in the rubber compression set. In addition, a novel accelerated aging test method was proposed based on the dominant damage mechanism of rubber material caused by the temperature cycle treatments. Based on this method, the long-term aging test results of rubber samples under high- and low-temperature cycle conditions can be predicted. This method could significantly shorten the aging test time and reduce the test cost.

Open Access February 13, 2023

Numerical simulation and experimental research of electrospun polyacrylonitrile Taylor cone based on multiphysics coupling

Peng Chen, Qihong Zhou, Ge Chen, Yuntao Wang, Jinghu Lv

Article number: 20228106

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Abstract

In the electrospinning process, the Taylor cone, as the jet source, directly affects the jet movement and the quality of the fiber membrane. Therefore, to understand the formation mechanism of the Taylor cone intuitively, a multiphysics coupling model that comprehensively considers the gravitational field, electrostatic field, and fluid field is established, and numerical simulations are conducted in this study. First, we construct a level-set function and analyze the force of the droplet. The gravity, surface tension, and electric field force are coupled to the incompressible Navier–Stokes equation as volume forces, and the nonconservation of the droplet area is solved by approximating the Dirac function with a smooth function. Subsequently, the deformation of the electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Taylor cone under different process parameters is simulated. Finally, data obtained from the numerical simulation and the average diameter of the electrospun PAN fiber membrane are analyzed via gray relational analysis. The results show that the volume force is the key factor affecting the average diameter of the fiber membrane (the correlation is 0.934). This article provides an effective reference and basis for the analysis and control of the electrospinning process.

Open Access February 14, 2023

Experimental investigation of properties and aging behavior of pineapple and sisal leaf hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Booramurthy Deeban, Jaganathan Maniraj, Manickam Ramesh

Article number: 20228104

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Abstract

Using plant leaf fibers as reinforcements in thermo-plastic resins to produce affordable and lightweight composites is the subject of growing interest in research. Although these fibers have several advantages over synthetic fibers, mechanical characteristics of composites such as moisture absorption, poor wettability, and insufficient adhesion between the matrix and the fiber cause disadvantages. To overcome these issues, in this experimental study, two leaf-based plant fibers are hybridized and the composites have been fabricated by hand lay-up process. The composites were subjected to several tests. The results showed that the hybridization of sisal and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) increases the mechanical strength of the composite by a maximum tensile strength of 3.59 kN, a little lower flexural strength than the individual fiber, and a noticeably higher compressive strength. The results further showed that the decreased affinities for moisture content and the aged composites seem to be prone to be hydrophilic. Findings of the experiments reveal that the hybridization of sisal and PALF has a significant influence on the properties of the composites. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs of fractured surfaces have been examined, and the findings have effectively been investigated.

Open Access February 16, 2023

Influence of temperature distribution on the foaming quality of foamed polypropylene composites

Xin Yang, Xiang-lin Pei, Jia-jie Xu, Zhi-peng Yang, Wei Gong, Jin-cheng Zhong

Article number: 20228093

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Abstract

The foamed polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by injection molding process. Fourier’s law and software were used to calculate and simulate the internal temperature distribution of PP composites, respectively, and the influence of the temperature distribution on the foaming quality of foamed PP composites was further analyzed. The result showed that the calculative and simulated results of temperature distribution in different thermal transfer directions had great reproducibility. In different isothermal planes, the temperature from the nozzle to the dynamic mold gradually decreased. The isothermal plane with a temperature of 370.36 K had a better foaming quality, average diameter of cell and cell density were 28.46 µm and 3.7 × 10 10 cells·cm −3 , respectively. In different regions of the same isothermal plane, the temperature gradually decreased from the center to the edge. The foaming quality in the region (c) at a temperature of 335.86 K was ideal, and the average diameter of cell and the cell density were 26.5 µm and 2.39 × 10 10 cells·cm −3 , respectively. This work could provide prediction for improving the foaming quality of foamed polyolefin composites.

