Polymer Science

Review Chemistry, Applied

Recent advances in the hybridization of cellulose and carbon nanomaterials: Interactions, structural design, functional tailoring, and applications

Guozheng Yang, Hao Kong, Yun Chen, Bin Liu, Danzhu Zhu, Lei Guo, Gang Wei

Summary: This review presents the recent advances and applications of cellulose/CNM hybrid materials, focusing on the interactions between cellulose and CNMs, the structural and functional tailoring of the hybrid materials, and their abundant applications in various fields.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2022)

Review Polymer Science

A review of etching methods of MXene and applications of MXene conductive hydrogels

Can Zhou, Xiaohan Zhao, Yingshuo Xiong, Yuanhan Tang, Xintao Ma, Qian Tao, Changmei Sun, Wenlong Xu

Summary: This paper reviews the etching methods, synthesis strategies and applications of MXene, and provides an outlook on its future development.

EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

A Review of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)-Based Photocatalyst for Oilfield-Produced Water Treatment

Hadi Nugraha Cipta Dharma, Juhana Jaafar, Nurul Widiastuti, Hideto Matsuyama, Saied Rajabsadeh, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Mukhlis A. Rahman, Nurul Natasha Mohammad Jafri, Nuor Sariyan Suhaimin, Atikah Mohd Nasir, Nur Hashimah Alias

Summary: Oilfield produced water (OPW) is a major environmental concern due to the high concentration of dissolved organic pollutants. Photodegradation using photocatalysts, particularly titanium dioxide (TiO2), is considered a promising technology for the sustainable treatment of OPW. However, the photoactivity of TiO2 is limited due to its wide band gap and low quantum field. Modification approaches have been explored to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO2, improve charge carrier transfer, prevent recombination, and enhance visible light response.

MEMBRANES (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Advances in anti-cancer effects and underlying mechanisms of marine algae polysaccharides

Wanzi Yao, Hua-Mai Qiu, Kit-Leong Cheong, Saiyi Zhong

Summary: Cancer is a major health problem worldwide, and marine algae polysaccharides (MAPs) have gained attention for their excellent anti-cancer abilities. This review aims to update the discovery and evaluation of MAPs with anti-cancer properties and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES (2022)

Review Polymer Science

Textile-Based Flexible Pressure Sensors: A Review

Jia-wen Zhang, Yan Zhang, Yuan-yuan Li, Ping Wang

Summary: Textile-based flexible pressure sensors offer promising potential for integration into modern garments and applications in electronic skin, healthcare, and human motion capture. Challenges and prospects in the development of these sensors are also discussed.

POLYMER REVIEWS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Anisotropic cellulose nanofibril composite sponges for electromagnetic interference shielding with low reflection loss

Yiming Chen, Heng Luo, Hongtao Guo, Kunming Liu, Changtong Mei, Yang Li, Gaigai Duan, Shuijian He, Jingquan Han, Jiajia Zheng, E. Shiju, Shaohua Jiang

Summary: The paper introduces an anisotropic composite sponge consisting of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and chemical co-precipitated silver nanowire (AgNIA)@Fe3O4 composites, which demonstrates excellent anisotropic EMI shielding ability.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2022)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Soluble poly(aryl piperidinium) with extended aromatic segments as anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells and water electrolysis

Min Liu, Xu Hu, Bin Hu, Lei Liu, Nanwen Li

Summary: The superacid-catalyzed polymerization and quaternization reaction is an effective method for preparing AEM materials with high conductivity and stability. The PQP-100 AEM shows excellent conductivity, morphology stability, catalytic efficiency, and advantages in membrane thickness.

JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE (2022)

Review Polymer Science

4D printing of polymers: Techniques, materials, and prospects

Peng Fu, Haimei Li, Jin Gong, Zengjie Fan, Andrew T. Smith, Kuangyu Shen, Tebyan O. Khalfalla, Haofei Huang, Xin Qian, Jeffrey R. McCutcheon, Luyi Sun

Summary: Since 2013, the concept of four-dimensional (4D) printing has attracted interest from researchers worldwide. 4D printing allows for dynamic properties and changes in shape and properties under various stimuli, enabling the creation of variable and controllable geometries. Recent advancements in smart materials and printing methods have expanded the scope of 4D printing.

PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE (2022)

Article Materials Science, Composites

Influence of ion beam and silver nanoparticles on dielectric properties of flexible PVA/PANI polymer composite films

M. M. Abdelhamied, A. M. Abdelreheem, A. Atta

Summary: This work utilized a solution cast technique to prepare flexible nanocomposite films of PVA/PANI/Ag with different concentrations of PANI and AgNPs. The samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, and infrared spectroscopy, confirming successful synthesis. Irradiation with oxygen ion beam led to significant improvements in the electrical properties and energy density efficiency of the nanocomposite films.

PLASTICS RUBBER AND COMPOSITES (2022)

Review Polymer Science

A review on physical foaming of thermoplastic and vulcanized elastomers

Wentao Zhai, Junjie Jiang, Chul B. Park

Summary: Elastomer foams are widely used due to their flexibility and physical foaming provides environmental-friendly and adjustable material properties, but also leads to post-foaming shrinkage issues. Researchers have made progress in improving the performance of elastomer foams by understanding the foaming mechanisms.

