Polymer Journal最新文献

{"title":"Special issue: Molecular picture of heterogeneity in polymer networks: from thermosetting polymers to elastomers and gels","authors":"Keiji Tanaka, Kenji Urayama, Tasuku Nakajima, Takeshi Serizawa","doi":"10.1038/s41428-025-01014-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-025-01014-y","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 4","pages":"341-342"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-025-01014-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143787372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High-performance, multi-component epoxy resin simulation for predicting thermo-mechanical property evolution during curing","authors":"Sagar Umesh Patil, Josh Kemppainen, Marianna Maiaru, Gregory M. Odegard","doi":"10.1038/s41428-025-01022-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-025-01022-y","url":null,"abstract":"High-performance epoxy systems are extensively used in structural polymer‒matrix composites for aerospace vehicles. The evolution of the thermomechanical properties of these epoxies significantly impacts the evolution of process-induced residual stresses. The corresponding process parameters need to be optimized via multiscale process modeling to minimize the residual stresses and maximize the composite strength and durability. In this study, the thermomechanical properties of a multicomponent epoxy system are predicted via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as a function of the degree of cure to provide critical property evolution data for process modeling. In addition, the experimentally validated results of this study provide critical insight into MD modeling protocols. Among these insights, harmonic- and Morse-bond-based force fields predict similar mechanical properties. However, simulations with the Morse-bond potential fail at intermediate strain values because of cross-term energy dominance. Additionally, crosslinking simulations should be conducted at the corresponding processing temperature, because the simulation temperature impacts shrinkage evolution significantly. Multiple analysis methods are utilized to process MD heating/cooling data for glass transition temperature prediction, and the results indicate that neither method has a significant advantage. These results are important for effective and comprehensive process modeling within the ICME (Integrated Computational Materials Engineering) and Materials Genome Initiative frameworks. Molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to model and predict thermomechanical properties of a multi-component high-performance epoxy. Virtual curing between the molecules is simulated using REACTER protocol in LAMMPS and LUNAR tool is utilized to assign force field parameters and post-processing of simulated data. Insights into the predicted properties using harmonic- and morse-bond-based force fields, strain-rate sensitivity, glass transition temperature predicted from heating and cooling simulations are provided. The comprehensive set of properties are predicted as a function of processing temperature and crosslinking density required for multi-scale process modeling high-performance epoxy.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 5","pages":"539-552"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-025-01022-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Liquid and film-type organic scintillators based on near-infrared fluorescent π-conjugated polymers containing hypervalent tin(IV) compounds","authors":"Masayuki Gon, Kazuya Tanimura, Kai Okazaki, Takumi Kato, Daisuke Nakauchi, Noriaki Kawaguchi, Takayuki Yanagida, Kazuo Tanaka","doi":"10.1038/s41428-025-01017-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-025-01017-9","url":null,"abstract":"Much effort has been devoted to developing organic scintillators because of their wide versatility in the liquid and solid states. Recently, near-infrared (NIR) scintillators have attracted much attention owing to their ability to sensitively detect radiation doses. Herein, we report that NIR fluorescent π-conjugated polymers containing hypervalent tin(IV) compounds can be utilized for generating liquid and film-type organic scintillators. By incorporating tin, a heavy element known to have excellent radiation absorption properties, into the fluorescent π-conjugated framework, intense scintillations were observed upon X-ray irradiation. The polymer films exhibited NIR fluorescence in the region from 700 to 1250 nm, and the scintillation signals were enhanced as the irradiation dose increased. These results demonstrate that incorporating heavy elements into π-conjugated skeletons is an effective strategy to fabricate organic scintillators based on luminescent polymers. The performances of liquid and film-type NIR scintillation detectors based on π-conjugated polymers containing hypervalent tin(IV) compounds are evaluated. Taking advantage of the high radiation absorption of tin (Sn) and highly efficient NIR fluorescence from the π-conjugated polymers in both solution and on a film, the polymers can be used as both liquid and film-type NIR scintillators. Moreover, the radioluminescence showed good linearity across the dose rate range of 50 to 5000 mGy h−1, suggesting their practical use as NIR scintillation detectors.