Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Physics and Theory

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 29345

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Civil Engineering and Geo-Environmental Laboratory (LGCgE), Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
Interests: annulus fibrosus; intervertebral disc; lumbar spine; hyperelastic material; elastomers; rubber; polyethylenes; tensile deformation; wide-angle X-ray scattering; mechanics of polymers; damage mechanics; fracture mechanics; constitutive modelling
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Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
Interests: physics of colloids and macromolecules; chemistry and physics of colloidal systems; scattering methods and structural research on battery systems was done mainly by using small-angle X-ray and neutro
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Unité Matériaux et Transformations (UMET), UMR 8207, Université Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, 59000 Lille, France
Interests: photochemistry and radiochemistry of organic materials; polymerization/crosslinking processes; static and dynamical properties of polymers (blends, networks,...); polymer/liquid crystal systems; recycling of materials from WEEE
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Department of Chemical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
Interests: polymer crystallization; polymorphism; crystallization and melting of polyethylenes and polypropylenes; morphological and structural studies in polyolefins; blends of polyolefins
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce this Collection titled ”Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Physics and Theory”, which will be a collection of papers invited for publication by the Editorial Board Members.

This Special Issue is designed to publish high-quality review or article papers dealing with the different issues covered by the journal. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to:

  • The development of multiscale modeling methodologies, constitutive equations, and new theories;
  • The implementation of efficient algorithms and machine learning schemes for structure–property relationship quantification;
  • Experimental studies for the preparation and characterization of new polymeric materials, including instrumentation and the development of new measuring devices;
  • Developments in view of potential applications in batteries, memory devices, and solar energy;
  • Sustainability challenges: polymer materials designed for waste management (bio-based, linear, and crosslinked).

Prof. Dr. Fahmi Zaïri
Prof. Dr. Matthias Ballauff
Dr. Ulrich Maschke
Prof. Dr. Rufina G. Alamo
Guest Editors

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.

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 7674 KiB  
Article
Effect of Hydrothermal Aging on the Tribological Performance of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Seals
by Gege Huang, Zhihao Chen, Jian Wu, Ange Lin, Qinxiu Liu, Shouyao Liu, Benlong Su and Youshan Wang
Polymers 2024, 16(1), 81; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym16010081 - 26 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 872
Abstract
High temperature and humidity affect the tribological performance of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) seals, which affects the precise positioning of cylinder systems. Therefore, it is crucial to study the effect of hydrothermal aging on the tribological performance of the NBR seals. In this [...] Read more.
High temperature and humidity affect the tribological performance of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) seals, which affects the precise positioning of cylinder systems. Therefore, it is crucial to study the effect of hydrothermal aging on the tribological performance of the NBR seals. In this study, the changes in the tribological performance of the NBR seals under hydrothermal aging conditions were investigated. The results show that the volatilization of additives and the increase in crosslink density of the NBR seals occurs in the hydrothermal aging environment, leading to the deterioration of their surface quality, elastic deformability, and tribological performance. The formation of surface micropores due to additive volatilization is the main factor in the degradation of tribological performance. Full article
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16 pages, 4870 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Effect of Grain Boundaries on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy/Graphene Composites
by Qiuyue Ding, Ning Ding, Xiangfeng Chen, Wenyue Guo and Fahmi Zaïri
Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3218; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15153218 - 28 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
This work presents a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study on the effect of grain boundaries (GBs) on the mechanical properties of epoxy/graphene composites. Ten types of GB models were constructed and comparisons were made for epoxy/graphene composites containing graphene with GBs. The results [...] Read more.
