4.7 Editorial Material

Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in Greece

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Article Polymer Science

Experimental Investigation of Polypropylene Composite Drawn Fibers with Talc, Wollastonite, Attapulgite and Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Costas Tsioptsias et al.

Summary: Isotactic polypropylene composite drawn fibers were prepared using different fillers as reinforcement agents. It was found that the use of ultrafine talc particles yields better results, while needle-like fillers such as wollastonite and single-wall carbon nanotubes also showed improved performance.

POLYMERS (2022)

Review Polymer Science

Current Advances of Polysaccharide-Based Nanogels and Microgels in Food and Biomedical Sciences

Aristeidis Papagiannopoulos et al.

Summary: This review focuses on polysaccharide nanogels (NGs) and microgels (MGs), which are nano and microstructures with a networked internal structure based on polysaccharide chains. The number of articles on NGs and MGs in scientific journals has been increasing, indicating the growing contribution of polysaccharides in this field. The review highlights various fabrication methods and presents the potentials and properties of polysaccharide NGs and MGs in medicinal and food sciences.

POLYMERS (2022)

Article Polymer Science

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Essential Oil Ingredients Associated with Hyperbranched Polymer Drug Carriers

Vasilios Raptis et al.

Summary: This study investigates the drug properties of four compounds from the terpenoid family through molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that these compounds have a tendency to phase-separate and require carrier molecules to aid in their cellular entry. Two carrier molecules demonstrate promising interaction effects with one of the compounds. Future studies will focus on the propensity of the compound-polymer complexes to enter cell membranes.

POLYMERS (2022)

Article Polymer Science

Effects of Hydrophobic Modifications on the Solution Self-Assembly of P(DMAEMA-co-QDMAEMA)-b-POEGMA Random Diblock Copolymers

Martha Kafetzi et al.

Summary: This work describes the synthesis of novel pH and temperature responsive diblock copolymers with high mass nanoaggregates, which can encapsulate and release indomethacin. The chemical modification of the copolymers led to the formation of amphiphilic nanostructures that showed tunable properties in response to pH and temperature. The encapsulated drug could be released on demand with the aid of ultrasonication.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Statistical Copolymers of N-Vinylpyrrolidone and Isobornyl Methacrylate via Free Radical and RAFT Polymerization: Monomer Reactivity Ratios, Thermal Properties, and Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition

Olga Kokkorogianni et al.

Summary: Statistical copolymers of NVP and IBMA were synthesized by free radical and RAFT polymerization methods, with reactivity ratios calculated using different methods. Structural parameters and thermal properties of the copolymers were studied and compared with homopolymers.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Thermoset Polymer Matrix Composites of Epoxy, Unsaturated Polyester, and Novolac Resin Embedding Construction and Demolition Wastes powder: A Comparative Study

Costas Bogiatzidis et al.

Summary: This study manufactured and studied composite materials consisting of polymer resin matrix filled with construction and demolition waste powder of varying grain sizes, utilizing scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction for morphological and elemental analysis. Mechanical performance and thermal insulating efficiency of the materials were examined through bending and shear strength tests and determination of the thermal conductivity coefficient.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Functionalization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with End-Capped Polystyrene via a Single-Step Diels-Alder Cycloaddition

Maria-Malvina Stathouraki et al.

Summary: A facile method for surface functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with end-capped polystyrene chains was developed, involving a thermal cycloaddition reaction and anionic polymerization. Successful synthesis and quantitative end-capping reaction were confirmed by various analytical methods. The presence of thin polystyrene film on the CNT surface was directly evidenced by TEM and AFM.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

pH/Thermo-Responsive Grafted Alginate-Based SiO2 Hybrid Nanocarrier/Hydrogel Drug Delivery Systems

Nikolaos Theodorakis et al.

Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles covered with layer-by-layer oppositely charged weak polyelectrolytes were prepared, exhibiting pH/thermo-responsive drug delivery capabilities. The release kinetics of model drug rhodamine B could be controlled by the number of bilayers and environmental conditions. A composite hydrogel encapsulating these nanoparticles showed sustainable drug delivery properties, indicating potential for biomedical applications.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Triggerable Super Absorbent Polymers for Coating Debonding Applications

Ioannis A. Kartsonakis et al.

Summary: This study focuses on the effectiveness of using core-shell super absorbent polymers (SAPs) as triggerable materials in coating binders for plastic recycling processes. The incorporation of SAPs into coatings led to the debonding of coatings from substrates under steam treatment, showing potential for plastic recycling applications in industries. The trigger mechanism of the core-shell hydrophilic SAPs relies on their ability to absorb water and break the inorganic shell under the influence of steam, reducing the attachment between layers and enabling detachment.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Responsive Polyesters with Alkene and Carboxylic Acid Side-Groups for Tissue Engineering Applications

Stella Afroditi Mountaki et al.

Summary: This study focused on enhancing the properties of main chain polyesters by incorporating pH-responsive functionalities through specific chemical reactions. The modified polyesters showed adjustable pK alpha values and water solubilities, which were influenced by the alkyl chain length and carboxylic acid content. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the cross-linked polyester films was improved, especially on surfaces with shorter alkyl chains and higher carboxylic acid functionalities, promoting cell viability, proliferation, and attachment.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Photo- and Acid-Degradable Polyacylhydrazone-Doxorubicin Conjugates

Maria Psarrou et al.

Summary: A new linear copolymer based on acylhydrazone linkages was synthesized and characterized for its degradation under both acidic and photo conditions. The copolymer was chemically linked to an anticancer drug to form amphiphilic polymer-drug conjugates, which self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles for therapeutic cargo release. The assemblies were disrupted under UV light and decreased pH, releasing the drug payload.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Responsive Quaternized PDMAEMA Copolymers with Antimicrobial Action

Theodore Manouras et al.

Summary: The antimicrobial activity of partially quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) copolymers against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated, showing a mild bactericidal effect achieved by disrupting the outer membrane of bacterial cells to release proteins.

POLYMERS (2021)

Article Polymer Science

Healing Efficiency of CNTs-Modified-UF Microcapsules That Provide Higher Electrical Conductivity and EMI Shielding Properties

Maria Kosarli et al.

Summary: This study demonstrated that incorporating MWCNTs into UF shell-wall microcapsules improved EMI SE and introduced new electronic properties, resulting in smaller microcapsule size and unchanged thermal stability. Furthermore, the introduction of 0.5% CNTs significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin.

POLYMERS (2021)