Journal of Polymer Research最新文献

{"title":"Radiation induced free radical stability and degradation behavior in GUR resin and 1900 resin types UHMWPE over 20 years of aging","authors":"Afsana Sharmin,&nbsp;Farhan Azim,&nbsp;Benjamin M. Walters,&nbsp;Muhammad S. Jahan","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05078-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05078-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Radiation-induced free radical stability was evaluated using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) for two medical-grade Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) resins, GUR 4150 and 1900H, after 20 years of aging in air and vacuum at 23 °C, 37 °C, and 75 °C. Spectral analysis revealed oxygen-induced radicals in samples aged in air at 23 °C and 37 °C, with higher concentrations at 23 °C, whereas vacuum-aged samples retained primary radiation-induced radicals that decreased progressively with increasing temperature; no radicals were detected in air-aged samples at 75 °C. Overall, radical concentration decreased by about two orders of magnitude over 20 years. At 23 °C, 1900H exhibited lower FRC than GUR 4150 by about two-thirds, indicating improved oxidative stability. After air aging at 23 °C, 1900H also showed reduced carbon-centered polyenyl radicals (R1, 0.6×) and oxygen-induced polyenyl radicals (R2, 0.5×) compared to GUR 4150. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline structure of both materials through the characteristic orthorhombic peaks at Bragg angles 2θ = 22° (110) and 24° (200). The average crystallite sizes for GUR 4150 were 21.76, 20.24, and 21.84 nm, while for 1900H they were 17.14, 20.22, and 21.56 nm at 23 °C, 37 °C, and 75 °C, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation measurements revealed oxidation index values of 11.3%, 17.7%, and 38.2% for GUR 4150, compared with significantly lower values of 5.2%, 7.4%, and 10.5% for 1900H, indicating enhanced oxidation resistance of 1900H after 20 years of aging.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10965-026-05078-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of novel citraconimide-functionalized Schiff base homo- and copolymers","authors":"Mustafa Salah Hasan,&nbsp;Hiba Kadhim Yaseen,&nbsp;Asmaa Suri Mohammed,&nbsp;Saja A. Najim,&nbsp;Farah Ghassan Jawad,&nbsp;Hassan Ahmed Jamel,&nbsp;Hussein Fawzi Hussein","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05097-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05097-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A citraconimide-functionalized Schiff-base monomer, assigned as N, N′-bis[1-(4-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)phenyl)ethylidene]-3,3′-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (3), was prepared through bis-Schiff-base formation, reaction of the retained para-amino groups with citraconic anhydride, and cyclodehydration of the resulting amic-acid derivative. Free-radical reactions of monomer (3) with AIBN in THF afforded a recovered homopolymeric product (4) and copolymeric products with acrylonitrile (5) and methyl methacrylate (6). FT-IR data support formation of the imide/azomethine framework and incorporation of the comonomer-specific nitrile or ester functionality, while the available ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR data provide additional structural evidence for compounds (2), (3), and copolymeric product (5). The recovered products showed qualitative solubility in polar organic media and distinct softening behavior. Because SEC/GPC and gel-fraction measurements were not performed, these observations are not used to assign a unique linear, cyclic, branched, or crosslinked topology. Likewise, no glass-transition or thermal-decomposition values are reported because DSC/TGA measurements were not available. Preliminary agar-diffusion screening gave inhibition-zone diameters of 28/28/27 mm for product (5) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively, whereas product (6) gave 25/37/10 mm. The different response patterns indicate organism-dependent activity rather than uniform enhancement. Overall, the results establish a synthetic and spectroscopic basis for this citraconimide-Schiff-base system while identifying the additional molecular-weight, thermal, compositional, and quantitative antimicrobial measurements required for complete characterization.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838134","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":"Thermally stable macromolecules from aromatic diamine containing ether linkage by oxidative and enzymatic polymerization","authors":"Elif Karacan Yeldir,&nbsp;İsmet Kaya","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05096-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05096-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Enzymatic oxidative polymerization reaction of 4,4’-oxydianiline (ODA) was carried out in the presence of oxidant and Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) enzyme, while oxidative polymerization reaction was performed in the presence of oxidant alone. The structural characterizations of the obtained products are elucidated by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy methods. The molecular masses of the polymers are analyzed by GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography) and the M_w value of Oligo(ODA)-O oligomer synthesized by oxidative method is found to be 4150 Da and the M_w value of Poly(ODA)-E synthesized by enzyme-catalyzed oxidative polymerization is found to be 6500 Da. The electrochemical and optical properties are investigated by CV (Cyclic Voltammetry) and UV-Vis measurements, respectively. The optical band gap values are calculated as 3.53 eV, 2.59 eV and 2.42 eV for ODA, Oligo(ODA)-O and Poly(ODA)-E, respectively. In addition, fluorescence properties are determined by Fluorescence Spectroscopy methods and it is seen that while the monomer has weak fluorescent character, the synthesized macromolecules are not fluorescently active. While the spherical structures are remarkable on the surface of the enzyme-catalyzed oxidative polymerization product Poly(ODA)-E, which is obtained from the two different methods, it is noted that the oxidative polymerization product Oligo(ODA)-O has a hard-rough surface. Thermal properties are examined by TGA (Thermal Gravimetric Analysis) and it is seen that the thermal stability of Oligo(ODA)-O is much higher than the monomer and Poly(ODA)-E.