This work presents a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study on the effect of grain boundaries (GBs) on the mechanical properties of epoxy/graphene composites. Ten types of GB models were constructed and comparisons were made for epoxy/graphene composites containing graphene with GBs. The results showed that the tensile and compressive behaviors, the glass transition temperature (Tg), and the configurations of epoxy/graphene composites were significantly affected by GBs. The tensile yield strength of epoxy/graphene composites could be either enhanced or weakened by GBs under a tensile load parallel to the graphene sheet. The underlying mechanisms may be attributed to multi-factor coupling, including the tensile strength of the reinforcements, the interfacial interaction energy, and the inflection degree of reinforcements. A balance exists among these effect factors, resulting in the diversity in the tensile yield strength of epoxy/graphene composites. The compressive yield strength for epoxy/graphene composites is higher than their counterpart in tension. The tensile/compressive yield strength for the same configuration presents diversity in different directions. Both an excellent interfacial interaction and the appropriate inflection degree of wrinkles for GB configurations restrict the translational and rotational movements of epoxy chains during volume expansion, which eventually improves the overall Tg. Understanding the reinforcing mechanism for graphene with GBs from the atomistic level provides new physical insights to material design for epoxy-based composites containing defective reinforcements. Full article
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11 pages, 1718 KiB  
Article
Force-Based Characterization of the Wetting Properties of LDPE Surfaces Treated with CF4 and H2 Plasmas
by Cihan Aktas, Osman Polat, Mohamadreza Beitollahpoor, Melika Farzam, Noshir S. Pesika and Nurettin Sahiner
Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2132; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15092132 - 29 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1961
Abstract
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films are widely used in packaging, insulation and many other commodity applications due to their excellent mechanical and chemical properties. However, the water-wetting and water-repellant properties of these films are insufficient for certain applications. In this study, bare LDPE and [...] Read more.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films are widely used in packaging, insulation and many other commodity applications due to their excellent mechanical and chemical properties. However, the water-wetting and water-repellant properties of these films are insufficient for certain applications. In this study, bare LDPE and textured LDPE (T-LDPE) films were subjected to low-pressure plasmas, such as carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) and hydrogen (H2), to see the effect of plasma treatment on the wetting properties of LDPE films. In addition, the surface of the LDPE film was textured to improve the hydrophobicity through the lotus effect. The LDPE and T-LDPE films had contact angle (θ) values of 98.6° ± 0.6 and 143.6° ± 1.0, respectively. After CF4 plasma treatments, the θ values of the surfaces increased for both surfaces, albeit within the standard deviation for the T-LDPE film. On the other hand, the contact angle values after H2 plasma treatment decreased for both surfaces. The surface energy measurements supported the changes in the contact angle values: exposure to H2 plasma decreased the contact angle, while exposure to CF4 plasma increased the contact angle. Kinetic friction force measurements of water drops on LDPE and T-LDPE films showed a decrease in friction after the CF4 plasma treatment, consistent with the contact angle and surface energy measurements. Notably, the kinetic friction force measurements proved to be more sensitive compared to the contact angle measurements in differentiating the wetting properties of the T-LDPE versus 3× CF4-plasma-treated LDPE films. Based on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images of the flat LDPE samples, the 3× CF4 plasma treatment did not significantly change the surface morphology or roughness. However, in the case of the T-LDPE samples, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images showed noticeable morphological changes, which were more significant at sharp edges of the surface structures. Full article
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16 pages, 4505 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study on the Distribution of Rodlike Particles in Laminar Flows of Power Law Fluids Past a Cylinder
by Wenqian Lin, Zhenna Li, Shanliang Zhang and Jianzhong Lin
Polymers 2023, 15(8), 1956; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15081956 - 20 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1095
Abstract
The contraction/expansion laminar flow containing rodlike particles in power-law fluid is studied numerically when the particles are in a dilute phase. The fluid velocity vector and streamline of flow are given at the finite Reynolds number (Re) region. The effects of Re, power [...] Read more.
