• De-Fu Zhu,Hong Wang,Jian Chen,Xin-Hong Xiong,Jia-Xi Cui

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-025-3268-z
    Abstract:Organisms are capable of self-growth through the integration of the nutrients provided by the external environment. This process slows down when they grow. In this study, we mimicked this self-regulated growth via a simple swelling-polymerization strategy in which the stretching polymer chains in the original networks provide entropic elasticity to restrict growth in high growth cycles. Using typical covalently crosslinked polymers, such as acrylamide-based hydrogels and HBA-based elastomers, as examples, we demonstrate that the crosslinked polymers can absorb polymerizable compounds through a swelling-polymerization process to expand their sizes, but the growth extent becomes smaller with increasing growth cycle until reaching a plateau. In addition to their size, these materials become stiffer and exhibit less swelling ability in solvents. Our work not only provides a new growing mode to tune the properties of crosslinked polymers but also discloses the underlying mechanism of crosslinked polymers in multi-cyclic swelling conditions.  
    Keywords:Crosslinked Polymers;Swelling;Self-growing;Mechanical property   
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    Updated:2024-12-06
  • Jie Chen,Run-Yu Yu,Kai-Qi Wang,Zhe-Yu Zhang,Arezoo Ardekani,Yuan-Du Hu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-025-3257-2
    Abstract:Due to the rapid development and potential applications of iron(III)-alginate (Fe-Alg) microgels in biomedical as well as environmental engineering, this study explores the preparation and characterization of spherical Fe-Alg microgels using droplet microfluidics combined with an external ionic crosslinking method. This study focused on the role of Fe3+ and examined its effects on the physical/chemical properties of microgels under different ionic conditions and reduced or oxidized states. The pH-dependent release behavior of Fe3+ from these microgels demonstrates their potential biomedical and environmental applications. Furthermore, the microgels can exhibit magnetism simply by utilizing in situ oxidation, which can be further used for targeted drug delivery and magnetic separation technologies.  
    Keywords:Fe-alginate microgels;Droplet microfluidics;In situ oxidation;Magnetism   
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    Updated:2024-12-06
  • Xiao Yang,Yan-Li Zhou,Bin Zhao,Chao Wang,Meng-Bo Luo

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3245-y
    Abstract:The conformational and dynamical properties of a long semi-flexible active polymer chain confined in a circular cavity are studied by using Langevin dynamics simulation method. Results show that the steady radius of gyration of the polymer decreases monotonically with increasing the active force. Interestingly, the polymer forms stable compact spiral with directional rotation at the steady state when the active force is large. Both the radius of gyration and the angular velocity of the spiral are nearly independent of the cavity size, but show scaling relations with the active force and the polymer length. It is further found that the formation of the stable compact spiral in most cases is a two-step relaxation process, where the polymer first forms a metastable swelling quasi spiral and then transforms into the stable compacted spiral near the wall of the cavity. The relaxation time is mainly determined by the transformation of the swelling quasi spiral, and shows remarkable dependence on the size of the cavity. Specially, when the circumference of the circular is nearly equivalent to the polymer length, it is difficult for the polymer to form the compacted spiral, leading to a large relaxation time. The underlying mechanism of the formation of the compacted spiral is revealed.  
    Keywords:Active polymer;Confinement;Configuration;Dynamics;Simulation   
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    Updated:2024-11-28
  • Luzhi Zhang,Xiaozhuang Zhou,Xinhong Xiong,Jiaxi Cui

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3246-x
    Abstract:Polymer fibers are an important class of materials throughout human history, evolving from natural fibers such as cotton and silk to modern synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. With the advancement of materials science, the development of new fibers is also advancing. Polymer fibers based on dynamic covalent chemistry have attracted widespread attention due to their unique reversibility and responsiveness. Dynamic covalent chemistry has shown great potential in improving the spinnability of materials, achieving green preparation of fibers, and introducing self-healing, recyclability, and intelligent response properties into fibers. In this review, we divide these fiber materials based on dynamic covalent chemistry into monocomponent fibers, composite fibers, and fiber membranes. The preparation methods, structural characteristics, functional properties, and application performance of these fibers are summarized. The application potential and challenges of fibers based on dynamic covalent chemistry are discussed, and their future development trends are prospected.  
    Keywords:Dynamic covalent chemistry;Monocomponent fibers;Composite fibers;Fiber membranes   
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    Updated:2024-11-25
  • Wen Yang,Liang Yuan,Kai Gong,Ruo-Han Zhang,Lan Lei,Hui Li