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837793","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":"Eco-friendly PVA–chitosan nanocomposite hydrogels reinforced with nanocellulose and crosslinked by vanillin: fabrication, characterization, and biodegradability","authors":"Muhammad Bilal Khan Niazi","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05076-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05076-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nanocellulose (NC) is a strong reinforcing agent and has abundantly mixed with polymer matrix to strengthens the nanocomposite membranes. Hence, this study was focused on the effect of addition of NC on mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan/vanillin membranes. NC was added in different composition ranging from 0 to 16 wt%. The composite membranes were prepared using solution casting method. The fabricated hydrogel membranes were characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR and TGA. The SEM results showed dense structure of membrane. XRD showed enhance crystallinity of membrane due to addition of NC. FTIR revealed the formation of C-C, C-H and C-0 bonds in membrane. The thermal properties also enhanced showing less mass loss in case of 12% NC composition as compared to other formulation. Maximum tensile strength was achieved after addition of 12% NC in nanocomposite membrane i.e., 50 n/mm². It was observed that physical properties slightly vary with the addition of NC in hydrogel membrane. These hydrogels also hold significant amount of water and had a porous structure. Overall, the results show that these membranes have good WVTR values, can retain moisture well, and swell adequately. Hence, could be promising candidates for wound dressing application.</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":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837870","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":"Silica-reinforced polymer nanocomposites for sustainable flexible packaging: engineering, performance, and circularity","authors":"Mustafa Abu Ghalia","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05079-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05079-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The growing demand for lightweight, high-performance, and environmentally responsible flexible packaging has intensified interest in polymer nanocomposites reinforced with silica nanoparticles (SiO₂). This review critically examines how nano-silica structure, particle size, surface chemistry, loading, dispersion, and modification govern polymer–filler interactions and, consequently, the mechanical, thermal, barrier, optical, processing, and active functions of packaging films. Conventional polyolefins, biodegradable polymers, and bio-based matrices are evaluated together with physical and chemical modification strategies and major film-processing routes, including melt blending, solution processing, in situ polymerization, cast-film extrusion, and blown-film extrusion. Unlike property-centered reviews, this work integrates material design with package-level reliability, industrial manufacturability, food-contact migration, regulatory readiness, recyclability, compostability, life-cycle impact, and techno-economic feasibility. The evidence shows that well-dispersed and appropriately modified nano-silica can enhance strength, dimensional stability, processability, and oxygen and water-vapor barrier performance at low loadings, while mesoporous or functionalized silica can support controlled delivery of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. However, performance remains strongly formulation- and process-dependent, and agglomeration may compromise flexibility, transparency, sealability, and long-term reliability. Future progress requires standardized testing, quantitative dispersion analysis, pilot-scale film production, package-level validation, migration and toxicological assessment, real-food studies, end-of-life verification, and performance-per-cost evaluation. Nano-silica can therefore support next-generation flexible packaging only when laboratory improvements are demonstrated under realistic industrial, food-contact, and circular-economy conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837794","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":"Bio-based versus petroleum-based processing oils in silica-filled natural rubber: mechanical, dynamic and ageing properties","authors":"Siwarote Boonrasri,&nbsp;Pongdhorn Sae-Oui,&nbsp;Krisda Suchiva,&nbsp;Kittisak Jantanasakulwong,&nbsp;Pornchai Rachtanapun,&nbsp;Sunisa Suchat","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05083-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05083-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Concerns over the toxicity and sustainability of processing oils containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (PCAs) have driven the search for safer bio-based alternatives for tire compounds, but their ability to maintain key performance requirements in silica-filled natural rubber (NR) tread formulations remains insufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to systematically compare three vegetable oils—coconut oil (CO), palm oil (PO) and tea-seed oil (TO)—with three petroleum-based processing oils, heavy naphthenic oil (HNO), light naphthenic oil (LNO) and liquid isoprene rubber (LIR), in silica-filled NR vulcanizates. The effects of oil type and loading (3–9 phr) on morphology, crosslink density, mechanical performance, dynamic properties and long-term ageing behaviour were evaluated. The novelty of this work lies in the combined evaluation of filler dispersion, crosslink density, performance-related viscoelastic behaviour and ageing stability within a silica-filled NR formulation containing bio-based oils. SEM revealed finer and more homogeneous silica dispersion in bio-oil-plasticized compounds, which correlated with slightly higher crosslink density, tensile and tear strength, and improved DIN abrasion resistance, with an optimum at around 5 phr oil. Dynamic mechanical analysis and heat build-up tests showed that bio-based oils reduced tan δ at 60 °C and heat build-up relative to petroleum-based oils, indicating lower hysteresis and improved rolling-resistance potential, accompanied by a modest reduction in tan δ at 0 °C, indicating a lower wet-traction-related viscoelastic response. Long-term ageing at 45 °C for 45 days caused only minor changes in weight, hardness, mechanical and dynamic properties for compounds containing bio-based oils or HNO, whereas LNO-plasticized vulcanizates showed greater deterioration owing to oil volatility. Overall, CO, PO and TO showed broadly comparable performance, and TO demonstrated technical feasibility and broadly comparable performance as an additional bio-based processing oil, rather than consistent superiority over CO or PO. Further evaluation of cost, supply availability, compositional consistency and formulation optimization is required before industrial application.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837658","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":"Synergistic enhancement of bioepoxy composites via MXene-functionalised coir fibres: mechanical and thermal properties evaluation","authors":"Akhila Raman,&nbsp;Manoj Kumar Singh,&nbsp;Sathish Kumar Palaniappan,&nbsp;Resego Phiri,&nbsp;Sunny Zafar,&nbsp;Appukuttan Saritha,&nbsp;Khairul Anam,&nbsp;Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa,&nbsp;Suchart Siengchin","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05092-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05092-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, coir fibres were surface functionalised with Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanosheets to overcome poor interfacial compatibility with epoxy matrix and engineer an advanced reinforcement system. MXene modification considerably enhanced surface roughness and matrix affinity, enabling more efficient stress transfer. At low loading (0.25 wt%), the composites exhibited an initial decline in mechanical properties due to suboptimal fibre-matrix interaction. With increasing MXene-modified coir fibres (M/CF) loading, the tensile strength increased progressively, reaching an 18.25% improvement at 2 wt%, while the flexural strength showed a maximum improvement of approximately 18% at 0.5 wt% and remained comparable at higher loadings. Hardness showed a modest 3.2% increase, reflecting the limited sensitivity of localised deformation to fibre addition. DMA revealed a slight Tg reduction at 0.25 wt% M/CF, followed by a notable Tg increase at higher loadings, confirming improved chain restriction and enhanced stiffness. Thermal analysis further demonstrated improved stability, with higher char residue attributing to the barrier effect and intrinsic thermal robustness of MXene. The novelty of this work lies in the use of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene-functionalised coir fibres as a dual-scale reinforcement for epoxy, marking the first demonstration of this sustainable interface-engineering approach. Notably, significant increase in mechanical strength, viscoelastic response, and thermal stability were achieved with an exceptionally low MXene content (10:1 fibre: MXene), underscoring the efficiency and feasibility of the modification strategy. The composites demonstrated a significant improvement in tensile strength, a Tg increase at higher M/CF levels, and an elevated char residue at 600 °C, underscoring their potential for lightweight structural applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837573","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":"Fabrication and performance of CA-PK-PVP membrane for oil-in-water emulsion separation","authors":"Syed Khizer Arshad,&nbsp;Pen-Chi Chiang,&nbsp;Chang-Tang Chang","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05093-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05093-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The increasing global demand for clean water and the limitations of conventional wastewater treatment technologies have accelerated interest in sustainable membrane-based solutions. In this study, a novel cellulose acetate-poly ketone-polyvinylpyrrolidone (CA-PK-PVP) composite membrane was fabricated through a non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The uniqueness of this work lies in the combined use of cellulose acetate as a hydrophilic biopolymer, poly ketone as a mechanically reinforcing and solvent-resistant component, and PVP as a hydrophilic pore-forming agent to tune membrane morphology and separation performance. Different CA: PK ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3 and 5:5) were first investigated, and the CA₈-PK₂ membrane showed the best balance between permeability and oil rejection. Further