POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
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2026
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IF 3.6
Lilan Liao,Xiang Chen,Yekun Lv,Shilong Gu,Xuwang Ye,Xianze Yin,Shiwen Yang,Luoxin Wang
Electrospun nanofiber membranes are highly efficient materials for oil–water separation, but the development of membranes with high purification efficiency, durability, and multifunctionality still faces huge challenges. Here, Ti 3 C 2 T X MXene-like fluids (MXfs) were prepared by ion-exchange reaction, using Ti 3 C 2 T X MXene as the nucleus and silanized quaternary ammonium salts and poly (oxyethylene ether) long chains as the bimolecular organic shell layer. The Janus fiber membrane with opposite surface wetting properties on both sides of PAN/MXfs-PVDF was prepared by mixing with PAN and PVDF solutions using the electrostatic spinning technique. The organic long chains on the surface of MXfs have obvious emulsifying effects, and the results show that the Janus fiber membrane exhibits high separation flux (1449.6 L m −2 h −1 ) and separation efficiency (> 95%) in the oil–water emulsion separation process. In addition, after several cycles, the Janus fiber membrane still maintains good cycling stability, and the flux of oil–water emulsion is maintained at 83% ~ 92% of the original flux, and the cycling efficiency is still not less than 95%, which is excellent in the field of oil–water separation and related applications. Highlights MXene NFs with good dispersion and processability successfully obtained. Janus fiber membrane fabricated via electrostatic spinning for oil–water separation. Membrane shows high separation flux (1449.6 L m −2 h −1 ) and efficiency (> 95%). Good cycling stability with high flux and efficiency after multiple cycles.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
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2026
·
IF 3.6
Wenqiao Meng,Kun Zhang,Wenxing Chen,Shichang Chen
Improving the toughness and reducing the oligomer content of Polyamide 6 through a green and sustainable bio-based modification strategy is of great significance for expanding its application potential. In this study, bio-based itaconic acid pentanediamine salt (IPA) was copolymerized with ε-caprolactam to prepare a bio-based copolyamide (PA6-IPA) containing pyrrolidone rings. The regulatory effects of IPA content on the oligomer content, thermal behavior, rheological properties, and mechanical properties of PA6-IPA were systematically investigated. The successful synthesis of PA6-IPA was confirmed by 1 H NMR and FT-IR. The results showed that with the increase of IPA content, the oligomer content of PA6-IPA decreased from 8.68% to 2.76%, the crystallinity crystallization temperature decreased significantly, and the relative content of crystal forms was regulated. In addition, PA6-IPA 20 achieved an elongation at break of 382.5% and a tensile strength of 58 MPa, realizing excellent toughness enhancement while maintaining the original strength. This can be attributed to the addition of IPA, which disrupts the regularity of the chain segments, increases the amorphous region of the copolyamide, and enhances the mobility of the molecular chains. This study provides a feasible strategy for developing eco-friendly, high-performance bio-based polyamides with balanced processability and mechanical properties. Highlights Bio-based PA6 copolymerized with itaconic acid-pentanediamine salt. The addition of IPA salt reduced the oligomers content from 8.68% to 2.76%. PA6-IPA 20 exhibited 382.5% elongation and 58 MPa strength.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Junpeng Ma,Xiao Li,Siyu Sun,Kang Liu,Jinghao Qian,Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari,Hao-Yang Mi,Chuntai Liu,Changyu Shen
The increasing density of wireless electronic devices has intensified electromagnetic interference (EMI), highlighting the limitations of conventional reflection-dominant shielding materials, in which a substantial fraction of incident electromagnetic energy is reflected back into the surrounding environment, potentially causing secondary electromagnetic interference. In this study, we propose a structurally optimized absorption-dominant gradient composite foam based on a “capture-loss-intercept” multilayer design. Multilayer PVDF-based foams were fabricated through a combined vacuum-assisted hot-pressing and supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) foaming strategy, enabling precise control over pore morphology and filler distribution at low filler loadings (2.07 vol%). The resulting hierarchical structure promotes graded impedance matching, multiple internal reflections, dielectric and magnetic losses, and conduction pathways, yielding a synergistic attenuation effect. The optimized trilayer foam achieves an EMI shielding effectiveness of 55.73 dB, a high absorption coefficient (A = 0.9316), and a green shielding index (g s = 13.63), outperforming most previously reported polymer-based foams while maintaining a lightweight configuration. Approximately 99.99% of incident electromagnetic waves are effectively attenuated, demonstrating the structure's superior suppression of secondary reflection. This work provides an efficient and scalable design route for eco-friendly, absorption-dominant EMI shielding materials and offers strong potential for next-generation 5G/6G electronics, aerospace equipment, and lightweight electromagnetic management applications. Highlights A scalable “capture-loss-intercept” multilayer design for absorptive EMI shield. High EMI SE of 55.73 dB is achieved at low 2.07 vol% filler loading. A high green shielding index (gs = 13.63) for near-zero secondary pollution. scCO 2 foaming for lightweight, enhanced EMW dissipation & interface polarization.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Li Zhou,Haoxin Chen,Anxin Li,Xiaowei Zuo,Jia Li
