Pub Date : 2026-03-19DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129854
You Zhang, Wenzhong Ma, Jing Zhong, Yu Qiao, Zihao Jiang, Ning Xu, Longgui Zhang
Recent advances in mechanophores have enabled novel strategies for designing pressure-sensitive devices and force-responsive materials. In particular, mechanophores based on a molecular ring have garnered significant attention for their high reversibility and low activation energy. However, the impact of conformational changes of these mechanophores within polymer networks on the material’s mechanosensitivity remains poorly understood. We designed two fluorescent macrocycles with distinct sizes and integrated them into polycaprolactone (PCL) cross-linked networks, enabling systematic investigation of how macrocycle dimensions govern the materials’ mechanochromic response. We find that PCL networks with fluorescence macrocycles of distinct sizes exhibited different strain-dependent fluorescence quenching and that this response remained highly reversible across multiple cycles. Furthermore, introducing smaller macrocycles increased polymer chain rigidity, resulting in significantly longer fluorescence lifetimes in the fabricated samples. This work demonstrates that tuning the size of mechanochromic macrocycles can optimize the force-optical response of materials, providing a new strategy for designing highly sensitive mechanochromic systems.
{"title":"Controlling Mechanically Induced Luminescence in Polycaprolactone via Precision Circular Mechanophore Size Design","authors":"You Zhang, Wenzhong Ma, Jing Zhong, Yu Qiao, Zihao Jiang, Ning Xu, Longgui Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129854","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129854","url":null,"abstract":"Recent advances in mechanophores have enabled novel strategies for designing pressure-sensitive devices and force-responsive materials. In particular, mechanophores based on a molecular ring have garnered significant attention for their high reversibility and low activation energy. However, the impact of conformational changes of these mechanophores within polymer networks on the material’s mechanosensitivity remains poorly understood. We designed two fluorescent macrocycles with distinct sizes and integrated them into polycaprolactone (PCL) cross-linked networks, enabling systematic investigation of how macrocycle dimensions govern the materials’ mechanochromic response. We find that PCL networks with fluorescence macrocycles of distinct sizes exhibited different strain-dependent fluorescence quenching and that this response remained highly reversible across multiple cycles. Furthermore, introducing smaller macrocycles increased polymer chain rigidity, resulting in significantly longer fluorescence lifetimes in the fabricated samples. This work demonstrates that tuning the size of mechanochromic macrocycles can optimize the force-optical response of materials, providing a new strategy for designing highly sensitive mechanochromic systems.","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147478432","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129725
Yajing Zhu , Anyang Duan , Zhonglin Xiang , Xiaoyan Wang , Yang Jiang , Changhai Xu , Jinmei Du
Over the decades, long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances were historically employed to provide textiles with water and oil-repellent properties, but have been globally restricted due to their environmental and biological hazards. While short-chain replacements offer a reduced toxicological profile, they consequently suffer from inferior amphiphobicity. To address this, an amphiphobic polymer of C4-fluorinated acrylate with aromatic structures (NV-PAA) was synthesized via esterification of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorohexan-1-ol with 4-vinylbenzoic acid, followed by emulsion polymerization with acrylate monomers. The resulting NV-PAA was dip-coated onto cotton fabric to fabricate an amphiphobic fabric (NV-PAA@CF). The amphiphobicity of the NV-PAA@CF surpassed that of the non-aromatic modified fabric in terms of water contact angle (WCA), oil contact angle (OCA), water sliding angle (WSA), and oil sliding angle (OSA) (ΔWCA = +5.7° and ΔWSA = -6.9°, ΔOCA = +8.8° and ΔOSA = −18.2°), even without engineered surface roughness. This advancement stems from the incorporation of the benzene ring, which enhances the crystallinity of the fluorinated carbon alkyl side chains. The NV-PAA@CF also resisted various oil droplets and contaminated liquid droplets, demonstrating exceptional self-cleaning and anti-fouling characteristics. Even after physical abrasion, chemical corrosion, and washing, WCA and OCA of the NV-PAA@CF remained above 150° and 140°, respectively, demonstrating its remarkable durability. This work presents a high-performance short-chain fluoropolymer coating design for amphiphobic textiles, aiming to advance sustainable development.
