• Xiang Shi

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3201-x
    Abstract:An improved X-ray apparatus that combines tensile testing and X-ray diffraction has been designed and constructed to conduct time-resolved experiments during uniaxial stretching. By utilizing mortise-like clamping jaws and dogbone-shaped specimens, this setup allows for the simultaneous recording of high-quality mechanical responses and 2D diffraction patterns due to the minimization of experimental errors from sample slippage or premature fracture. Furthermore, the local extension ratio can be accurately determined based on thickness variation, and the Hermans' orientation function was demonstrated to be a reliable method with high accuracy to calculate the segmental orientation parameter $\langle $P2$\rangle $ in elastomeric samples under high degree of stretching. In summary, this innovative tensile-WAXD instrument has proven to be a promising and powerful technique for investigating the “stress-deformation-segmental orientation” relationship in elastomers with high extensibilities.  
    Keywords:X-ray apparatus;Elongation calculation;Segmental orientation;In situ measurement   
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    Updated:2024-10-10
  • Zhen Wu,Kai-Feng Liao,Le-Ping Xiao,Shi-Jie Zhong,Min Gong,Guo-Jie Wang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3188-3
    Abstract:Moderate ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is essential for human health, but overexposure to UV rays can cause serious adverse effects. It is important to detect UV radiation from sunlight in time to prevent damage from excessive exposure. Here, a ready-to-use, easy-to-interpret, inexpensive, reusable, and wearable all-in-one UV monitoring and shielding sensor SP-TPE@PU textile has been developed. The SP-TPE@PU textiles are constructed by photochromic molecule SP-TPE and commercial polymer polyurethane (PU) through electrospinning. The SP-TPE molecule acts as the sensor component, and PU contributes to high flexibility. The SP-TPE@PU textiles show remarkable durability (against repeated twisting, curling, bending deformations, and water immersion) and good permeability, making them durable and breathable wearable materials. When exposed to sunlight, the SP-TPE@PU textiles rapidly exhibit significant color changes due to the efficient isomerization of SP-TPE, serving as an early warning and monitoring of UV radiation. In addition, the SP-TPE@PU textiles can revert to the initial state with visible light irradiation for reuse. Furthermore, the SP-TPE@PU textiles possess excellent UV shielding ability, contributing to human body protection. Simple and easy operation, significant and reversible color changes, good breathability and mechanical properties make SP-TPE@PU textiles reusable and wearable all-in-one UV monitoring and shielding sensors.  
    Keywords:Sunlight sensor;Photochromic textiles;Reusable and wearable;Ultraviolet monitoring and shielding   
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    Updated:2024-09-27
  • Ariya Julbust,Kwanchai Buaksuntear,Supitta Suethao,Phillip Kohl,Youli Li,Wirasak Smitthipong

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3208-3
    Abstract:Crosslinking natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites with carbon black (CB) have been utilized in the tire tread industry. A sulfur-based lightly crosslinker can potentially enhance the self-healing capabilities of rubber. Moreover, the rubber composites were studied for non-covalent interactions between the benzene rings of SBR and CB. In this research, rubber samples were prepared, and their structure was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The red shift in Raman spectroscopy confirmed non-covalent interaction or hydrophobic interaction between SBR and CB in NR/SBR composites exposed to CB due to environmental change. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms showed that NR and SBR were incompatible. Additionally, the mechanical properties of these rubber blends were enhanced as the proportion of NR increased. The maximum self-healing performance reached 40% for the formulation containing 25 phr NR and 75 phr SBR, which also saved energy with low chain end movements. Therefore, these composites could be utilized as a semi-empirical model for studying crosslinked rubber blends, specifically in the rubber tire industry.  
    Keywords:Crosslinked rubber;Natural rubber composites;Self-healing;Energy-saved application   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-09-27
  • Wei-Ting Zeng,Wei-Sheng Feng,Xing Zhang,Yuan Yao,Bin-Bin Xu,Shao-Liang Lin

