RSC Applied Polymers最新文献

{"title":"Concentric half-domain spacing morphologies and anomalous domain stretching in microwave annealed block copolymer thin films†","authors":"Ugur Aslan, Maninderjeet Singh, Akhtar Gul, Jack F. Douglas and Alamgir Karim","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00116A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00116A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Block copolymer (BCP) films hold significant promise for a wide array of technological applications, including nanopatterning, nanophotonics, polymer electrolytes, and optical waveguides. However, the practical realization of these applications is often hindered by the slow kinetics of the ordering of block copolymers, attributed to the inherently glassy dynamics of polymeric soft materials under standard processing conditions. The diverse range of BCP morphologies further highlights the unique self-assembly characteristics of polymeric materials. In this study, we employ a microwave annealing method that generates a high substrate heating rate (18 °C s<small>⁻¹</small>) to rapidly order lamellar BCP thin films on a high-resistivity boron-doped silicon substrate. This substrate efficiently absorbs microwave energy, creating a rapid and substantial <em>z</em>-temperature gradient in the BCP film. The high-temperature annealing facilitated by microwave heating generates 1<em>L</em><small>_<em>0</em></small> surface terraces composed of unconventional rim-like morphologies with a 0.5<em>L</em><small>_<em>0</em></small> (half domain spacing) height, forming half-domain height island-on-island and hole-in-hole topographies. We hypothesize that these topographies are related to the highly dynamic through-film thickness temperature gradient. Notably, reducing the substrate heating rate to 13.5 °C s<small>⁻¹</small> only produces interesting 0.5<em>L</em><small>_<em>0</em></small> top surface structures. Additionally, the elevated high temperatures of microwave annealing significantly increase the vertical lamellar domain size, <em>L</em><small>_<em>0</em></small>, of the BCP film surface topography, which we believe corresponds to an “intermediate segregation” regime of chain stretching. This domain size enhancement is due to the synergy of the reduced interaction parameter between blocks and improved interlayer diffusional dynamics resulting from the sharp temperature spike and rapid vitrification. These unique morphological effects, exclusive to microwave annealing, are not seen in conventional thermal or solvent annealing and open new avenues for microwave substrate-directed self-assembly (MS-DSA) to create unique surface and internal BCP morphologies for specialized applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1325-1339"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00116a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A roll-to-roll chitosan finishing strategy for elastane recovery†","authors":"Eleanor C. Grosvenor, Malachi Cohen, Caterina Czibula, Emma M. Sellin, Kayla T. Ghezzi, Natalie C. Fisher, Jana B. Schaubeder, Sara E. Branovsky, Gabrielle N. Wood, Jeffrey J. Richards and Cécile A. C. Chazot","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00213C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00213C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Elastane fibers, renowned for their balanced strength, elasticity, and comfort, are a prevalent component in blended fabrics. However, their strong adhesion within core-spun yarns and resistance to chemical dissolution pose significant challenges for separation and recycling. The lack of a universal single-solvent strategy across blend types limits the scalability of selective dissolution recycling. Here, we propose an alternative approach using a dissolvable chitosan (CS) finishing layer applied to elastane fibers, which can be selectively removed at end-of-life to enable separation from sheath fibers. We implemented a continuous dip-coating process and demonstrated its feasibility at pilot scale using a roll-to-roll setup. By tuning solution viscosity, we achieved uniform, conformal coatings on neat elastane. A 4 wt% CS solution in 0.5 N HCl yielded a 5–10 μm-thick coating that forms strong non-covalent interactions with the elastane core without compromising the elastic modulus or energy dissipation under cyclic strain. The CS layer can be redissolved under mild acidic conditions, preserving the chemical integrity of the recovered elastane. This proof-of-concept highlights CS dip-coating as a promising finishing strategy for scalable elastane recovery from diverse fiber blends <em>via</em> selective dissolution.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1193-1203"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00213c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quaternary ammonium eutectogels as a printable, antimicrobial material platform†","authors":"Alma Nicolau, Zeyu Shao, Alex C. Bissember, Edgar H. H. Wong, Alexandra L. Mutch and Stuart C. Thickett","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00163C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00163C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The solvent-free photopolymerization of a eutectic mixture consisting of a quaternary ammonium methacrylate salt, urea, and functional co-monomer to yield polymeric eutectogels with unique properties and function is reported. Herein, we prepare eutectic solvents based on urea as a hydrogen bond donor, [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) as a hydrogen bond acceptor, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as a comonomer to modulate physical properties, such as viscosity and hydrophilicity. METAC was used as the isolated salt, rather than as aqueous solution, to directly prepare water-free eutectic solvents with control over the final composition. These viscous, room-temperature stable liquids possess tunable glass transition temperatures and shear-dependent viscosity. Their direct photopolymerization, either <em>via</em> ultraviolet or visible-light-mediated methods and in the presence of crosslinker, gives rise to polyelectrolyte eutectogels with very high and tunable swelling capacity in aqueous media. The viscous nature of the eutectic mixture enables rapid photopolymerization kinetics compared to the equivalent process in water, with close to seven-fold increase in polymerization. Their cationic nature gives the gels inherent antimicrobial properties, as shown through their deactivation of <em>S. aureus</em> bacterial