Open Access February 15, 2023

Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of 4-methylcatechol oligomer and preliminary evaluations as stabilizing agent in polypropylene

Yanpeng Wang, Fan Jiang, Lei Zhang

Article number: 20230008

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Abstract

In the present work, 4-methylcatechol oligomer has been prepared by using enzyme-catalyzed polymerization in water and preliminary evaluations as stabilizing agent in polypropylene (PP) was performed. In comparison with intrinsic PP, the oxidation onset temperature of the 4-methylcatechol oligomer/PP composite increased by 66°C, and the oxidation induction time increased by 40 min. In addition, the mixing of a 4-methylcatechol oligomer with PP (i.e., in the formation of a 4-methylcatechol oligomer/PP composite) did significantly enhance the long-term stability of PP in a thermal oxidative environment. Moreover, the tensile strength of this composite did not significantly decrease after aging for 800 h in an air atmosphere at 120°C. These results show that the addition of a 4-methylcatechol oligomer will markedly delay the aging and degradation of PP materials, even under extreme conditions. Thus, an enzyme-catalyzed polymerization of phenol compounds may provide a new avenue toward the preparation of novel antioxidants.

Open Access February 22, 2023

Molecular dynamics simulation of the effect of the thermal and mechanical properties of addition liquid silicone rubber modified by carbon nanotubes with different radii

Lei Guo, Haiyun Xu, Nenghang Wu, Shuai Yuan, Lijun Zhou, Dongyang Wang, Lujia Wang

Article number: 20228105

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Abstract

For microscopic analysis of the effect of doping with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of different radii on the thermal and mechanical properties of addition liquid silicone rubber (ALSR) composites, models of pure silicone rubber and silicone rubber composites containing CNTs of different radii were constructed based on a molecular dynamics approach using vinyl-capped polydimethylsiloxane (VPDMS) as the base polymer and polyhydroxymethylsiloxane (PHMS) as the cross-linker. The thermal and mechanical properties and microstructures of the different models were analyzed and compared. It was found that the doping of CNTs could change the thermomechanical properties of the composites, and the doping of CNTs with small radius had a more positive effect on the material, the thermal conductivity, glass transition temperature, and mechanical properties of the composites are improved. Due to the doping of CNTs, the free volume percentage and the mean square displacement of the composites are reduced. It is noteworthy that during the modeling and optimization process, there are molecular chains that pass through the large radius CNTs, and the structural properties of the composite CNTs themselves play a more critical role in the enhancement effect of the thermodynamic properties of the composites compared to the binding energy and free volume.

Open Access February 24, 2023

Incorporation of poly(3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid) branches for good sizing properties and easy desizing from sized cotton warps

Chaohui Zhang, Wei Li, Zhenzhen Xu

Article number: 20228109

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Abstract

This study aimed to ascertain the influence of poly(3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride- co -acrylic acid) [P(ATC- co -AA)] on the adhesion, film properties, desizability of cornstarch, and reveal a suitable mole percentage of ATC units on the P(ATC- co -AA) for acquiring a new starch-based size [S- g -P(ATC- co -AA)]. A series of S- g -P(ATC- co -AA) samples were synthesized by the graft polymerization of acid-converted cornstarch with ATC and AA monomers. Their adhesion, film properties, and desizability were assessed. The results displayed that the P(ATC- co -AA) branches could significantly improve the adhesion to cotton fibers and diminish the film brittleness of starch. Under similar grafting ratio, the adhesion and desizability of S- g -P(ATC- co -AA) depended on the mole percentage of ATC units. Increasing the percentage favored the adhesion but disfavored the desizability. The percentage displayed a low effect on the film properties. S- g -P(ATC- co -AA) with a mole percentage of 57.7% presented good sizing properties and easy desizing, which had potential application in cotton warp sizing.

Open Access March 10, 2023

Effect of matrix composition on properties of polyamide 66/polyamide 6I-6T composites with high content of continuous glass fiber for optimizing surface performance

Jiaxiang Xie

Article number: 20228111

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Abstract

To optimize the surface performance of the composites of polyamide 66 and continuous glass fiber (50/50, weight ratio), poly(hexamethylene isoftalamide- co -terephthalamide) (PA6I-6T) was introduced. The composites were prepared by a twin-screw extruder, and the effect of PA6I-6T on the thermal and mechanical properties, as well as surface appearance was investigated. The results showed that the crystallization temperature and the melting point of the composites decreased with increasing the amount of PA6I-6T. The Jeziorny method proved that the presence of PA6I-6T did not change the nucleation mode and the crystal growth of PA66 in the hybrid matrix, and the Mo method revealed that the crystallization rate of PA66 decreased first and then increased with the increase of the PA6I-6T content. The reduction in the “floating fiber” on the surface of the composites was attributed to the decrease of the crystallization rate of PA66 in the presence of PA6I-6T. It was shown that the composites with smooth surface had a large melt flow index. Moreover, the composites with high content of PA6I-6T had low heat deformation temperatures. The mechanical properties of the composites did not change significantly with the increase of the PA6I-6T content. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that glass fiber was evenly distributed in the matrix and strongly oriented parallel to the injection direction.

