{"title":"The investigation of TPU molecular structure regulation and supercritical fluid foaming behavior","authors":"Weixin Chen, Zihao Zhang, Kangwen Ma, Ying Shi, Guang Shao","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04572-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04572-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The molecular structure of TPU plays a crucial role in the performance of supercritical fluid foaming, yet the regulation mechanism remains unclear. This study systematically investigates the effects of molecular structure regulation on foaming performance by varying the amounts of diols, triols, and soft segment content. Methods such as GPC, melt index testing, DSC, and SAXS were employed to analyze the foaming performance of different TPU structures in terms of melt strength, phase separation structure, and crystallization behavior. The results show that TPUs synthesized with PBA as the soft segment exhibit higher melt strength and a greater degree of phase separation, leading to a higher foaming expansion ratio and a wider foaming window. Introducing small-molecule triols to regulate the crosslinking degree of the soft segments results in increased melt strength and foaming expansion ratio, as well as a broader foaming window with higher crosslinking. As the soft segment content increases, the TPU soft segment phase interval broadens, causing a decrease in melt strength and foaming ratio but promoting an expansion of the foaming window. Overall, the study reveals that the regulation of TPU molecular structure significantly influences supercritical fluid foaming performance and provides valuable theoretical guidance for the process.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169030","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}
Deshraj Deepak Kapoor, Pushp Madaan, Jeet Kumar, Sachin Kumar Tiwari, Kundan Kumar Gupta, Ravi Kr. Gupta
{"title":"Transition towards renewable and biodegradable polymers: a comprehensive review","authors":"Deshraj Deepak Kapoor, Pushp Madaan, Jeet Kumar, Sachin Kumar Tiwari, Kundan Kumar Gupta, Ravi Kr. Gupta","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04524-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04524-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bioplastics, synthesized from renewable biomass, represent a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-derived plastics, offering pathways toward a circular and sustainable material economy. This review highlights the diverse classes of bioplastics—including PHAs, PLA, TPS, PBS, PCL, PEF, and Bio-PE, which integrate biodegradability, renewability, and functional performance for applications spanning packaging, electronics, agriculture, textiles, and notably biomedicine. Advances such as nanocomposite Reinforcement, genetic engineering of microbial pathways, and 4D printing have transformed bioplastics from passive substitutes into dynamic, programmable platforms. However, widespread adoption is hindered by high production costs, limited biodegradability under uncontrolled conditions, biomass-feedstock competition, and insufficient waste management infrastructure. Emerging solutions including decentralized biorefineries, algae-derived polymers, AI-guided material design, and robust international standards offer promising avenues to overcome these barriers. Ultimately, transitioning to bioplastics is both a scientific and global imperative, requiring sustained interdisciplinary innovation, policy support, and collaboration to address resource scarcity, plastic pollution, and climate change.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169040","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}
Midia M. A. Conde, Lina D. A. Rodrigues, Lila M. Guerrini, Maurício P. Oliveira
{"title":"Effect of epoxysilane oligomer on the stability and properties of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Solutions Used in Waterborne Paint Applications","authors":"Midia M. A. Conde, Lina D. A. Rodrigues, Lila M. Guerrini, Maurício P. Oliveira","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04551-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04551-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study evaluates the effect of different amounts (0–6 wt%) of 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane oligomer (ESO, CoatOSil MP 200) on the properties of partially neutralized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in aqueous solution at pH 5.6. The results revealed that ESO had a significant effect on the stability, viscosity, water absorption, glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermo properties of PAA. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to determine an optimal content of ESO, and higher ESO concentrations (> 2 wt%) led to increased viscosity, and the samples gelled within two months, making them unsuitable for aqueous PAA solutions and waterborne paints. The introduction of ESO enhanced thermal stability and residual mass, while FTIR analysis indicated a possible chemical reaction between epoxysilane and carboxyl groups of PAA. The viscosity increased over time for different ESO concentrations due to crosslinking and ester bond formation via epoxy ring-opening reactions. However, there is a concentration limit for the oligomeric silane used. At concentrations below 3 wt% of ESO, the mixture remained stable, whereas at 3 and 6 wt% the stability was compromised, leading to a significant rise in viscosity. Higher ESO content decreased the Tg and hardness of PAA, and an endothermic event was observed above 120 °C, evidencing chemical interactions between ESO and PAA. In summary, this study contributes to overcoming the challenges associated with PAA/ESO with a dispersing agent and provides additional insights into the gelation of waterborne paints and adhesives.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110487","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":"Influence of strain rate on tensile behavior of polyethersulfone thermoplastic","authors":"B. Harshavardhan, Arun C. Dixit","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04550-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04550-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polyethersulfone (PES) is a high-performance thermoplastic widely used in structural applications. This study investigates how different strain rates affect the tensile behavior and structural properties of PES. Specimens were fabricated via injection molding and tested under uniaxial tension at strain rates of 1, 5, 10, and 25 mm/min. The tensile strength increased from 60.12 MPa at 1 mm/min to 83.84 MPa at 25 mm/min, while the tensile modulus rose from 2.78 GPa to 3.18 GPa. The maximum elongation reached 21.15% and the energy absorbed peaked at 28.01 kN-mm at a strain rate of 5 mm/min. FTIR analysis showed marked shifts in the hydrogen bonding and ether group peaks, especially at 5 mm/min, indicating enhanced polymer chain alignment. UV spectra revealed a significant reduction in absorption intensity between 320 and 400 nm for samples with greater plastic deformation. XRD studies confirmed an increase in crystallinity, with the highest value of 48.30% observed at 5 mm/min and a corresponding decrease in d-spacing. Thermal imaging captured localized temperature rises that support the role of strain rate in influencing chain mobility. Overall, the results demonstrate that adjusting the strain rate can significantly modify the mechanical and structural properties of PES.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110486","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":"Incorporation of biomass carbon to boost mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of polyoxymethylene composites","authors":"Jianyu Chen, Jie Guan, Lin Zhu, Kan Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04589-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04589-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>As an engineering plastic with excellent comprehensive properties, polyoxymethylene (POM) features good corrosion resistance and high specific strength, increasingly replacing metal materials in moving components such as gears and bearings. However, the heat resistance and wear resistance of pure POM still need improvement, which can no longer meet the operational requirements under current high-temperature and high-speed conditions. Therefore, modification of POM is required. In this study, the first use of lotus leaf-derived carbon for POM was reported. Specifically, biomass carbon with different contents was melt-blended with POM in an internal mixer to obtain composite materials. The results indicate that the tensile strength of POM composites with biomass carbon addition decreases to varying degrees compared to pure POM. Conversely, both flexural strength and flexural modulus are significantly enhanced, and the thermal decomposition temperature also exhibits notable increases. Friction and wear tests further validate the lubricating effect of biomass carbon: 0.5% biomass carbon increases the friction coefficient of POM, whereas 1% and 3% additions reduce it by 14.8% and 30%, respectively. Additionally, it was observed that the friction coefficient of the composites decreases with increasing radial load. It is expected to provide new ideas for the performance optimization of POM and offer value for future research on POM.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090600","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}
Hui Li, Yangyang Li, Haotan Yan, Xunhua Liao, Ning Wang, Zijian Xue, Shiyu Wang, Wen Li, Zhenbin Chen, Hong Liu