The contraction/expansion laminar flow containing rodlike particles in power-law fluid is studied numerically when the particles are in a dilute phase. The fluid velocity vector and streamline of flow are given at the finite Reynolds number (Re) region. The effects of Re, power index n and particle aspect ratio β on the spatial and orientation distributions of particles are analyzed. The results showed that for the shear-thickening fluid, particles are dispersed in the whole area in the contraction flow, while more particles are gathered near the two walls in the expansion flow. The spatial distribution of particles with small β is more regular. Β has a significant, n has a moderate, but Re has a small impact on the spatial distribution of particles in the contraction and expansion flow. In the case of large Re, most particles are oriented in the flow direction. The particles near the wall show obvious orientation along the flow direction. In shear-thickening fluid, when the flow changes from contraction to expansion, the orientation distribution of particles becomes more dispersed; while in shear-thinning fluid, the opposite is true. More particles orient to the flow direction in expansion flow than that in contraction flow. The particles with a large β tend to align with the flow direction more obviously. Re, n and β have great influence on the orientation distribution of particles in the contraction and expansion flow. Whether the particles initially located at the inlet can bypass the cylinder depends on the transverse position and initial orientation of the particles at the inlet. The number of particles with θ0 = 90° bypassing the cylinder is the largest, followed by θ0 = 45° and θ0 = 0°. The conclusions obtained in this paper have reference value for practical engineering applications. Full article
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16 pages, 4056 KiB  
Article
Influence of DNA Type on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Polyplexes Based on Star Polymers Bearing Different Amino Functionalities
by Emi Haladjova, Silvia Panseri, Monica Montesi, Arianna Rossi, Athanasios Skandalis, Stergios Pispas and Stanislav Rangelov
Polymers 2023, 15(4), 894; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15040894 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1362
Abstract
The interactions of two star polymers based on poly (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) with different types of nucleic acids are investigated. The star polymers differ only in their functionality to bear protonable amino or permanently charged quaternary ammonium groups, while DNAs of different molar masses, [...] Read more.
The interactions of two star polymers based on poly (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) with different types of nucleic acids are investigated. The star polymers differ only in their functionality to bear protonable amino or permanently charged quaternary ammonium groups, while DNAs of different molar masses, lengths and topologies are used. The main physicochemical parameters of the resulting polyplexes are determined. The influence of the polymer’ functionality and length and topology of the DNA on the structure and properties of the polyelectrolyte complexes is established. The quaternized polymer is characterized by a high binding affinity to DNA and formed strongly positively charged, compact and tight polyplexes. The parent, non-quaternized polymer exhibits an enhanced buffering capacity and weakened polymer/DNA interactions, particularly upon the addition of NaCl, resulting in the formation of less compact and tight polyplexes. The cytotoxic evaluation of the systems indicates that they are sparing with respect to the cell lines studied including osteosarcoma, osteoblast and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and exhibit good biocompatibility. Transfection experiments reveal that the non-quaternized polymer is effective at transferring DNA into cells, which is attributed to its high buffering capacity, facilitating the endo-lysosomal escape of the polyplex, the loose structure of the latter one and weakened polymer/DNA interactions, benefitting the DNA release. Full article
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11 pages, 5393 KiB  
Article
Confinement-Induced Fractionation and Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation of Polymer Mixtures
by Arash Nikoubashman and Miho Yanagisawa
Polymers 2023, 15(3), 511; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15030511 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1932
Abstract
The formation of (bio)molecular condensates via liquid–liquid phase separation in cells has received increasing attention, as these aggregates play important functional and regulatory roles within biological systems. However, the majority of studies focused on the behavior of pure systems in bulk solutions, thus [...] Read more.