Open Access March 11, 2023

Preparation and properties of epoxy-modified thermosetting phenolic fiber

YaoWen Yin, MingLi Jiao, AnFei Liu, Hao Wang, Yang Liu, Ying Liu, Kai Yang, GenXing Zhu

Article number: 20228085

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Abstract

This article proposes the preparation and microwave thermal cured (MTC) epoxy-modified phenolic fibers for the first time. Epoxy-modified thermoplastic phenolic resin was first prepared in acidic condition using phenol, formaldehyde, and epichlorohydrin as the reactants, and then underwent additive reaction with formaldehyde to obtain epoxy-modified thermosetting phenolic resin, which was converted into nascent fibers through wet spinning. Finally, epoxy-modified phenolic fibers were obtained through different curing methods including solution cured, solution thermal cured, microwave cured, MTC, and was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, microscopic infrared imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The experiment results show that MTC epoxy-modified phenolic fibers have optimal mechanical property with ultimate elongation of 4% and breaking strength of 133 MPa. Graphical abstract

Open Access March 13, 2023

Thermal decomposition reaction kinetics and storage life prediction of polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive

Bingjun Li, Yingzi Li, Zongwen Tong, Hongbin Yang, Sensen Du, Zhuozhen Zhang

Article number: 20220089

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Abstract

The thermal decomposition behavior of polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) at heating rates of 4, 6, 8, and 10 K·min −1 was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition reaction of the polyacrylate adhesive were obtained from TG profile by differential method and integral method (Kissinger, general integral, MacCallum–Tanner, Šatava–Šesták, Agrawal, and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa), the results show that the main decomposition stage of the polyacrylate adhesive starts at 301°C and its activation energy is 142.68 kJ·mol −1 , the pre exponential factor is 10 9.55 , the decomposition mechanism obeys Avrami–Erofeev equation and its decomposition kinetic equation can be expressed as: d α /d T = (10 9.55 / β )[(1 − α )/2][−ln(1 − α )] −1 exp(−1.7161 × 10 4 / T ). The storage life of PSA at 25°C was predicted to be about 19 years by isoconversional method.

Open Access April 1, 2023

Effect of different proportions of CNTs/Fe₃O₄ hybrid filler on the morphological, electrical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

Bozhen Wu, Honghao Zhu, Yuhao Yang, Jiang Huang, Tong Liu, Tairong Kuang, Shaohua Jiang, Aleksander Hejna, Kunming Liu

Article number: 20230006

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Abstract

Due to the shortage of petroleum resources, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, has been widely considered as a replacement for traditional petroleum-based polymers. Therefore, multifunctional PLA composites have become increasingly popular. In this study, conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and magnetic nano-Fe 3 O 4 fillers were melt-blended with PLA. The impact of CNTs and nano-Fe 3 O 4 composition on the electrical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of PLA nanocomposites was investigated in detail by adjusting the CNTs-to-nano-Fe 3 O 4 ratio. When the hybrid filler content was fixed at 10 wt%, the electrical conductivity results indicated that the addition of single CNTs could effectively improve the conductivity of the nanocomposites, while nano-Fe 3 O 4 contribution was hardly noted. A suitable ratio of electromagnetic hybrid fillers can yield excellent synergistic effects in EMI shielding properties. The nanocomposites containing CNTs and nano-Fe 3 O 4 in a 50:50 ratio exhibited excellent electrical conductivity (90.6 S·m −1 ) and EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE ∼ 40.5 dB). This is primarily because CNTs provide good electrical conductivity, but the addition of magnetic nano-Fe 3 O 4 provides additional interfacial polarization and eddy current losses caused by its dielectric and magnetic properties. These properties synergistically result in an impedance mismatch, dielectric loss, and polarization relaxation of the composite materials, improving the shielding properties against electromagnetic waves. Further, it was found that changing the ratio of electromagnetic hybrid fillers also affected electromagnetic wave absorption. When the ratio of CNT-to-nano-Fe 3 O 4 was 25:75, the nanocomposites had an EMI SE of 24.6 dB, and the absorptivity could reach the maximum (40.3%). Thus, this study provides a valuable reference for preparing multifunctional polymer nanocomposites by constructing electromagnetic hybrid filler networks.