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 5","pages":"567-573"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-025-01017-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tensegrity-inspired polymer films: progressive bending stiffness through multipolymeric patterning","authors":"Rikima Kuwada, Shuto Ito, Yuta Shimoda, Haruka Fukunishi, Ryota Ohnishi, Daisuke Ishii, Mikihiro Hayashi","doi":"10.1038/s41428-025-01015-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-025-01015-x","url":null,"abstract":"Materials with J-shaped stress-strain behavior under uniaxial stretching have been developed using various designs; in these materials, the strength increases as the deformation progresses. On the other hand, polymer materials that progressively stiffen under bending are far less explored, and a systematic approach to achieving this behavior has not yet been developed. To address this gap, membrane tensegrity structures, which achieve structural stability by balancing compressive forces in rods and tensile forces in membranes, were examined. Notably, some of these structures exhibit increased stiffness under bending. Using a multipolymer patterning technique, we developed a functional polymer film exhibiting membrane tensegrity-like properties that stiffened under bending. This effect resulted from the membrane tension generated by rod protrusions and a likely increase in the second moment of area at regions with maximum curvature. In this study, the membrane tensegrity concept and multipolymer patterning were used to design functional polymer films that progressively stiffened under bending. This behavior was achieved through the rod protrusions generating tensile forces in the membrane and likely changes in the second moment of the area in the maximum curvature regions. The use of these films can provide a systematic approach to dynamic stiffness under nonuniaxial deformation, enabling applications in soft robotics, adaptive supports, and devices requiring tailored mechanical responses.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 5","pages":"587-594"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-025-01015-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design of functional and stable adhesion systems using reversible and movable crosslinked materials","authors":"Yunpeng Qian, Sho Kosaba, Ryohei Ikura, Kenji Yamaoka, Yoshinori Takashima","doi":"10.1038/s41428-024-01011-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-024-01011-7","url":null,"abstract":"Stable, tough, and functional adhesion systems are urgently needed for a sustainable society. As a resolution, supramolecular scientists have introduced reversible and movable crosslinked materials into adhesion systems. Reversible crosslinks can repeatedly associate and dissociate. Therefore, reversible crosslinked materials show self-healing and stimuli-responsive properties. Moreover, movable crosslinks are topological crosslinks in which the polymer chains penetrate the cavities of cyclic molecules. The sliding of the movable crosslinks with deformation enabled the achievement of materials showing high toughness and self-relaxation. Adhesion systems with reversible and movable crosslinks have improved adhesion and cohesion, stability, and functionality. This novel concept for the design of adhesion systems is expected to increase the lifetime of adhesives and ameliorate environmental problems. This review paper summarizes various works on supramolecular materials with reversible and movable crosslinks and their application as adhesives. Reversible crosslinks can repeatedly associate and dissociate. Therefore, The reversible crosslinked materials show self-healing and stimuli-responsive properties. The slide of the movable crosslinks with deformation resulted in high toughness and self-relaxing of the materials. The adhesion systems with reversible and movable crosslinks show improved adhesion and cohesion properties, stability, and functionality. This new concept for designing adhesion systems is expected to enhance the lifetime of adhesives and reduce environmental problems.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 4","pages":"491-512"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-024-01011-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143787382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solid base-assisted photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene via the Norrish mechanism through the generation of alternating polyketones","authors":"Po-Yi Lu, Lely A. Ningsih, Ayu C. Heksa, Che-Chia Hu, Wen-Chang Chen, Yu-Cheng Chiu","doi":"10.1038/s41428-024-01009-1","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-024-01009-1","url":null,"abstract":"Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in plastic products. Due to its nonpolar molecular structure and inert hydrocarbon chains, it is resistant to degradation, leading to serious environmental problems. As a photocatalyst, TiO2 generates electron-hole pairs upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The holes interact with hydroxide ions $${left(right.