POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Yan Lyu,Ying Zhu,Guigan Fang,Shufang Wu,Yutao Yan,Jiongjiong Li
Developing formaldehyde-free lignin-based wood adhesives with balanced bonding strength, fracture resistance, and water resistance remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we propose a synergistic modification strategy integrating energy dissipation by grafted flexible polyacrylamide chains, epoxy-mediated network formation, and wood interfacial reinforcement. Polyacrylamide-grafted alkali lignin (PAMAL) was prepared through H 2 O 2 /CaCl 2 -initiated free-radical graft polymerization of acrylamide in the presence of alkali lignin. The introduced flexible polyacrylamide side chains were designed to enhance chain entanglement, hydrogen-bonding interactions, and energy-dissipation capability. Subsequently, the epoxy crosslinker triglycidylamine (TGA) was incorporated to regulate adhesive viscosity, improve coating and penetration into wood, and promote epoxy-mediated network formation during curing. Consequently, the optimized 2PAMAL/TGA adhesive exhibited a dry shear strength of 2.88 MPa, compared with 0.21 MPa for the unmodified lignin adhesive, while the bonded-joint debonding work increased from 0.010 to 1.096 J. In addition, the moisture absorption decreased by 83.2%, the residual rate increased by 331.5%, and the wet shear strength reached 1.26 MPa after immersion in water at 63°C for 3 h when hot-pressed at 190°C. These improvements are attributed to the synergistic effects of flexible-chain energy dissipation, enhanced wood interfacial wetting/penetration, and epoxy-mediated network stabilization. Highlights Polyacrylamide graft modification improved the adhesive performance of alkali lignin. Flexible polyacrylamide side chains enabled efficient energy dissipation. TGA regulated adhesive viscosity and promoted epoxy-mediated network formation. Dry shear strength increased from 0.21 to 2.88 MPa after modification. The adhesive balanced bonding strength, fracture resistance, and water resistance without formaldehyde.
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DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
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2026
·
IF 3.6
Jianhui Li,Ruoke Liu,Zichen Wang,Qi Wang,Wei Guan,Canjie Zhang,Xiaochun Chen
Developing efficient and recyclable catalysts is crucial for advancing the chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In this study, a series of ionic liquids derived from methylpiperidine (MP) with adjustable structures were constructed, and their application in PET glycolysis was evaluated. By adjusting the substitution positions on the MP framework, introducing alkyl chains, and changing the coordinating metal center, the catalytic system was optimized to enhance reaction activity and durability. The optimized catalyst (1-C 6 -2MP/Zn(OAc) 3 ) enabled PET to degrade rapidly, achieving a BHET yield of 93.27% within 60 min at 185°C using 4 wt% catalyst. Moreover, this system demonstrated excellent reusability, maintaining a BHET yield above 90% after 10 consecutive cycles. Kinetic analysis indicated that the reaction followed a pseudo-first-order model, with an apparent activation energy of 79.59 kJ mol −1 , suggesting a relatively low energy barrier. The catalyst also showed good applicability in commercial PET glycolysis. Overall, this study revealed clear structure-performance relationships and provided guidance for the rational design of robust ionic liquid catalysts for sustainable PET recycling. Highlights MP-based ionic liquids were rationally designed for PET glycolysis. Optimized 1-C 6 -2MP/Zn(OAc) 3 achieved a 93.27% BHET yield. BHET yields remained > 90% after 10 recycling cycles. First-order kinetics with a low activation energy of 79.59 kJ·mol −1 . DFT reveals the catalyst effectively activated EG.