Epoxy resins are widely utilized owing to their excellent chemical resistance, favorable dimensional stability, and strong adhesion. However, their inherent flammability, high brittleness, and low impact strength significantly restrict their application in high-performance fields. In this study, a novel and environmentally friendly reactive ionic liquid, [PPyam]Ps, was designed and synthesized to modify epoxy resins, aiming to enhance both flame retardancy and mechanical properties. This ionic liquid is free of halogens and heavy metals, consistent with the principles of green and sustainable development. According to the study, after modification with [PPyam]Ps, the epoxy resin exhibits a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of up to 31.8% and achieves a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. Furthermore, its peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) are reduced by 35.3% and 38.9%, respectively. Notably, [PPyam]Ps remains in a liquid state during the epoxy curing stage, reducing the prepolymer viscosity, improving system flowability and wetting behavior, and acting as an internal plasticizer. Consequently, the tensile strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of the resulting composite increase by 34.4%, 63.24%, and 68.95%, respectively. This work provides a new strategy for developing high-performance epoxy composites that integrate excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties. Highlights A P, N, S reactive ionic liquid flame retardant was synthesized. It integrates multi-element flame retardancy, plasticization, and co-curing. It boosts epoxy flame retardancy via gas and condensed phase synergy. It improves epoxy mechanical properties via crosslinking and plasticization.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Jing Wang,Wei Bai,Gongying Wang,Chen Li,Qingyin Wang
Bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)fluorene polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic resin characterized by a high refractive index and low birefringence, yet it has a relatively low molecular weight. To further increase the polymer's molecular weight, this study synthesized α-ZnS and β-ZnS, along with their coexisting phase, through a precipitation method to catalyze the transesterification polycondensation of bisphenol A (BPA), 9,9-bis[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene (BPEF), and diphenyl carbonate (DPC) via melt ester exchange polycondensation. It was found that the acidic sites generated during calcination contribute to enhanced catalytic activity, leading to a high-molecular-weight polycarbonate ( M w = 87,363). Concurrently, the tensile strength (89.02 MPa) increased as the molecular weight rose. Notably, varying the ZnS content (0.085–1.67 g/kg) in the incorporated polycrystalline phase not only effectively catalyzed the polymerization reaction but also increased the refractive index without significantly affecting the transmittance. Highlights Polycrystalline ZnS was synthesized through precipitation and calcination for catalytic applications. The medium-strength acid sites on ZnS notably augmented the molecular weight of polycarbonate (PC). The high M w PC matrix elevated the tensile strength to 89.02 MPa. PC doping with ZnS increased the refractive index without a significant reduction in transmittance. The PC/ZnS composites demonstrated outstanding UV-shielding properties and thermal stability.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Lei Nie,Letian Yan,Yaling Deng,Yanfang Sun,Guohua Jiang
The hydrogel bio-adhesive has demonstrated outstanding potential in regenerative wound care. Here, we prepared borate-crosslinked bioadhesive hydrogels (PPGB) composed of dopamine-conjugated gelatin (Gel-DA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and catechin acid. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an interconnected porous microstructure within the PPGB matrix. Rheological characterization confirmed typical viscoelastic solid behavior, favorable injectability, and excellent self-healing capability, the latter of which was also supported by macroscopic observations. Antioxidant activity was validated through ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. The PPGB adhesives exhibited strong adhesion to various material surfaces and moist organic tissues. Antibacterial testing demonstrated efficient activity against the typical Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Biocompatibility evaluation using CCK-8 assays and DAPI/phalloidin staining of NIH 3 T3 fibroblasts exposed to hydrogel extracts indicated good cytocompatibility. Furthermore, a scratch wound healing assay confirmed enhanced cell migration. Collectively, these findings present a straightforward strategy for engineering multifunctional hydrogel bio-adhesives with potential for biomedical applications. Highlights Dopamine-conjugated gelatin was synthesized. Borate-crosslinked PPGB hydrogels were fabricated as bioadhesives. PPGB hydrogels displayed good antioxidant activities. PPGB hydrogel bioadhesives exhibited strong adhesion to various materials and organs. PPGB hydrogels exhibit suitable cytocompatibility and cell-promoted migration.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Xin Jing,Xiaoyun Li,Yuhua Zhao,Junwei Wang,Chunxia Niu