{mbox{OH}}}^{-}$$ dissociated from a solid base to produce hydroxyl radicals ( $${}^{bullet }{{rm{OH}}}$$ ). These radicals then attack the PE chain, generating carbonyl groups (C=O), which facilitate Norrish reactions and promote PE degradation. In this study, a LDPE-1%TiO2 (LDPE-1T) composite film was first soaked in a NaOH solution to determine its photocatalytic degradation efficiency under alkaline conditions. After 800 h of UV exposure, the film exhibited a significant mass loss of ~87 wt%. In contrast, the LDPE-1T composite film without NaOH pretreatment presented a lower mass loss of ~55 wt%. To increase the applicability of this study, a solid base was incorporated to fabricate LDPE-5%TiO2-3%K2CO3 (LDPE-5T-K) and HDPE-1%TiO2-3%K2CO3 (HDPE-1T-K) composite films through hot pressing. This modification was also shown to increase photocatalytic degradation efficiency by increasing the concentration of $${}^{bullet }{{rm{OH}}}$$ radicals in the system, promoting the formation of C=O groups and facilitating the Norrish type I reaction. Caption: In this study, a simple hot-pressing and blending method was utilized to produce polyethylene films, followed by photocatalytic degradation under alkaline conditions with TiO2. During the photocatalytic degradation process, alternating polyketone groups were generated on the polyethylene matrix, promoting Norrish type I reactions and effectively enhancing the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of polyethylene.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 5","pages":"575-586"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-024-01009-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing the antibacterial activity and yields of cationic polystyrene particles via copolymerization with hydrophilic acrylate monomers","authors":"Yuki Konoeda, Toshikazu Tsuji","doi":"10.1038/s41428-024-01013-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-024-01013-5","url":null,"abstract":"Cationic polymer particles exhibit weak antibacterial activity, and the material properties that influence this activity remain unclear. In this study, we enhanced the antibacterial activity of cationic polystyrene particles by introducing acrylate comonomers through soap-free emulsion polymerization using a cationic radical initiator. Compared with polystyrene emulsions, incorporating acrylate monomers with a lower log P than that of styrene afforded higher yields of cationic polymer particle emulsions. The antibacterial activities of these emulsions against Staphylococcus epidermidis were measured. The highest antibacterial activity was obtained for the acrylate monomer, with a log P of ~1.3. Among the emulsions obtained from acrylate monomers with comparable log P values, those with a lower glass transition temperature (Tg) exhibited higher antibacterial activity. Poly(styrene-co-methylmethacrylate-co-(vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride), which has a high Tg, demonstrated antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and suppressed the replication of nonenveloped Feline calicivirus. Skin irritation and microbial mutagenicity tests using cultured human skin models were negative. These polymer particles have potential applications as coating agents, base materials in the biomedical field, and hygiene products. We increased the antibacterial activity and yield of styrene-based cationic particles by copolymerizing them with acrylate monomers with optimal log P values via soap-free emulsion polymerization. The cationic poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) particles exhibited greater antibacterial activity than did the cationic polystyrene particles. These particles also demonstrated antiviral activity and did not mutate bacterial DNA or irritate human skin.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 5","pages":"553-565"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of deproteinized natural rubber modified via graft copolymerization with styrene/acrylonitrile and reinforced with cellulose nanofibers","authors":"Anh Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Nam Vu Trung, Minh Vu Tue, Trong Tran Huy, Quynh Nguyen Thi, Hau Than Van, Shu Morishita, Thu Ha Nguyen, Hiroharu Ajiro, Thuy Tran Thi","doi":"10.1038/s41428-024-01008-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-024-01008-2","url":null,"abstract":"Natural rubber (NR) and cellulose are promising biopolymers for the development of sustainable materials. Natural rubber has several superior properties, such as outstanding properties and resilience. Moreover, the greatest advantage of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) is their high mechanical strength, which is very suitable for making reinforcement domains on other polymers. However, the disparity in polarity between NR and CNFs significantly influences the properties of the resulting composite materials. This study investigated the graft copolymerization of styrene/acrylonitrile onto deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) to increase its polarity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. The composite materials were prepared from natural rubber grafted with CNFs via CNF dispersion in latex using ultrasonic waves with the aim of improving the mechanical properties of NR. The mechanical properties of the materials were studied via tensile testing, where the tensile strength of the composite with the graft copolymer matrix domain at a CNF of 1.0 wt.