Open Access April 4, 2023

Doping silver nanoparticles into reverse osmosis membranes for antibacterial properties

Xiaofang Zou, Tian Zhu, Jiangquan Tang, Weixing Gan, Guangzai Nong

Article number: 20228087

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Abstract

Polyamide composite reverse osmosis (RO) membranes occupy an important position in water treatment. However, membrane fouling, especially biofouling, can lead to a significant decrease in membrane permeability. Therefore, reducing biological contamination is a significant and important property of an RO membrane. In this article, a hypothesis on the development of a new kind of RO membrane for antibacterial purposes was prepared by the modification of gallic acid (GA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Then, experiments were carried out to verify the hypothesis, getting a modified RO membrane with the composite of GA@AgNPs. The water flux of the GA@AgNPs RO membrane was 31.1 L·m −2 ·h −1 , which was 46.7% higher than that of the original membrane, while the rejection rate of salt remained at 93.8–97.6%. Moreover, the GA@AgNPs RO membranes exhibited outstanding antibacterial properties with more than 99.9% antibacterial efficiency against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Our work provides a new idea for solving the problem of biofouling RO membranes.

Open Access April 17, 2023

Melt-blended PLA/curcumin-cross-linked polyurethane film for enhanced UV-shielding ability

Xuya Fu, Tao Zhang, Wenshuo Zhang, Yuye Zhong, Shuliang Fang, Guannan Wang, Ying Li, Yajun Deng, Xinghai Liu, Houbin Li

Article number: 20230009

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Abstract

Biomass films with ultraviolet (UV)-shielding ability have attracted considerable attention. Curcumin was introduced into castor oil-based polyurethane (CCPU) as a chain extender, which was melt with polylactic acid (PLA) as a reinforcement to obtain biomass UV-shielding film. The excellent UV absorption and antioxidant qualities of curcumin contributed to the impressive UV-shielding capacity (97.6% UV radiation absorption) and antioxidant (51% free radical scavenging) of PLA/CCPU-20 film. In the scanning electron microscopic images of film fracture, the mixing of CCPU elastomer into the PLA matrix caused the blend films to exhibit significant toughening fracture characteristics compared to the pure PLA film. The excellent thermal stability, low water swelling degree, and low water solubility of PLA/CCPU blend films were maintained after CCPU was added to the PLA matrix. Therefore, the PLA/CCPU blend films can be considered as a potential packaging material because of its favorable UV-shielding properties and film stability. Graphical abstract Schematic for the preparation of the PLA/CCPU blend films.

Open Access April 17, 2023

The affinity of bentonite and WO₃ nanoparticles toward epoxy resin polymer for radiation shielding

Mohamed Elsafi, Aljawhara H. Almuqrin, Sabina Yasmin, M. I. Sayyed

Article number: 20230011

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Abstract

A thorough comparative analysis was conducted between pure epoxy and a novel epoxy composite that included bentonite and WO 3 nanoparticles in varying ratios. This study examined five distinct novel epoxy samples (E00, EB0, EBW1, EBW2, and EBW3) to assess their radiation shielding efficiency (RSE), taking into account the addition of bentonite and WO 3 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the study compared the RSE of pure epoxy with that of the novel epoxy composite. To evaluate the radiation shielding ability of the studied epoxy samples, a few radiation shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), mean free path (MFP), RSE, and transition factor ( I / I 0 ) were calculated. The RSE values of the epoxy samples were E00 (63.41%), EB0 (87.17%), EBW1 (98.26%), EBW2 (99.82%), and EBW3 (99.99%) at an energy of 0.06 MeV with 4 cm thickness. With the increase in the incident energy, the half-value layer and MFP values were increased, whereas the LAC and MAC values decreased. In conclusion, it can be stated that the sample EBW3 is more suitable among the five epoxy samples studied for attenuating the incident photon energy from 0.06 to 1.33 MeV. Noteworthily, the obtained results demonstrate that the addition of WO 3 nanoparticles enhances the shielding ability of epoxy when compared to the addition of the same amount of bentonite.

