PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-07DOI: 10.3390/polym17091283
Miguel Anchundia, Gualberto León-Revelo, Stalin Santacruz, Freddy Torres
{"title":"Production of β-Glucans from <i>Rhizopus oryzae</i> M10A1 by Optimizing Culture Conditions Using Liquid Potato Starch Waste.","authors":"Miguel Anchundia, Gualberto León-Revelo, Stalin Santacruz, Freddy Torres","doi":"10.3390/polym17091283","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091283","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>β-glucans from filamentous fungi are important for human health. There is limited research on polysaccharides from filamentous fungi, and no reports have been published regarding the optimization of culture media to produce β-glucans from <i>Rhizopus oryzae</i> using liquid waste from potato starch processing. In this regard, the fermentation conditions to produce β-glucans from <i>Rhizopus oryzae</i> M10A1 were optimized using the one variable at a time (OVAT) and response surface methodology (RSM). The β-glucans were chemically characterized by determining moisture, nitrogen, protein, fat, ash, and total carbohydrates. The color, molecular weight, β-glucan content, monosaccharide composition, and structural and conformational characteristics were assessed by colorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The microbial indicators, mesophilic aerobes, molds, yeasts, and <i>Escherichia coli</i> were quantified following ISO standard protocols. Optimization indicated that supplementation with 0.8% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) glucose and ammonium sulfate enhanced heteroglycan production (3254.56 mg/100 g of biomass). The β-glucans exhibited high purity, a light brown color, a molecular weight of 450 kDa, and a composition predominantly consisting of glucose and galactose. These findings suggest that β-glucans from <i>Rhizopus oryzae</i> M10A1 could be used for food and health applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12074454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144025845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-07DOI: 10.3390/polym17091277
Tingting Shen, Yongjie Ma, Xueyan Zhang
{"title":"Urea-Formaldehyde Strengthened by Polyvinyl Alcohol: Impact on Mulch Film Properties and Cucumber Cultivation.","authors":"Tingting Shen, Yongjie Ma, Xueyan Zhang","doi":"10.3390/polym17091277","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To address the problem of environmental pollution caused by the extensive use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch film, this study developed a novel sprayable mulch using natural fibers and biodegradable polymers. Urea-formaldehyde resin (UF), strengthened with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), was used as a modifier to induce beneficial physicochemical structural changes in PVA-modified urea-formaldehyde (PUF) resins. Characterization of these resins was conducted using Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Preparation of the biodegradable mulch was conducted using Xuan paper waste residue (XP) as an enhancer, with PUF as the auxiliary agent. The resulting film (PUF-XP) was examined for differences in thickness, morphological characterization, and rate of weight loss, and the effects of different covering films on cucumber growth, root development, soil temperature, and weed control were evaluated. Characterization reveals that when the PVA content was 4% (W4UF), the film had the lowest free formaldehyde content (0.26%) and highest elongation at break (5.70%). In addition, W4UF could easily undergo thermal degradation at 278.4 °C and possessed a close-knit, three-dimensional structural network. W4UF was then mixed with paper powder and water in various proportions to produce three mulch films (BioT1, BioT2, and BioT3) that demonstrated excellent water retention and heat preservation and inhibited weed growth by 68.8-96.8%. Compared to no mulching (NM), BioT1 increased both the specific root length and root density, as well as improved the plant height, stem diameter, and total biomass of the cucumbers by 43.5%, 34.1%, and 33.9%, respectively. Therefore, a mass ratio of paper powder, water, and W4UF of 1:30:2 produced a biodegradable mulch film that could be used as an alternative to LDPE, mitigating the environmental pollution rendered by synthetic plastic mulch films and offering the potential for a sustainable agricultural application.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12073705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144028826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-07DOI: 10.3390/polym17091282
Nancy Sakr, Mohamed AbouZeid
{"title":"Recycling of Plastic Waste in the Construction Industry.","authors":"Nancy Sakr, Mohamed AbouZeid","doi":"10.3390/polym17091282","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study underscores the importance of sustainable practices by exploring the utilization of recycled plastic within the global construction industry. Plastic recycling has emerged as a crucial strategy that aligns with environmental, social, and economic sustainability indicators. Currently, substantial volumes of plastic waste are either deposited in landfills or incinerated, neglecting the potential to harness its embodied energy and the energy consumed for producing virgin materials. A key advantage of plastic lies in its promising mechanical properties. Concrete mix design is fundamental to a wide range of construction applications, including brick walls, reinforced