{"title":"Fabrication of amphiphobic fabrics with excellent and durable hydrophobicity and oleophobicity via C4 short-fluorinated polymers","authors":"Yajing Zhu , Anyang Duan , Zhonglin Xiang , Xiaoyan Wang , Yang Jiang , Changhai Xu , Jinmei Du","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129725","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129725","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the decades, long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances were historically employed to provide textiles with water and oil-repellent properties, but have been globally restricted due to their environmental and biological hazards. While short-chain replacements offer a reduced toxicological profile, they consequently suffer from inferior amphiphobicity. To address this, an amphiphobic polymer of C4-fluorinated acrylate with aromatic structures (NV-PAA) was synthesized via esterification of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorohexan-1-ol with 4-vinylbenzoic acid, followed by emulsion polymerization with acrylate monomers. The resulting NV-PAA was dip-coated onto cotton fabric to fabricate an amphiphobic fabric (NV-PAA@CF). The amphiphobicity of the NV-PAA@CF surpassed that of the non-aromatic modified fabric in terms of water contact angle (WCA), oil contact angle (OCA), water sliding angle (WSA), and oil sliding angle (OSA) (ΔWCA = +5.7° and ΔWSA = -6.9°, ΔOCA = +8.8° and ΔOSA = −18.2°), even without engineered surface roughness. This advancement stems from the incorporation of the benzene ring, which enhances the crystallinity of the fluorinated carbon alkyl side chains. The NV-PAA@CF also resisted various oil droplets and contaminated liquid droplets, demonstrating exceptional self-cleaning and anti-fouling characteristics. Even after physical abrasion, chemical corrosion, and washing, WCA and OCA of the NV-PAA@CF remained above 150° and 140°, respectively, demonstrating its remarkable durability. This work presents a high-performance short-chain fluoropolymer coating design for amphiphobic textiles, aiming to advance sustainable development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"348 ","pages":"Article 129725"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146435","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}
This study investigated the extraction, characterization, and fabrication of nanofibers from polysaccharides derived from Cordia myxa fruit using hot water extraction (HWE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE). Extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, yielding 8.93% (HWE) and 8.40% (USAE), which confirmed the efficiency and shorter processing time of USAE. Although both methods produced polysaccharides with similar saccharide compositions, the USAE-derived sample showed superior quality-being protein-free (vs. 8.2% protein in HWE), with lower ash content (4.3%) and stronger antioxidant activity. It also exhibited higher apparent viscosity and greater colloidal stability (−71 mV vs. −56 mV), indicating improved purity and functionality. USAE-derived polysaccharide was selected for nanofiber fabrication. Pure polysaccharide was not electrospinnable, but blending with 6% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) enabled the formation of uniform, bead-free fibers at low polysaccharide concentrations (0.25–0.5% (w/v)). The nanofibers exhibited high porosity, enhanced thermal stability, and strong crosslinking after treatment with glutaraldehyde vapor. They also showed excellent water absorption and slow degradation, making them suitable for wound dressing use. Antioxidant and release analyses revealed complete release of the 0.25% formulation within 72 h, while the 0.5% fibers showed a slower, sustained release profile. Cytocompatibility and adhesion assays using L929 fibroblasts confirmed non-cytotoxic behavior and improved cell spreading on polysaccharide-containing mats. Overall, ultrasound-assisted extraction coupled with PVA electrospinning produced antioxidant, biocompatible, and thermally stable nanofibers with strong potential for wound-healing applications.
