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Polymers
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Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II
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Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 4967

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hyeonseok Yoon

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Guest Editor
1. School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
2. Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
Interests: conducting polymers; nanoparticles; composites; sensors; electrochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Iolanda De Marco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Industrial Engineering Department, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, I-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: polymer/active principle composites; drug delivery; supercritical carbon dioxide; microparticles and nanoparticles precipitation; biopolymer aerogels; polymer/drug coprecipitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Haw-Ming Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
Interests: biomaterials; optomechanronics; dental biomechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Polymers aims to collect original research papers and reviews on the topic of polymer applications. All kinds of polymers, either conventional engineering polymers or newly developed ones, from thermosetting and thermoplastic to vitrimer, will be considered. Any applications, from traditional to advanced, will be covered. Submissions may address the following or related topics:

  • Biomedical applications of polymeric materials;
  • Polymer materials for drug delivery systems;
  • Polymer materials for wound dressing applications;
  • Polymer materials for tissue engineering;
  • Environmental applications of polymeric materials and sustainable science and technology;
  • Polymer applications in food science;
  • Industrial applications of polymeric materials;
  • Adsorption applications of polymeric materials;
  • Polymeric-material-based flexible and stretchable electronics;
  • Functional polymers and their composites for sensors and actuators;
  • Polymer-based LEDs;
  • Polymeric membranes;
  • Eco-friendly polymeric materials;
  • Antibacterial activity of polymeric materials;
  • Functional polymeric textiles;
  • Polymeric self-healing materials;
  • Functional polymeric surfaces;
  • Applications of polymeric materials and their composites in energy generation and storage;
  • 3D/4D printing of polymeric materials and their composites.