cells. Variation of the crosslinker concentration enables eutectic resins to be formed that show potential for direct ink writing (DIW) photopolymerization methods, highlighting the versatility of these materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1303-1314"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00163c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photothermal patterning of polydimethylsiloxane†","authors":"Jacklyn A. DiPietro, Bellamarie Ludwig and Benjamin J. Lear","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00093A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00093A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The surface patterning of polymers is an important approach to enhancing material properties for a large variety of applications. Due to the formation of irreversible crosslinks however, thermoset polymers tend to be challenging to pattern. In this paper we present a novel method of patterning a commonly used thermoset polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), through controlled photothermal curing. We show that by incorporating 0.05% carbon black by weight into PDMS and moving a continuous wave-based laser engraver over the surface in a snake pattern, we can photothermally generate micron-scale surface features, and that these patterns can be controlled through laser parameters. Finally, we show that the photothermally patterned PDMS surfaces undergo changes in the optical properties as a result of patterning.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1269-1277"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00093a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of poly(ρ-coumaric acid) based nanodrug delivery system incorporating hyaluronic acid for enhanced wound healing†","authors":"Siying Wu, Mengfang Yuan, Shuyan Han, Liying Wang, Xinru You and Jun Wu","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00107B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00107B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Wound healing is a multifaceted physiological process, often hindered by persistent inflammation, homeostatic imbalance, and impaired tissue regeneration. Traditional therapies frequently fall short in addressing these challenges, underscoring the need for advanced therapeutic strategies. In this study, we designed a novel nanodrug delivery system based on poly(ρ-coumaric acid) (PCA), a bioactive polymer derived from natural sources, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The PCA nanoparticles (NPs) were engineered to encapsulate ibuprofen (IBP), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and subsequently integrated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to enhance wound site adhesion and create a moist regenerative microenvironment. This multifunctional platform (PCA@IBP NPs/HA) could synergistically achieve sustained drug release and leverage the intrinsic bioactivity of its components. <em>In vitro</em> assays demonstrated that the system effectively promoted cell migration and angiogenesis due to the combined anti-inflammatory effects. <em>In vivo</em> studies using an acute wound model confirmed accelerated wound closure, superior re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition. This work provided a novel strategy that synergistically integrated traditional herbal bioactive with nanotechnology, offering a promising platform for the development of next-generation wound-healing therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1278-1288"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00107b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outstanding Reviewers for RSC Applied Polymers in 2024","authors":"","doi":"10.1039/D5LP90012C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP90012C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >We would like to take this opportunity to thank all <em>RSC Applied Polymers</em> reviewers for helping to preserve quality and integrity in chemical science literature. We would also like to highlight the Outstanding Reviewers for <em>RSC Applied Polymers</em> in 2024.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 4","pages":" 745-745"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp90012c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144641110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of polymer molecular weight blends on the powder bed fusion process and the properties of polypropylene printed parts†","authors":"Akan George, Jackson S. Bryant, Timothy Taylor, Michael J. Bortner, Christopher B. Williams and Mark D. Dadmun","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00055F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00055F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Designing and controlling the molecular characteristics of polymeric feedstocks is crucial for creating robust structures <em>via</em> the powder bed fusion (PBF) process. To explore the impact of a powder's molecular weight on printed part structure and properties, thermally induced phase separation was employed to produce spherical, appropriately sized polypropylene (PP) powders formed from individual unimodal molecular weights and molecular weight blends. More precisely, these powders are composed of 12 000 Daltons PP (12k), 250 000 Daltons PP (250k), or 340 000 Daltons PP (340k), as well as their blends (50/50 wt% of 12k/250k, 12k/340k, 250k/340k, and 33/33/33 wt% of 12k/250k/340k). Analysis of the printed parts from these powders shows that the blended molecular weight (<em>M</em><small>_w</small>) samples exhibit lower void space and higher crystallinity than the unimodal <em>M</em><small>_w</small> counterparts. More importantly, dynamic mechanical analysis of the printed parts shows a substantial increase in storage modulus for blended molecular weight samples compared to unimodal <em>M</em><small>_w</small> counterparts. This significant enhancement in the mechanical property of the blended molecular weight samples is due to improved coalescence dynamics driven by the powders’ decreased melt viscosity. Improved coalescence reduces the void space in the printed parts, thereby improving mechanical performance. These results, therefore, provide a molecular-level understanding of the mechanism by which low <em>M</em><small>_w</small> additives improve PBF processability, presenting avenues to augment the macroscopic properties of the printed parts. Additionally, the powder design approach presented in this work is cost-effective and offers a simple strategy to enhance the final part properties across various materials in additive manufacturing.