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3198-1
    Abstract:Amphiphilic asymmetric brush copolymers (AABCs) possess unique self-assembly behaviors owing to their asymmetric brush architecture and multiple functionalities of multicomponent side chains. However, the synthesis of AABCs presents challenges, which greatly limits the exploration of their self-assembly behaviors. In this work, we employed dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations to investigate the self-assembly behaviors of AABCs in selective solution. By varying the copolymer concentration and structure, we conducted the self-assembly phase diagrams of AABCs, revealing complex morphologies such as channelized micelles with one or more solvophilic channels. Moreover, the number, surface area, and one-dimensional density distribution of the channelized micelles were calculated to demonstrate the internal structure and morphological transformation during the self-assembly process. Our findings indicate that the morphology of the internal solvophilic channels is greatly influenced by the copolymer structure, concentration, and interaction parameters between the different side chains. The simulation results are consistent with available experimental observations, which can offer theoretical insights into the self-assembly of AABCs.  
    Keywords:Dissipative particle dynamics;Brush copolymer;Self-assembly;Channelized micelle   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-09-27
  • A. J. Paleo,V. M. Serrato,J. M. Mánuel,O. Toledano,E. Muñoz,M. Melle-Franco,B. Krause,P. Pötschke,K. Lozano

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3200-y
    Abstract:The effect of temperature on the electrical conductivity (σ) and Seebeck coefficient (S) of n-type vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) melt-mixed with 15 wt% of those CNFs is analyzed. At 40 °C, the CNFs show stable n-type character (S=−4.8 μV·K−1) with an σ of ca.165 S·m−1, while the PVDF/CNF composite film shows an σ of ca. 9 S·m−1 and near-zero S (S=−0.5 μV·K−1). This experimental reduction in S is studied by the density functional tight binding (DFTB) method revealing a contact electron transfer from the CNFs to the PVDF in the interface. Moreover, in the temperature range from 40 °C to 100 °C, the σ(T) of the CNFs and PVDF/CNF film, successfully described by the 3D variable range hopping (VRH) model, is explained as consequence of a thermally activated backscattering mechanism. On the contrary, the S(T) from 40 °C to 100 °C of the PVDF/CNF film, which satisfactorily matches the model proposed for some multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) doped mats; however, it does not follow the increase in S(T) found for CNFs. All these findings are presented with the aim of discerning the role of these n-type vapor grown carbon nanofibers on the σ and S of their melt-mixed polymer composites.  
    Keywords:Carbon nanofibers;Poly(vinylidene fluoride);Seebeck coefficient;P-type doping;Density functional based tight binding;Variable range hopping   
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    Updated:2024-09-27
  • Mehdi Mahmoudian,Fatemeh Zanbili