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3243-0
    Abstract:It is urgent to develop high-performance polyimide (PI) films that simultaneously exhibit high transparency, exceptional thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and low dielectric to fulfil the requirements of flexible display technologies. Herein, a series of fluorinated polyimide films (FPIs) were fabricated by the condensation of 5,5′-(perfluoropropane-2,2-diyl) bis(isobenzofuran-1,3-dione) (6FDA) and the fluorinated triphenylmethane diamine monomer (EDA, MEDA and DMEDA) with heat-crosslinkable tetrafluorostyrene side groups, which was incorporated by different numbers of methyl groups pendant in the ortho position of amino groups. Subsequently, the FPI films underwent heating to produce crosslinking FPIs (C-FPIs) through the self-crosslinking of double bonds in the tetrafluorostyrene. The transparency, solvent resistance, thermal stability, mechanical robustness and dielectric properties of FPI and C-FPI films can be tuned by the number of methyl groups and crosslinking, which were deeply investigated by virtue of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT). As a result, all the films exhibited exceptional optically colorless and transparent, with transmittance in the visible region of 450−700 nm exceeding 79.9%, and the cut-off wavelengths (λoff) were nearly 350 nm. The thermal decomposition temperatures at 5% weight loss (Td5%) for all samples exceeded 504 °C. These films exhibited a wide range of tunable tensile strength (46.5–75.1 MPa). Significantly, they showed exceptional dielectric properties with the dielectric constant of 2.3–2.5 at full frequency (107–20 Hz). This study not only highlights the relationship between the polymer molecular structure and properties, but offer insights for balancing optical transparency, heat resistance and low dielectric constant in PI films.  
    Keywords:Crosslinkable fluorinated polyimide;Methyl group;Triphenylmethane;Transparency;Thermal stability;Low dielectric constant   
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    Updated:2024-11-25
  • Yao-Wei Zhu,Tong-Tong Man,Ming-Ming Zhao,Jia-Yi Chen,Yu Yan,Xiao-Nong Zhang,Li Chen,Chun-Sheng Xiao

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3248-8
    Abstract:Elastomers are widely used in various fields owing to their excellent tensile properties. Recyclable and self-healing properties are key to extending the service life of elastomers. Accumulating evidence indicates that dynamic covalent chemistry has emerged as a powerful tool for constructing recyclable and self-healing materials. In this work, we demonstrate the preparation of a recyclable and self-healable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer based on the Knoevenagel condensation (KC) reaction. This PDMS elastomer was prepared by the KC reaction catalyzed by 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). The obtained PDMS elastomer exhibited an elongation at break of 266%, a tensile strength of 0.57 MPa, and a good thermal stability (Td=357 °C). In addition, because of the presence of dynamic C=C bonds formed by the KC reaction and low glass transition temperature (Tg=−117 °C). This PDMS exhibited good self-healing and recycling properties at room temperature and could be reprocessed by hot pressing. In addition, the PDMS elastomer exhibits good application prospects in the fields of adhesives and flexible electronic devices.  
    Keywords:Dynamic covalent chemistry;Elastomer;Knoevenagel condensation reaction;Polydimethylsiloxane;Recyclable;Self-healing   
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    Updated:2024-11-25
  • Yi-Ming Chen,Yue Zhao

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-025-3251-8
    Abstract:Stimuli-responsive shape-changing materials, particularly hydrogel and liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), have demonstrated significant potential for applications across various fields. Although intricate deformation and actuation behaviors have been obtained in either hydrogels or LCEs, they typically undergo reversible shape change only once (e.g., one expansion plus one contraction) during one heating/cooling cycle. Herein, we report a study of a novel liquid crystalline hydrogel (LCH) and the achievement of dual actuation in a single heating/cooling cycle by integrating the characteristics of thermoresponsive hydrogel and LCE. The dual actuation behavior arises from the reversible volume phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and the reversible order-disorder phase transition of LC mesogens in the LCH. Due to a temperature window separating the two transitions belonging to PNIPAM and LCE, LCH actuator can sequentially execute their respective actuation, thus deforming reversibly twice, during a heating/cooling cycle. The relative actuation degree of the two mechanisms is influenced by the mass ratio of PNIPAM to LCE in the LCH. Moreover, the initial shape of a bilayer actuator made with an active LCH layer and a passive polymer layer can be altered through hydration or dehydration of PNIPAM, which further modifies the dual actuation induced deformation. This work provides an example that shows the interest of developing LCH actuators.  
    Keywords:Liquid crystalline hydrogel;Dual actuation;Thermoresponsive hydrogel;Liquid crystal elastomer   
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    Updated:2024-11-25
  • Yue Li,Shu-Ming Kang,Ge Shi,Yi-Fu Chen,Bo-Wen Li,Jie Zhang,Xin-Hua Wan