concrete slabs, and concrete pavements. Despite the adoption of recycled plastic in construction materials in various countries, its widespread implementation remains limited. This is primarily due to the scarcity of experimental research in this area and the absence of a robust waste management system. This research specifically investigates the reuse of two common types of plastic waste: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to mitigate plastic waste accumulation in landfills and enhance the performance of construction materials. The study investigates the use of recycled HDPE and PET as a replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete pavement mixtures. While recycled PET is more prevalent in concrete applications, recycled HDPE has demonstrated exceptional efficiency and durability. The recycling method used in this research is the mechanical recycling method due to its superior effectiveness in comparison with other methodologies. This research assesses the performance of recycled PET and HDPE in concrete pavement, aiming to diminish non-renewable energy consumption by 15-20%, curtail the carbon footprint by 15-30%, and decrease plastic waste in landfills by 20-30% compared to conventional concrete.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12074412/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144009116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Photocurable Crosslinker from Bio-Based Non-Isocyanate Poly(hydroxyurethane) for Biocompatible Hydrogels.","authors":"Kathleen Hennig, Gabriele Vacun, Sibylle Thude, Wolfdietrich Meyer","doi":"10.3390/polym17091285","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the synthesis of photocurable non-isocyanate polyhydroxyethylurethanes (BPHUs) derived from renewable sources, designed for biomedical applications and the development towards advanced light curing processes. The following two pathways were developed: an aliphatic route using 1,4-butanediol-derived cyclic carbonates and an aromatic route with resorcinol-based carbonates. Ring-opening polymerization with dodecanediamine produced BPHU intermediates, which were methacrylated to form photoreactive derivatives (aliphatic MAs and aromatic MAs). Comprehensive characterization, including NMR, GPC, and FTIR, confirmed the successful synthesis. The UV curing of these methacrylated compounds yielded hydrogels with swelling properties. Aliphatic BPHUs achieved a gel content of 91.3% and a swelling of 1057%, demonstrating the flexibility and UV stability suitable for adaptable biomedical applications. Conversely, aromatic BPHUs displayed a gel content of 78.1% and a swelling of 3304%, indicating higher rigidity, which is advantageous for load-bearing uses. Cytotoxicity assessments adhering to the DIN EN ISO 10993-5 standard demonstrated non-cytotoxicity, with an >80% cell viability for both variants. This research underscores the potential of green chemistry in crafting biocompatible, versatile BPHUs, paving the way for eco-friendly materials in implantable medical devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12073706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144028503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Poly(Acrylamide-<i>co</i>-Acrylic Acid)-Encapsulated Nitrification Inhibitor with Good Soil-Loosening, Phosphorous-Solubilizing, and Nitrogen Fixation Abilities and High-Temperature Resistance.","authors":"Hui Gao, Yuli Fu, Tianyu Wang, Meijia Liu, Jianzhen Mao, Feng Xu","doi":"10.3390/polym17091280","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>3,4-dimethylpyrazole (DMPZ), when used as a nitrification inhibitor, exhibits volatility, poor thermal stability, high production costs, and limited functionality restricted to nitrogen fixation. To address these limitations and introduce novel phosphorus-solubilizing and soil-loosening abilities, herein, a poly (acrylamide-<i>co</i>-acrylic acid)-encapsulated NI (P(AA-<i>co</i>-AM)-<i>e</i>-NI) is synthesized by incorporating linear P(AM-<i>co</i>-AA) macromolecular structures into NI systems. The P(AA-<i>co</i>-AM)-<i>e</i>-NI demonstrates an obvious phase transition from a glassy state to a rubbery state, with a glass transition temperature of ~150 °C. Only 5 wt% of the weight loss occurs at 220 °C, meeting the temperature requirements of the high-tower melt granulation process (≥165 °C). The DMPZ content in P(AA-<i>co</i>-AM)-<i>e</i>-NI is 1.067 wt%, representing a 120% increase compared to our previous products (0.484 wt%). P(AA-<i>co</i>-AM)-<i>e</i>-NI can effectively reduce the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and prolong the duration during which nitrogen fertilizers exist in the form of ammonium nitrogen. It can also cooperatively enhance the conversion of insoluble phosphorus into soluble phosphorus in the presence of ammonium nitrogen (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N). In addition, upon adding P(AA-<i>co</i>-AM)-<i>e</i>-NI into soils, soil bulk density and hardness decrease by 9.2% and 10.5%, respectively, and soil permeability increases by 10.5%, showing that it has a good soil-loosening ability and capacity to regulate the soil environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12073658/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144030532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-07DOI: 10.3390/polym17091284
Eyad Alsuhaibani
