PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101357
Aaron M Duncan, Keizo Akutagawa, Dimitrios G Papageorgiou, Julien L Ramier, James J C Busfield
{"title":"A Unified Equation for Predicting Crack Growth in Rubber Composites Across All Crack Growth Rates.","authors":"Aaron M Duncan, Keizo Akutagawa, Dimitrios G Papageorgiou, Julien L Ramier, James J C Busfield","doi":"10.3390/polym17101357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The relationship between tearing energy and crack growth rates in elastomers is typically divided into three regions-slow crack growth, fast crack growth, and a transitional region-each described by separate power law relationships, requiring six variables to fully characterize the behavior. This study introduces a novel, unified equation that simplifies this relationship by combining two coexisting energy dissipation mechanisms into a single model with only four variables. The model consists of two terms, one for each energy dissipation mechanism: one term is dominant at slow crack growth rates and limited by a threshold energy, and the other is dominant at fast speeds. The transition region emerges naturally as the dominant mechanism shifts. The model's simplicity enables new advances, such as predicting fast crack growth tearing and transition energies using only slow crack growth data. This capability is demonstrated across a wide range of non-strain crystallizing rubbers, including filled and unfilled compounds, tested at room temperature and elevated temperatures and in both swollen and unswollen states. This model offers a practical tool for material design, failure prediction, and reducing experimental effort in characterizing elastomer performance. Notably, this is the first model to unify slow, transition, and fast crack growth regimes into a single continuous equation requiring only four variables, enabling the prediction of high-speed behavior using only low-speed experimental data-a major advantage over existing six-parameter models.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101356
Yumeng Guo, Qian Wang, Guoming Sun, Ying Zheng
{"title":"Bioinspired Janus Membrane with Dopamine-ZnO Coating for Antibacterial Filtration in Oral Applications.","authors":"Yumeng Guo, Qian Wang, Guoming Sun, Ying Zheng","doi":"10.3390/polym17101356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101356","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Developing an oral fibrous barrier membrane that prevents bacterial invasion while possessing antibacterial properties and facilitating fluid decompression remains a significant clinical and scientific challenge. In this study, we developed a novel Janus membrane by modifying a polypropylene (PP) fibrous membrane with dopamine and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Fabricated via a simple floating immersion method, this asymmetric bilayer structure consists of a hydrophobic PP layer and a hydrophilic PP/dopamine@30 nm ZnO layer, providing both antibacterial properties and enhanced fluid filtration. The mechanical properties of the PP/ZnO membrane were significantly enhanced, with an increase in the Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength, indicating improved strength. Antibacterial activity against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> (<i>S. mutans</i>) demonstrated a significant reduction in biofilm formation on the PP/dopamine@30 nm ZnO surface compared to unmodified PP. Water flux tests confirmed a stable, high filtration rate, with increased permeability under rising pressure. In vivo experiments with miniature pigs confirmed reduced bacterial presence on the sterile side of the membrane. These findings highlight the potential of the membrane for oral exudate filtration, extending filtration time and minimizing infection risks under strict sterility conditions. Further improvements in barrier properties are necessary to optimize its clinical performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101350
Musa Adamu, Wafa Abdelmajeed Labib, Yasser E Ibrahim, Hani Alanazi
{"title":"Mechanical Behavior and Durability Performance of Concrete Reinforced with Hybrid Date Palm and Polypropylene Polymer Fibers.","authors":"Musa Adamu, Wafa Abdelmajeed Labib, Yasser E Ibrahim, Hani Alanazi","doi":"10.3390/polym17101350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Concrete faces challenges related to brittleness and crack propagation, which compromise its tensile strength and durability. Fiber reinforcement has emerged as a promising solution, yet research on hybrid systems combining natural fibers, such as date palm fiber (DPF), with synthetic polymer fibers, like polypropylene fiber (PPF), remains limited. This study investigates the mechanical and durability performance of concrete reinforced with hybrid DPF and PPF, aiming to address the gap in understanding the synergistic effects of combining natural and synthetic fibers in cementitious materials, and improving the tensile strength and crack resistance of the concrete. Both the DPF and PPF were added at varying dosages (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by weight of cement). Both DPF and PPF reduced the workability, fresh density and compressive strength of concrete, with DPF exhibiting a more significant reduction due to its higher hydrophilicity and poor compatibility with the cement matrix. A maximum reduction of 44.78% was observed in the mix containing 1% DPF and 0.5% PPF. The fibers improved tensile strength and ductility, with mixes containing up to 1% combinations of DPF and PPF showing up to a 14.6% increase in splitting tensile strength and 9.5% improvement in flexural strength compared to the control mix. However, durability was compromised-water absorption increased by up to 58% in hybrid mixes containing 1.5% total fiber content, while pore volume rose by as much as 17.5% compared to plain concrete. These increases were more pronounced with higher DPF content due to its hydrophilic nature and poor cement compatibility. This study highlights the potential of hybrid fibers to improve concrete performance while promoting eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101358
Pavel A Mikhaylov, Anton V Mityukov, Dmitry V Dudka, Yaroslav V Golubev, Valery G Kulichikhin, Alexander Ya Malkin
