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Synthesis, Characterization and Structure of Polymer Nanomaterials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 July 2022) | Viewed by 16610

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Pavel Urbánek

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Guest Editor

Centre of Polymer Systems, University Institute, Univerzita Tomase Bati ve Zline, Zlin, Czech Republic
Interests: design and synthesis of polymers; biopolymer materials; composites; hybrid materials; polymer behavior in nanoscale

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer synthesis is currently tailored according to the need to develop chemically diverse materials for specific applications. Depending on the application, the synthesized polymers may require biocompatibility, mechanical strength, thermal or electric conductivity, good charge carrier mobility, or analyte specificity in addition to sensitivity to stimuli. The relationship between the final properties of novel polymer nanomaterials and the path of their origin, structure, and treatment is encapsulated by one crucial question: how to transfer these new materials to practical applications.

It is within this context that all chemists, engineers, physics, biologists, and materials scientists targeting the synthesis of new polymer materials, study of their behaviour, and their utilization in real applications are welcome to contribute to this Special Issue. Topics of particular interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Design, synthesis, and characterization of polymer nanomaterials;
Application and testing of final devices prepared from novel materials;
Any other topics highlighting the basic fundaments, concepts, methods, and techniques providing significant advances in the field of the synthesis, characterization, and structure of polymer nanomaterials.

Finally, both original research and review papers are welcome. Thus, I am delighted to invite you to contribute your work as a full paper, letter, communication, review, or perspective article.

Dr. Pavel Urbánek
Guest Editor

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.

Keywords

chemistry of polymers
design and synthesis
characterization techniques for polymers
biopolymer materials
blends
composites
hybrid materials
structural ordering of macromolecules
polymer behavior in nanoscale
thin polymer films with nano

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer Composites Based on Glycol-Modified Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Applied to Additive Manufacturing Using Melted and Extruded Manufacturing Technology

by Katarzyna Bulanda, Mariusz Oleksy and Rafał Oliwa

Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1605; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14081605 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1939

Abstract

As part of the work, innovative polymer composites dedicated to 3D printing applications were developed. For this purpose, the influence of modified fillers, such as silica modified with alumina, bentonite modified with quaternary ammonium salt, and hybrid filler lignin/silicon dioxide, on the functional properties of composites based on glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET-G) was investigated. In the first part of the work, using the proprietary technological line, filaments from unfilled polymer and its composites were obtained, which contained modified fillers in an amount from 1.5% to 3.0% by weight. The fittings for the testing of functional properties were obtained using the 3D printing technique in the Melted and Extruded Manufacturing (MEM) technology and the injection molding technique. In a later part of the work, rheological properties such as mass melt flow rate (MFR) and viscosity, and mechanical properties such as Rockwell hardness, Charpy impact strength, and static tensile strength with Young’s modulus were presented. The structure of the obtained composites was also described and determined using scanning electron microscopy with an attachment for the microanalysis of chemical composition (SEM/EDS) and the atomic force microscope (AFM). The correct dispersion of the fillers in the polymer matrix was confirmed by wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis (WAXS). In turn, the physicochemical properties were presented on the basis of the research results: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that both the amount and the type of fillers used significantly affected the functional properties of the tested composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Structure of Polymer Nanomaterials)

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13 pages, 5221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thickness Dependence of Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of F8BT Thin Films

by Bita Ghasemi, Jakub Ševčík, Vojtěch Nádaždy, Karol Végsö, Peter Šiffalovič, Pavel Urbánek and Ivo Kuřitka

Polymers 2022, 14(3), 641; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14030641 - 08 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2820

Abstract

Electronic devices based on polymer thin films have experienced a tremendous increase in their efficiency in the last two decades. One of the critical factors that affects the efficiency of polymer solar cells or light emitting devices is the presence of structural defects that controls non-radiative recombination. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate a non-trivial thickness dependence of optoelectronic properties and structure (dis)order in thin conductive poly(9,9-dioctyfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole), F8BT, polymer films. The UV-Vis absorption spectra exhibited blue shift and peak broadening; significant changes in 0–0 and 0–1 radiative transition intensity was found in photoluminescence emission spectra. The density of state (DOS) was directly mapped by energy resolved-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ER-EIS). Satellite states 0.5 eV below the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) band were revealed for the thinner polymer films. Moreover, the decreasing of the deep states density in the band gap manifested an increment in the material structural ordering with increasing thickness. Changes in the ratio between crystalline phases with face-on and edge-on orientation of F8BT chains were identified in the films by grazing-incidence wide angle X-ray scattering technique. A thickness threshold in all investigated aspects of the films at a thickness of about 100 nm was observed that can be attributed to the development of J-H aggregation in the film structure and mutual interplay between these two modes. Although a specific structure–property relationship thickness threshold value may be expected for thin films prepared from various polymers, solvents and under different process conditions, the value of about 100 nm can be generally considered as the characteristic length scale of this phenomenon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Structure of Polymer Nanomaterials)

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14 pages, 3146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Electromagnets on Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells Treated with Dendrimer Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

by Shadie Hatamie, Po-Jen Shih, Bo-Wei Chen, Hua-Ju Shih, I-Jong Wang, Tai-Horng Young and Da-Jeng Yao

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3306; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13193306 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1824