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3249-7
    Abstract:A series of optically active copolymers with various feed ratios have been synthesized through helix-sense-selective copolymerization catalyzed by [Rh(norbornadiene)Cl]2-triethylamine. This process involves two proline-derived acetylene monomers, (S)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl-2-ethynyl pyrrolidine (MCl) and (S)-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-ethynyl pyrrolidine, followed by acidic deprotection and neutralization. These copolymers adopt helical conformations with a preferred handedness, as demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a series of spectroscopic analyses. The chiroptical activity intensity of copolymer has been found to increase with MCl content. Consequently, the enantioseparation capabilities of copolymers containing 95 mol%, 90 mol%, and 85 mol% MCl units have been assessed as chiral stationary phases in high-performance liquid chromatography because of their good chiroptical activities. These chiral stationary phases effectively enantioseparate racemic alcohols, sulfoxides, amides, and metal complexes. Notably, the copolymer with 90 mol% MCl shows superior chiral recognition ability, especially for 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethanol (α=1.19) and 4-methylbenzenesulfinamide (α=1.47). Insights from molecular dynamic simulation and autodock analysis indicate that hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions between the chiral stationary phases and enantiomers play a key role for successful chiral separation. Our contribution not only demonstrates the importance of hydrogen bonding donor and copolymer chiroptical activity of chiral stationary phases for chiral resolution, but will also provide valuable insights for the future development of novel stationary phases.  
    Keywords:Helical copolyacetylene;Chiral stationary phase;High performance liquid chromatography;Enantioseparation;Hydrogen bonding   
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    Updated:2024-11-25
  • Jia-Wen Chen,Yan Xiao,Mei-Dong Lang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3244-z
    Abstract:Insulin is an essential and versatile protein taking part in the control of blood glucose levels and protein anabolism. However, under prolonged storage or high temperature stress, insulin tends to unfold and aggregate into toxic amyloid fibrils, leading to loss of physiological function. Inspired by natural chaperones, a series of temperature-sensitive polycaprolactone-based micelles were designed to prevent insulin from deactivation. The micelles were fabricated through the self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymers of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(4-diethylformamide caprolactone-co-caprolactone) (mPEG17-P(DECL-co-CL)), which had a regular spherical morphology with particle sizes of about 100 nm. In addition, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the micelles could be tuned to 9 and 29 °C by changing the ratio of DECL to CL. Benefiting from the temperature-sensitivity of DECL segment, the binding ability of micelles to insulin could be modulated by changing the temperature. Above LCST, micelles effectively inhibited insulin aggregation and protected it from thermal inactivation due to the strong binding ability between the hydrophobic segment DECL and insulin. Below LCST, DECL segment returned to hydrophilic and bound weakly with insulin, leading to the release of insulin and assisting in its recovery of secondary structure. Thus, these temperature-sensitive micelles provided an effective strategy for insulin protection.  
    Keywords:Temperature-sensitive;Insulin;Micelles;Chaperones   
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    Updated:2024-11-25
  • Kai Huang,Jia-Jia Mo,Wen-Jing Shi,Shi-Tong Wang,Hong-Hui Shi,Chun-Guang Shao,Chun-Tai Liu,Bao-Bao Chang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3242-1
    Abstract:In this work, a morphology transition mode is revealed in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) when stretching at 120 °C: moving from the slightly deformed region to the necked region, the morphology transfers from small spherulites to a mixture of transcrystalline and enlarged spherulites, and finally to pure transcrystalline; meanwhile, the lamellae making up the transcrystalline or spherulite were fragmented into smaller ones; spatial scan by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed that the crystallinity is increased from 25.3% to 30.1% and the crystal orientation was enhanced greatly, but the lamellae orientation was quite weak. The rise of enlarged spherulites or a mixture of transcrystalline and spherulites can also be found in UHMWPE stretched at 140 and 148 °C, whereas absent in UHMWPE stretched at 30 °C. In situ WAXS/SAXS measurements suggest that during stretching at 30 °C, the crystallinity is reduced drastically, and a few voids are formed as the size increases from 50 nm to 210 nm; during stretching at 120 °C, the crystallinity is reduced only slightly, and the kinking of lamellae occurs at large Hencky strain; during stretching at 140 and 148 °C, an increase in crystallinity with stretching strain can be found, and the lamellae are also kinked. Taking the microstructure and morphology transition into consideration, a mesoscale morphology transition mode is proposed, in the stretching-induced crystallization the fragmented lamellae can be rearranged into new supra-structures such as spherulite or transcrystalline during hot stretching.  
    Keywords:UHMWPE;Stretching induced crystallization;Lamellae fragmentation;Mesoscale structural transition   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-11-14
  • Jin-Tian Luo,Hao Zha,Hou-Kuan Tian,Biao Zuo