{"title":"Nondestructive Testing of Externally Bonded FRP Concrete Structures: A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Eyad Alsuhaibani","doi":"10.3390/polym17091284","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091284","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The growing application of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites in rehabilitating deteriorating concrete infrastructure underscores the need for reliable, cost-effective, and automated nondestructive testing (NDT) methods. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of existing and emerging NDT techniques used to assess externally bonded FRP (EB-FRP) systems, emphasizing their accuracy, limitations, and practicality. Various NDT methods, including Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), Infrared Thermography (IRT), Acoustic Emission (AE), and Impact-Echo (IE), are critically evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in detecting debonding, voids, delaminations, and other defects. Recent technological advancements, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in NDT applications, have significantly improved defect characterization, automated inspections, and real-time data analysis. This review highlights AI-driven NDT approaches such as automated crack detection, hybrid NDT frameworks, and drone-assisted thermographic inspections, which enhance accuracy and efficiency in large-scale infrastructure assessments. Additionally, economic considerations and cost-performance trade-offs are analyzed, addressing the feasibility of different NDT methods in real-world FRP-strengthened structures. Finally, the review identifies key research gaps, including the need for standardization in FRP-NDT applications, AI-enhanced defect quantification, and hybrid inspection techniques. By consolidating state-of-the-art research and emerging innovations, this paper serves as a valuable resource for engineers, researchers, and practitioners involved in the assessment, monitoring, and maintenance of FRP-strengthened concrete structures.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12073467/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-06DOI: 10.3390/polym17091271
Ulrike Staudinger, Andreas Janke, Frank Simon, Lothar Jakisch, Eva Bittrich, Petr Formanek, Lukas Mielke, Hendrik Schlicke, Qiong Li, Kathrin Eckstein, Doris Pospiech
{"title":"MWCNT Localization and Electrical Percolation in Thin Films of Semifluorinated PMMA Block Copolymers.","authors":"Ulrike Staudinger, Andreas Janke, Frank Simon, Lothar Jakisch, Eva Bittrich, Petr Formanek, Lukas Mielke, Hendrik Schlicke, Qiong Li, Kathrin Eckstein, Doris Pospiech","doi":"10.3390/polym17091271","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diblock copolymers (BCP) consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl methacrylate) (PsfMA) blocks are employed as templates for controlled dispersion and localization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Short MWCNT are modified with perfluoroalkyl groups to increase the compatibility between MWCNT and the semifluorinated (PsfMA) phase and to promote a defined arrangement of MWCNT in the BCP morphology. Thin BCP and BCP/MWCNT composite films are prepared by dip-coating using tetrahydrofuran as solvent with dispersed MWCNT. Atomic force microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal a strong tendency of the BCP to form micelle-like domains consisting of a PMMA shell and a semifluorinated PsfMA core, embedded in a soft phase, containing also semifluorinated blocks. MWCNT preferentially localized in the embedding phase outside the micelles. Perfluoroalkyl-modification leads to significant improvement in the dispersion of MWCNT, both in the polymer solution and the resulting nanocomposite film due to increased interaction of MWCNT with the semifluorinated side chains in the soft phase outside the micelle domains. As a result, reliable electrical conductivity is observed in contrast to films with non-modified MWCNT. Thus, well-dispersed, modified MWCNT provide a defined electrical conduction path at the micrometer level, which is interesting for applications in electronics and vapor sensing.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12073811/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144028974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-06DOI: 10.3390/polym17091262
Luca Éva Uhljar, Tekla Jáger, Csongor Hajdu, Anett Motzwickler-Németh, Orsolya Jójárt-Laczkovich, Martin Cseh, Katalin Burian, Rita Ambrus
{"title":"Diclofenac-Loaded Orodispersible Nanofibers Prepared by Double-Needle Electrospinning.","authors":"Luca Éva Uhljar, Tekla Jáger, Csongor Hajdu, Anett Motzwickler-Németh, Orsolya Jójárt-Laczkovich, Martin Cseh, Katalin Burian, Rita Ambrus","doi":"10.3390/polym17091262","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The main aim of this study was to develop a diclofenac-loaded, orodispersible formulation prepared by double-needle electrospinning. For the use of two needles, one above the other, a new needle holder was designed and 3D printed. During the optimization of the drug-free PVP carrier, the effect of the polymer concentration on the morphology and average fiber diameter was investigated. Electrospinning was possible for solutions with a PVP concentration between 7.5 and 15 <i>w</i>/<i>w</i>%. Too low viscosity led to smooth-surfaced nanoparticles, since electrospraying occurred. The optimal material properties and process parameters were used to prepare drug-loaded nanofibers. The morphology, crystallinity, chemical interactions, encapsulation efficiency, drug distribution, in vitro disintegration, in vitro dissolution, cytocompatibility, and 6-month stability were tested. According to the results, the electrospun formulation was an amorphous solid dispersion with excellent encapsulation efficiency. The drug distribution was homogeneous within the nanofiber matrix. The disintegration was completed in about 5 s in artificial saliva and about 41 s on an artificial tongue. The dissolution in artificial saliva was complete within 10 min. Overall, a promising formulation was developed with rapid disintegration, immediate drug release, and good stability. Additionally, a new in vitro dissolution method (\"AS-to-FaSSGF\") was developed to obtain a bigger picture of drug dissolution throughout the gastrointestinal tract.