European Polymer Journal最新文献

{"title":"Smart pH-responsive hydrogels: A versatile tool for addressing public health challenges in diagnostic and therapeutic applications","authors":"Jige Yuan ,&nbsp;Yi Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaoxia Kang ,&nbsp;Conglin Guo ,&nbsp;Haiwei ji ,&nbsp;Li Wu ,&nbsp;Yuling Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogels have garnered substantial attention in biomedical and public health applications due to their high water content, tunable physicochemical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and capacity for functional modification. Among them, pH-responsive hydrogels represent a notably promising category of “smart” materials, which can undergo significant physical or chemical changes in response to slight variations in environmental pH. This inherent responsiveness allows for their application in real-time monitoring and targeted therapy, thereby addressing the key limitations of conventional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including poor sensitivity, lack of real-time feedback, non-specific drug release, and systemic side effects. In the field of public health, alterations in pH often serve as critical indicators of pathological states, such as wound infection, food spoilage, and the acidic tumor microenvironment. While traditional methods for pH detection or pH-triggered drug delivery face challenges in terms of portability, continuous monitoring, selectivity, and adaptability to dynamic physiological conditions, pH-responsive hydrogels offer a versatile platform that can be engineered for specific public health scenarios. However, their broader application is constrained by several challenges, including the need for precise response range tuning, stability under physiological conditions, long-term biocompatibility, and scalable fabrication. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the design and application of pH-responsive hydrogels in public health, with a focus on diagnostic tools (e.g., wound pH monitoring, food freshness detection, disease biomarker sensing) and therapeutic strategies (e.g., antimicrobial wound dressings, tumor-targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering). Unlike prior reviews that often emphasize material synthesis or single applications, this work uniquely integrates public health perspectives, highlighting how hydrogel design can be tailored to address real-world detection and treatment challenges. We further discuss current limitations and future directions, aiming to provide insightful guidance for the rational development of pH-responsive hydrogels that can be effectively translated into public health practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114466"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural transformation and charge regulation of natural rubber-derived polymeric anticoagulants","authors":"Katarzyna Byś ,&nbsp;Pablo M. Blanco ,&nbsp;Krzysztof Fink ,&nbsp;Mateusz Psurski ,&nbsp;Honorata Zachary ,&nbsp;Miroslav Štěpánek ,&nbsp;Peter Košovan ,&nbsp;Mariusz Uchman","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heparin-mimicking polyelectrolytes act as anticoagulants <em>in vivo</em> due to their highly negative charge and high charge density. Unlike heparin, these polymers can be structurally tailored to tune chain length, sulfation degree and binding affinity, thereby modulating their therapeutic action. Here, we present two such heparin-mimicking polyelectrolytes, derived from natural rubber as an inexpensive and readily available raw material. These polymers,<!--> <!-->sodium poly((sulfamate-carboxylate) isoprene) (PISC) and poly((amino-carboxylate) isoprene (PACIS), contain sulfonate groups, as well as weakly acidic and basic groups on adjacent carbons, which enable us to tune their net charge in the biological pH range, while maintaining solubility and anticoagulation activity. Moreover, their activity may be further optimized by adjusting chain length. To test this tunability, we prepared a set of PISC- and PACIS-based copolymers varying in chain length and dispersity by post-polymerization modification of <em>cis</em>-1,4-polyisoprene. We characterized their structure and functionalization degree using various methods, further analyzing with potentiometric titration and computer simulations how their net charge varies with pH and affects aggregation. Despite aggregation, all PISC- and PACIS-based copolymers displayed heparin-mimicking activity, measured as activated partial thromboplastin time, while remaining biocompatible. In this context, the longest-chain copolymers performed best, extending aPTT by more than threefold in comparison with the control at 3.8 μg/mL, while maintaining biocompatibility up to 100 μg/mL across various cell lines. These findings demonstrate that natural rubber-derived polyelectrolytes provide a promising alternative to heparin for antithrombotic therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114440"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-assembly of PEG-fluoroalkyl chains into new generation nanodroplets as histotripsy agent with determinable perfluorocarbon content","authors":"Mohammad Abou Chakra ,&nbsp;Ibtisam Naser ,&nbsp;Sarah Hall ,&nbsp;Cemran Toydemir ,&nbsp;Dylan