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3241-2
    Abstract:Polymer adsorption at solid interfaces plays an important role in the dynamics of nanoscale polymer films. We investigated the influence of the interfacial chain adsorption on the glass transition temperature (Tg) and dewetting of polystyrene (PS) thin films on a graphene substrate that has strong interaction with PS. We found that the Tgs of PS films show a non-monotonic trend with increasing amount of polymer adsorption at the interface—first increasing and then decreasing, and this change in Tg is accompanied by a wetting-dewetting transition of the PS films. Film morphological analysis showed that the PS films dewet from the interfacially adsorbed layers rather than from the substrate, i.e., autophobic dewetting, indicating the presence of an unfavorable interaction between the adsorbed and free PS chains. We ascribed the repulsive interaction to the formation of a dense adsorbed layer on graphene due to the π-π interaction between PS and graphene, which prevents the non-adsorbed PS chain from penetrating into the adsorbed layer. This may lead to drops in Tg at high adsorption extent.  
    Keywords:Polymer adsorption;Interfacial dynamics;Graphene;Autophobic dewetting;Thin films   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-11-14
  • Si-Yu Wang,Xin-Rui Xu,Xin-Xin Qiu,Xiao-Li Huang,Xin-Qi Wang,Zhi-Yong Chen

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3239-9
    Abstract:The construction of monodisperse microporous organic microspheres is deemed a challenging issue, primarily due to the difficulty in achieving both high microporosity and uniformity within the microspheres. In this study, a series of fluorinated monodisperse microporous microspheres are fabricated by solvothermal precipitation polymerization. The resulting fluorous methacrylate-based microspheres achieved higher than 400 m2/g surface area, along with a yield of over 90% for the microspheres. Through comprehensive characterization and simulation methods, we discovered that the introduction of fluorous methacrylate monomers at high loading levels is the key factor contributing to the formation of the microporosity within the microspheres. The controlled temperature profile was found to be advantageous for achieving a high yield of microspheres and increased uniformity. Two-dimensional assemblies of these fluorinated microsphere arrays exhibited superhydrophobicity, superolephilicity, and water sliding angles below 10°. Furthermore, a three-dimensional assembly of the fluorinated microporous microsphere in a chromatographic column demonstrated significant improvement in the separation of Engelhardt agent compared to commercial columns. Our work offers a novel approach to constructing fluorinated monodisperse microporous microspheres for advanced applications.  
    Keywords:Microporous microsphere;Precipitation polymerization;Fluorinated microsphere;Superhydrophobicity;Molecular separation   
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    Updated:2024-11-14
  • Peng-Cheng Xia,Hua-Feng Shao,Ai-Hua He