Prof. Dr. Hyeonseok Yoon
Prof. Dr. Iolanda De Marco
Prof. Dr. Haw-Ming Huang
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.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4193 KiB  
Article
Recyclable Multifunctional Nanocomposites Based on Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Vitrimers with Shape Memory and Joule Heating Capabilities
by Alejandro Cortés, Xoan F. Sánchez-Romate, David Martinez-Diaz, Silvia G. Prolongo and Alberto Jiménez-Suárez
Polymers 2024, 16(3), 388; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym16030388 - 31 Jan 2024
Viewed by 708
Abstract
The present study focuses on the multifunctional capabilities of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced vitrimers. More specifically, the thermomechanical properties, the Joule effect heating capabilities, the electrical conductivity, the shape memory, and the chemical recycling capacity are explored as a function of the CNT content [...] Read more.
The present study focuses on the multifunctional capabilities of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced vitrimers. More specifically, the thermomechanical properties, the Joule effect heating capabilities, the electrical conductivity, the shape memory, and the chemical recycling capacity are explored as a function of the CNT content and the NH2/epoxy ratio. It is observed that the electrical conductivity increases with the CNT content due to a higher number of electrical pathways, while the effect of the NH2/epoxy ratio is not as prevalent. Moreover, the Tg of the material decreases when increasing the NH2/epoxy ratio due to the lower cross-link density, whereas the effect of the CNTs is more complex, in some cases promoting a steric hindrance. The results of Joule heating tests prove the suitability of the proposed materials for resistive heating, reaching average temperatures above 200 °C when applying 100 V for the most electrically conductive samples. Shape memory behavior shows an outstanding shape fixity ratio in every case (around 100%) and a higher shape recovery ratio (95% for the best-tested condition) when decreasing the NH2/epoxy ratio and increasing the CNT content, as both hinder the rearrangement of the dynamic bonds. Finally, the results of the recyclability tests show the ability to regain the nanoreinforcement for their further use. Therefore, from a multifunctional analysis, it can be stated that the proposed materials present promising properties for a wide range of applications, such as Anti-icing and De-icing Systems (ADIS), Joule heating devices for comfort or thermotherapy, or self-deployable structures, among others. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II)
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15 pages, 5786 KiB  
Article
Experimental Verification of the Impact of the Contact Area between the Defect Site and the Scaffold on Bone Regeneration Efficacy
by You Min Kim, Min-Soo Ghim, Meiling Quan, Young Yul Kim and Young-Sam Cho
Polymers 2024, 16(3), 338; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym16030338 - 26 Jan 2024
Viewed by 796
Abstract
In the field of bone tissue engineering, which is being developed for the ideal restoration of bone defects, researchers are exploring the improvement of the bone regeneration efficacy of scaffolds through various approaches involving osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and angiogenic factors. In the current trend [...] Read more.
In the field of bone tissue engineering, which is being developed for the ideal restoration of bone defects, researchers are exploring the improvement of the bone regeneration efficacy of scaffolds through various approaches involving osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and angiogenic factors. In the current trend of research, there is also a suggestion that the topological factors of recent scaffolds may influence the attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of bone cells. Building upon experimental confirmation of the effect of scaffold conformity with the defect site on enhanced bone regeneration in previous studies, we conducted this research to experimentally investigate the relationship between contact area with the defect site and bone regeneration efficacy. The results demonstrated that as the contact area of the scaffold increased, not only did the resistance to bone tissue growth increase, more significant bone regeneration also occurred, as evidenced through histological analysis and micro-CT analysis. This research confirms that the contact area between the scaffold and the defect site is a critical variable affecting bone regeneration efficacy, emphasizing its importance when designing customized scaffolds. This finding holds promising implications for future studies and applications in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II)
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12 pages, 2709 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Acrylic and Methacrylic Phospholipid-Mimetic Polymer Hydrogels and Their Applications in Optical Tissue Clearing
by Nanako Dei, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Akikazu Matsumoto and Chie Kojima
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 241; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym16020241 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 830
Abstract
The 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymers are mimetic to phospholipids, being widely used as biocompatible polymers. In our previous study, MPC polymer hydrogels proved more effective for optical tissue clearing compared to acrylamide (AAm) polymer hydrogels. In the present study, 2-acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (APC) was [...] Read more.
The 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymers are mimetic to phospholipids, being widely used as biocompatible polymers. In our previous study, MPC polymer hydrogels proved more effective for optical tissue clearing compared to acrylamide (AAm) polymer hydrogels. In the present study, 2-acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (APC) was synthesized and employed to create hydrogels for a comparative analysis with methacrylic MPC-based hydrogels. APC, an acrylic monomer, was copolymerized with AAm in a similar reactivity. In contrast, MPC, as a methacrylic monomer, demonstrated higher copolymerization reactivity than AAm, leading to a spontaneously delayed two-step polymerization behavior. This suggests that the polymer sequences and network structures became heterogeneous when both methacrylic and acrylic monomers, as well as crosslinkers, were present in the copolymerization system. The molecular weight of the APC polymers was considerably smaller than that of the MPC polymers due to the formation of mid-chain radicals and subsequent β-scission during polymerization. The swelling ratios in water and strain sweep profiles of hydrogels prepared using acrylic and methacrylic compounds differed from those of hydrogels prepared using only acrylic compounds. This implies that copolymerization reactivity influences the polymer network structures and crosslinking density in addition to the copolymer composition. APC-based hydrogels are effective for the optical clearing of tumor tissues and are applicable to both passive and electrophoretic methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II)
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12 pages, 10325 KiB  
Article
Structure–Performance Correlation Inspired Platinum-Assisted Anode with a Homogeneous Ionomer Layer for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
by Feng Cheng, Tian Tian, Rui Wang, Hao Zhang, Liyan Zhu and Haolin Tang
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 237; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym16020237 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 945
Abstract
PEMWE is becoming one of the most promising technologies for efficient and green hydrogen production, while the anode OER process is deeply restricted by the now commercially used iridium oxide with sluggish reaction kinetics and super high cost. Deeply exploring the essential relationship [...] Read more.
PEMWE is becoming one of the most promising technologies for efficient and green hydrogen production, while the anode OER process is deeply restricted by the now commercially used iridium oxide with sluggish reaction kinetics and super high cost. Deeply exploring the essential relationship between the underlying substrate materials and the performance of PEMWE cells while simultaneously excavating new practical and convenient methods to reduce costs and increase efficiency is full of challenges. Herein, two representative kinds of iridium oxide were studied, and their performance difference in PEMWE was precisely analyzed with electrochemical techniques and physical characterization and further linked to the ionomer/catalyst compound features. A novel anode with a uniform thin ionomer coating was successfully constructed, which simultaneously optimized the ionomer/catalyst aggregates as well as electrical conductivity, resulting in significantly enhanced PEMWE performance. This rigorous qualitative analysis of the structure–performance relationship as well as effective ionomer-affinitive optimization strategies are of great significance to the development of next-generation high-performance PEM water electrolyzers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II)
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18 pages, 4462 KiB  
Article
Salvia officinalis–Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites with Antibacterial Properties
by Steluta Carmen Ciobanu, Daniela Predoi, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Mihai Valentin Predoi, Marcela Popa, Krzysztof Rokosz, Steinar Raaen and Ioana Cristina Marinas
Polymers 2023, 15(23), 4484; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15234484 - 22 Nov 2023
Viewed by 731
Abstract
In the present study, sage-coated zinc-doped hydroxyapatite was incorporated into a dextran matrix (7ZnHAp-SD), and its physico-chemical and antimicrobial activities were investigated. A 7ZnHAp-SD nanocomposite suspension was obtained using the co-precipitation method. The stability of the nanocomposite suspension was evaluated using ultrasound measurements. [...] Read more.
In the present study, sage-coated zinc-doped hydroxyapatite was incorporated into a dextran matrix (7ZnHAp-SD), and its physico-chemical and antimicrobial activities were investigated. A 7ZnHAp-SD nanocomposite suspension was obtained using the co-precipitation method. The stability of the nanocomposite suspension was evaluated using ultrasound measurements. The stability parameter calculated relative to double-distilled water as a reference fluid highlights the very good stability of the 7ZnHAp-SD suspension. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments were performed to evaluate the characteristic diffraction peak of the hydroxyapatite phase. Valuable information regarding the morphology and chemical composition of 7ZnHAp-SD was obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were performed on the 7ZnHAp-SD suspensions in order to evaluate the functional groups present in the sample. Preliminary studies on the antimicrobial activity of 7ZnHAp-SD suspensions against the standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus 25923 ATCC, Enterococcus faecalis 29212 ATCC, Escherichia coli 25922 ATCC, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 ATCC were conducted. More than that, preliminary studies on the biocompatibility of 7ZnHAp-SD were conducted using human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells, and their results emphasized that the 7ZnHAp-SD sample did not exhibit a toxic effect and did not induce any noticeable changes in the morphological characteristics of HeLa cells. These preliminary results showed that these nanoparticles could be possible candidates for biomedical/antimicrobial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II)
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Review