Pearson ,&nbsp;Eli Vlaisavljeivich ,&nbsp;Yasemin Yuksel Durmaz","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of nanodroplets (NDs) as first-generation agents for nanoparticle-mediated histotripsy (NMH) aimed to overcome the limitations of histotripsy by significantly reducing the cavitation threshold. While effective, conventional NDs present several drawbacks, including complex multistep synthesis, poor long-term stability, and the inability to quantify the perfluorocarbon (PFC) concentration in treatment doses, which limit their clinical utility. To address these issues, a novel advancement has emerged in the form of PEG-fluoroalkyl NDs as new histotripsy agents. These NDs are formed through the self-assembly of PEG-fluoroalkyl chains encapsulating perfluorohexane (PFH), a highly efficient PFC derivative for histotripsy. The resulting NDs possess desirable size, detectable PFH content, and enhanced nanoparticle stability. We hypothesize that the presence and increasing number of fluorine (F) groups enhance PFH encapsulation within the ND core, resulting in a more stable structure. To test this, a library of eight NDs was prepared using two poly(ethylene glycol) chain lengths (PEG₅₅₀ and PEG₂₀₀₀) and four distinct fluoroalkyl chains, in the presence of PFH. The findings highlight facile production, biocompatibility, and a size smaller than 200 nm, with PEG₅₅₀-based NDs showing quantifiable PFH encapsulation. Moreover, increasing the fluoroalkyl chain length improved the PFH encapsulation for PEG₅₅₀ derivatives. All PEG-fluoroalkyl NDs reduced cavitation thresholds, ranging from 11.2 to 17.6 MPa, which could be tuned by varying ND concentration. These results suggest PEG-fluoroalkyl NDs represent a promising next-generation agent for NMH applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114427"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Side-chain symmetry and backbone structure as design parameters for transparent cyclic olefin polymer","authors":"Minhoo Ku ,&nbsp;Huikyung Kim ,&nbsp;Ashmita Jaishi ,&nbsp;Kyosun Ku ,&nbsp;Hyosun Lee ,&nbsp;Sang-Ho Lee ,&nbsp;Hyeonuk Yeo","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cyclic olefin polymers (COPs) are attractive for transparent coatings, yet balancing optical performance with processability remains challenging. We conducted a systematic structure–property study of oxanorbornene-based COPs with symmetric (OMM, OEE) and asymmetric (OME) ester substituents. Monomers were synthesized, polymerized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization, and hydrogenated to remove backbone unsaturation. NMR confirmed complete conversion and selective saturation without side-chain degradation. Thermal analyses revealed that symmetric, compact substituents increase glass-transition temperature (<em>T</em>_g) and thermal resistance, while asymmetric substitution decreases <em>T</em>_g but enhances chain mobility. Hydrogenation decreased <em>T</em>_g but increased decomposition temperatures (<em>T</em>_d) by ∼40 °C, improving stability. Optical analyses revealed that asymmetric P-OME achieves the highest transmittance (&gt;97 %) and the most blue-shifted cutoff, whereas hydrogenated P-OMM gains transparency by eliminating residual double bonds. These findings establish side-chain symmetry and backbone saturation as key molecular design handles, offering guidelines for transparent, processable organic films for optoelectronic and protective applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114415"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of recent progress in multi-component organic thermochromic materials: mechanisms, performance optimization, and applications","authors":"Kexin Liu,&nbsp;Guiying Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Organic thermochromic materials (OTCMs) have attracted significant research interest within the field of stimulus-responsive materials, due to their reversible response characteristics, environmental friendliness and adjustable functionality. This review summarizes recent research progress in multi-component organic thermochromic materials (MOTCMs) over the past five years. First, this review analyzes the reversible and irreversible thermochromic mechanisms in MOTCMs. This is significant for understanding the thermochromic mechanisms and pathways for performance optimization. Subsequently, addressing key challenges of traditional thermochromic materials (TCMs), including high toxicity, inadequate responsiveness, poor stability, and limited functionality in practical applications, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent five years (2020–2025) research progress in regulating the performance of MOTCMs, with a focus on the development of non-toxic color developers, optimized responsiveness, enhanced stability, and multifunctional integration. Meanwhile, the practical applications of MOTCMs in fields such as intelligent temperature control, energy-saving materials, anti-counterfeiting, intelligent packaging and temperature indicator are also summarized. Finally, it analyzes the primary challenges in three dimensions of material properties, preparation technology and application, aiming to promote innovative research and the wider application of TCMs in fields such as