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3205-6
    Abstract:Owing to the significant increase in air pollutants and the spread of infectious diseases, it seems that the use of face masks will become an essential item in human societies. Therefore, there is a need to conduct more research to develop novel types of respirators utilizing up-to-date science such as nanotechnology. In this study, we fabricated a nanocomposite fibrous filter containing modified graphene oxide (GO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. This layer was used as an active filter for absorbing and removing air pollutants, such as suspended sub-micron particles (below 2.5 microns) and CO2, NO2, and SO2 gases. The synthesized nanostructures and fibrous filters were characterized by different analysis (FTIR, XRD, TGA, and FESEM), and the performance of the filters was surveyed by tests such as pressure drop, CO2, NO2, SO2 gas rejection, and particulate removal. The results showed that the stabilization of the modified GO and ZnO nanostructures on the fibrous filter improved the effectiveness of this filter as a mask for removing toxic particles and gases, and the filter containing nanoparticles had the best performance.  
    Keywords:Air pollutants;Face masks;Nanocomposite fibrous filter;Electrospinning   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-09-27
  • Qian Zhang,Zi-Yang Xu,Wen-Guang Liu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3204-7
    Abstract:Hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) are the most essential non-covalent interactions in nature, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the secondary structures of proteins. Taking inspiration from nature, researchers have developed several multiple H-bonds crosslinked supramolecular polymer materials through the incorporation of H-bond side-chain units into the polymer chains. N-acryloyl glycinamide (NAGA) is a monomer with dual amides in the side group, which facilitates the formation of multiple dense intermolecular H-bonds within poly(N-acryloyl glycinamide) (PNAGA), thereby exhibiting diverse properties dependent on concentration and meeting various requirements across different applications. Moreover, numerous attempts have been undertaken to synthesize diverse NAGA-derived units through meticulous chemical structure regulation and fabricate corresponding H-bonding crosslinked supramolecular polymer materials. Despite this, the systematic clarification of the impact of chemical structures of side moieties on intermolecular associations and material performances remains lacking. The present review will focus on the design principle for synthesizing NAGA-derived H-bond side-chain units and provide an overview of the recent advancements in multiple H-bonds crosslinked PNAGA-derived supramolecular polymer materials, which can be categorized into three groups based on the chemical structure of H-bonds units: (1) monomers with solely cooperative H-bonds; (2) monomers with synergistic H-bonds and other physical interactions; and (3) diol chain extenders with cooperative H-bonds. The significance of subtle structural variations in these NAGA-derived units, enabling the fabrication of hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymer materials with significantly diverse performances, will be emphasized. Moreover, the extensive applications of multiple H-bonds crosslinked supramolecular polymer materials will be elucidated.  
    Keywords:Hydrogen bonds;High strength;Side chain;Supramolecular polymer materials   
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    Updated:2024-09-18
  • Qi-Yuan Qiu,Yong-Jian Zhu,Zhong-Tao Wu,Liang Dai

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3194-5
    Abstract:Recent experimental observations of knotting in DNA and proteins have stimulated the simulation studies of polymer knots. Simulation studies usually identify knots in polymer conformations through the calculation of the Alexander polynomial. However, the Alexander polynomial cannot directly discriminate knot chirality, while knot chirality plays important roles in many physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this work, we discover a new relationship for knot chirality and accordingly, develop a new algorithm to extend the applicability of the Alexander polynomial to the identification of knot chirality. Our algorithm adds an extra step in the ordinary calculation of the Alexander polynomial. This extra step only slightly increases the computational cost. The correctness of our algorithm has been proved mathematically by us. The implication of this algorithm in physical research has been demonstrated by our studies of the tube model for polymer knots. Without this algorithm, we would be unable to obtain the tubes for polymer knots.  
    Keywords:Polymer entanglement;Polymer knot;Polymer conformation;Tube model;Monte Carlo simulation   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-09-18
  • Ling Zhu,Shuai Chen,Meng Zhou,Si-Ying An,Li-Shan Liang,You-Liang Shen,Ze-Xu Xue