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DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Dajie Zhang,Qin Qi,Jinheng Zhao,Qingting Liu,Xudong Fu,Rong Zhang,Shengfei Hu,Xiangliang Ning
Styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) is widely used in conveyor belts and cable sheaths, but readily releases combustible volatiles when exposed to heat or flame. Flame retardants must therefore improve fire safety without compromising mechanical properties, a challenge often caused by high loadings or poor dispersion. Herein, an inorganic nanohybrid flame retardant (LDH@SEP) was prepared by in situ growth of Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) on sepiolite nanorods (SEP) and subsequently incorporated into SBR. The one-dimensional SEP scaffold suppressed the restacking of LDH nanosheets and promoted their dispersion, whereas the sepiolite framework supported char formation and Ni/Fe species catalyzed carbonization. The SBR/LDH@SEP composite achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 21.8%, a UL-94 V-1 rating, and a tensile strength of approximately 11.2 MPa. SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and TG-FTIR analyses indicated that LDH@SEP promoted a denser and more continuous protective char layer and reduced the release of combustible pyrolysis volatiles. This halogen-free nanohybrid provides a route to SBR composites with improved flame retardancy and mechanical strength. Highlights LDH@SEP was prepared by in situ growth of Ni–Fe LDH on SEP. SBR/LDH@SEP achieves an LOI of 21.8% and a UL-94 V-1 rating. LDH@SEP increases tensile strength while maintaining high elongation at break. A dense char layer and reduced volatile release improve fire safety.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Ahmad Ali,Jiaqi Yu,Qasim Qasim,Faizan Ikhlaq,Yangxufei Huang,Shun Yao
This study presents the pioneering development and comprehensive characterization of argan oil (AO)-loaded polyacrylamide (PAm) hydrogel (AO-PAm), establishing its multifunctional potential for biomedical applications. Systematic evaluation revealed that the AO-PAm hydrogel combines excellent mechanical properties (90% transparency, > 25 cm stretchability) with remarkable biological activity, demonstrating: (1) potent antibacterial effects against E. coli (1.2 ± 0.2 mm inhibition zone), P. aeruginosa (0.7 ± 0.2 mm), and S. aureus (0.6 ± 0.2 mm); (2) exceptional antioxidant capacity (97.6% DPPH scavenging at 75 μg/mL); and (3) pH-responsive swelling behavior. GC–MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds (β-pinene, camphene, undecanal, β-bisabolene) in AO that contribute to these properties, while microscopic characterization confirmed successful AO encapsulation within the PAm matrix. The hydrogel exhibited controlled drug release following Higuchi kinetics ( R 2 = 0.9547), with enhanced performance at physiological pH (6.5–6.8). These findings position AO-PAm hydrogel as a promising platform for advanced wound care, transdermal drug delivery, and daily healthcare applications, combining the therapeutic benefits of AO with the structural advantages of a synthetic hydrogel matrix.
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Wei Liu,Xian Wu,Weishuai Qiu,Yang Li,Shikui Jia,Lihua Xiao
3D printing technology is well-known for versatile design, effortless part acquisition, limited waste, and fast manufacturing. However, its large-scale applications have also long been restricted by the high price and the brittleness of commercial filaments. Hence, a novel 3D printing filament of PP modified by basalt fiber with a core-shell structure synthesized through in situ emulsion polymerization of PMMA was developed to generate numerous nanospheres piled up around fibers. It greatly changed the crystallization behavior of PP, enhancing the 3D printability of PP. The maximum warpage degree decreased by 62.75%, while the volume shrinkage rate decreased by 74.63%, which fitted most requirements of 3D printers. Besides that, the synthesized PMMA@BF could also significantly improve the mechanical properties of 3D printed objects. The tensile strength and the compressive strength increased by 66.81% and 14.40%, respectively. This study explored the use of inexpensive PP as raw material to obtain high-performance 3D printing filament, expanding the use range of 3D printed objects, and also expected to be used in other similar crystallinity polymers to broaden the raw material sources for 3D printing.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Fuhong Yang,Jiaofeng Ye,Yanhua Liu,Jianbin Zhang,Changsheng Chai,Libang Feng
It is a great challenge for enhancing both strength and toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy resin (CFs/EP) composite at the same time. Generally, a long time is needed for CF surface modification for the traditional modification method. Herein, CaCO 3 nanoparticles are in situ prepared and deposited on CF surfaces rapidly and efficiently by a microwave-assisted method. Then CaCO 3 -modified CFs are introduced into EP resin, and the effect of CaCO 3 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of CFs/EP composite is investigated. Results show that both strength and toughness of CFs/EP composites are enhanced simultaneously. CaCO 3 -modified CFs/EP composites reveal an increase of 20.3%, 25.8%, 21.4%, and 40.1% in tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, and interlaminar shear strength, respectively, as compared to those of pristine CFs/EP composite. The strengthening and toughening mechanism is attributed to the strong mechanical interlocking interfacial action between the modified CFs and EP resin matrix. Therefore, the research extends a novel concept for fibers with unique surface morphologies in strengthening polymer composite.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Zitong Shen,Jiashang Chen,Jiaqi Bian,Xing Xiang,Siwen Bi
