{"title":"Structure–property relationships in high-density flexible polyurethane foams reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC): comparative effects of particle size","authors":"Pradeep Aggarwal, S. Maji, Roli Purwar","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04867-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04867-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Flexible polyurethane (PU) foams are widely employed in cushioning and footwear applications, for durability, comfort, and stability. While cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have been studied extensively in low-density PU systems, their role in high density flexible foams for footwear and comfort applications remains largely unexplored. This study investigates two commercial CNC slurries, Cellurods<sup>®</sup> 110 L (particle size < 88 nm, 7.7–8.3 wt% solids) and Cellurods<sup>®</sup> 100 L (particle size < 95 nm, 7.2–7.8% solids) introduced at 0.25-2 wt% (relative to polyol) into high density PU foam (≈ 110 kg/m³). Type A (110 L) exhibited 41% higher tensile and 38% higher tear strength than control, while Type B (100 L) achieved increase of 28% and 30%, respectively before plateauing at higher loadings. FESEM–ImageJ analysis revealed increased cell density, reduced pore size, enhanced porosity and more uniform cells for Type A and partial aggregation for Type B at elevated concentrations. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated marginal thermal stabilisation in both series. Overall, the results show that CNC, particularly finer grades can reinforce high-density flexible PU foams without compromising comfort related properties. The comparative evaluation of Type A and Type B reveals that even subtle differences in nanocellulose particle characteristics influence performance, suggesting that particle size and dispersion behaviour can be used as tuneable parameters to tailor industrial foam properties for load-bearing applications such as footwear and orthotics.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560784","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":"Lewis acid-base pair-regulated ring-opening copolymerization of succinic anhydride and tetrahydrofuran","authors":"Wenjun Lu, Hongjun Yin, Ting Li, Jing Huang, Xu-Hui Zhang, Yang Wang, Bihua Xia, Shibo Wang, Weifu Dong","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04847-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04847-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The cationic ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of succinic anhydride (SA) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) was conducted using aluminium trifluoromethanesulfonate (Al(OTf)<sub>3</sub>) via bulk polymerization to synthesize poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The molecular weight and ester content of products were regulated by constructing Lewis acid-base pairs through the introduction of co-catalysts. Compared with the control group without co-catalysts, the resulting products exhibited significant enhancements in molecular weight. The polyester product with 99% ester content was achieved by incorporating gallic acid as co-catalyst. When sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH<sub>2</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>) was employed as co-catalyst, a product with molecular weight of 4.0 kDa was obtained. The employment of Lewis base as a co-catalyst yielded products with 86% ester content and molecular weight of 4.6 kDa. The regulatory mechanism of Lewis acid-base pairs in this system was systematically investigated based on experimental results, demonstrating potential application prospects in industrial-scale production.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560771","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":"Bacterial nanocellulose–potassium sorbate biopolymer film as functional coating for quality retention of postharvest sweet basil","authors":"Thatchaphon Anuchitworawong, Tanawut Hankum, Duangdao Aht-Ong, Kanogwan Seraypheap, Kamonwan Pacaphol","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04851-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04851-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), an edible biopolymer, offers a sustainable material for functional film and coating applications. In this study, a high-pressure-homogenized BNC suspension was developed as a biopolymer-based coating matrix incorporated with potassium sorbate (KS) for postharvest quality retention under non-refrigerated conditions typical of Southeast Asian wet markets. The physicochemical behavior and film-forming ability of BNC enabled the formation of a thin coating layer on the leaf surface, providing moisture retention. Sweet basil (<i>Ocimum basilicum</i> L.), a green leafy herb with a limited postharvest shelf life due to its high respiration and transpiration rates, was treated with BNC suspensions at varying concentrations (0.1–0.3% w/v), with and without KS (0.05–0.15% w/v), and evaluated for quality attributes after storage for 6, 24, and 48 h at 25 ± 1 °C and 62 ± 1% RH. The BNC–KS biopolymer film (0.3% w/v BNC supplemented with 0.1% w/v KS) significantly enhanced weight, color, chlorophyll, and antioxidant retention compared with untreated samples, maintaining up to 66.1% weight and 77.5% chlorophyll after 48 h. The BNC suspensions exhibited good physical stability during storage at 35 °C for 30 days. The optimal acid-base conditions of BNC suspensions to maintain basil leaf quality were within the pH range of 6–7. This finding demonstrates the potential of BNC-based biopolymer films as functional, eco-friendly coatings for maintaining the freshness of perishable produce, particularly under ambient conditions in wet markets and non-refrigerated supply chains.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560783","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}
Tao Jin, Zhen-xiang Guan, Hai-jun Kou, Jia-jia Wu, Yun-dong Ji, Li-li Wu