{"title":"Preparation and slow-release property of modified lignin-coated sodium alginate fertilizer core double-layer coated fertilizer","authors":"Hui Li, Yangyang Li, Haotan Yan, Xunhua Liao, Ning Wang, Zijian Xue, Shiyu Wang, Wen Li, Zhenbin Chen, Hong Liu","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04594-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04594-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This work prepared a lignin-based double-layer slow-release fertilizer (SRF). We prepared sodium alginate-zinc ammonium phosphate microbeads as the inner core of fertilizer by ion exchange method, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) co-blended with degradable material polylactic acid (PLA) as the inner coating, and two chemically modified lignin (sulfonated lignin and epoxy-aminated lignin) as the second coating. The synthesized Materials were characterized morphologically and structurally by FTIR, TG, XRD and SEM. The viscosity, mechanical property, water contact angle, water-holding property, water-retention and slow-release property of the samples were evaluated. PC-SRF, PSC-SRF and PEC-SRF all had superior water-retention and nutrient release property compared to sodium alginate-zinc ammonium phosphate. The release of urea and phosphorus in the single-layer PC-SRF reached equilibrium after 34 and 36 days, and their cumulative release rates reached 87.09% and 86.19%, respectively. The release of urea and phosphorus from the bilayer PSC-SRF reached equilibrium after 38 and 40 days, and the cumulative release rates reached 83.57% and 82.07%, respectively; the release of urea and phosphorus from the bilayer PEC-SRF prepared under the same conditions reached equilibrium after 38 and 42 days, and the cumulative release rates reached 81.47% and 81.66%, respectively.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090456","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":"Improving the aging resistance of PBAT composite films via Co-modification of calcium carbonate with stearic acid and silane coupling agent","authors":"Yuxin Liu, Zhilin Xu, Guangyao Liu, Tianyi Gao, Jing Lu, Libin Wang, Zhenjun Fan","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04578-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04578-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Calcium carbonate (CaCO<sub>3</sub>) is a cost-effective, abundant reinforcing filler for poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) films, but its application is limited by poor interfacial compatibility and aging resistance. In this study, CaCO<sub>3</sub> was modified via monolayer treatment using either stearic acid (SA) or a silane coupling agent (KH560), as well as via co-modification with both agents. The modified CaCO<sub>3</sub> was subsequently melt-blended with PBAT and processed into composite films through blown-film extrusion. Accelerated aging tests demonstrated that PBAT films incorporating co-modified CaCO<sub>3</sub> exhibited superior anti-aging performance. After 120 h of aging, the elongation at break in the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) reached 396% and 346%, respectively, significantly surpassing those of monolayer-modified and pure PBAT films. Notably, the SA/KH560 co-modified films exhibited tensile strengths at least 30% (MD) and 52% (TD) higher than those of control formulations after 360 h of aging. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that the co-modified composite films experienced fewer Molecular chain scissions and Maintained a smooth surface morphology without significant cracks or pores after prolonged aging. Additionally, these films displayed optimal hydrophobicity and enhanced UV-shielding properties, contributing to prolonged service Life. The crystallinity of co-modified films was approximately 40% higher than monolayer-modified samples, further confirming the synergistic effect of SA and KH560 in improving the aging resistance of PBAT/CaCO<sub>3</sub> composites.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145078963","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}
Abderraouf Seddik, Oum Keltoum Mallem, Mohammed ElSaid Sarhani, Dadache Derradji, Farid Rouabah, Hakim Aguedal, Aouatef Driouch, Gaurav Goel
{"title":"Thermal and mechanical enhancement of polypropylene composites using stearic acid treated Luffa fibers and alumina fillers","authors":"Abderraouf Seddik, Oum Keltoum Mallem, Mohammed ElSaid Sarhani, Dadache Derradji, Farid Rouabah, Hakim Aguedal, Aouatef Driouch, Gaurav Goel","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04556-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04556-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study developed a polypropylene (PP) composite with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties by combining natural <i>Luffa aegyptiaca</i> fibers and alumina (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) fillers. Individual PP/Luffa and PP/alumina composites were also prepared for comparison. Luffa fibers were treated with NaOH and stearic acid, and alumina was coated with stearic acid to improve compatibility with the PP matrix. Composites with 2% and 5% filler content were produced via melt mixing. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed improved interfacial adhesion and uniform filler dispersion. XRD showed increased crystallinity, while DSC and TGA revealed improved thermal behavior. The best-performing formulation, PP reinforced with 2% stearic-acid-treated Luffa and alumina (PP/T-SA-[Al + Luffa]-2%), exhibited the highest impact strength of 37.46 kJ/m², a melting temperature of 166.66 °C, and a maximum degradation temperature (T<sub>max</sub>) of 450 °C, compared to 350 °C for the NaOH-treated Luffa composite. These results confirm the synergistic effect of the dual fillers and the efficiency of the surface treatments. The enhanced performance and sustainability of the composite make it a strong candidate for industrial applications such as automotive interiors, heat-resistant packaging, and durable construction components, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073672","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}
Degu Melaku Kumelachew, Chaojing Li, Yue Zhang, Biruk Fentahun Adamu, Wan Li, Fan Zhao, Fujun Wang, Lu Wang
{"title":"Calcium carbonate modified polyurethane shell in polycaprolactone based core-shell fibre integrated 5-fluorouracil delivery for colon treatment: In vitro characterization","authors":"Degu Melaku Kumelachew, Chaojing Li, Yue Zhang, Biruk Fentahun Adamu, Wan Li, Fan Zhao, Fujun Wang, Lu Wang","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04564-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04564-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Core-shell nanofibers fabricated by coaxial electrospinning offer a versatile platform where the drug is encapsulated within the core fiber for controlled and targeted delivery applications. In this work, polyurethane (TPU)/polycaprolactone (PCL) core-shell nanofibers were developed to enable localized, pH-responsive chemotherapy for colon cancer. Calcium Carbonate-modified core-shell nanofibers were engineered via coaxial electrospinning, featuring a PCL core loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and a hydrophobic TPU shell incorporating 0–20 wt% Calcium Carbonate nanoparticles. The fibers exhibited uniform core-shell morphology (142 ± 50 nm diameter), enhanced mechanical strength (7.8 ± 0.52 MPa vs. 4 ± 0.24 MPa for core-only), increased hydrophobicity (contact angle 82°–88° vs. 75°), and sustained Fickian drug release characterized by minimal burst release (< 10%) and 32% cumulative release over 72 h under simulated colonic conditions. Optimal performance was achieved at 5 wt% Calcium Carbonate, balancing effective drug release (≈ 30% over 72 h.) and biocompatibility (fibroblast viability > 75%), while higher concentrations induced cytotoxicity. This mechanically reinforced nanofiber system demonstrates promising potential as a colorectal stent cover, enabling localized, sustained 5-FU delivery to reduce systemic toxicity and resist mechanical stress in the colon.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145073673","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}
Pudhupalayam Muthukutti Gopal, Vijayananth Kavimani, Kandhasamy Murugesan, Nadir Ayrilmis
{"title":"An experimental application of machine learning-driven neuro-fuzzy system to predict the wear behaviour of 3D printed bioplastics","authors":"Pudhupalayam Muthukutti Gopal, Vijayananth Kavimani, Kandhasamy Murugesan, Nadir Ayrilmis","doi":"10.1007/s10965-025-04574-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-025-04574-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aimed to analyse the wear behaviour of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) samples by machine learning-driven neuro-fuzzy system using digital light processing (DLP). The wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) in relation to DLP parameters. A Taguchi-based L27 orthogonal design was used to perform a pin-on-disc wear test. The PLA samples with a lower light intensity, shorter exposure time and a 90° orientation yielded a lower COF at a lower load and a higher velocity. The PSI-integrated COPRAS method was employed for multi-objective optimisation. The results of the COPRAS method suggested that the optimal parameters for the improved wear performance of the 3D printed PLA samples were a light intensity of 120%, a 45° orientation, an exposure time of 14 s, an applied load of 5 N and a sliding velocity of 1 m/s. The results of the present study indicated that the machine learning-driven neuro-fuzzy system with DLP could efficiently predict the wear behaviour of 3D-printed bioplastics.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"32 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145078964","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}