A series of amino-terminated oligomers containing amide units were synthesized by the polycondensation reaction of aliphatic diesters with different chain lengths and amino-terminated poly (propylene oxide) of 400 g/mol. The obtained oligomers were used to prepare polyurethane elastomers with different amide segments in soft segments (PU-A, PU-G, PU-M, and PU-E), in which the lengths of methylene groups between amide units were varied systematically. The influences of the discrepancies in methylene groups lengths between amide units on the mechanical properties at high temperatures and thermal properties of polyurethane elastomers were investigated. The results revealed that the mechanical properties at elevated temperatures of all polyurethane elastomers with amide units in soft segments were significantly improved compared with polypropylene glycol based polyurethane elastomer (PU-PPG2000). Especially, the tear strength of PU-M at 80°C, 100°C, and 120°C was 48.5%, 43.7%, and 45.4% higher than that of PU-PPG2000 respectively. Different lengths of methylene groups between amide units induced different hydrogen bonding between amide units, thus leading to different glass transition temperature of amide segments ( T amide ). Polyurethane elastomers with the lower T amide value possessed the higher mechanical properties retention rates at high temperatures, whereas the higher T amide value led to the lower retention rates of tear and tensile strength at 80°C, 100°C, and 120°C. Moreover, the DSC and SEM results demonstrated that the discrepancies in the lengths of methylene groups between amide units in soft segments could also make influences on the hard segments structures. Highlights PUEs with different methylene lengths between amide units were synthesized. Amide units in soft segments led to improved mechanical properties of PUEs. Different methylene lengths between amide units induced different T amide . The T amide governed the mechanical properties at high temperatures of PUEs.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Bihai Su,Yao Wang,Paipai Jia,Zhouxun Lu,Lingwei Li,Yue Wang,Yuxin Wang
The inherent incompatibility of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)—stemming from its rigid fluorinated backbone and elevated dipole moment—is overcome by the synergistic integration of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles into a polyurethane (PU)-modified PFSA matrix, enabling unprecedented interfacial proton transport pathways. The optimized membrane with 4 wt% HA loading demonstrates remarkable improvements over the PFSA&PU membrane: a tensile strength of 11.89 MPa, an elongation at break of 224.46%, a proton conductivity of 0.235 S/cm at 80°C, and a H 2 /air fuel cell power density of 191 mW/cm 2 . After 100 h OCV hold, the PFSA&PU + 4wt%HA membrane retained an OCV of 0.757 V, with 4.5% less degradation than the baseline PFSA&PU membrane. Notably, the membrane exhibits exceptional elastic recovery, with only 14% residual strain after 150% stretching and a mere 7.65% reduction in mechanical strength after deformation. The test results indicate that this composite membrane has excellent potential for fuel cell applications. Highlights HA induces porous PFSA + PU, boosting PEM elasticity and conductivity. Adding HA increases elongation by 156.73% and conductivity by 45.96%. PFSA&PU + HA membrane achieves 191 mW/cm 2 power density under H 2 /air conditions.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Yuchen Wang,Yingtao Sun,Shaobin Zhuo,Dachuang Shi,Shiji Lin,Zhigang Li
Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising desalination technique. However, commercial membranes usually suffer from wetting and fouling issues, which hinder their wide applications. In this study, we coat a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with a hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a citric acid (CA) mixed layer to fabricate PVA-CA/PVDF Janus membranes. A polydopamine (PDA) layer is used to enhance the adhesion between the PVA-CA layer and the PVDF membrane. Compared with the pristine PVDF membrane, the PVA-CA/PVDF Janus membrane shows excellent anti-wetting and anti-fouling performance without sacrificing water flux, significantly enhancing the efficiency of MD processes. The anti-wetting capacity of the Janus membrane stems from the rejection of surfactants through size exclusion and high liquid entry pressure by the PVA-CA layer. Its anti-fouling property is attributed to underwater superoleophobicity of the PVA-CA layer. Furthermore, the PVA-CA/PVDF Janus membrane exhibits superior performance in desalinating natural seawater and treating artificial industrial wastewater, demonstrating its remarkable versatility. The Janus membrane developed in this work shows great potential for applications in MD and wastewater treatment. Highlights Fabrication of robust PVA-CA/PVDF Janus membranes featuring a hydrophilic PVA-CA layer and a hydrophobic PVDF layer. PVA-CA/PVDF Janus membranes show strong resistance to wetting and fouling for membrane distillation. PVA-CA/PVDF Janus membranes enable long-term and efficient treatment of seawater and artificial industrial wastewater.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Jiaxu He,Zhihao Zhang,Senlong Yu,Liping Zhu,Hengxue Xiang,Meifang Zhu