POLYMER REVIEWS (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose based antioxidant film incorporated with halloysite nanotubes and litchi shell waste extract for active packaging

Ram Kumar Deshmukh, Konala Akhila, Dakuri K. Ramakanth, Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad

Summary: This study developed bioactive antioxidant films based on guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose incorporated with halloysite-nanotubes (HNT) and litchi shell extract (LSE). The addition of LSE notably increased the UV-light barrier properties and antioxidant activity of the films.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Preparation of new MOF-808/chitosan composite for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution: Experimental and DFT study

Farshad Mirzaee Valadi, Shayan Shahsavari, Elham Akbarzadeh, Mohammad Reza Gholami

Summary: In this study, Zirconium-based MOF and chitosan composites were synthesized as efficient adsorbents for removing Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. The structure and morphology of MOF-808/chitosan were characterized, and the adsorption process was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic investigation indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, disordered, and endothermic. The DFT study confirmed the role of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction in the adsorption process.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Green and Facile Synthesis of Bio-Based, Flame-Retardant, Latent Imidazole Curing Agent for Single-Component Epoxy Resin

Jingsheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Jun Wang, Shuang Yang, Kaiwen Chen, Chang Li, De Fang, Zhengping Fang, Pingan Song, Hao Wang

Summary: Developing bio-based flame retardants has gained significant attention recently. In this study, a biomass-derived, flame-retardant, latent curing agent (IMPA) was synthesized and applied to single-component epoxy resin. The results showed that IMPA improved the shelf life and curing rate of the epoxy resin, while significantly enhancing its flame retardancy.

ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS (2022)

Review Polymer Science

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling for the Beverage Industry: A Review

Patnarin Benyathiar, Pankaj Kumar, Gregory Carpenter, John Brace, Dharmendra K. Mishra

Summary: The disposal of plastic waste is an important issue due to its potential environmental impact. PET packaging constitutes a significant portion of single-serve beverage packaging and global solid waste. Strategic solutions are needed to manage plastic waste. PET bottles are an environmentally friendly choice, with good barrier properties and a reduced carbon footprint compared to glass. With advanced recycling and decontamination processes, PET bottles can be safely reused for beverage packaging, promoting sustainability goals.

POLYMERS (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 binds to the hACE2 receptor more strongly and escapes the antibody response: Insights from structural and simulation data

Abbas Khan, Hira Waris, Memoona Rafique, Muhammad Suleman, Anwar Mohammad, Syed Shujait Ali, Taimoor Khan, Yasir Waheed, Chenguang Liao, Dong-Qing Wei

Summary: This study provides a basis for understanding the impact of novel mutations on the structure, function, and binding of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants, and serves as a strong impetus for the development of novel drugs against them.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES (2022)

Review Polymer Science

A practical guide to quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring of thin polymer films

Alexandra D. Easley, Ting Ma, Chikaodinaka I. Eneh, Junyeong Yun, Ratul M. Thakur, Jodie L. Lutkenhaus

Summary: Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring is a powerful tool for sensitively examining real-time responses of polymer films, commonly used for film growth, material adsorption, thin film swelling, and ion exchange. This review introduces new users to the basic principles of QCM-D, practical challenges and remedies specific to polymer thin films, and specific case studies including layer-by-layer assembly, electrochemical QCM-D, swelling, sensing, and biological application. Recommendations for future research and areas of growth are also provided in the review.

JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Effect of cellulose nanocrystal-stabilized cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsions on structure and properties of chitosan composite films

Jian Liu, Feixiang Song, Runyi Chen, Guitang Deng, Yanxia Chao, Zhuohong Yang, Hong Wu, Mei Bai, Peng Zhang, Yang Hu

Summary: By incorporating cellulose nanocrystal-stabilized cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsions into chitosan-based films, researchers have successfully improved the water-resistance and antibacterial activity of the films, although it may reduce the mechanical strength. This method not only significantly increases the contact angle and inhibition zone of the composite films, but also improves the tensile strength of the films, showing potential for packaging applications.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2022)

Review Polymer Science

Precision polymer synthesis by controlled radical polymerization: Fusing the progress from polymer chemistry and reaction engineering

Yin-Ning Zhou, Jin-Jin Li, Tian-Tian Wang, Yi-Yang Wu, Zheng-Hong Luo

Summary: Controlled radical polymerization, also known as reversible deactivation radical polymerization, is a revolutionary discovery in polymer science. Its mild reaction conditions, broad applicability, and ability to produce well-defined functional polymers have attracted significant interest from academia and industry.

PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE (2022)

Review Polymer Science

Machine Learning for Organic Photovoltaic Polymers: A Minireview

Asif Mahmood, Ahmad Irfan, Jin-Liang Wang

Summary: Machine learning is a powerful tool that can revolutionize material science and aid the design and screening of materials for polymer solar cells. Despite facing challenges, it remains an important aspect of data science applications.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Fluorescent-based nanosensors for selective detection of a wide range of biological macromolecules: A comprehensive review

Saman Sargazi, Iqra Fatima, Maria Hassan Kiani, Vahideh Mohammadzadeh, Rabia Arshad, Muhammad Bilal, Abbas Rahdar, Ana M. Diez-Pascual, Razieh Behzadmehr

Summary: Fluorescent-based bioprobes have unique attributes that make them suitable for creating highly sensitive nano-biosensors for detecting various biological and chemical agents. These sensors are superior to other analytical instrumentation techniques in terms of being biodegradable, eco-friendly, and more economical and cost-effective. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the electrochemical sensors that use nanomaterials to detect biological macromolecules based on fluorescent emission spectra.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES (2022)