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
Shaoming Li,Yaqi Ge,Yukun Zhou,Chuansheng Wang,Yao Xiao
Due to its high surface polarity and tendency to agglomerate, sepiolite exhibits weak interfacial bonding with the nonpolar natural rubber (NR) matrix, leading to poor mechanical and dynamic properties. This limits the high-value application of natural minerals in high-performance NR composites. In this paper, a hydrogen bond network-enhanced ternary deep eutectic solvent (CGA–DES) was prepared using glycerol and aspartic acid as dual hydrogen bond donors and choline chloride as the hydrogen bond acceptor. The effects of CGA–DES dosage on filler dispersion, vulcanization characteristics, mechanical properties, aging resistance, and dynamic mechanical properties of sepiolite/NR composites were investigated. SEM showed that CGA–DES promoted the dispersion of sepiolite and its interfacial bonding with NR. When 2 phr of CGA–DES were added, the processing flowability of the compound was improved, the vulcanization time was shortened, the mechanical properties and aging resistance were enhanced, and the rolling resistance decreased, resulting in the best overall performance. Compared with the unmodified Sep/NR, the tensile strength, tensile product coefficient, aging coefficient, and DIN abrasion volume of 2 CGA/Sep/NR reached 20.15 MPa, 11801.98, 0.32, and 0.198 cm 3 , which improved by 67%, 82%, 78%, and 21%, respectively. Meanwhile, the rolling resistance decreased by 54%, and better dynamic mechanical properties were achieved. Aspartic acid contains both carboxyl and amino functional groups, enabling the formation of an enhanced hydrogen-bonding network with sepiolite and facilitating more effective crosslinking reactions during the vulcanization process. This paper provides a new approach for regulating filler–rubber interfacial interactions by using a bio-based deep eutectic solvent, which is expected to promote the development of high-performance green tires and rubber products. Highlights The deep eutectic solvent was prepared by glycerol, aspartic acid, and choline chloride. The dispersion of sepiolite and its interfacial bonding with rubber were improved. The processing flowability was improved and the rolling resistance was decreased. The tensile strength and aging coefficient were improved by 67% and 78%, respectively.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
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
·
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
Yan Yang,Haiqing He,Jian Su,Rui Jiang,Fawei Liu,Changrong Xu,Jiajun Lin,Taokai Wang,Yongkang Ji,Jinjiang Ren,Changbin Tan
Conductive polymer fabric composites (CPFCs) are high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials featuring high conductivity, low density, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and processability. In this study, flexible hierarchically porous polyketone/silver nanoparticle (HPPK/Ag) core-shell nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning followed by in situ silver deposition. The successful construction of the Ag coating was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. With increasing Ag content, both the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the HPPK/Ag membranes were significantly enhanced while retaining excellent flexibility and stability under mechanical deformation. The HPPK/Ag-20 hybrid membranes with a density of 0.26 g/cm 3 and thickness of 100 μm, achieved the maximum SSE and SSE/t values of 184.94 dB cm 3 /g and 17513.86 dB cm 2 /g across the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz), respectively. This superior performance is attributed to a synergistic shielding mechanism: the continuous conductive Ag network induces strong reflection at the surface, while the hierarchically porous core facilitates efficient absorption loss through intensive interfacial polarization and multiple internal reflections. These results indicate that HPPK/Ag hybrid membranes are highly promising as lightweight and thin EMI shielding materials for wearable electronics. Highlights Porous flexible HPPK films were prepared by phase separation principle. The porous structure of HPPK nanofibers facilitated in situ Ag deposition. HPPK/Ag films exhibited high mechanical stability under mechanical deformation. Both reflection and absorption contribute to the enhanced EMI SE.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Xi Wang,Zhichao Yang,Wenxing Chen,Shichang Chen
Marine biofouling adversely affects the operational performance of marine infrastructure. A promising solution to this challenge involves fabricating PET fibers with inherent antifouling properties via chemical bonding. Inspired by the design concept that zwitterionic structures can form highly ordered hydration layers via electrostatic interactions, thereby reducing foulant adhesion, this study proposes a strategy for developing marine antifouling PET fibers. By grafting primary amine-terminated sulfobetaine onto PET fibers, grafted fibers with antifouling capabilities were obtained. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to examine the adhesion of algae and proteins on the fiber surfaces. The results demonstrated that the grafted fibers exhibited significant resistance to algal and protein attachment, along with effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Furthermore, colorimetric crystal violet assays confirmed the inhibitory effect of the grafted fibers on biofilm formation. The development of this novel antifouling PET fibers offer a potential approach to addressing biofouling issues in deep-sea aquaculture cages. Highlights PET fibers are dopamine-treated to add reactive surface sites. Sulfated betaine was grafted onto fibers via its N-terminal amine. Grafted fibers resist adhesion by bacteria, proteins, and algae.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Yuxin Luo,Wenyi Yang,Zhanpeng Xie,Hang Zheng,Wanfen Pu,Feng Jiang
