Frontiers in Polymer Composites

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 17046

Special Issue Editor

National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: synthesis and structural investigation of polymers and their composites; synthesis and characterization of oxide metal nanoparticles; synthesis and characterization of magnetic core-shell nanoparticles based on magnetite and polymers; micro and nanostructures based on new functionalized polymers
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer composites is a multi-phase material that combines the polymer matrix with other organic or inorganic materials resulting in synergistic mechanical properties that cannot be achieved from either component alone.  Increasing interest in lightweight, low density, toughness, stiffness, thermal behaviour, low cost, excellent chemical and mechanical stability and other specific properties depending on the desired application leads to significant research activity in composite materials based on polymers. Today, many composites materials based on polymers are at the leading edge of materials technology, with performance and costs appropriate to ultra-demanding applications and conquered different sectors such as the automotive industry, aerospace industry, aeronautics, agriculture, wastewater treatment, biomedical application and manufacturing industries, construction and the marine sector. For example, in research, one recent area is developing multifunctional composites with more than one property tailored as per the design requirements and achieving low density.

The Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites offers a platform for discussion and highlighting the current development in the composites materials based on polymers, including manufacturing techniques, characterization, structure/property relationships, and especially for their applications.

Dr. Alexandrina Nan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Polymer
  • Polymer composites
  • Polymer composites characterization
  • Polymer composites in electronics
  • Polymer composites in wastewater treatment
  • Polymer composites in agriculture
  • Polymer composites in civil construction
  • Polymer composites in biomedical application
  • Polymer composites in catalysis
  • Other application of polymer composites