Open Access May 2, 2023

Prolonged action fertilizer encapsulated by CMC/humic acid

Ulzhalgas Nazarbek, Saule Nazarbekova, Yerkebulan Raiymbekov, Maksat Kambatyrov, Perizat Abdurazova

Article number: 20230013

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Abstract

The present study focuses on the evaluation of a novel prolonged action fertilizer that has been encapsulated by a combination of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and humic acid (HA). The aim of this research was to investigate the release of the essential plant nutrients: phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. This study investigated the material composition and nutrient release properties of a novel prolonged action fertilizer encapsulated by CMC and HA. The release of these nutrients was determined by quantifying their concentrations over time using various analytical techniques, such as photometric, titrimetric, and flame photometric methods. The results revealed that the CMC/HA matrix effectively controlled the nutrient release, with extended-release durations observed under acidic (pH 5.0) and neutral (pH 7.0) conditions compared to alkaline environments (pH 8.5). This indicates that the encapsulated fertilizer is well suited for a variety of soil pH conditions, particularly in acidic and neutral soils. This information could have important implications for the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly fertilizer technologies.

Open Access May 2, 2023

Preparation and experimental estimation of radiation shielding properties of novel epoxy reinforced with Sb₂O₃ and PbO

Aljawhara H. Almuqrin, Heba Jamal ALasali, M. I. Sayyed, K. G. Mahmoud

Article number: 20230019

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Abstract

The present work aims to fabricate new inexpensive epoxy-based composites with a concentration described by the formula (90 − x )epoxy + 10Sb 2 O 3 + x PbO, where x = 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%. The impacts of the substitution of epoxy by PbO on the composite density and radiation shielding properties of the fabricated composites were studied. The density of the fabricated composites varied between 1.30 and 1.49 g·cm −3 , enriching the PbO concentration. Utilizing the narrow beam transmission method, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of the fabricated composites was measured using the NaI (Tl) detector as well as radioactive sources Am-241 and Cs-137. The LAC increased by 84% and 18% at gamma-ray energy of 0.059 and 0.662 MeV, when the PbO concentration raised between 5 and 20 wt%, respectively. Then the transmission rate and half-value layer of the fabricated composites were reduced by raising the PbO concentration. Therefore, the fabricated composite has good shielding properties in the low gamma-ray energy interval to be suitable for medical applications and low radioactive waste container constructions.

Open Access May 15, 2023

Fabrication of polylactic acid nanofibrous yarns for piezoelectric fabrics

Xin Meng, Xiaoyu Jia, Yuanzhang Qi, Dagang Miao, Xu Yan

Article number: 20230030

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Abstract

With the rapid development of smart wearable devices and the urgent demands for new energy resources, fibrous flexible power supply units had attracted a lot of interest. Here, we reported the fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA) piezoelectric nanofibrous yarn-based fabric through conjugated electrospinning and weaving process. Five kinds of PLA yarns including poly( l -lactide) (PLLA), poly( d -lactide) (PDLA), PLLA positive/PDLA negative, PDLA positive/PLLA negative, and PLLA/PDLA mixture (1:1 w/w) ones were prepared and investigated. Among these, the PLLA/PDLA yarn had more uniform and oriented structure with 301 MPa tensile strength, which could meet the requirement of weaving. A 4 cm × 4 cm woven PLLA/PDLA fabric could provide a maximum current of 90.86 nA and a voltage of 8.69 V under 5 N force, and the piezoelectricity could be enhanced by the fabric area and the applied force. This approach may be helpful for the design of wearing generators.