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12074270/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144036332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-06DOI: 10.3390/polym17091261
Mohammed Zaini, Oumayma Hamlaoui, Jalal Chafiq, Mohamed Ait El Fqih, Mohamed Idiri, Said Aqil, Mohamed Karim Hajji, Alperen Bal, Hakan Tozan, Marta Harnicárová, Jan Valicek
{"title":"Post-Curing Effects on the Tensile Properties of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Polymers: Experimental and Numerical Insights.","authors":"Mohammed Zaini, Oumayma Hamlaoui, Jalal Chafiq, Mohamed Ait El Fqih, Mohamed Idiri, Said Aqil, Mohamed Karim Hajji, Alperen Bal, Hakan Tozan, Marta Harnicárová, Jan Valicek","doi":"10.3390/polym17091261","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091261","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the effects of post-curing temperatures on the tensile properties of hybrid basalt-jute-glass-carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). Composite specimens were post-cured at 60 °C and 100 °C for 60 min, and their tensile behavior was assessed using a servo-hydraulic testing machine. Numerical simulations using the Abaqus software V6.14 were also conducted to compare experimental and computational results. The findings indicate that post-curing heat treatment enhances ductility due to increased polymer cross-linking, but excessive heat treatment at 100 °C negatively impacts elongation at fracture. The results revealed that specimens post-cured at 60 °C exhibited the optimal balance between strength and ductility, with increased elongation and moderate tensile strength. However, at 100 °C, while tensile strength improved in some cases, a significant decrease in elasticity and an increased risk of brittleness were observed, suggesting that extreme heat treatment may degrade polymer integrity. Natural fiber composites, particularly jute-based samples, outperformed synthetic composites in terms of elongation and overall mechanical stability. The numerical simulations provided further insights but showed discrepancies with experimental results, mainly due to fiber property variations and fabric waviness, underscoring the challenges of accurately modeling woven composites. The study highlights the importance of controlled post-curing temperatures in optimizing the mechanical performance of FRP composites, with 60 °C identified as the most effective condition for achieving a favorable balance between tensile strength, flexibility, and material durability. These findings offer valuable insights for material scientists and engineers working on the development of high-performance composite materials for structural and industrial applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12073501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144028573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unveiling Thermal Degradation and Fire Behavior of 110 kV Ultra-High-Voltage Flame-Retardant Cable Sheath After Thermal Aging.","authors":"Yaqiang Jiang, Wei He, Xinke Huo, Xuelian Lu, Kaiyuan Li, Fei Xiao","doi":"10.3390/polym17091273","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17091273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To evaluate the fire safety of 110 kV ultra-high-voltage flame-retardant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cables in the service process, the effects of thermal aging on the pyrolysis and combustion behavior of the cable sheaths were studied using thermogravimetric (TG), limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 vertical burning, cone calorimeter, open flame, and muffle furnace tests. The results showed that thermal aging causes a slight decrease in the LOI value of the cable sheath (28.3% vs. 28.5%), but it also passed the UL-94 V-0 test. The butane torch test showed that the cable sheath was more easily ignited after aging; however, a better char layer was formed in the later stage of burning, which led to a longer failure time. Interestingly, the aging treatment prolonged the ignition time of the cable sheaths and reduced the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) by 17.5% and 24.4%, respectively, in the cone calorimeter test, indicating that aging resulted in a reduction in the fire hazard of the cable sheaths. Moreover, aging mechanisms were proposed based on the composition and structural evolution of the cable sheaths. In summary, this work comprehensively evaluated the fire hazard of 110 kV ultra-high-voltage cables and provided theoretical support for the formulation improvement, durability enhancement, and fire protection design of cable sheath materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12074156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144044045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}