{"title":"Synthesis of methyl methacrylate-modified waterborne polyurethane and its application in lithium-ion batteries","authors":"Tao Jin, Zhen-xiang Guan, Hai-jun Kou, Jia-jia Wu, Yun-dong Ji, Li-li Wu","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04861-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04861-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) has garnered significant interest due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical stability, and structural tunability. Its application in silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is particularly promising for mitigating the severe volume expansion of silicon and the consequent deterioration of electrode stability during cycling. In this study, a series of poly (methyl methacrylate)-modified waterborne polyurethane (WPUA) adhesives were synthesized by first preparing a waterborne polyurethane with hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) as the terminal group, followed by copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA). The effects of the PMMA/WPU mass ratio on the structural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties were systematically investigated. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed that the incorporation of MMA increased the polymer molecular weight, cross-linking density, and chain rigidity, thereby improving the interfacial adhesion to both the copper foil and active materials. The modified binder synergistically combines the flexibility of WPU with the rigidity of PMMA, effectively buffering the stress generated from the volume variation of silicon anodes and maintaining electrode integrity. The optimized WPUA3 sample (with a WPU/PMMA mass ratio of 7:3) demonstrated superior performance: a tensile strength of 8.28 MPa, an average peeling force of 0.92 N, an initial discharge specific capacity of 912 mAh·g⁻¹ with a Coulombic efficiency of 95.88%, a capacity retention of 82.57% after 100 cycles, and a reversible capacity of 192 mAh·g⁻¹ at a 5 C rate. These results confirm that MMA-modified WPU binders can significantly enhance the adhesion and cycling stability of silicon-based anodes, offering a promising solution for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147561121","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 advances in Schiff base driven self-healing vitrimers with dynamic covalent networks for sustainable applications","authors":"Shalini Parihar","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04826-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04826-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Schiff base-based self-healing materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their dynamic imine linkages, which enable repeated healing of material networks under mild conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Schiff base-based self-healing systems, highlighting their dynamic covalent chemistry, design strategies, healing mechanism and functional properties. The structural tunability of Schiff base linkages and their incorporation in to various systems such as polymer networks, composites, and hydrogels, are thoroughly examined. The potential applications of these materials across various sectors including automotive, electronics, biomedical and protective coatings, are critically analyzed with a focus on performance, adaptability, and industrial relevance. Additionally, the challenges associated with mechanical strength, healing efficiency and environmental factors, along with future perspectives for advancing this field, are also discussed. Overall, this review aims to provide a valuable insight into the current state and future direction of Schiff base-based self-healing materials, highlighting their transformative potential in the development of next-generation sustainable and smart materials.</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 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560299","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":"Preparation of biodegradable MCC/alginate incorporated cellulose acetate membrane for effective humic acid removal","authors":"Steffy Annie Varughese, S. Gokul, P. Keerthi","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04845-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04845-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study reports the fabrication of cellulose acetate (CA) membranes with varying compositions of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), sodium alginate (SA), and their combination via the NIPS technique. The CA4 membrane (1% MCC/SA) exhibited optimal performance, with a flux recovery ratio of 73.14%, humic acid rejection of 71.78%, a pure water flux of 221.90 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹, a tensile strength of 2.42 MPa, and 51% biodegradation. Characterizations using SEM, FTIR, and water contact angle confirmed improved morphology, chemical interaction, and hydrophilicity. These findings highlight CA4 as an effective microfiltration membrane for humic acid removal.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560300","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}
R. R. Amirov, K. A. Andrianova, K. S. Zimin, Artemii Shmelev, L. M. Amirova
{"title":"Effect of europium(III) nitrate on the gelation process of triglycidyl phosphate and the properties of the resulting polymers","authors":"R. R. Amirov, K. A. Andrianova, K. S. Zimin, Artemii Shmelev, L. M. Amirova","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04856-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04856-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A phosphorus-containing epoxy monomer, triglycidyl phosphate (TGPhT), and europium(III) nitrate hexahydrate were used to synthesize europium-containing polymers. The study identified the conditions for maximum solubility of europium nitrate in TGPhT, reaching up to 50 wt%. The influence of salt concentration on TGPhT gelation was investigated, and the activation energy of this process was calculated. It was shown that TGPhT–europium nitrate liquid systems exhibit extended gelation times. The curing process of triglycidyl phosphate under the influence of europium nitrate was optimized and polymer samples with different salt content were obtained. The effect of europium nitrate concentration on the refractive index, transparency, luminescent properties, and glass transition temperature of the TGPhT-based polymer was studied.