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1289-1302"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00055f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving the lubricity of commercial mucins via conjugation with catechol-like molecules","authors":"Bernardo Miller Naranjo, Chiara Gunnella, Helena Wagner and Oliver Lieleg","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00115C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00115C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >There is a range of diseases related to the insufficient lubrication of tissue surfaces. Typically, this occurs as a consequence of the reduced or incomplete production of the macromolecular key components of the respective biolubricant. Thus, developing substitute macromolecules to mitigate friction (and pain resulting thereof) in poorly lubricated joints, on the eyes, or in the oral cavity is an important task in the field of biomaterials science. To date, commercially available biomacromolecules such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and porcine gastric mucin (PGM) have mostly been in the focus of biolubrication research. However, their ability to reduce friction and surface damage generation is limited, which calls for novel approaches. Here, we create chemical modifications of commercial PGM by conjugating different catechol-like molecules (Levodopa (<small>L</small>-Dopa), 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzamide (THBA), or tannic acid (TA)) to the glycoprotein. Whereas solutions comprising unmodified PGMs exhibit poor lubricity, the conjugates show significantly improved surface adhesion and lubrication properties, with the TA–PGM conjugate performing the best. This particular conjugate also mitigates wear formation on PDMS and articular cartilage surfaces equally well as lab-purified porcine gastric mucin and, on hydrophilic surfaces, provides lubricity that even outperforms that of solutions comprising chemically intact, in-lab purified mucins. Our findings pave the way towards the production of a highly versatile biolubricant that can have a broad range of biomedical applications: as a biocompatible viscosupplement in osteoarthritic joints, as a lubricant additive after knee or hip implant surgery, as a component for artificial tear fluids, or for the treatment of xerostomia.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1258-1268"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00115c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Printable fluorinated poly(ionic liquid)-ionic liquid composite membranes for fluorinated gas separation†","authors":"Randinu Pulukkody, Chia-Min Hsieh, Abby N. Harders, Yuniva Mendoza-Apodaca, Mark B. Shiflett and Emily B. Pentzer","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00014A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00014A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Membrane technology offers a compelling approach for separating hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant mixtures, primarily due to lower energy demands and lower capital investment compared to traditional separation techniques. Herein, we report the development of fluorinated poly(ionic liquid)-ionic liquid composite membranes, combining the advantageous properties of both polymers and ionic liquids (ILs), for HFC gas separation. Two vinyl imidazolium-based fluorinated ionic liquid (FIL) monomers were synthesized, along with two FILs containing complementary cations and anions, which were incorporated as “free” liquid. Free-standing, IL-containing membranes were prepared by photopolymerization of the FIL-based monomer and a crosslinker in the presence of free IL. As a complementary study, membranes were also prepared from a methacrylate-based non-fluorinated imidazolium IL monomer with 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C<small>₆</small>C<small>₁</small>im][Tf<small>₂</small>N]) as free IL. The extent of crosslinking and the relationship between membrane composition and thermal properties are reported. Pure-gas permeability of commonly used HFC gases, specifically HFC-32 (difluoromethane) and HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane), were evaluated. For all membranes, HFC-32 had higher permeability than HFC-125. Finally, we demonstrate the use of digital light processing (DLP) additive manufacturing to print the membranes, presenting a promising avenue for the rapid fabrication of bespoke membranes for difficult separations.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1230-1243"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00014a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chitin nanowhiskers: a review of manufacturing, processing, and the influence of content on composite reinforcement and property enhancement†","authors":"Reshma Panackal Shibu, Mona Jafari, Sophia L. Sagala and Julia L. Shamshina","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00104H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00104H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This review critically examines the potential of chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs) as high-performance reinforcement materials for the plastics industry, with a specific emphasis on their impact on composite properties. It provides a structured overview of established ChNW preparation techniques—acid hydrolysis, oxidation, mechanical disintegration, and green solvent processing—and discusses advanced fabrication strategies for producing ChNW-reinforced composites of both natural (<em>e.g.</em>, cellulose, chitosan, starch, hyaluronan) and synthetic (<em>e.g.</em>, polyvinyl alcohol, poly(α-cyanoacrylate), polyaniline, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene) types. Key performance enhancements include increased mechanical strength, tensile strength, Young's modulus, thermal stability, and water resistance. These enhancements make ChNW-based composites suitable for real-world applications in aerospace, biomedical devices, packaging, and construction. Unlike previous reviews that emphasize only processing methods, this work identifies and highlights structure–property relationships as a central theme, bridging nanoscale morphology with macroscopic functionality.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 5","pages":" 1031-1123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/lp/d5lp00104h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}