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 6424 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Functionalized Ferromagnetic Memory Alloys from the Perspective of Developing a Medical Vascular Implant
by Alexandrina Nan, Rodica Turcu, Cristian Tudoran, Mihaela Sofronie and Alexandru Chiriac
Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14071397 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Durable biocompatible metal vascular implants are still one of the significant challenges of contemporary medicine. This work presents the preparation of ferromagnetic biomaterials with shape memory in metal strips based on FePd (30 at% Pd) that is either not doped or doped with [...] Read more.
Durable biocompatible metal vascular implants are still one of the significant challenges of contemporary medicine. This work presents the preparation of ferromagnetic biomaterials with shape memory in metal strips based on FePd (30 at% Pd) that is either not doped or doped with Ga and Mn, coated with poly(benzofuran-co-arylacetic acid) or polyglutamic acid. The coating of the metal strips with polymers was achieved after the metal surface had been previously treated with open-air cold plasma. The final functionalization was performed to induce anti-thrombogenic/thrombolytic properties in the resulting materials. SEM-EDX microscopy and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) determined the morphology and composition of the metal strips covered with polymers. In vitro tests of standardized thromboplastin time (PTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were performed to evaluate the thrombogenicity of these biofunctionalized materials for future possible monitoring of the implant in patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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17 pages, 2767 KiB  
Article
Pavement Properties and Predictive Durability Analysis of Asphalt Mixtures
by Guohong Zhang, Haonan Wu, Ping Li, Jianhui Qiu and Tengfei Nian
Polymers 2022, 14(4), 803; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14040803 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1629
Abstract
The actual lifetimes of many highways are lower than that expected based on the initial pavement design, which brings increasingly prohibitive costs of pavement maintenance and repair. Although many works have been done, the real service lifetimes are still disappointing, and the researchers [...] Read more.
The actual lifetimes of many highways are lower than that expected based on the initial pavement design, which brings increasingly prohibitive costs of pavement maintenance and repair. Although many works have been done, the real service lifetimes are still disappointing, and the researchers are also trying their best to increase the projects’ life span. In this study, to comprehensively predict the durability and lifetime of newly designed asphalt mixture structures, an asphalt pavement project consisting of three hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures were evaluated. The mixtures were constructed in the pavement project of the Weiwu expressway in Gansu Province. Pavement properties of the asphalt mixtures, rutting and temperature fatigue factors of the dynamic modulus are discussed. The fatigue resistance is supposed to improve on increasing the vehicles’ speed below the freezing point, which may be more suitable for applications in expressways. Meanwhile, the lifetime is measured according to the number of fatigue axle loads calculated, which were corrected between the specimens in the lab and the field core samples. Durability analysis prediction can be obtained based on the fatigue lifetime predictive model accordingly, which can provide more information about the fatigue lifetime and the rehabilitation planning of existing pavements in the future accordingly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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14 pages, 3741 KiB  
Article
Study on Axial Compression Behavior of Concrete Short Columns Confined by Flax/Glass Fiber Hybrid-Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites
by Lanjie Yang, Hongguang Wang and Shansong Gao
Polymers 2022, 14(3), 517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14030517 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2624
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of concrete short columns confined by flax/glass fiber hybrid-reinforced epoxy resin (FFRP/GFRP) composites. Taking the same fiber hybrid ratio and different paving orders as parameters, analysis of the axial compressive mechanical properties of eight [...] Read more.
In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of concrete short columns confined by flax/glass fiber hybrid-reinforced epoxy resin (FFRP/GFRP) composites. Taking the same fiber hybrid ratio and different paving orders as parameters, analysis of the axial compressive mechanical properties of eight groups of FFRP/GFRP composite-confined concrete short columns, including one group of flax fiber-reinforced epoxy resin (FFRP) composite-confined concrete short columns and one group of unconstrained concrete short column, was conducted. The effects of different layering sequences on failure modes, load–displacement curves, energy dissipation ductility and the stress–strain relationship of hybrid composite-confined concrete short columns were analyzed. The results show that the axial compression failure modes of FFRP/GFRP composite-confined concrete short columns with the same hybrid ratio and different paving sequences were basically the same, and the CC-H6 group was the most prominent. The ultimate bearing capacity and axial deflection were 91.05% and 11.49% higher than those of the control group (CC-FFRP), and the energy dissipation coefficient was also the largest, at 9.79. The failure trend of the stress–strain curve of the confined concrete short column specimens was basically the same, and the stress and axial strain of the members were increased by 247.9~292.5% and 486.7~701.0%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 4682 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Diene Rubbers/Silica Composites via Reactions of Hydroxyl Groups and Blocked Polyisocyanates
by Lun Ge and Qiang Liu
Polymers 2022, 14(3), 461; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14030461 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2302
Abstract
To improve the curing reaction rate and efficiency of sulfur-cured diene-based rubbers, the introduction of some chemical compounds as activators and accelerants is inevitably required, causing potential harm to humans and ecological systems. Moreover, silica is usually employed as a green filling material [...] Read more.
To improve the curing reaction rate and efficiency of sulfur-cured diene-based rubbers, the introduction of some chemical compounds as activators and accelerants is inevitably required, causing potential harm to humans and ecological systems. Moreover, silica is usually employed as a green filling material for rubber reinforcement, and a silane coupling agent is always required to improve its dispersion. Herein, we reported an effective method to cure hydroxyl-functionalized rubbers/silica composites with blocked polyisocyanates, avoiding the use of any other additives. The enhanced dispersion of silica by interaction with hydroxyl groups on molecular chains endowed the composites with high-mechanical performance. The mechanical properties and crosslinking kinetics of the resultant silica composites can be regulated by adjusting the content of hydroxyl groups in the rubber, as well as the amount of the blocked polyisocyanates. The dynamic heat build-up was related to the distance between crosslinking points. A SBROH/B-TDI/silica composite prepared with blocked toluene diisocyanatem (TDI) exhibited comparable tanδ (0.21 at 0 °C and 0.11 at 60 °C) to that of silica composites cured by sulfur with the help of a silane coupling agent (SBR/S/Si69/silica, 0.18 and 0.10), suggesting great applicable potential for new tire rubber compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 2009 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Synthesis Method on Characteristics of Buffer and Organic Solutions of Thermo- and pH-Responsive Poly(N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide)s
by Maria Simonova, Denis Kamorin, Anton Sadikov, Alexander Filippov and Oleg Kazantsev
Polymers 2022, 14(2), 282; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14020282 - 11 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1271
Abstract