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3203-8
    Abstract:Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) are widely used in the field of organic electronics as the material basis of high-performance devices, due to their obvious advantages including electrical conductivity, lightness, processability and so on. Research on CPCs has focused on the enhancement of their electrical features and the exploration of their application prospects from conventional fields to heated emerging areas like flexible, stretchable, wearable, biological and biomedical electronics, where their mechanical properties are quite critical to determine their practical device performances. Also, a main challenge to ensure their safety and reliability is on the synergistic enhancement of their electrical behavior and mechanical properties. Herein, we systematically reviews the research progress of CPCs with different conductive fillers (metals and their oxides, carbon-based materials, intrinsically conductive polymers, MXenes, etc.) relying on rich material forms (hydrogel, aerogel, fiber, film, elastomer, etc.) in terms of mechanical property regulation strategies, mainly relying on optimized composite material systems and processing techniques. A summary and prospective overview of current issues and future developments in this field also has been presented.  
    Keywords:Conductive polymer;Composite;Mechanical property;Electrical conductivity;Organic electronics   
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    Updated:2024-09-18
  • Wan-Jing Zhao,Yi-Zhang Tong,Pei-Pei Zeng,Yang-Sheng Zhou,Xian-Wu Cao,Wei Wu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3186-5
    Abstract:Polyimide (PI) is widely used in high-frequency communication technology due to its exceptional comprehensive properties. However, traditional PI has a relatively elevated dielectric constant and dielectric loss. Herein, the different cross-linked structures were introduced in PI matrix and conducted a detailed discussion on the influence of cross-linking agent content and cross-linking structure type on the overall performance of PI films. In comparison to the dielectric constant of 2.9 of neat PI, PI with an interchain cross-linking structure containing 2 wt% 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) (interchain-PI-2) exhibited the reduced dielectric constant of 2.55 at 1 MHz. The PI films with intrachain cross-linking structure containing 2 wt% TAPB (intrachain-PI-2) exhibited the lowest dielectric constant of 2.35 and the minimum dielectric loss of 0.0075 at 1 MHz. It was due to the more entanglement junctions of intrachain-PI resulting in decreased carrier transport. The thermal expansion coefficients of both interchain-PI and intrachain-PI films were effectively reduced. Moreover, in contrast to interchain-PI films, the intrachain-PI films maintained colorlessness and transparency as the cross-linking agent content increased. This work compared the effects of two different cross-linked structures on the performance of PI films and provided a feasible way to obtain low-k PI films with excellent comprehensive performance for 5G applications.  
    Keywords:Interchain cross-linking;Intrachain cross-linking;Polyimide;Low dielectric   
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    Updated:2024-09-18
  • E. E. Kim,T. O. Ershova,A. S. Belova,D. A. Khanin,E. V. Bashkova,G. G. Nikiforova,Yu. N. Kononevich,A. A. Anisimov,O. I. Shchegolikhina,A. M. Muzafarov

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3190-9
    Abstract:Nowadays organosilicon luminescent materials are of increasing interest due to the variety of their synthetic or modification techniques and application fields. Ladder polyphenylsilsesquioxanes (L-PPSQ) are a unique class of organosilicon polymers, which can be ideal matrices for the luminescent composites due to their high thermal stability, optical transparency and mechanical strength. In this work, new mechanically strong, heat-resistant, transparent and sensitive to ammonia vapor luminescent composite films based on L-PPSQ have been obtained. As the source of Europium ions oligophenyleuropiumsiloxane was used, demonstrating perfect compatibility to the matrix due to the similar nature. To improve luminescent properties of the films, new organosilicon ligands were introduced into the composites and their influence on the properties of the materials was studied. Valuable properties of described composites may allow their further application as multifunctional coatings.  
    Keywords:Luminescent composite films;Ladder-like polyphenylsilsesquioxane;Oligophenyleuropiumsiloxane   
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    Updated:2024-09-18
  • Jia-Ning Xu,Kai-Wen Zeng,Yi-Feng Zhang,Yi-Bei Yang,Zi-Wei Liu,Yue Liu,Jia-Jia Wang,Kai-Lin Zhang,Yan-Ru-Zhen Wu,Hao Sun,Hui-Sheng Peng

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3181-x
    Abstract:Metal-backboned polymers with anisotropy microstructures are promising for conductive, optoelectronic, and magnetic functional materials. However, the structure-property relationships governing the interplay between the chemical structure and electromagnetic property of the metal-backboned polymer have been rarely investigated. Here we report a carbon/nickel hybrid from metal-backboned polymer to serve as electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials, which exhibit high microwave absorption capacity and tunable absorption band. The presence of nickel backbones promote the generation of heterogeneous interfaces with carbon during calcination, thereby enhancing the wave-absorbing capacity of the carbon/nickel hybrid. The C/Ni hybrids show a minimal reflection loss of −49.1 dB at 13.04 GHz, and its frequency of the absorption band can be adjusted by controlling the thickness of the absorption layer.  
    Keywords:Nickel;Metal-backboned polymer;Carbon;Hybrid material   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-09-18
  • Ying Li,Chen Pan,Feng Gan,Zhi-Xun Lin,Jin-Chao Yu,Zhen-Zhen Wei,Yan Zhao