% (5.09 ± 0.49 MPa) was three times greater than that of the composite with DPNR (1.6 ± 0.14 MPa). The dispersion capacity of CNFs within various rubber matrix domains was assessed by analyzing morphological alterations with scanning electron microscopy. The increase in the thermal properties of the resulting products was verified via thermogravimetric analysis. Natural rubber (NR) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are promising biopolymers for developing sustainable materials. NR offers excellent elasticity and resilience, while CNF provides high mechanical strength for reinforcement. Due to polarity differences, NR’s compatibility with CNF is limited. To address this, graft copolymerization of styrene/acrylonitrile onto deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) was performed, improving polarity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. CNF were ultrasonically dispersed in latex to create reinforced composites. The resulting materials exhibit superior properties, making them suitable for advanced sustainable applications.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 5","pages":"527-538"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Double-network hydrogels with a gradient hydrophobic coating that prevents water evaporation and allows strong adhesion to a solid substrate","authors":"Shota Sakurai, Takayuki Kurokawa, Hidemitsu Furukawa, Jian Ping Gong, Tasuku Nakajima","doi":"10.1038/s41428-024-01010-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-024-01010-8","url":null,"abstract":"Hydrogels are soft and wet polymeric materials containing large amounts of water. The high water content gives hydrogels their unique characteristics, such as biocompatibility. However, the water in the hydrogels easily evaporates under atmospheric conditions. In addition, since hydrogels consist of mostly water, adhering them to solid substrates with commercial glues is difficult. To overcome these problems, we developed a method to apply a robust gradient hydrophobic coating to tough double-network (DN) hydrogels. Liquid hydrophobic monomers were dropped onto the DN gel precursor (the first network gel containing the second network precursor) and spontaneously spread to cover the gel surface. This led to the simultaneous polymerization of the hydrophobic monomer near the gel–air interface and the second network precursor of the bulk gel to yield a gradient hydrophobic coating. The resulting hydrophobic coating effectively prevents water evaporation from the coated DN gel. Moreover, strong adhesion of the coated gel to various solid substrates was achieved with commercial glues. We report a method for a gradient hydrophobic coating of tough double-network (DN) hydrogels. The robust gradient coating was easily achieved by simultaneously polymerizing the hydrophilic second network precursor in a bulk first network gel and the hydrophobic coating precursor near its surface. The resulting hydrophobic coating effectively prevents water evaporation from the coated DN gel. Moreover, strong adhesion of the coated gel to various solid substrates was achieved with commercial glues.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 4","pages":"441-447"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-024-01010-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143787389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a pressure-sensitive adhesive utilizing a highly sensitive cross-linking system with photoanionic curing","authors":"Yuya Tanaka, Koji Arimitsu","doi":"10.1038/s41428-024-01012-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-024-01012-6","url":null,"abstract":"Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) can rapidly adhere to any substrate under low pressure. In general, acrylic PSAs are designed to undergo a thermal curing reaction. In recent years, UV-curable PSAs have attracted increasing attention because of their rapid curing and solvent-free production. However, radical curing cannot be performed in room air, and the development of an anionic curable type is desirable. Therefore, we synthesized a novel copolymer with anionic curability using an acetoacetate–Michael addition reaction cross-linking system and applied it to PSA tape. The developed PSA tape showed good performance 2 h after coating and UV irradiation. It comprises a specific polymer that reacts with high sensitivity even when a 1 wt% photobase generator is added. In addition, it has an ideal peel strength of 1.3 N cm–1 and it demonstrated high heat resistance up to 220 °C in a shear adhesion failure temperature test. The proposed polymer is expected to provide new benefits for PSA tape, such as temporarily fixing semiconductor devices. Illustration of photoanionic cross-linking of PSA by UV irradiation using photoreactive copolymers containing AOI and AAEM monomer units. The developed PSA tape showed good performance 2 h after coating and UV irradiation. The proposed polymer is expected to provide new benefits for PSA tape, such as temporarily fixing semiconductor devices.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"57 5","pages":"595-600"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-024-01012-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}