Thermo- and pH-responsive poly(N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide)s were synthesized by free radical polymerization and RAFT polymerization. The molar masses of the samples were 33,000–35,000 g∙mol−1. Investigations of the dilute solutions showed that the prepared samples were flexible chain polymers. The behavior of [...] Read more.
Thermo- and pH-responsive poly(N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide)s were synthesized by free radical polymerization and RAFT polymerization. The molar masses of the samples were 33,000–35,000 g∙mol−1. Investigations of the dilute solutions showed that the prepared samples were flexible chain polymers. The behavior of the synthesized polymers in the buffer solutions was analyzed by turbidity and light scattering at a pH range of 7–13 and a concentration range of 0.0002–0.008 g·cm−3. When the concentrated solutions were at a low temperature, there were macromolecules and aggregates, which were formed due to the interaction of hydrophobic units. For the investigated samples, the lower critical solution temperatures were equal. The phase separation temperatures decreased as pH increased. The influence of polydispersity index on the characteristics of the samples in the solutions was analyzed. The radii of molecules of poly(N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide) obtained by RAFT polymerization at this temperature at the onset and end of the phase separation interval were lower than ones for samples synthesized by conventional free radical polymerization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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15 pages, 1725 KiB  
Article
Novel Amphiphilic Polyfluorene-Graft-(Polymethacrylic Acid) Brushes: Synthesis, Conformation, and Self-Assembly
by Maria Simonova, Dmitry Ilgach, Ksenia Kaskevich, Maria Nepomnyashaya, Larisa Litvinova, Alexander Filippov and Alexander Yakimansky
Polymers 2021, 13(24), 4429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13244429 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2063
Abstract
Novel polyfluorene polymer brushes with polymethacrylic acid side chains were obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and activator generated by electron transfer (AGET) ATRP of tert-butyl methacrylate on polyfluorene multifunctional macroinitiator, followed by protonolysis of the tert-butyl groups of the side chains. [...] Read more.
Novel polyfluorene polymer brushes with polymethacrylic acid side chains were obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and activator generated by electron transfer (AGET) ATRP of tert-butyl methacrylate on polyfluorene multifunctional macroinitiator, followed by protonolysis of the tert-butyl groups of the side chains. Kinetics of polymerization and molecular weights were fully characterized. These polymer brushes luminesce in the blue region of the spectrum with high quantum yields (0.64–0.77). It was shown that the luminescence intensity of polymer brushes is higher than the luminescence intensity of the macroinitiator (0.61). Moreover, due to their amphiphilic nature, they can form unimolecular micelles when an alcohol solution of the polymer brush is injected into water. These properties can potentially be used in drug delivery and bioimaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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22 pages, 5473 KiB  
Article
Prediction of the Ultimate Strength of Notched and Unnotched IM7/977-3 Laminated Composites Using a Micromechanics Approach
by Manzar Masud, Moosa S. M. Al Kharusi, Muhammad Umair Ali, Aamir Mubashar, Shaik Javeed Hussain, Adnan Tariq, Gulfam Ul Rehman, Mahmood Hassan Akhtar and Shama Javeed
Polymers 2021, 13(20), 3491; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13203491 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
This paper proposes a multi-scale analysis technique based on the micromechanics of failure (MMF) to predict and investigate the damage progression and ultimate strength at failure of laminated composites. A lamina’s representative volume element (RVE) is developed to predict and calculate constituent stresses. [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a multi-scale analysis technique based on the micromechanics of failure (MMF) to predict and investigate the damage progression and ultimate strength at failure of laminated composites. A lamina’s representative volume element (RVE) is developed to predict and calculate constituent stresses. Damages that occurred in the constituents are calculated using separate failure criteria for both fiber and matrix. Subsequently, the volume-based damage homogenization technique is utilized to prevent the localization of damage throughout the total matrix zone. The proposed multiscale analysis procedure is then used to investigate the notched and unnotched behavior of three multi-directional composite layups, [30, 60, 90, −60, 30]2S, [0, 45, 90, −45]2S, and [60, 0, −60]3S, subjected to static tension and compression loading. The specimen is fabricated from unidirectionally reinforced composite (IM7/977-3). The prediction of ultimate strength at failure and equivalent stiffness are then benchmarked against the experimental test data. The comparative analysis with various failure models is also carried out to validate the proposed model. MMF demonstrated the capability to correctly predict the ultimate strength at failure for a range of multidirectional composites laminates under tensile and compressive load. The numerically predicted findings revealed a good agreement with the experimental test data. Out of the three investigated composite layups, the simulated results for the quasi-isotropic [0, 45, 90, −45]2S layup agreed extremely well with the experimental results with all the percentage errors within 10% of the measured failure loads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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27 pages, 8463 KiB  
Article
The Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PECoVA) Composites with Pristine Dolomite and Organophilic Microcrystalline Dolomite (OMCD)
by Lim Kean Chong, Azlin Fazlina Osman, Asfa Amalia Ahmad Fauzi, Awad A. Alrashdi and Khairul Anwar Abdul Halim
Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3034; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13183034 - 08 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2421
Abstract
Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PECoVA) composite containing organophilic microcrystalline dolomite (OMCD) was studied to replace the non-recyclable silicone elastomer in biomedical application. Pristine dolomite (DOL) is an inorganic mineral filler and is hydrophilic in nature, hence incompatible with most polymers and limits its use in [...] Read more.
Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PECoVA) composite containing organophilic microcrystalline dolomite (OMCD) was studied to replace the non-recyclable silicone elastomer in biomedical application. Pristine dolomite (DOL) is an inorganic mineral filler and is hydrophilic in nature, hence incompatible with most polymers and limits its use in biomedical applications. DOL was subjected to a combination of size reduction, tip sonication and a surface modification process to obtain a more effective dolomite filler, known as OMCD, as reinforcement material in the PECoVA copolymer matrix. The effects of DOL and OMCD loadings (1, 3, 5 wt%) on the structure and properties of the PECoVA composite were investigated. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), tensile and tear tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, the use of the OMCD filler brought a more pronounced positive impact to the PECoVA matrix as opposed to the DOL, where it enhanced the crystallinity of the matrix and led to much better matrix–filler interfacial interactions. Therefore, regardless of the filler loading, the PECoVA/OMCD composites demonstrate greater mechanical and thermal properties compared to the PECoVA/DOL composites. The best composite was produced with the OMCD loading of 3 wt%, in which the tensile strength (22.1 MPa), elongation at break (1413%) and Young’s modulus (2.0 MPa) of the copolymer matrix were increased by 44%, 23% and 21%, respectively. This proved that the combination of size reduction, tip sonication and the surface modification technique is efficient to obtain the PECoVA/dolomite composite with improved performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Polymer Composites)
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