The formation of (bio)molecular condensates via liquid–liquid phase separation in cells has received increasing attention, as these aggregates play important functional and regulatory roles within biological systems. However, the majority of studies focused on the behavior of pure systems in bulk solutions, thus neglecting confinement effects and the interplay between the numerous molecules present in cells. To better understand the physical mechanisms driving condensation in cellular environments, we perform molecular simulations of binary polymer mixtures in spherical droplets, considering both monodisperse and polydisperse molecular weight distributions for the longer polymer species. We find that confinement induces a spatial separation of the polymers by length, with the longer ones moving to the droplet center. This partitioning causes a distinct increase in the local polymer concentration near the droplet center, which is more pronounced in polydisperse systems. Consequently, the confined systems exhibit liquid–liquid phase separation at average polymer concentrations where bulk systems are still in the one-phase regime. Full article
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Review

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47 pages, 6529 KiB  
Review
The Challenges Facing the Current Paradigm Describing Viscoelastic Interactions in Polymer Melts
by Jean Pierre Ibar
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4309; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15214309 - 2 Nov 2023
Viewed by 995
Abstract
Staudinger taught us that macromolecules were made up of covalently bonded monomer repeat units chaining up as polymer chains. This paradigm is not challenged in this paper. The main question raised in polymer physics remains: how do these long chains interact and move [...] Read more.
Staudinger taught us that macromolecules were made up of covalently bonded monomer repeat units chaining up as polymer chains. This paradigm is not challenged in this paper. The main question raised in polymer physics remains: how do these long chains interact and move as a group when submitted to shear deformation at high temperature when they are viscous liquids? The current consensus is that we need to distinguish two cases: the deformation of “un-entangled chains” for macromolecules with molecular weight, M, smaller than Me, “the entanglement molecular weight”, and the deformation of “entangled” chains for M > Me. The current paradigm stipulates that the properties of polymers derive from the statistical characteristics of the macromolecule itself, the designated statistical system that defines the thermodynamic state of the polymer. The current paradigm claims that the viscoelasticity of un-entangled melts is well described by the Rouse model and that the entanglement issues raised when M > Me, are well understood by the reptation model introduced by de Gennes and colleagues. Both models can be classified in the category of “chain dynamics statistics”. In this paper, we examine in detail the failures and the current challenges facing the current paradigm of polymer rheology: the Rouse model for un-entangled melts, the reptation model for entangled melts, the time–temperature superposition principle, the strain-induced time dependence of viscosity, shear-refinement and sustained-orientation. The basic failure of the current paradigm and its inherent inability to fully describe the experimental reality is documented in this paper. In the discussion and conclusion sections of the paper, we suggest that a different solution to explain the viscoelasticity of polymer chains and of their “entanglement” is needed. This requires a change in paradigm to describe the dynamics of the interactions within the chains and across the chains. A brief description of our currently proposed open dissipative statistical approach, “the Grain-Field Statistics”, is presented. Full article
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45 pages, 4691 KiB  
Review
Advancing Plastic Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integration of 3D Printing and Distributed Recycling for a Circular Economy
by Ali Kassab, Dawood Al Nabhani, Pravansu Mohanty, Christopher Pannier and Georges Y. Ayoub
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3881; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15193881 - 25 Sep 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 14419
Abstract
The concept of the circular economy has emerged as a promising solution to address the mounting concerns surrounding plastic waste and the urgent need for sustainable resource management. While conventional centralized recycling remains a common practice for plastic waste, centralized facilities may prove [...] Read more.