{"title":"Comparative extraction, characterization, and fabrication of bioactive polysaccharide-based nanofibers from Cordia myxa fruit for potential wound dressing applications","authors":"Alireza Keshvari , Reza Azin , Shahriar Osfouri , Sasan Zaeri","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the extraction, characterization, and fabrication of nanofibers from polysaccharides derived from <em>Cordia myxa</em> fruit using hot water extraction (HWE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE). Extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, yielding 8.93% (HWE) and 8.40% (USAE), which confirmed the efficiency and shorter processing time of USAE. Although both methods produced polysaccharides with similar saccharide compositions, the USAE-derived sample showed superior quality-being protein-free (vs. 8.2% protein in HWE), with lower ash content (4.3%) and stronger antioxidant activity. It also exhibited higher apparent viscosity and greater colloidal stability (−71 mV vs. −56 mV), indicating improved purity and functionality. USAE-derived polysaccharide was selected for nanofiber fabrication. Pure polysaccharide was not electrospinnable, but blending with 6% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) enabled the formation of uniform, bead-free fibers at low polysaccharide concentrations (0.25–0.5% (w/v)). The nanofibers exhibited high porosity, enhanced thermal stability, and strong crosslinking after treatment with glutaraldehyde vapor. They also showed excellent water absorption and slow degradation, making them suitable for wound dressing use. Antioxidant and release analyses revealed complete release of the 0.25% formulation within 72 h, while the 0.5% fibers showed a slower, sustained release profile. Cytocompatibility and adhesion assays using L929 fibroblasts confirmed non-cytotoxic behavior and improved cell spreading on polysaccharide-containing mats. Overall, ultrasound-assisted extraction coupled with PVA electrospinning produced antioxidant, biocompatible, and thermally stable nanofibers with strong potential for wound-healing applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"348 ","pages":"Article 129722"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146147620","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129872
Likun Jia, Kazuaki Kato, Kazuki Shibanuma
{"title":"Molecular dynamics modelling of polyrotaxane glass: From model construction to structure–property evaluation","authors":"Likun Jia, Kazuaki Kato, Kazuki Shibanuma","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129872","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129872","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147496518","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129736
Yuan Yao , Bing Liu , Kang Wang , Yuxin Xia , Huaxia Deng , Xinglong Gong
Shear thickening gels (STGs) exhibit remarkable impact resistance and energy absorption properties owing to the non-linear and reversible mechanical properties. However, the molecular-level mechanisms underlying their dissipation behavior remain unclear due to the limited understanding of how crosslinking density and local coordination influence energy redistribution and structural relaxation during impact. In this work, we developed a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model to investigate the impact induced energy conversion in STGs with different Si/B molar ratios. The simulations were validated by rheological experiments and accurately reproduced the nonlinear viscoelastic and shear thickening responses of system. The results show that energy evolution revealed a rapid transformation of kinetic energy into potential and internal deformation energy, followed by relaxation driven stabilization. Three coupled molecular processes-reversible coordination, chain conformational change, and orientational relaxation-were identified as key pathways that govern the dissipation efficiency and reversibility by regulating the partitioning of mechanical energy is partitioned between elastic storage, structural reconfiguration, and irreversible deformation. This work modulates the balance between elastic energy storage and irreversible deformation, thereby establishing a unified molecular framework that links network architecture to macroscopic impact performance.
{"title":"Probing the energy dissipation mechanisms of shear thickening gel at molecular level","authors":"Yuan Yao , Bing Liu , Kang Wang , Yuxin Xia , Huaxia Deng , Xinglong Gong","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129736","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shear thickening gels (STGs) exhibit remarkable impact resistance and energy absorption properties owing to the non-linear and reversible mechanical properties. However, the molecular-level mechanisms underlying their dissipation behavior remain unclear due to the limited understanding of how crosslinking density and local coordination influence energy redistribution and structural relaxation during impact. In this work, we developed a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model to investigate the impact induced energy conversion in STGs with different Si/B molar ratios. The simulations were validated by rheological experiments and accurately reproduced the nonlinear viscoelastic and shear thickening responses of system. The results show that energy evolution revealed a rapid transformation of kinetic energy into potential and internal deformation energy, followed by relaxation driven stabilization. Three coupled molecular processes-reversible coordination, chain conformational change, and orientational relaxation-were identified as key pathways that govern the dissipation efficiency and reversibility by regulating the partitioning of mechanical energy is partitioned between elastic storage, structural reconfiguration, and irreversible deformation. This work modulates the balance between elastic energy storage and irreversible deformation, thereby establishing a unified molecular framework that links network architecture to macroscopic impact performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"348 ","pages":"Article 129736"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146160848","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129720
Tianci Ma , Lei Yang , Jinglei Xing , Long Wang , Guofei Chen
It is a new challenge to develop fluorine-free transparent polyimides due to the prohibition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Hence, a series of fluorine-free polyimides were synthesized by 9,9-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) fluorene dianhydride (BPAF) with 3,3′-bis(methyl)-4,4′-benzidine (2,2′-DMBZ), 3,3′-bis(methyl)-4,4′-benzidine (3,3′-DMBZ), 1,4-diaminobenzene (p-PDA), 1,3-diaminobenzene (m-PDA), 2,6-toluenediamine (m-MPDA) and 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine (m-TMPDA) through one-step and two-step methods. Then the corresponding polyimide films were obtained by solution casting. All polyimides exhibited high glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of 404-523 °C, coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of 39-65 ppm/K, optical transmittances at 400 nm (T400s) of 36-82 %, tensile strengths of 104.6-156.3 MPa, and tensile moduli of 2.6-4.3 GPa. The prepared fluorine-free polyimides had better performances than typical fluorine-containing polyimide derived from 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-benzidine (TFDB). In particular, PI-6 exhibited comprehensive properties with Tg of 523 °C, T400 of 82%, and CTE of 42 ppm/K.