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3238-x
    Abstract:In this study, a novel cost-effective methodology was developed to enhance the gas barrier properties and permselectivity of unfilled natural rubber (NR)/polybutadiene rubber (BR) composites through the construction of a heterogeneous structure using pre-vulcanized powder rubber to replace traditional fillers. The matrix material is composed of a blend of NR and BR, which is widely used in tire manufacturing. By incorporating pre-vulcanized trans-1,4-poly(isoprene-co-butadiene) (TBIR) rubber powder (pVTPR) with different cross-linking densities and contents, significant improvements in the gas barrier properties and CO2 permselectivity of the NR/BR/pVTPR composites were observed. The results indicated that compared to NR/BR/TBIR composites prepared through direct blending of NR, BR, and TBIR, the NR/BR/pVTPR composites exhibited markedly superior gas barrier properties. Increasing the cross-linking density of pVTPR resulted in progressive enhancement of the gas barrier properties of the NR/BR/pVTPR composite. For example, the addition of 20 phr pVTPR with a cross-linking density of 346 mol/m3 resulted in a 79% improvement in the oxygen barrier property of NR/BR/pVTPR compared to NR/BR, achieving a value of 5.47×10−14 cm3·cm·cm−2·s−1·Pa−1. Similarly, the nitrogen barrier property improved by 76% compared to NR/BR, reaching 2.4×10−14 cm3·cm·cm−2·s−1·Pa−1, which is 28 % higher than the conventional inner liner material brominated butyl rubber (BIIR, PN2=3.32×10−14 cm3·cm·cm−2·s−1·Pa−1). Owing to its low cost, exceptional gas barrier properties, superior adhesion to various tire components, and co-vulcanization capabilities, the NR/BR/pVTPR composite has emerged as a promising alternative to butyl rubber in the inner liner of tires. Furthermore, by fine-tuning the cross-linking density of pVTPR, the high-gas-barrier NR/BR/pVTPR composites also demonstrated remarkable CO2 permselectivity, with a CO2/N2 selectivity of 61.4 and a CO2/O2 selectivity of 26.12. This innovation provides a novel strategy for CO2 capture and separation, with potential applications in future environmental and industrial processes. The multifunctional NR/BR/pVTPR composite, with its superior gas barrier properties and CO2 permselectivity, is expected to contribute to the development of safer, greener, and more cost-effective transportation solutions.  
    Keywords:Gas barrier;CO2 separation;Cross-linking density;Powdered rubber;Inner liner   
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    Updated:2024-11-14
  • Xiang Liu,Jie Qiu,Yu-Ting Gao,Shuo Wang,Joachim Loos,Du-Jin Wang,Xia Dong,Tao Wen

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3236-z
    Abstract:Long-chain polyamides (LCPAs) are a class of bio-based polymers that can bridge conventional polyolefins and polycondensates. In this work, taking the advantage of the amphiphilic nature of polyamide 1012 (PA1012), membranes were prepared by using a non-conventional phase separation approach, namely, mixed ‘non-solvents’ evaporation induced phase separation (MNEIPS). PA1012 can be dissolved in a mixture of polar and non-polar solvents, both of which are non-solvents of PA1012. During the sequential evaporation of the two solvents, the phase separation of PA1012 occurred, inducing the formation of porous structures. We investigated the process of membrane formation in detail, with a specific focus on the liquid-liquid and liquid-solid phase transitions involved. Moreover, we studied the influence of critical factors, such as polymer concentration and mixed-solvent ratio, on the morphologies and properties of PA1012 membranes. This study provides new insights into the development of porous materials based on long-chain polycondensates.  
    Keywords:Long-chain polyamide;Phase separation;Membrane   
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    Updated:2024-11-14
  • Giovanni Ricci,Benedetta Palucci,Simona Losio,Anna Sommazzi,Francesco Masi,Guido Pampaloni,Massimo Guelfi

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3233-2
    Abstract:Some novel manganese and nickel complexes were synthesized by reacting manganese(II) dichloride and nickel(II) dichloride with pyridyl-imine ligands differing in the nature of the substituents at the imino nitrogen atom. All the complexes were characterized by analytical and infrared data: for some of them single crystals were obtained, and their molecular structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. The complexes were used in association with methylaluminoxane (MAO) for the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene obtaining active and selective catalysts giving predominantly 1,2 polybutadiene in case of manganese catalysts and exclusively cis-1,4 polybutadiene in case of nickel catalysts.  
    Keywords:Manganese;Nickel;Catalysts;Polymerization;Polybutadiene;X-ray structures   
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    Updated:2024-11-14
  • Dong-Peng Sun,Yao Xiao,Yuan Zheng,An-Xun Zhang,Bao-Ling Guo,Dong Chen

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3232-3
    Abstract:Fibers with deformation-triggered responses are essential for smart textiles and wearable electronics. Here, smart core-shell elastomer fibers with a conductive core and a liquid crystal elastomer shell showing simultaneous resistance and color responses are designed and prepared. The conductive core is consisted of interconnected liquid metal nanodroplets dispersed in a polymer matrix and the elastomer shell is made of cholesteric liquid crystals. When stretched, the fiber resistance increases as the interconnected pathways of liquid metal nanodroplets along the fiber axis become narrower, and the selective reflection color from the fiber surface blueshifts since the cholesteric pitch decreases. The smart elastomer fibers could be woven into smart textiles and respond to various mechanical deformations, including stretching, bending, compression and twisting. The average resistance change is 51% under 100% strain and its variation is smaller than 4% over 500 cycles, showing remarkable fatigue resistance. The simultaneous resistance and color responses to mechanical deformations make the fibers attractive for broad applications, such as flexible electronics.  
    Keywords:Elastomer fiber;Core-shell;Simultaneous responses;Resistance;Color   
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    Updated:2024-11-14
  • Boning Gu,Rui Huang,Yinsong Zhao,Xuefeng Jiang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3226-1
    Abstract:Chemical recycling/upcycling of plastics has emerged as one of the most promising strategies for the plastic circular economy, enabling the depolymerization and functionalization of plastics into valuable monomers and chemicals. However, studies on the depolymerization and functionalization of challenging super engineering plastics have remained in early stage and underexplored. In this review, we would like to discuss the representative accomplishments and mechanism insights on chemical protocols achieved in depolymerization of super engineering plastics, especially for poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS), poly(aryl ether)s including poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), polysulfone (PSU), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and polyethersulfone (PES). We anticipate that this review will provide an overall perspective on the current status and future trends of this emerging field.  
    Keywords:Super engineering plastics;Chemical recycling/upcycling;Depolymerization;Functionalization   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-11-08
  • Wu Li,Si-Jia Cheng,You-Gui Li,Muhammad Asadullah Khan,Min Chen