Open Access May 23, 2023

Copper phenyl phosphonate for epoxy resin and cyanate ester copolymer with improved flame retardancy and thermal properties

Zhilin Cao, Changxin Ren, Zhengzhou Wang

Article number: 20230004

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Abstract

Epoxy resin (EP)/cyanate ester (CE) copolymer, an important structural material with high temperature resistance and low dielectric constant in aerospace, microelectronics, and related fields, is still of great flammability danger. In this work, copper phenyl phosphonate (CuPP), a flame retardant used in EP/CE copolymer was synthesized by the reaction of phenyl phosphonic acid and copper nitrate trihydrate. The fire and thermal behavior of EP/CE/CuPP composites were studied in detail. The results suggested that the UL-94 rating and limiting oxygen index of EP/CE composite with 5 wt% CuPP (EP/CE/CuPP5) reach V-1 level and 30.6%, respectively. Compared with pure EP/CE copolymer, the peak heat release rate and total heat release values of EP/CE/CuPP5 decreased by 34.5% and 18.9%, respectively. The glass transition temperature of EP/CE/CuPP composite is higher than that of pure EP/CE copolymer, suggesting that the fire-retardant composite has higher work temperature and better heat resistance.

Open Access May 31, 2023

Synergistic effect of thermal oxygen and UV aging on natural rubber

Meng-Zhen Zhou, Hao-Ran Wang, Xing Guo, Yan-Chan Wei, Shuangquan Liao

Article number: 20230016

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Abstract

The oxidation of natural rubber (NR) leads to a decrease in mechanical properties, even resulting in failure of NR products. Many studies focusing on this single factor have failed to fully elucidate the impact of tropical island environment on NR properties. Based on this concern, the synergistic effect of thermal oxygen and ultraviolet (UV) aging on NR was systematically studied. The results revealed that thermal oxygenation can promote UV aging, which leads to the appearance of surface cracks and deepening of color. With the extension of aging time, the mechanical properties of NR correspondingly decreased. Besides, to deeply understand the mechanism of the synergistic effect of thermal oxygen and UV aging on NR, we selected squalene to simulate and analyze the molecular structure changes in NR. Based on these results, a possible synergistic effect of thermal oxygen and UV aging mechanisms on NR could be proposed.

Review Articles

Open Access April 25, 2023

Preparation and application of natural protein polymer-based Pickering emulsions

Qianqian Ma, Sensen Ma, Jie Liu, Ying Pei, Keyong Tang, Jianhua Qiu, Jiqiang Wan, Xuejing Zheng, Jun Zhang

Article number: 20230001

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Abstract

Emulsification is the effect of a liquid being uniformly dispersed as tiny droplets in another liquid that is immiscible. Traditional emulsification requires the addition of suitable surfactant to stabilize the emulsion. When the surfactant molecules are replaced by solid particles, the emulsion is known as Pickering emulsions (PEs). PEs with dispersed phase volume fraction above 74% are also named high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs). The use of solid particles of natural origin allows PEs to be highly physically stable, environmentally compatible, and biodegradable compared to traditional emulsions. Among them, protein-based solid particles are well suited to stabilize PEs for their great emulsification properties and nutritional value. In this article, we reviewed the preparation of different forms of proteins and their emulsion stabilization properties and summarized the applications of protein-based PEs in various fields, including food, biomedicine, porous materials, biodegradable packaging films, sewage treatment, 3D printing, etc. Graphical abstract Particle morphology and applications of protein-based PEs.

Open Access May 24, 2023

Wood-derived high-performance cellulose structural materials

Wenze Yan, Jie Liu, Xuejing Zheng, Jun Zhang, Keyong Tang

Article number: 20230010

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Abstract

The threats of nonrenewable energy consumption and environmental disruption caused by the extensive use of metals and polymers derived from petroleum have prompted the development of eco-friendly, high-performance, and long-lasting structural materials. After various treatments, cellulose materials exhibit exceptional properties such as high strength, fire resistance, hydrophobic properties, and thermal stability. Cellulose-based structural materials have excellent mechanical strength and the distinct advantages of being lightweight, inexpensive, and energy efficient. This review summarizes the recent progress in the preparation methods and properties of high-performance cellulose structural materials such as high-strength cellulose structural materials, thermal insulation cellulose structural materials, flame-retardant cellulose structural materials, hydrophobic cellulose structural materials, cellulose structural material with electrical properties, and other cellulose structural materials. The future of high-performance cellulosic structural materials and the prospective of their development are concluded.