To mitigate the aggregation of inorganic fillers in composite solid electrolytes, we synthesized a three-armed polyester polyurethane oligomer (TAPU) through a two-step polymerization. The curing degree of TAPU was quantitatively analyzed based on the infrared absorption of isocyanate groups, and the curing kinetics were investigated and integrated with the crystalline properties of the cured TAPU. TAPU had a strong solvation ability for lithium salt, and the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte reached 1.48 × 10 −4 S cm −1 at room temperature, which is much higher than that of linear polycaprolactone electrolytes. The LLZTO particles modified with TAPU exhibited enhanced dispersion stability in the composite electrolyte system, effectively suppressing nanoparticle aggregation and improving interfacial compatibility between the ceramic fillers and polymer matrix. The Li//5% LLZTO-TAPU//Li coin cells were prepared by in situ curing and had excellent cycle stability of up to 768 h at 50°C, which was five times higher than that of PCL electrolytes. Compared with linear polymer solid electrolytes, nonlinear topological polymer provided more functional groups for high ion conduction and cycling stability in lithium batteries.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Xiaofeng Wang,Hongyan Jin,Shuya Zhang,Zifan Zou,Tao Zhang,Yingzheng Lv,Zichen Yuan,Wenjuan Han,Qian Li
In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, biodegradable PLCL polymers are highly valued. This is because their mechanical properties can be finely adjusted, and they are compatible with biological tissues. However, precise control over their degradation rate remains a challenge for biomedical applications. In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were incorporated into PLCL matrices to systematically modulate both mechanical properties and degradation behavior. To determine the microstructure and thermal robustness of the PLCL/MgO composites, a battery of tests was conducted. These tests included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed that MgO nanoparticles significantly enhanced the ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of PLCL while simultaneously accelerating its hydrolytic degradation. This was attributed to MgO's dual role: (1) stabilizing the local pH by neutralizing acidic degradation byproducts, thereby mitigating autocatalytic degradation of the PLCL matrix, and (2) acting as an alkaline catalyst to facilitate ester bond hydrolysis. Notably, the degradation rate increased in a MgO concentration-dependent manner, with minimal impact on the polymer's biocompatibility. This study demonstrates that MgO can effectively modulate the degradation process, thereby enabling the creation of bioresorbable PLCL-based materials with tailored lifespans. This advancement holds great promise for advanced biomedical applications.
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Yanru Hou,Wenbo Li,Xin Ding,Jianying Ma,Chunlei Cao
Flexible polymer networks significantly influence the water absorption performance of water-absorbent polymers. Here, we prepared a water-absorbent polymer with a highly flexible network structure by incorporating thermoplastic elastomer styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) into the solution polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The butadiene segments within the SBS molecular chain contribute to a highly flexible network structure. Moreover, in comparison with other water-absorbing materials (e.g., polyacrylamide), the SBS system exhibits advantages including lower cost, simpler processing technology, and superior structural compatibility. L 16 (4 4 ) orthogonal experiments were designed and implemented to investigate the main factors that affected water absorption performance of the water-absorbent polymer. Based on the orthogonal experiments, one-way variable experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of SBS content, initiator content, polymerization temperature, and reaction time on water absorption performance, grafting ratio, and grafting efficiency. Experimental results showed the water absorption of SBS-g-AA/MMA reached 31.50 g/g in deionized water, while it still reached 5.25 g/g in physiological saline solution. The water absorption retention after multiple absorption-drying cycles still reached 28 g/g, while the maximum value of weight loss was only 17.96%. This work enhances water absorption performance while reducing weight loss and improving recyclability, broadening water‑absorbent polymer applications in hygiene, agriculture, and beyond.