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3180-y
    Abstract:Electrospun nanofibrous separators, despite lacking superior mechanical strength, have gained widespread attention with high porosity and facile processing. Herein, utilizing the fact that thermal imidization temperature of poly(amic acid) (PAA) into polyimide (PI) coincides with the pre-oxidation temperature of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) into carbon fiber, we proposed a new cross-electrospinning strategy to obtain a composite nanofibrous separator (PI/oPAN) randomly interwoven by PI and pre-oxidized PAN (oPAN) nanofibers, via synchronously electrospinning the PAA and PAN onto the same collector and then heat-treating for 2 h at 300 °C. The resultant PI/oPAN separator was able to preserve high porosity (71.7%), electrolyte wettability and thermal stability of PI nanofibrous membrane, and surprisingly exhibited high mechanical strength, being 3 times of PI, which mainly because of the numerous adhesion points generated by the melting of PAN in the pre-oxidation process. Meanwhile, the polar groups of oPAN and 3D fibrous network enhanced the PI/oPAN separator’s ionic conductivity and Li+ transference number, rendering the corresponding cell with more stable cycling performance than cells assembled with pure PI, PAN or commercial PP separator. Therefore, this work might provide a new avenue for the ongoing design and further development of LIB separators capable of high safety and high performance.  
    Keywords:Lithium-ion battery;Nanofibrous separator;Cross-electrospinning;Polyimide;Pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-09-18
  • Hong Qiu,Peng-Fei Zhang,Jun-Peng Zhao

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3193-6
    Abstract:Organocatalysis has shown special potency for simplifying the construction of complex polymer structures. We are reporting here a one-pot synthetic pathway using amine as a selectivity-switching agent in the two-component catalytic system consisting of triethylborane (Et3B) and a phosphazene base. We first modelled the interactions of a variety of amines with Et3B by density functional theory calculations. The results indicate that the aliphatic diamines comprising both primary and tertiary amino groups, capable of forming stable intramolecular hydrogen bonds, undergo the strongest complexation with Et3B. Accordingly, experimental results demonstrate that the addition of such amines promptly actuates the in situ selectivity switch from Lewis pair-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of epoxide (propylene oxide, n-butylglycidyl ether, or glycidyl phenyl ether) to organobase-catalyzed ROP of δ-valerolactone, allowing one-pot continuous synthesis of ether-ester type block copolymers. We thus exploited the noncovalent interaction between amine and Et3B to refine the catalyst switch strategy by exempting it from loading of extra catalyst.  
    Keywords:Ring-opening polymerization;Block copolymers;Organocatalysis   
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    Updated:2024-08-30
  • Jun-Kan Yue,Jing Liang,Qiao-Yu Tan,Man Chen,Jing-Wen Li,Qing Guo,Run-Lai Li,Qiang Fu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3207-4
    Abstract:The quest for scalable integration of monolayer graphene into functional composites confronts the bottleneck of high-fidelity transfer onto substrates, crucial for unlocking graphene's full potential in advanced applications. Addressing this, our research introduces the camphor-assisted transfer (CAT) method, a novel approach that surmounts common issues of residue and structural deformation endemic to existing techniques. Grounded in the sublimation dynamics of camphor, the CAT method achieves a clean, contiguous transfer of centimeter-scale monolayer graphene onto an array of polymer films, including ultra-thin polyethylene films. The resultant ultrathin graphene-polyethylene (gPE) films, characterized by their exceptional transparency and conductivity, reveal the CAT method's unique ability to preserve the pristine quality of graphene, underscoring its practicality for preparing flexible transparent electrodes by monolayer graphene. In-depth mechanism investigation into the camphor sublimation during CAT has led to a pivotal realization: the porosity of the target polymer substrate is a determinant in achieving high-quality graphene transfer. Ensuring that camphor sublimates initially from the polymer side is crucial to prevent the formation of wrinkles or delamination of graphene. By extensive examination of CAT on a spectrum of commonly used polymer films, including PE, PP, PTFE, PI and PET, we have confirmed this important conclusion. This discovery offers crucial guidance for fabricating monolayer graphene-polymer composite films using methods akin to CAT, underscoring the significance of substrate selection in the transfer process.  
    Keywords:Polyethylene;Monolayer graphene;Camphor;Graphene/polymer composites;van der Waals interaction   
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    Updated:2024-08-22
  • Chun-Hui Du,Yu-Hua Xu,Hui Li,Zhi-Xin Wu,Han-Jun Yang,Xi-Mei Liu,Bao-Yang Lu,Guang-Ming Nie,Ge Zhang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3175-8
    Abstract:As a type of bi-functional device, electrochromic supercapacitors (EC-SCs) have attracted extensive attention in diverse applications such as flexible electronics. However, despite recent encouraging progress, rational design and development of high-performance EC-SC materials with desirable stability remain challenging for practical applications. Here, we propose a fluorination strategy to develop high-performance EC-SC materials with tough hydrogen bonding cross-linked intermolecular polymer network by one-step electrosynthesis of 3-fluorothiophene. The electrosynthesized free-standing poly(3-fluorothiophene) (PFT) films simultaneously achieve high electrochromic performance (optical contrast 42% at 560 nm with reversible color changes between purple and blue), and good capacitance property (290 F·g−1, 1 A·g−1), as well as outstanding cyclic stability (<2% reduction after 20000 cycles). We further demonstrate the fabrication of PFT-based flexible electrochromic supercapacitor devices (FESDs), and the resultant devices can be used to visually monitor the energy storage state in real-time and maintain outstanding stability under mechanical distortion like bending. Such a tough fluorination hydrogen bonding cross-linking strategy may provide a new design concept for high-performance EC-SC materials and reliable FESDs toward practical applications.  
    Keywords:Flexible electrochromic-supercapacitors;Conducting polymers;Hydrogen bonding crosslinking;Electrosynthesis;Polythiophene   
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    Updated:2024-08-21
  • Xuan Liu,Rui Yang,Zhi-Ping Xu,Yan Ye,Guo-Shuo Tang,Min Zhao,Qian Zhang,Xiang-Ze Meng