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560295","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":"Tuning intramolecular charge transfer in conjugated polyphenylenes through benzoquinone functionalization and post-polymerization modifications","authors":"Masahiro Tomita, Kohei Nishitani, Isao Yamaguchi","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04765-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04765-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Charge-transfer (CT) type π-conjugated polymers (CPs) comprising donor and acceptor aromatic units offer tunable optical and electrochemical properties, which are important for electronic and photonic applications. In this study, we synthesized CT-type polyphenylenes, P(Flu-BQ) and P(Ph-BQ), containing 9,9-dihexylfluorene or 1,4-dihexyloxybenzene as donor units and benzoquinone (BQ) as an acceptor. Reduction of BQ to hydroquinone (HQ) allowed systematic investigation of CT effects by comparison of optical and electrochemical properties before and after reduction. Polymers composed of BQ and HQ units, P(BQ-HQ), were also prepared via sulfuric acid-mediated polymerization, and their composition ratios were controlled by varying acid concentration. Subsequent reactions of HQ units yielded acetylated polymers, P(BQ-AcQ), and TCNQ-substituted polymers, P(TCNQ-AcQ), to modulate CT characteristics. UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence, fluorescence lifetime, and cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that CT along the polymer backbone strongly influences emission behavior and redox properties. Specifically, reduction of BQ suppressed intramolecular CT (ICT), leading to enhanced fluorescence in P(Flu-BQ) and P(Ph-BQ), while incorporation of TCNQ units enhanced CT in P(TCNQ-AcQ), as confirmed by formation of a 1:1 CT complex with 2,6-dimethyltetrathiafulvalene (DM-TTF). These results provide a clear relationship between CT and the optical/electrochemical properties of CPs, highlighting strategies to tune polymer functionality via donor–acceptor design.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10965-026-04765-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560301","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}
Haris Ardianto, Jamasri Jamasri, Dinny Harnany, Muhammad Akhsin Muflikhun
{"title":"Comprehensive material, thermal, and physical characterization of multistage recycling of PP/PLA polymers for sustainable composite matrix development","authors":"Haris Ardianto, Jamasri Jamasri, Dinny Harnany, Muhammad Akhsin Muflikhun","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04852-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04852-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study investigates the feasibility of using hot air convection for melting and blending polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) into a sustainable composite matrix material. A 75:25 weight ratio of PP to PLA was processed through a hot air convection heating method, followed by multiple recycling cycles (R1–R4) to evaluate reusability. Mechanical testing revealed that tensile strength improved up to the second recycling (R2), reaching 14.86 MPa, with a tensile modulus of 0.23 GPa. Flexural strength peaked at 28.65 MPa with a flexural modulus of 1.18 GPa, and impact strength reached 0.82 kJ/m². Porosity increased progressively from 0.09% to 2.79%, correlating with reduced mechanical performance beyond R2. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization confirmed the preservation of chemical bonds after recycling. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) results indicated thermal stability up to 300 °C, with a two-stage decomposition typical of PP and PLA. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed consistent melting behaviour, while Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging revealed increased voids and microstructural degradation after repeated cycles. These results support the viability of PP/PLA blends for sustainable composite matrix materials in structural and additive manufacturing applications, with optimal performance maintained up to the second recycling stage.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559840","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}
Jingmei Liu, Zhonghang Yang, Jiaxin Pan, Ya Cao, Jinyao Chen
{"title":"Enhancing high-temperature and high-humidity resistance of PVA-I₂ polarizing films via Co2⁺ ions: mechanism of stability improvement","authors":"Jingmei Liu, Zhonghang Yang, Jiaxin Pan, Ya Cao, Jinyao Chen","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-04849-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-04849-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The present study investigates the effect of Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ion coordination complexation on the hygrothermal properties and stabilization mechanism of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polarizing films by introducing Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ions. The coordination complexation of Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ions reduced the molecular mobility, increased the crystallinity and melting point of the film, and decreased the interplanar spacing. These changes collectively enhanced the structural stability of the film, thereby significantly improving its performance under conditions of elevated temperature and humidity. However, it has been demonstrated that excessive levels of Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ions have the capacity to exert a deleterious effect on the process of PVA-I₂ complex formation. In films treated with a 2 wt% Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ion solution, the content of PVA-I⁻ and PVA-I₃⁻ complexes decreased by 10.4% and 14.6%, respectively, compared to those treated with a 1 wt% solution. Under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, the complexation of Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ions played a crucial role in stabilizing the oriented structure of PVA polarizing films. The film exposed to a 1 wt% Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ion solution retained a polarization degree approaching 100% in the visible light region even after 15 min of high-temperature and high-humidity treatment, with minimal degradation within the experimental error. Conversely, films with elevated Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ ion concentrations exhibited higher crystallinity, resulting in a reduction in oriented amorphous molecular chains. This resulted in a decrease in the PVA-I₃⁻ ion content, which ultimately degraded the polarizing optical performance. The findings reveal a delicate balance mediated by Co<sup>2</sup>⁺ coordination, offering new mechanistic understanding for developing high-durability optical films.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559841","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}