{"title":"Processing of Thermotropic Fully Aromatic Polyesters by Powder Molding Accompanied by Solid-State Post-Polymerization.","authors":"Pavel A Mikhaylov, Anton V Mityukov, Dmitry V Dudka, Yaroslav V Golubev, Valery G Kulichikhin, Alexander Ya Malkin","doi":"10.3390/polym17101358","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101358","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thermotropic polyesters are a subject of keen interest due to their exceptional heat resistance, thermal stability, and high strength. However, these thermal characteristics pose significant constraints on standard manufacturing processes, as the melting temperatures of these polymers can exceed 300 °C. This study explored the feasibility of manufacturing final items molded from prepolymers through a solid-state polymerization process. A copolymer composed of 4-acetoxybenzoic acid (4ABA), 3-acetoxybenzoic acid (3ABA), and 4'-acetoxybiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (ABCA) was synthesized using melt polycondensation. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of the resulting material, several sets of samples were prepared, including those containing TiO<sub>2</sub>. Experimental samples from the pre-polymers were obtained through injection molding followed by high-temperature solid-state post-polymerization. The final products underwent a range of tests, including rheological and mechanical analyses, as well as thermal evaluations. The products demonstrated sufficient strength and stability. The proposed method of solid-state post-condensation offers significant potential advantages for the practical application of manufacturing high-performance engineering materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"End-of-Life Management Strategies for Fe-Mn Nanocomposites Used in Arsenic Removal from Water.","authors":"Maja Vujić, Jasmina Nikić, Mirjana Vijatovic Petrovic, Đorđe Pejin, Malcolm Watson, Srđan Rončević, Jasmina Agbaba","doi":"10.3390/polym17101353","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the regeneration, reuse, stabilization, and environmental safety of Fe-Mn polymer nanocomposites for arsenic (As) removal and their environmental safety. The regeneration performance of Fe-Mn polymer nanocomposites (PS-FMBO) used in this study was assessed through batch adsorption-desorption cycles using various eluents, including NaOH, NaOH-NaCl, and NaOH-NaOCl mixtures. The results demonstrated that 0.1 M NaOH yielded the best regeneration performance, maintaining higher adsorption efficiency over multiple cycles. Stronger desorption agents caused a significant decline in removal efficiency due to possible structural degradation of the PS-FMBO nanocomposite, suggesting that aggressive desorption conditions could compromise its long-term effectiveness. The stabilization of PS-FMBO with cement and quicklime was evaluated for immobilizing As, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Leaching tests indicated that the composites effectively immobilized these contaminants, with minimal leaching observed even after prolonged aging, ensuring compliance with environmental safety regulations. Furthermore, chitosan-based foams were analyzed for their chemical stability, with leaching tests confirming low concentrations of As, Fe, and Mn, even under aggressive conditions, further reinforcing the material's safety and environmental compliance. These findings underscore the potential of PS-FMBO composites and chitosan-based foams as sustainable materials for hazardous waste management and eco-friendly construction applications. Their ability to immobilize contaminants while maintaining structural integrity highlights their practical significance in reducing environmental pollution and advancing circular economy principles.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101351
Baoling Jia, Tiandong Xia, Yangtao Xu, Bei Li
{"title":"Morphology Design and Precision Control of Microneedles by PμSL 3D Printing.","authors":"Baoling Jia, Tiandong Xia, Yangtao Xu, Bei Li","doi":"10.3390/polym17101351","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microneedles (MNs) hold significant potential for applications in transdermal drug delivery and biosensing. However, when traditional 3D printing technology is used for their manufacture, a substantial deviation in output size occurs. The effects of various parameters on the morphology of MNs produced through microscale 3D printing remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship between the design and fabrication of acrylic resin MNs and their output forms via a projection microstereolithography (PµSL) technology system. Modifying the shape parameters and array configurations elucidates the causes of size deviation and proposes a control strategy. This is particularly significant for the prototyping and mold manufacturing of MNs in relevant fields. This study indicates that a printing layer thickness of 10 µm optimally balances efficiency and clinical conversion requirements. Additionally, an exposure intensity of 65 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> achieves both a high fidelity and an appropriate base size. The printing angle significantly influences the morphology and mechanical properties of MNs. The diameter and aspect ratio of solid MNs correlate with their dimensional stability. Clinically, conical or quadrilateral MNs with defined parameters are recommended. A critical spacing (≥40 µm) and an optimal arrangement of the MN arrays were established. The specific exposure intensity and vertical printing angle of the hollow MNs ensure the precision of the micropore diameter and wall thickness. This approach offers theoretical insights and process parameters essential for high-precision, customizable MN engineering design.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101360
Shuai Yang, Yang He, Zijian Song, Yingchun Li