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24 pages, 4304 KiB  
Review
Photopolymer Holographic Lenses for Solar Energy Applications: A Review
by Eder Alfaro, Tomás Lloret, Juan M. Vilardy, Marlón Bastidas, Marta Morales-Vidal and Inmaculada Pascual
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 732; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym16060732 - 07 Mar 2024
Viewed by 639
Abstract
Holographic lenses (HLs) are part of holographic optical elements (HOE), and are being applied to concentrate solar energy on a focal point or focal line. In this way, the concentrated energy can be converted into electrical or thermal energy by means of a [...] Read more.
Holographic lenses (HLs) are part of holographic optical elements (HOE), and are being applied to concentrate solar energy on a focal point or focal line. In this way, the concentrated energy can be converted into electrical or thermal energy by means of a photovoltaic cell or a thermal absorber tube. HLs are able to passively track the apparent motion of the sun with a high acceptance angle, allowing tracking motors to be replaced, thus reducing the cost of support structures. This article focuses on a review of the materials used in the recording of a holographic lens (HL) or multiple HLs in photovoltaic and/or concentrating solar collectors. This review shows that the use of photopolymers for the recording of HLs enables high-performance efficiency in physical systems designed for energy transformation, and presents some important elements to be taken into account for future designs, especially those related to the characteristics of the HL recording materials. Finally, the article outlines future recommendations, emphasizing potential research opportunities and challenges for researchers entering the field of HL-based concentrating solar photovoltaic and/or concentrating solar thermal collectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Polymer Applications II)
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