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5-year Journal Impact Factor	2.364
CiteScore	3.2
Journal Impact Factor	3.074
Journal Citation Indicator	0.49
SCImago Journal Rank	0.429
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.802

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Editorial

Editor-in-Chief
Seema Agarwal; University of Bayreuth, Germany

Associate Editor
Shaohua Jiang; Nanjing Forestry University, China

Editor
Jian Ji; Zhejiang University, China

Founding Editors
Hartwig Hoecker and Stanislaw Penczek

Editorial Advisory Board
Bin Ding, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Felix Schacher; Friedrich-Schiller-University, Germany
Susanta Banerjee; Indian Institute of Technology, India
Prasad Shastri; University of Freiburg, Germany
Yasuhiko Iwasaki; Kansai University, Japan
Piming Ma; Jiangnan University, China
Stan Slomkowski; Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
Tamer Uyar; Cornell University, USA
Anup Ghosh; Indian Institute of Technology, India
Eyal Zussman; Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel

Language Editor
Gerry Wilson; the ōbex project

Editorial Contact
Dr. Krzysztof Dębniak
Managing Editor
epolymers.editorial@degruyter.com

Publisher
DE GRUYTER Poland
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(Deutsch)

Type: Journal
Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
First published: January 1, 2001
Publication Frequency: 1 Issue per Year
Audience: Researchers and practitioners interested in all fields of polymer science

e-Polymers

Chitosan nanocomposite film incorporating Nigella sativa oil, Azadirachta indica leaves’ extract, and silver nanoparticles

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Effect of Zr-doped CaCu3Ti3.95Zr0.05O12 ceramic on the microstructure, dielectric properties, and electric field distribution of the LDPE composites

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Loading conditions impact on the compression fatigue behavior of filled styrene butadiene rubber

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Characterization and compatibility of bio-based PA56/PET

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Study on the aging of three typical rubber materials under high- and low-temperature cyclic environment

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Numerical simulation and experimental research of electrospun polyacrylonitrile Taylor cone based on multiphysics coupling

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Experimental investigation of properties and aging behavior of pineapple and sisal leaf hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites

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Influence of temperature distribution on the foaming quality of foamed polypropylene composites

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Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of 4-methylcatechol oligomer and preliminary evaluations as stabilizing agent in polypropylene

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Molecular dynamics simulation of the effect of the thermal and mechanical properties of addition liquid silicone rubber modified by carbon nanotubes with different radii

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Incorporation of poly(3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid) branches for good sizing properties and easy desizing from sized cotton warps

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Effect of matrix composition on properties of polyamide 66/polyamide 6I-6T composites with high content of continuous glass fiber for optimizing surface performance

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Preparation and properties of epoxy-modified thermosetting phenolic fiber

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Thermal decomposition reaction kinetics and storage life prediction of polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive

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Effect of different proportions of CNTs/Fe3O4 hybrid filler on the morphological, electrical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

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Doping silver nanoparticles into reverse osmosis membranes for antibacterial properties

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Melt-blended PLA/curcumin-cross-linked polyurethane film for enhanced UV-shielding ability

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The affinity of bentonite and WO3 nanoparticles toward epoxy resin polymer for radiation shielding

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Prolonged action fertilizer encapsulated by CMC/humic acid

Abstract

Preparation and experimental estimation of radiation shielding properties of novel epoxy reinforced with Sb2O3 and PbO

Abstract

Fabrication of polylactic acid nanofibrous yarns for piezoelectric fabrics

Abstract

Copper phenyl phosphonate for epoxy resin and cyanate ester copolymer with improved flame retardancy and thermal properties

Abstract

Synergistic effect of thermal oxygen and UV aging on natural rubber

Abstract

Preparation and application of natural protein polymer-based Pickering emulsions

Abstract

Wood-derived high-performance cellulose structural materials

Abstract

Effect of Zr-doped CaCu₃Ti_3.95Zr_0.05O₁₂ ceramic on the microstructure, dielectric properties, and electric field distribution of the LDPE composites

Effect of different proportions of CNTs/Fe₃O₄ hybrid filler on the morphological, electrical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

The affinity of bentonite and WO₃ nanoparticles toward epoxy resin polymer for radiation shielding

Preparation and experimental estimation of radiation shielding properties of novel epoxy reinforced with Sb₂O₃ and PbO