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3174-9
    Abstract:Polymer aging under environmental conditions causes deterioration of service properties. Understanding the aging behavior and mechanism is important not only for lifetime prediction, but also for material improvement and development. Therefore, comprehensive characterization of polymer materials during aging is crucial. In this review, various analytical methods for characterization of chemical changes, physical changes and service properties are introduced. Based on that, methods for stabilization evaluation and lifetime prediction, especially sensitive evaluation methods are reviewed. Chemical changes include molecular weight changes by chain scission and crosslinking, functional group changes on the surface and in the bulk, formation of free radicals, formation of small molecular species as the degradation products, and chemical distribution by heterogeneous aging and additives migration. Physical changes include crystallization changes (post- or chemi-crystallization) and morphology changes (cracking, debonding, etc.). Service property changes include deterioration of processability, mechanical properties, electrical properties and appearance. In the end, existing problems and future research perspective are proposed, including relationship between chemical/physical changes and service properties, introduction of modern mathematical and computer tools.  
    Keywords:Chemical change;Physical change;Service property;Stability evaluation;Lifetime prediction   
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    Updated:2024-08-21
  • Xiao-Ya Guo,Zhi-Yu Yang,Hua-Pan Fang,Dan-Hua Zhou,Xuan Pang,Hua-Yu Tian,Xue-Si Chen