Abstract

To improve bovine corneal endothelial cell (BCEC) migration, enhance cell energy, and facilitate symmetric cell distribution in corneal surfaces, an electromagnet device was fabricated. Twenty nanometer superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) functionalized with fourth-generation dendrimer macromolecules were synthesized, and their size and structure were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results confirmed the configuration of the dendrimer on the SPION surfaces. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. No significant toxicity was noted on BCECs within 24 h of incubation. In the cell migration assay, cells treated with dendrimer-coated SPIONs exhibited a relatively high wound healing rate under sample addition (1 μg/mL) under a magnetic field. Real-time PCR on BCECs treated with dendrimer-coated SPIONs revealed upregulation of specific genes, including AT1P1 and NCAM1, for BCECs-dendrimer-coated SPIONs under a magnetic field. The three-dimensional dispersion of BCECs containing dendrimer-coated SPIONs under a magnetic field was evaluated using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The results revealed the BCECs-SPION vortex pattern layers in the corneal surface corresponded to the electromagnet’s displacement from the ocular surface. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated that dendrimer-coated SPIONs can be used as a T₂ contrast agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Structure of Polymer Nanomaterials)

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13 pages, 3804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structure and Properties of Polyoxymethylene/Silver/Maleic Anhydride-Grafted Polyolefin Elastomer Ternary Nanocomposites

by Yang Liu, Xun Zhang, Quanxin Gao, Hongliang Huang, Yongli Liu, Minghua Min and Lumin Wang

Polymers 2021, 13(12), 1954; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13121954 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2558

Abstract

In the present study, silver (Ag) nanoparticles and maleic anhydride-grafted polyolefin elastomer (MAH-g-POE) were used as enhancement additives to improve the performance of the polyoxymethylene (POM) homopolymer. Specifically, the POM/Ag/MAH-g-POE ternary nanocomposites with varying Ag nanoparticles and MAH-g-POE contents were prepared by a melt mixing method. The effects of the additives on the microstructure, thermal stability, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties of the ternary nanocomposites were studied. It was found that the MAH-g-POE played a role in the bridging of the Ag nanoparticles and POM matrix and improved the interfacial adhesion between the Ag nanoparticles and POM matrix, owing to the good compatibility between Ag/MAH-g-POE and the POM matrix. Moreover, it was found that the combined addition of Ag nanoparticles and MAH-g-POE significantly enhanced the thermal stability, crystallization properties, and mechanical properties of the POM/Ag/MAH-g-POE ternary nanocomposites. When the Ag/MAH-g-POE content was 1 wt.%, the tensile strength reached the maximum value of 54.78 MPa. In addition, when the Ag/MAH-g-POE content increased to 15wt.%, the elongation at break reached the maximum value of 64.02%. However, when the Ag/MAH-g-POE content further increased to 20 wt.%, the elongation at break decreased again, which could be attributed to the aggregation of excessive Ag nanoparticles forming local defects in the POM/Ag/MAH-g-POE ternary nanocomposites. Furthermore, when the Ag/MAH-g-POE content was 20 wt.%, the maximum decomposition temperature of POM/Ag/MAH-g-POE ternary nanocomposites was 398.22 °C, which was 71.39 °C higher than that of pure POM. However, compared with POM, the storage modulus of POM/Ag/MAH-g-POE ternary nanocomposites decreased with the Ag/MAH-g-POE content, because the MAH-g-POE elastomer could reduce the rigidity of POM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Structure of Polymer Nanomaterials)

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25 pages, 7916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Novel Dental Nanocomposite Resins by Incorporating Polymerizable, Quaternary Ammonium Silane-Modified Silica Nanoparticles

by Alexandros K. Nikolaidis, Elisabeth A. Koulaouzidou, Christos Gogos and Dimitris S. Achilias

Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1682; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13111682 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

Diverse approaches dealing with the reinforcement of dental composite resins with quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) have been previously reported. This work aims to investigate the physicochemical and mechanical performance of dental resins containing silica nanofillers with novel QAC. Different types of quaternary ammonium silane compounds (QASiC) were initially synthesized and characterized with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Silica nanoparticles were surface modified with the above QASiC and the structure of silanized products (S.QASiC) was confirmed by means of FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis. The obtained S.QASiC were then incorporated into methacrylate based dental resins. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed a satisfactory dispersion of silica nanoclusters for most of the synthesized nanocomposites. Curing kinetics disclosed a rise in both the autoacceleration effect and degree of conversion mainly induced by shorter QASiC molecules. Polymerization shrinkage was found to be influenced by the particular type of S.QASiC. The flexural modulus and strength of composites were increased by 74% and 19%, while their compressive strength enhancement reached up to 19% by adding 22 wt% S.QASiC nanoparticles. These findings might contribute to the proper design of multifunctional dental materials able to meet the contemporary challenges in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Structure of Polymer Nanomaterials)

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Review

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45 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on the Synthesis, Properties, and Utilities of Functionalized Carbon Nanoparticles for Polymer Nanocomposites

by Jun-Ven Lim, Soo-Tueen Bee, Lee Tin Sin, Chantara Thevy Ratnam and Zuratul Ain Abdul Hamid

Polymers 2021, 13(20), 3547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13203547 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3662

Abstract

Carbon can form different allotropes due to its tetravalency. Different forms of carbon such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers, graphene, fullerenes, and carbon black can be used as nanofillers in order to enhance the properties of polymer nanocomposites. These carbon nanomaterials are of interest in nanocomposites research and other applications due to their excellent properties, such as high Young’s Modulus, tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and specific surface area. However, there are some flaws that can be found in the carbon nanoparticles such as tendency to agglomerate, insoluble in aqueous or organic solvents or being unreactive with the polymer surface. In this study, the aim is to study functionalization in order to rectify some of these shortcomings by attaching different functional groups or particles to the surface of these carbon nanoparticles; this also enables the synthesis of high-performance polymer nanocomposites. The main findings include the effects of functionalization on carbon nanoparticles and the applications of polymer nanocomposites with carbon nanoparticles as nanofillers in the industry. Additionally, the different methods used to produce polymer composites such as in situ polymerization, solution mixing and melt blending are studied, as these methods involve the dispersion of carbon nanofillers within the polymer matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Structure of Polymer Nanomaterials)

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