The viscosity and elasticity of water-soluble polymers are critical in the petroleum industry, particularly under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions. In this study, a multi-armed hydrazide-POSS (HPOSS) and a carbonyl-functionalized hydrophobic association polymer (CFHAP) were developed to create dual networks (CFHAP/HPOSS). Unlike conventional binary cross-linkers, HPOSS promoted the formation of dense and stable covalent cross-linked structures. Even at low concentrations of both CFHAP and HPOSS, CFHAP/HPOSS exhibited robust network formation with exceptional thickening properties, achieving a significantly higher viscosity of 3927 mPa·s at 2 g/L compared to the polymer's 410 mPa s and the binary cross-linking system's 2453 mPa s. Under a 40 g/L Na + solution, CFHAP/HPOSS exhibited salt responsiveness by enhancing their hydrophobic network, resulting in a viscosity of 5325 mPa s and a modulus G′ > G″. These enhanced rheological properties were further utilized to improve aqueous foam stability. The results revealed improved foam stability with an extended half-life time (8248 s), low drainage rate (0.0064 g/s maximum), and minimal bubble size distribution variation. SEM images also reveal a fully formed polymer film network, which effectively inhibits foam drainage and coarsening. Our strategy provides valuable insights into developing new materials with adjustable thickening and elastic properties. Highlights A multi-armed hydrazide-POSS is synthesized and used as a crosslinking agent. Dynamic acylhydrazone bond is used to fabricate a network with enough stability. Hydrophobic interaction is used to fabricate a network with salt responsiveness. The prepared polymer exhibits improved viscosity and elasticity.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.2
Shengbo Jin,Jing Zhao,Bowen Jiang,Jianzheng Cui,Yadi Yang
The present study aims to develop high-performance perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) capable of operating under diverse service conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the microscopic interactions between various nanofillers and the FFKM matrix. This included analyses of energy variations, radial distribution functions, and molecular chain orientation. A series of complementary experimental characterizations were conducted in order to examine the tensile failure behavior and elucidate the microscopic mechanisms of friction and wear. The results confirmed the accuracy of the microscopic interaction mechanisms obtained from simulation. An appropriate increase in hardness effectively enhanced tensile strength and modulus while reducing both the friction coefficient and wear rate. The incorporation of nanomaterials has been demonstrated to transform the tensile failure mode of FFKM from predominantly brittle fracture to predominantly plastic deformation. Among the composites, carbon nanotubes/perfluoroelastomer exhibited the best overall mechanical performance, graphene nanosheets/perfluoroelastomer demonstrated the lowest friction coefficient, and nano-silica/perfluoroelastomer showed superior cleanliness performance, making it advantageous in applications requiring high purity. Summary MD simulations reveal the microscopic interactions of nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of CNT/FFKM are more excellent. The Friction coefficient of GN/FFKM is lower. Hardness can effectively improve the performance of materials. Nano-fillers have changed the failure mode of composite materials.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Xinyue Yang,Lei Zhang,Liangshuai Ni,Chen Zhang,Zhongjie Du,Wei Zou
This study presents a novel strategy for fabricating multifunctional silicone rubber foam with low dielectric constant and excellent cushioning properties by incorporating surface fluorinated hollow microspheres. Thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs) were firstly modified with 3,3,3-(trifluoropropyl) trimethoxysilane (TFPS) by the bridge of γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550). The effects of pH and TFPS dosage on fluorine content on the surface of the obtained fluorinated and silane-modified TEMs (F-TEMs) were investigated. When F-TEMs were added into room-temperature-vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV) and served as both foaming agents and dielectric modifiers, the obtained fluorinated silicone rubber foam (FSR foam) showed a uniform closed-cell structure with enhanced interfacial compatibility. Based on the optimized fluorine content and addition of F-TEMs, the low dielectric constant of 2.51 and the dielectric loss of 0.066 at 10 Hz, excellent cushion property, low density, and good thermal stability of the composite foam were achieved simultaneously. This work provides a scalable and efficient approach to developing multifunctional polymer foams suitable for high-frequency electronics, aerospace, and wearable devices.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Jianrong Xia,Shuanghao Kang,Tianle Li,Han Jiang,Yuchi Zhang,Yuansong Ye,Liwei Wang,Renjin Gao
Conventional acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) often soften, melt, or lose tackiness under high-temperature conditions, leading to performance failure. To address this challenge, we exploited the molecular structural advantages of natural urushiol to design and synthesize a bio-based crosslinker, urushiol glycidyl ether (UGE). Through the ring-opening esterification reaction between the epoxy groups of UGE and the carboxyl groups of acrylic acid (AA), a three-dimensional crosslinking network was constructed within the acrylate PSA matrix. By modulating the AA-to-UGE molar ratio, we systematically investigated the effect of crosslinking density on adhesive performance, heat resistance, and rheological behavior. The optimized formulation (PSA-A1-U1) exhibited a 180° peel strength of 8.34 N/24 mm, an initial tack level of 6, and a tack retention time exceeding 72 h. After preconditioning at 150°C for 2 h, no adhesive residue was observed, and the SAFT (shear adhesion failure temperature) exceeded 225°C. This work demonstrates a novel strategy for designing heat-resistant, high-performance PSAs and broadens the application prospects of natural urushiol derivatives in functional polymers. Highlights A three-dimensional crosslinked PSA has been developed. The crosslinked PSAs exhibit high peel strength. The adhesive residue was improved. The SAFT of crosslinked PSAs exceeded 225°C.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子