{"title":"Synthesis and properties of fluorine-free polyimides with ultrahigh Tg and excellent transparency based on the synergistic regulation of fluorenyl and methyl groups","authors":"Tianci Ma , Lei Yang , Jinglei Xing , Long Wang , Guofei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is a new challenge to develop fluorine-free transparent polyimides due to the prohibition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Hence, a series of fluorine-free polyimides were synthesized by 9,9-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) fluorene dianhydride (BPAF) with 3,3′-bis(methyl)-4,4′-benzidine (2,2′-DMBZ), 3,3′-bis(methyl)-4,4′-benzidine (3,3′-DMBZ), 1,4-diaminobenzene (<em>p</em>-PDA), 1,3-diaminobenzene (<em>m</em>-PDA), 2,6-toluenediamine (<em>m</em>-MPDA) and 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine (<em>m</em>-TMPDA) through one-step and two-step methods. Then the corresponding polyimide films were obtained by solution casting. All polyimides exhibited high glass transition temperatures (<em>T</em><sub>g</sub>s) of 404-523 °C, coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of 39-65 ppm/K, optical transmittances at 400 nm (<em>T</em><sub>400</sub>s) of 36-82 %, tensile strengths of 104.6-156.3 MPa, and tensile moduli of 2.6-4.3 GPa. The prepared fluorine-free polyimides had better performances than typical fluorine-containing polyimide derived from 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-benzidine (TFDB). In particular, <strong>PI-6</strong> exhibited comprehensive properties with <em>T</em><sub>g</sub> of 523 °C, <em>T</em><sub>400</sub> of 82%, and CTE of 42 ppm/K.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"348 ","pages":"Article 129720"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146129700","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129719
Peng Yue , Dandan Li , Wei Wang , Youhai Yu , Guangtao Qian , Chunhai Chen
To achieve high-performance colorless polyimide (CPI) films, this study employed a molecular structure design strategy aimed at suppressing the charge transfer complex (CTC) effect between molecular chains by introducing twisted and non-coplanar structure into the polymer backbone. Drawing inspiration from previous research, three benzimidazole-based diamine monomers with twisted non-coplanar structures were designed and synthesized by modulating the relative positions of amino groups and the structures of substituents. These monomers were subsequently polymerized with two dianhydrides, namely 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA) and 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), yielding two series of polybenzimidazole-imides (PBIIs): semi-aromatic and fully aromatic polymers, respectively. The resulting semi-aromatic polymer films demonstrated a combination of excellent thermal resistance, with glass transition temperature (Tg) exceeding 400 °C, and high optical transparency, exhibiting over 80% transmittance at 400 nm (T400). This work not only provides an effective molecular design strategy for developing high-performance CPI materials but also expands the application prospects of PBII materials in the field of high-temperature optical devices.