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3220-7
    Abstract:As a powerful synthetic tool, ruthenium-catalyzed ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) has been widely utilized to prepare diverse heteroatom-containing polymers. In this contribution, we report the synthesis of the novel imine-based polymer through the copolymerization of cyclooctene with cyclic imine comonomer via ROMP. Because of the efficient hydrolysis reactions of the imine group, the generated copolymer can be easily degraded under mild condition. Moreover, the generated degradable product was the telechelic polymer bearing amine group, which was highly challenged for its direct synthesis. And this telechelic polymer could also be used for the further synthesis of new polymer through post-transformation. The introduction of imine unit in this work provides a new example of the degradable polymer synthesis.  
    Keywords:Degradable polymer;Ring-opening metathesis polymerization;Imine-based polymer;Copolymerization   
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    citations on Dimensions.
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    Updated:2024-11-07
  • Lenka Gajzlerova,Jana Navratilova,Martina Polaskova,Lubomir Benicek,David Jaska,Sona Zenzingerova,Roman Cermak

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3234-1
    Abstract:The present study presents an assessment of the interrelations between long-chain branching, specific nucleation, and end-use properties of polypropylene blends: blends of linear polypropylene (L-PP) and long-chain branched polypropylene (LCB-PP) modified by a specific β-nucleating agent (NA). Specimens with various LCB-PP compositions with and without NA were prepared under complex flow fields by injection molding. Wide-angle X-ray scattering was employed to capture the X-ray patterns of both the skin and core of the specimens, determining the overall crystallinity and amounts of individual polymorphs. The increasing content of LCB-PP and γ-phase, at the same time, in the blends is reflected in both increasing crystallinity and improved mechanical properties, namely, yield stress and Young’s modulus. On the other hand, the composition of the blends had no significant effect on the impact strength, except for nucleated L-PP. It has been demonstrated that adding a relatively small amount of LCB-PP is sufficient to modify the mechanical properties of linear polypropylene. Even a very small amount of LCB-PP in the L-PP suppressed the effectiveness of NA.  
    Keywords:Polymeric blend;Long-chain branched polypropylene;Polymorphism;Mechanical property   
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  • Chi-Yun Ma,Xue-Wei Dong,Xue-Mei Lu,Bing Yuan,Kai Yang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-024-3222-5
    Abstract:Membrane fusion is essential for many cellular physiological functions, which is modulated by highly precise molecular mechanism involving multiple energy barriers. Nanoparticles (NPs), which exhibit immense potential in the field of biomedical applications, can act as fusogen proteins to initiate and regulate membrane fusion. However, the underlying mechanisms of NP-induced membrane fusion and the molecular details involved remain largely elusive. Here, using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we systematically investigate the NP-induced membrane fusion behaviors and the influences of NP properties (size, hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity). Our results show that the vesicle-bilayer fusion induced by a hydrophobic NP is an intricately state-wise process, involving the approach and local deformation of the vesicle and bilayer bridging by the NP, the flip-flop of lipids from proximal leaflets and the formation of a fusion stalk, as well as further lipid interactions between distal leaflets and complete fusion. Moreover, we find that NP properties have distinct effects on membrane fusion and thus the optimal NP conditions for facilitating membrane fusion are obtained. Our work provides a mechanistic understanding of NP-induced membrane fusion and offers useful insights for efficient and controlled regulation of membrane fusion.  
    Keywords:Nanoparticle;Membrane fusion;Molecular dynamics simulation;Coarse-grained model   
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