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Sevilay Dural,Sebnem Camadanlı,Nilhan Kayaman Apohan
Poly(aspartic ester polyurea) (PAEU) coating systems, which feature an uncatalyzed and solventless reaction, have attracted attention as a more environmentally friendly, nonreactive coating alternative in both academia and industry. In these coatings, achieving optimal performance requires an impeccable combination of aliphatic polyisocyanates and polyaspartic esters used as cross-linking agents. In previous applications, petroleum-based polyisocyanates were used as the second component. In this study, a biobased prepolymer was synthesized as the second component, thus creating a sustainable PAEU coating class without compromising traditional properties. It is known that traditional coatings can become damaged or cracked when exposed to external forces during processing or use. The coatings achieved the self-healing feature by using varying amounts of disulfide to improve this situation. The samples were deliberately damaged and then allowed to heal for 1 h at room temperature, 40°C, and 80°C. The results demonstrated improved mechanical properties in all samples. Tensile strength increased by 79%–95%, and elongation recovery rates ranged from 73% to 97% after 1 h of room-temperature repair. These mechanical test results were consistent with the SEM images for all samples.
研究领域:
材料科学
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环境科学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Xiaohuan Li,Donghan Li,Guangyuan Zhou,Honghua Wang
The incorporation of a second thermoplastic component into epoxy resin is an effective method for the enhancement of toughness. However, practical applications are generally challenged by issues like phase separation and the mass addition of toughening agents. Branched polymers have become an upgraded toughening agent due to the advantages of low viscosity and diverse reactive groups, enabling remarkable toughening effects. In this study, long-chain polyaryl ether ketones (LCBPEKCs) with varying branching degrees were synthesized via nucleophilic polycondensation from bisphenol monomer phenolphthalein (PHT), difluorodiphenyl ketone (DFDBK), and trifunctional monomer 1,1,1-tri (4-hydroxyphenyl) ethane (THPE). The fundamental properties of LCBPEKCs were characterized, and they were applied to toughen the epoxy resin/methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (E51/MTHPA) system. The branched structure and reactive end groups of long-chain branched polyaryl ether ketones could effectively reduce the phase separation between the toughening agent and epoxy resin, significantly enhancing the toughness of epoxy resin. Among the various additives, the addition of LCBPEKC-30 at just 5 phr contributed to a remarkable 109% increase in the impact strength of the cured epoxy system, which significantly improved its mechanical properties. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the toughening mechanism of LCBPEKC within the cured E51 system confirmed that both branched structures and active end groups exhibited crucial functions in the improvement of the network's properties.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2025
·
IF 3.2
Qing Xu,Xinxin Wang,Chao Dong,Yuhan Wei,Zhibo Li
A blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(4-hydroxybutyrate)-based polyurethane prepolymer (P4HBU) was prepared through reactive blending in this study. Thermal properties, mechanical properties, rheological properties, and the degradation behavior of the PLLA/P4HBU blends were investigated as varying the P4HBU content. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that the glass transition temperatures of PLLA and P4HBU got closer to each other after melt blending, implying that the compatibility between them was improved. With the increase of P4HBU content increased, the elongation of the PLLA/P4HBU composite enhanced obviously, as well as the notched impact strength. When the P4HBU content reached 20 wt%, the elongation increased to 196.2% and the notched impact strength increased to 8.4 kJ/m 2 , respectively, about 26.2 and 2.4 times those of PLLA homopolymer. Meanwhile, the tensile strength decreased to 30.5 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy results proved that the shear yielding of the PLLA matrix and cavitation were the primary toughening mechanisms, resulting in an enhanced ductility of the PLLA/P4HBU blends. The degradation rate of the PLLA/P4HBU blends was improved for the incorporation of the P4HBU. Highlights P4HBU improved PLLA elongation (196.2%) and impact strength (8.4 kJ/m 2 ). Tensile strength of PLLA/P4HBU was reduced to 30.5 MPa. The compatibility between PLLA and P4HBU was enhanced. Shear yielding and cavitation were the primary toughening mechanisms. The degradation rate of the PLLA/P4HBU blends was improved.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
生物医学工程
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子