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3171-z
    Abstract:Polyethyleneimine (PEI), as a widely used polymer material in the field of gene delivery, has been extensively studied for modification and shielding to reduce its cytotoxicity. However, research aimed at preparing degradable PEI is scarce. In this work, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidation method was used to introduce degradable amide groups in the PEI and a series of oxidized PEI22k (oxPEI22k) with different degrees of oxidation were synthesized by regulating the dosage of H2O2. The relationship between the oxidation degree of oxPEI22k and the gene transfection efficiency of oxPEI22k was studied in detail, confirming that the oxPEI22k with oxidation degrees of 16.7% and 28.6% achieved improved transfection efficiency compared to unmodified PEI. These oxPEI22k also proved reduced cytotoxicity and improved degradability. Further, this strategy was extended to the synthesis of low-molecular-weight oxPEI1.8k. The oxPEI1.8k with suitable oxidation degree also achieved improved transfection efficiency and reduced cytotoxicity. In brief, this work provided high-efficiency and low-cytotoxicity degradable gene delivery carriers by regulating the oxidation degree of PEI, which was of great significance for promoting clinical applications of PEI.  
    Keywords:Polyethyleneimine;Gene delivery;Gene transfection;Degradable gene carriers   
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    Updated:2024-08-21
  • Shu-Jie Huang,Xiao-Hong Li,Ying-Feng Tu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3172-y
    Abstract:Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an advanced technique for the molecular weight (MW) determination of polymers at quantitative conditions. In this study, we investigate the effect of liquid 1H-NMR instrumental setting parameters on the MW determination of polyether diols, namely poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) diols, using hydroxymethylene groups as chain-ends. Our results show that the protons in chain-ends have larger spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) than those in main chains. To let most of the excited protons relax to the equilibrium state, the delay time (d1) should be much larger than T1 of end-groups. When 13C decoupling is inactive, the relative errors can be greater than 60%, due to the 13C-coupled proton satellite peaks, which can overlap with chain-end groups or be misassigned as chain-ends. The optimal quantitative NMR conditions for the MW estimation of polyethers are revealed below: standard pulse with inverted gated 13C decoupling pulse sequence, 32 scans, 2.0 s acquisition time in 90 degree of flip angle and 30 s d1. The MWs determined from 1H quantitative NMR are all smaller than those from SEC which are relative to polystyrene (PS) standards, since the size of polyether chains is larger than that of PS with the same MW. In addition, the MW obtained from SEC for PTMOs shows larger overestimation than PEGs, suggesting PEG chains are more flexible than PTMO’s.  
    Keywords:End-group analysis;Molecular weight;NMR;Polyether;Decoupling   
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  • Chao-En Jin,Hua-Mei Zhu,Lei Wang,Fan Wang,Ya-Ping Zhu,Shi-Feng Deng,Hui-Min Qi,Lei Du

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3173-x
    Abstract:Silicon-containing arylacetylene (PSA) resins have broad application prospects because of their excellent heat resistance. However, improving their mechanical properties and interfacial bonding with reinforcement fibers while maintaining heat resistance is a challenge in engineering applications. Here, poly(diethynylbenzene-methylsilyl-3-benzonitrile) (DEB-CN) and poly(diethynylbenzene-methylsilyl-3,6-diethynylcarbazole-3-benzonitrile) (DEC-CN) were synthesized via an isopropylmagnesium chloride lithium-chloride complex (i-PrMgCl·LiCl), overcoming the compatibility problem between cyano groups and Grignard reagents. The cyano and alkyne groups in the resin underwent cyclization to form pyridine, catalyzed by the -NH- moiety in DEC-CN, resulting in extremely high thermal stability (5% weight loss temperature: 669.3 °C, glass transition temperature >650 °C). The combination of cyano dipole-dipole pairing and hydrogen bonding greatly enhanced the resin-fiber interface properties, while the generated pyridine promoted stress relief in the crosslinked network, substantially improving the mechanical properties of the cyano-silicon-containing arylacetylene resin composites. The flexural strength of quartz fiber cloth/DEC-CN composites was 298.2 MPa at room temperature and 145.9 MPa at 500 °C, corresponding to 84.0% and 127.6% enhancements, respectively, over the cyano-free counterpart. These cyano-silicon-containing arylacetylene resins exhibited a dual reinforcement mechanism involving physical interfacial interactions and chemical crosslinking, achieving a good balance between thermal stability and mechanical properties.  
    Keywords:Silicon-containing arylacetylene resins;Cyano group;Heat resistance;Composite interfaces;Mechanical properties   
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