incorporation of PVP significantly enhanced membrane porosity and surface hydrophilicity, leading to the formation of an asymmetric porous structure with improved water transport pathways. The optimized CA₈-PK₂-PVP₅ membrane exhibited a low water contact angle of 42.3° and a high oil contact angle of 124.7°, indicating excellent hydrophilic and oleophobic surface properties. In addition, the membrane showed improved mechanical strength of approximately 23 MPa and good solvent resistance after long-term immersion in ethanol, hexane, isopropanol, and toluene. Among all fabricated membranes, CA₈-PK₂-PVP₅ achieved the optimal separation performance, with a high water flux of 848 L m⁻² h⁻¹ and oil rejection above 99% under a low operating pressure of 100 mbar. The membrane also effectively separated different oil-in-water emulsions, including hexane, toluene, xylene, and petroleum ether, while maintaining stable rejection performance over repeated filtration cycles. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic integration of CA, PK, and PVP provides an effective strategy for preparing high-performance membranes for oily wastewater treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837501","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":"Polymeric composites based on polyacrylic with polyethylene glycol and calcium chloride for atmospheric water harvesting","authors":"Carlos Aarón Martínez-Castillo,&nbsp;Vladimir Alonso Escobar-Barrios,&nbsp;Sergio Díaz-Castañón","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05081-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05081-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Materials for Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) have emerged as an alternative to address freshwater scarcity, which affects millions of people. Such materials are able to absorb moisture from the environment and can condense it without being near natural resources like rivers, lakes or oceans. In this study, polymeric composites have been synthesized using poly(acrylic acid) incorporating calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for efficient moisture absorption, condensation and self-water release. The obtained results show that it was possible to achieve a maximum moisture absorption of 1.49 g_moisture/g_composite in 12 h at 90% relative humidity and simultaneous spontaneous water release of 73% (1.09 g_water/g_composite) without external heating. In addition, the composite remained functional along several days of study in outdoor analysis and released 0.23 g_moisture/g_composite despite environmental fluctuations. FTIR analysis confirmed the integration of PEG and CaCl₂, while DSC results indicated thermal stability at room temperature. The composite maintained 44% of its initial absorption capacity after ten sorption-desorption cycles.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837502","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":"Recent progress in the green synthesis, modification, and high-end applications of sulfone polymers (2015–2026)","authors":"Rui Xiao,&nbsp;Jinyong Wang,&nbsp;Huanfeng Jiang,&nbsp;Dongzhen Li,&nbsp;Wanqing Wu","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05075-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05075-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Sulfone polymers are amorphous aromatic thermoplastics in which each repeating unit contains a sulfone group connected to phenylene rings by aryl ether linkages. This architecture imparts high glass transition temperatures, resistance to oxidation and hydrolysis, dimensional stability, and transparency, and has established bisphenol A polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) as mainstays of the specialty engineering plastics market. Existing reviews consider sulfone polymers either as membrane materials or primarily from a synthetic perspective; the complete manufacturing chain from sulfur feedstock to a finished high-end component has not been examined systematically. This review covers literature published from 2015 to 2026 and is organized around this value chain. We first analyse the industrial state of the art by examining chlorosulfonation, the sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide routes to 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone, and one- and two-step solution polycondensation to PSF, PES, and PPSU. We conducted a comprehensive comparison of these process routes. The resulting bottlenecks define the central theme of the review: green synthesis. At the monomer stage, we assess solvent-free and recyclable-acid sulfonylation, sulfide oxidation with H₂O₂ and O₂/air, palladium-catalyzed C–H sulfonylation, and solid sulfur dioxide surrogates that valorise surplus industrial sulfur. At the polymer stage, we assess ionic-liquid and zwitterionic media, phase-transfer catalysis, AB-type self-polycondensation, continuous and process-intensified polymerization, melt polycondensation, and oxidative conversion of poly(arylene sulfide)s, and identify opportunities to integrate monomer-level and polymer-level green chemistry. Modification strategies, including blending, copolymerization, grafting, and stimuli-responsive functionalization, are then linked to the high-end applications that now drive demand: proton- and ion-exchange membranes, water treatment, gas separation, haemodialysis, and epoxy toughening. Finally, we identify the most promising strategies and current best-performing materials, analyze the origins of the remaining bottlenecks, and outline research priorities and translational pathways for moving these technologies from the laboratory to industrial deployment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148783233","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}