{"title":"Research Status and Potential Direction for Thermoplastic Shape Memory Polymers and Composites: A Review.","authors":"Shuai Yang, Yang He, Zijian Song, Yingchun Li","doi":"10.3390/polym17101360","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Shape memory polymers (SMPs), due to the programmable deformation and recovery ability, exhibit widespread potential in fields of biomedical devices, smart actuators, and engineering structures. Thermoplastic SMPs, which possess the intrinsic linear molecular chain structures, are able to be processed through diverse methods, in addition to being re-processed after process-forming, compared with thermoset SMPs. The environmental recycling characteristics for thermoplastic SMPs describe their wide use potential and prospect. In this paper, a comprehensive description of mechanism, matrix polymers, actuations, and applications for thermoplastic SMPs and composites was reviewed. Furthermore, two promising potential developing directions, 4D printing metamaterial and dynamic covalent networks, were proposed. The multifunctionality and enhanced performances of thermoplastic SMPs and composites exhibited excellent application value, which is significant for future advancements.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101354
Ning Kuang, Hao Qi, Wenjie Zhao, Junfei Wu
{"title":"Influence of Resin Composition on the Photopolymerization of Zirconia Ceramics Fabricated by Digital Light Processing Additive Manufacturing.","authors":"Ning Kuang, Hao Qi, Wenjie Zhao, Junfei Wu","doi":"10.3390/polym17101354","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101354","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Digital light processing (DLP) is widely recognized as one of the most promising additive manufacturing technologies for ceramic fabrication. Nevertheless, during the additive manufacturing of zirconia ceramics, debinding and sintering often lead to structural defects, which severely deteriorate the material properties and hinder their broader application. In this study, we added an oligomer into the photosensitive resin and systematically investigated the effects of oligomer content on the viscosity and curing properties of ceramic suspensions. The results demonstrated that the introduction of oligomers is conducive to enhancing the crosslinking density and reducing defects. Finally, a 45 vol% solid content zirconia ceramic slurry was prepared by adding 20 wt% oligomers to the resin system. After printing, debinding, and sintering, the final zirconia ceramics exhibited a uniform microstructure without delamination or cracks, its bending strength reached 682.4 MPa. This study demonstrates that zirconia ceramics fabricated by photopolymerization with oligomer photosensitive resin exhibit excellent mechanical properties, significantly expanding the potential applications for high-performance zirconia ceramic components with additive manufacturing.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101346
Yuhan Cao, Qin Hu, Feng Xue
{"title":"Comparative Characterization of Oil Body Proteins from Hemp, Plum, and Jujube Seed and Their Application in Curcumin-Loaded Artificial Oleosomes.","authors":"Yuhan Cao, Qin Hu, Feng Xue","doi":"10.3390/polym17101346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The structural and functional characteristics of oil body proteins (OBPs) isolated from hemp, plum, and jujube seeds were systematically investigated, along with their potential application in constructing curcumin-loaded artificial oleosomes (AOs). OBPs were extracted through alkaline extraction coupled with ultrasonic disruption, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization using SDS-PAGE, FTIR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and evaluation of particle size, zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, thermal stability, and emulsification properties. Plum seed-derived OBPs were found to demonstrate superior emulsifying capacity and solubility, which were attributed to distinctive structural features, including the following: an elevated random coil content (13%), enhanced surface hydrophobicity (21,781 A.U.), reduced particle size (103 nm), and higher zeta potential (-46 mV). These structural advantages were correlated with improved interfacial adsorption capacity and colloidal stability. When employed in AO fabrication, plum seed OBPs produced curcumin-loaded systems exhibiting maximum encapsulation efficiency (92%), minimal droplet size (5.99 μm), and optimal bio-accessibility (50%) compared to their hemp- and jujube-based counterparts. Furthermore, AOs utilizing plum seed OBPs displayed enhanced antioxidant activity and significantly improved stability. The collective findings establish plum seed OBPs as exceptional natural emulsifiers with strong potential for bioactive compound delivery applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PolymersPub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.3390/polym17101352
Berdiyar Baiserikov, Marat Ismailov, Laura Mustafa, Nurmakhan Yesbolov, Arman Kulbekov, Abussaid Yermekov, Mohammed Meiirbekov, Ilyas Ablakatov
{"title":"Design and Manufacturing of Experimental Solid Propellant Rocket Motor Cases Made of Carbon Composite Materials.","authors":"Berdiyar Baiserikov, Marat Ismailov, Laura Mustafa, Nurmakhan Yesbolov, Arman Kulbekov, Abussaid Yermekov, Mohammed Meiirbekov, Ilyas Ablakatov","doi":"10.3390/polym17101352","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101352","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper investigates a polymer composite and carbon fiber impregnated with epoxy resin for the fabrication of a lightweight and high-strength composite casing for rocket propulsion systems. It describes the winding technology which uses a removable mandrel and angular winding at ±55° and ±20° to expand the stress distribution, as well as alternating angles of ±45° and 80° to improve resistance to tensile and torsional loads. A fixture has been developed that ensures ease of disassembly and good strength of the final products. Hydrostatic tests showed the operational stability of the casings under internal pressure up to 10 MPa for a 1.5 mm-thick casing and 18 MPa for a 3 mm-thick casing, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed technology. The research results demonstrate the high reliability and potential exploitation of composite materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144161681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}