smart windows, temperature responsive coatings and advanced anti-counterfeiting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114408"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the preparation of novel transparent UV- barrier polyimide films via regulating molecular chain Configuration and electronic orbital Arrangement by –CF3 and their application properties","authors":"Jie Liu ,&nbsp;Jun Yang ,&nbsp;Zijia Zhang ,&nbsp;Qian Jiang ,&nbsp;Lele Sun ,&nbsp;Chaoyi Peng ,&nbsp;Jin Wang ,&nbsp;Li Xiang ,&nbsp;Anlian Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In order to prepare polyimide materials with excellent optical transparency and UV barrier, the effects of the number and substitution position of −CF₃ groups on polyimide properties were investigated. Researchers synthesized four novel diamine monomers (BPA-O, BPA-NH₂, BPAF-O, BPAF-NH₂) and synthesized eight high-performance colorless polyimides (PI-1 ∼ PI-8). On the one hand, the strong electron-withdrawing effect of −CF₃ restricts electron movement within the molecular chain, weakening the CTC effect of the molecular chain and thereby enhancing the transparency of the film. On the other hand, the <em>ortho</em>-substitution of −CF₃ on the imide ring induces greater twisting of molecular chains, disrupts their close packing, and thereby exerts a positive effect on enhancing the optical transparency of the film. The high bond energy of the C-F bond and the introduction of the flexible group −O- act as an “energy buffer,” suppressing UV-induced main chain breakage and achieving high UV barrier. All CPI films exhibit excellent transparency and thermal stability, with a cut-off wavelength range of 325 nm-381 nm and a transmittance range of 78.7 %-88 % at 550 nm. They have good optical properties, with T_d5% distributed in the range of 511.5 °C − 533.7 °C, and the glass transition temperature (<em>T_g</em>) distributed in the range of 197.3 °C-234.4 °C, demonstrating good thermal stability. Additionally, the cut-off wavelength is at a relatively high level, reaching up to 381 nm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114470"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Customizable 3D-printed scaffolds for meniscal replacement: Mechanical insights into urethane-based poly(ethylene glycol) polymer","authors":"Martina Meazzo ,&nbsp;Stefan Schroeder ,&nbsp;Jan Philippe Kretzer ,&nbsp;Fabrizio Barberis ,&nbsp;Catherine Van Der Straeten ,&nbsp;Peter Dubruel","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114451","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The menisci, essential fibrocartilaginous structures within the knee joint, play a critical role in load distribution, stability, and shock absorption. Meniscal injuries can result from acute trauma, degeneration, or arise as secondary consequences of other knee pathologies. Meniscus regeneration has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges by developing biomimetic replacements that restore native function. The mechanical properties of scaffold materials are pivotal in the success of meniscus regeneration, given the complex and dynamic loading environment within the knee joint.</div><div>This study presents a comprehensive mechanical characterization of a novel scaffold material—acrylate end-capped urethane-based poly(ethylene glycol) (AUP)—designed specifically for meniscus regeneration applications. AUP is a synthetic polymer that demonstrates remarkable potential due to its tuneable mechanical and structural properties. This work focuses on evaluating AUP’s mechanical performance and its implications for fabricating functional meniscal constructs. Key mechanical properties analyzed include the tensile Young’s modulus (3.19–3.49 MPa), compressive modulus (2–3.32 MPa), storage modulus (5.76–8.2 MPa), loss modulus (0.08–0.14 MPa), swelling degree (200–295 %), gel fraction (&gt;88 %), and fatigue durability (target 200,000 cycles). Utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques, the AUP hydrogel scaffold structure is customized to replicate the mechanical behavior of distinct meniscal zones.</div><div>This paper underscores the critical importance of mechanical characterization in developing AUP-based scaffolds for effective meniscus regeneration. The integration of mechanically optimized scaffolds offers a pathway toward restoring joint function, alleviating pain, and improving the overall quality of life for patients affected by meniscal damage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114451"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scalable Polymerization-Induced Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly toward 3D multilayer rhombic nanosheets","authors":"Tianwen Liu ,&nbsp;Yiming Wang ,&nbsp;Xuelei Dong ,&nbsp;Yanwei Zhang ,&nbsp;Min Wang ,&nbsp;Xiongwei Qu ,&nbsp;Shengli Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The construction of three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures via block copolymer self-assembly remains challenging due to insufficient thermodynamic driving forces and limitations in scalable fabrication. Herein, we report a robust polymerization-induced crystallization-driven self-assembly (PI-CDSA) strategy for the <em>in situ</em> synthesis and hierarchical