The escalating environmental burden caused by nondegradable polymers in disposable nonwoven products has driven the exploration of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. This study synthesizes a series of aliphatic–aromatic copolyesters (PBA/PBT/PBAT) by varying the molar ratio of terephthalic acid (PTA) to adipic acid (AA) (1:9/3:7/5:5/7:3/9:1), systematically investigating the effect of composition on chemical structure, molecular weight, thermal behavior, and rheological properties. By controlling polycondensation end-points, virgin PBAT copolyesters with high-melt flowability (MFR > 40 g/10 min) and appropriate melting temperatures (123.1°C–205.1°C) were directly obtained without post-polymerization chain scission. Copolyesters with PTA/AA ratios of 5:5, 7:3, and 9:1 were processed on a pilot melt-blowing line. The resulting nonwovens were characterized for fiber morphology, pore structure, tensile properties, wettability, air permeability, and baseline filtration performance. The results indicate that increasing the PTA content enhances chain rigidity and thermal stability while shifting the melt from viscous- to elastic-dominated behavior. PBAT 7:3 achieved the optimal viscoelastic balance, yielding uniform fibers (22.31 μm) and cohesive web architecture, delivering favorable tensile strength (MD: 8.35 N), air permeability (3786 mm/s), and PM0.3 filtration efficiency (28.78% at 10 L/min). This work provides a practical synthesis-tuning strategy for developing biodegradable melt-blown nonwovens tailored for prefiltration, wipe, and sorbent applications. Highlights Direct synthesis yielded high-flowability PBAT copolyesters. PTA/AA ratio governed structure, rheology, and spinnability. Fiber architecture determined nonwoven transport and filtration performance.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Pengcheng Yang,Jiliang Zhou,Daohong Zhang,Junheng Zhang
To address the issues of low fracture toughness and poor impact resistance of epoxy thermosets, this study synthesized a vanillin-based hyperbranched epoxy resin (VHER) via constructing a sacrificial multiple network. The sacrificial multiple network promotes the stress distribution and effective energy dissipation through bond breaking and recombination, thereby simultaneously enhancing the strength and toughness of epoxy thermosets. The hyperbranched topology regulates crosslinking density, increases free volume, and induces microphase separation. As a result, the epoxy thermosets containing 9% VHER exhibit outstanding overall performance with a tensile strength of 126.26 MPa and toughness of 10.41 MJ·m −3 . This work provides new design strategies and theoretical insights for the development of epoxy thermosets with superior mechanical properties. Highlights Constructing a sacrificial multiple network with hyperbranched epoxy resin for epoxy thermosets. The epoxy network dissipates energy via sacrificial cleavage under external stress. Epoxy thermosets exhibit excellent high strength and toughness without loss in T g .
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Jin Chen,Qiu-Shi Wang,Xuan Zheng,Xiang-Yang Gu,Li-Li Pei,Juan-Juan Dai,Rong Li,Xin-Hong Wang,Shu-Wei Wang
The integration of real-time wound monitoring and therapeutic functions represents a promising strategy for advancing next-generation wound dressings. Herein, we propose a simple and scalable dip-coating approach to functionalize electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibrous membranes with an α-lipoic acid (α-LA)-based supramolecular hydrogel. The resulting composite membrane (PLANFM/LA) exhibits a remarkable water-induced transparency transition, with visible-light transmittance switching from nearly opaque (~0.2%) in the dry state to highly transparent (up to 65%) in the hydrated state, enabling non-invasive visual monitoring of the wound environment. The introduction of the α-LA hydrogel endowed the membrane with excellent antioxidant and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities, with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates reaching 92.5% and 95.8%, respectively, at an α-LA content of 50%, and bactericidal efficiencies against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) increasing from 38.6% and 44.7% at 10% α-LA to over 85% at higher α-LA contents. In vitro studies further demonstrate significantly enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration, with the cell migration rate increasing from ~24% to ~55%. Meanwhile, the membrane surface wettability is effectively regulated, transitioning from hydrophobic (water contact angle, WCA≈121.4°) to highly hydrophilic (WCA≈36.4°), accompanied by substantially improved mechanical flexibility (elongation at break up to 79%). Overall, by integrating water-responsive transparency for real-time wound visualization with antioxidant activity, broad-spectrum antibacterial performance, improved mechanical flexibility, and favorable cytocompatibility, PLANFM/LA overcomes the limitation of conventional dressings that mainly provide passive wound coverage but lack simultaneous monitoring and therapeutic functions. This multifunctional design offers a promising non-invasive strategy for advanced wound management. Highlights Flexible PLA/hydrogel composite prepared via simple dip-coating. Brittle-to-ductile transition achieved with 79% elongation. Hydrogel acts as a plasticizer, ensuring strong interfacial adhesion. Integrates flexibility, antibacterial properties, and water-responsive transparency. A strategy to toughen and functionalize brittle biopolymer membranes.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）