The concept of the circular economy has emerged as a promising solution to address the mounting concerns surrounding plastic waste and the urgent need for sustainable resource management. While conventional centralized recycling remains a common practice for plastic waste, centralized facilities may prove inadequate in handling the ever-increasing volumes of plastic waste generated globally. Consequently, exploring alternative recycling methods, such as distributed recycling by additive manufacturing, becomes paramount. This innovative approach encompasses actively involving communities in recycling practices and promotes a circular economy. This comprehensive review paper aims to explore the critical aspects necessary to realize the potential of distributed recycling by additive manufacturing. In this paper, our focus lies on proposing schemes that leverage existing literature to harness the potential of distributed recycling by additive manufacturing as an effective approach to plastic waste management. We explore the intricacies of the recycling process, optimize 3D printing parameters, address potential challenges, and evaluate the mechanical properties of recycled materials. Our investigation draws heavily from the literature of the last five years, as we conduct a thorough critical assessment of DRAM implementation and its influence on the properties of 3D printing structures. Through comprehensive analysis, we reveal the potential of recycled materials in delivering functional components, with insights into their performance, strengths, and weaknesses. This review serves as a comprehensive guide for those interested in embracing distributed recycling by additive manufacturing as a transformative approach to plastic recycling. By fostering community engagement, optimizing 3D printing processes, and incorporating suitable additives, it is possible to collectively contribute to a more sustainable future while combatting the plastic waste crisis. As progress is made, it becomes essential to further delve into the complexities of material behavior, recycling techniques, and the long-term durability of recycled 3D printed components. By addressing these challenges head-on, it is feasible to refine and advance distributed recycling by additive manufacturing as a viable pathway to minimize plastic waste, fostering a circular economy and cultivating a cleaner planet for generations to come. Full article
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27 pages, 2058 KiB  
Review
Natural and Natural-Based Polymers: Recent Developments in Management of Emerging Pollutants
by Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Irina Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis) and Doina Manaila-Maximean
Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2063; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15092063 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2030
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities lead to the issue of new classes of pollutants in the environment that are not currently monitored in environmental studies. This category of pollutants (known as emerging contaminants) includes a very wide range of target substances, such as pharmaceuticals, plant protection [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic activities lead to the issue of new classes of pollutants in the environment that are not currently monitored in environmental studies. This category of pollutants (known as emerging contaminants) includes a very wide range of target substances, such as pharmaceuticals, plant protection products, personal care products, dyes, toxins, microplastics and many other industrially important intermediaries. Together with an increasing demand for clean water (both for agricultural necessities and for the increasing population consumption), the need for the removal of emerging pollutants, simultaneously with the current “green chemistry” approach, opens the door for the industrial application of natural polymers in the area of environmental protection. Recent developments in this area are presented in this paper, as well as the application of these particular natural materials for the removal of other contaminants of interest (such as radioisotopes and nanoparticles). The current knowledge regarding the processes’ kinetics is briefly presented, as well as the future development perspectives in this area. Full article
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31 pages, 2921 KiB  
Review
Hybrid Epoxy Nanocomposites: Improvement in Mechanical Properties and Toughening Mechanisms—A Review
by Anita Białkowska, Mohamed Bakar, Wojciech Kucharczyk and Iwona Zarzyka
Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1398; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15061398 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2631
Abstract
This article presents a review on the recent advances in the field of ternary diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy nanocomposites containing nanoparticles and other modifiers. Particular attention is paid to their mechanical and thermal properties. The properties of epoxy resins were improved [...] Read more.
This article presents a review on the recent advances in the field of ternary diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy nanocomposites containing nanoparticles and other modifiers. Particular attention is paid to their mechanical and thermal properties. The properties of epoxy resins were improved by incorporating various single toughening agents, in solid or liquid states. This latter process often resulted in the improvement in some properties at the expense of others. The use of two appropriate modifiers for the preparation of hybrid composites, possibly will show a synergistic effect on the performance properties of the composites. Due to the huge amount of modifiers that were used, the present paper will focus mainly on largely employed nanoclays with modifiers in a liquid and solid state. The former modifier contributes to an increase in the flexibility of the matrix, while the latter modifier is intended to improve other properties of the polymer depending on its structure. Various studies which were carried out on hybrid epoxy nanocomposites confirmed the occurrence of a synergistic effect within the tested performance properties of the epoxy matrix. Nevertheless, there are still ongoing research works using other nanoparticles and other modifiers aiming at enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resins. Despite numerous studies carried out so far to assess the fracture toughness of epoxy hybrid nanocomposites, some problems still remain unresolved. Many research groups are dealing with many aspects of the subject, namely the choice of modifiers and preparation methods, while taking into account the protection of the environment and the use of components from natural resources. Full article
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