self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol monomethyl ether)-<em>block</em>-poly(<em>L-</em>lactide) (mPEG-<em>b</em>-PLLA) diblock copolymers in <em>γ</em>-butyrolactone at room temperature. By synergizing ring-opening polymerization with crystallization-driven assembly, we achieved the scalable fabricated well-defined 3D multilayer rhombic nanosheets with high morphological uniformity and macroscopic dispersibility. The geometry of the nanosheets, including edge length, surface area, and layer number, can be precisely controlled by tuning the degrees of polymerization of the PLLA block and mPEG macroinitiator. Systematic investigations using TEM, SEM, AFM, and OM revealed a clear morphological evolution from spherical micelles to 2D rhombic lamellae and ultimately to 3D multilayered stacked nanosheets. This work not only demonstrates the potential of PI-CDSA as a scalable and programmable platform for constructing complex 3D nanoparticles but also provides mechanistic insights into hierarchical self-assembly, with promising applications in nanomedicine and energy storage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114445"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structure and gelation properties of thermoresponsive bottlebrush hydrogels","authors":"Apollinariya Yu. Konyakhina ,&nbsp;Akmal Z. Umarov ,&nbsp;Jessica Garcia ,&nbsp;Foad Vashahi ,&nbsp;Evgeniy V. Dubrovin ,&nbsp;Elena N. Subcheva ,&nbsp;Aleksandr I. Buglakov ,&nbsp;Sergei S. Sheiko ,&nbsp;Dimitri A. Ivanov","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermosensitive bottlebrush triblock copolymers combining poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) represent a promising class of responsive soft materials. We investigate their molecular morphology and gelation behavior using direct-space imaging, synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and coarse-grained simulations. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) revealed wormlike bottlebrush backbones, while PNIPAM end blocks were detected under specific conditions using modified substrates. Transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) with negative staining corroborated AFM observations and provided consistent contour-length distributions. Variable-temperature SAXS revealed fully reversible structural reorganization upon heating above the PNIPAM LCST. This transition was marked by the emergence of an ordered gel network, evidenced by an interference peak corresponding to interdomain spacing and form-factor oscillations associated with PNIPAM micelles. Analysis indicated modest micelle growth while the interdomain spacing remained constant. Complementary dissipative particle dynamics simulations reproduced these features and revealed a crossover at ϕ_pol ≈ 0.04, where bridging subchains dominate network formation. Together, these results provide a multiscale understanding of bottlebrush copolymer gelation and identify key parameters controlling their responsive behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114446"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of high heat-resistant transparent polyimides derived from terphenyl-containing diamines with different side group substitutions","authors":"Jinglei Xing ,&nbsp;Lei Yang ,&nbsp;Tianci Ma ,&nbsp;Xingzhong Fang ,&nbsp;Long Wang ,&nbsp;Guofei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the rapid advancement of flexible display technology, transparent polymers are gradually replacing traditional glass substrates. Among them, colorless polyimides (CPIs) have emerged as the most promising transparent substrate materials due to their excellent heat-resistance. In this study, four rigid terphenyl diamines containing different side group substitutions were successfully designed and synthesized, and a series of polyimides (PIs) were obtained by polymerization those diamines with 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA). The effect of the substitution positions and types of side groups in terphenyl diamines on the properties of PI films was systematically studied. The CH₃ group at the amino <em>ortho</em>-position in diamine caused steric hindrance between the benzene ring and the imide ring, resulting in enhanced thermal and mechanical properties of the PI films. When the two CH₃ groups at the middle benzene ring of terphenyl diamine were substituted with two CF₃ groups, the molecular interactions of PI were weakened, leading to improved optical transparency. In particular, PI-3TMTD derived from 2′,3,3′′,5′-tetramethyl-[1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl]-4,4′′-diamine exhibited a high glass transition temperature (<em>T</em>_g) of 423 ℃, transmittance of 87 % at 450 nm, tensile strength of 175 MPa and tensile modulus of 4.4 GPa. These results indicated that the rigidity of the terphenyl skeleton and the steric hindrance of the side groups could achieve a synergistic improvement in the heat resistance and optical transparency of PIs, making them promising for application in the field of optoelectronics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":315,"journal":{"name":"European Polymer Journal","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 114428"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}