{"title":"Twisted non-coplanar benzimidazole diamines enabling colorless, high-Tg polyimide films for flexible displays","authors":"Peng Yue , Dandan Li , Wei Wang , Youhai Yu , Guangtao Qian , Chunhai Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To achieve high-performance colorless polyimide (CPI) films, this study employed a molecular structure design strategy aimed at suppressing the charge transfer complex (CTC) effect between molecular chains by introducing twisted and non-coplanar structure into the polymer backbone. Drawing inspiration from previous research, three benzimidazole-based diamine monomers with twisted non-coplanar structures were designed and synthesized by modulating the relative positions of amino groups and the structures of substituents. These monomers were subsequently polymerized with two dianhydrides, namely 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA) and 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), yielding two series of polybenzimidazole-imides (PBIIs): semi-aromatic and fully aromatic polymers, respectively. The resulting semi-aromatic polymer films demonstrated a combination of excellent thermal resistance, with glass transition temperature (T<sub>g</sub>) exceeding 400 °C, and high optical transparency, exhibiting over 80% transmittance at 400 nm (T<sub>400</sub>). This work not only provides an effective molecular design strategy for developing high-performance CPI materials but also expands the application prospects of PBII materials in the field of high-temperature optical devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"348 ","pages":"Article 129719"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135321","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19Epub Date: 2026-02-08DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129703
Yanan Sun , Zhuoming Duan , Kexin Huan , Minhua Li , Yanli Shi , Weili Gao , Haifeng Jia , Yuetao Liu
UV-curable silicone rubber exhibits promising prospects in fields such as flexible electronics and advanced coatings due to its high processing efficiency and patternability. This study developed a synergistic crosslinking strategy that combines Michael addition and UV curing to prepare high-performance dual network silicone rubber and achieve curing within seconds. The system comprised key components: trifluoropropyl-grafted acrylic silicone resin (PAT-SR), pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PET4A), and aminopropyl silicone oil (ASO). Initially, the primary amine groups of ASO underwent a catalyst-free Michael addition with the acrylate groups in PAT-SR and PET4A, forming a malleable, partially cross-linked prepolymer. Subsequently, the material was cured within seconds via free radical polymerization of the residual acrylate groups upon UV irradiation. The trifluoropropyl group imparted outstanding hydrophobicity and chemical resistance to the material. PET4A, acting as a rigid cross-linking center, significantly enhanced the mechanical strength; the sample ASO0.7/PA0.4-FSR achieved a tensile strength of 0.92 MPa and an elongation at break of 612%. Furthermore, the material demonstrated good interfacial compatibility with various functional fillers. This research provides a simple and efficient novel strategy for preparing high-performance dual-network silicone rubber materials that combine excellent comprehensive properties with high processability, holding broad application potential in areas such as anti-fouling, protective coatings, and flexible electronics.
{"title":"Additive Manufacturing of UV Cured Dual-Network Silicone Elastomer with 3D Multifunctional Structure","authors":"Yanan Sun , Zhuoming Duan , Kexin Huan , Minhua Li , Yanli Shi , Weili Gao , Haifeng Jia , Yuetao Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>UV-curable silicone rubber exhibits promising prospects in fields such as flexible electronics and advanced coatings due to its high processing efficiency and patternability. This study developed a synergistic crosslinking strategy that combines Michael addition and UV curing to prepare high-performance dual network silicone rubber and achieve curing within seconds. The system comprised key components: trifluoropropyl-grafted acrylic silicone resin (PAT-SR), pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PET4A), and aminopropyl silicone oil (ASO). Initially, the primary amine groups of ASO underwent a catalyst-free Michael addition with the acrylate groups in PAT-SR and PET4A, forming a malleable, partially cross-linked prepolymer. Subsequently, the material was cured within seconds via free radical polymerization of the residual acrylate groups upon UV irradiation. The trifluoropropyl group imparted outstanding hydrophobicity and chemical resistance to the material. PET4A, acting as a rigid cross-linking center, significantly enhanced the mechanical strength; the sample ASO<sub>0.7</sub>/PA<sub>0.4</sub>-FSR achieved a tensile strength of 0.92 MPa and an elongation at break of 612%. Furthermore, the material demonstrated good interfacial compatibility with various functional fillers. This research provides a simple and efficient novel strategy for preparing high-performance dual-network silicone rubber materials that combine excellent comprehensive properties with high processability, holding broad application potential in areas such as anti-fouling, protective coatings, and flexible electronics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"348 ","pages":"Article 129703"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146138958","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129700
Jungju Ryu , Anna V. Sokolova , Minjeong Kang , Yoolee Lee , Ngoc Nguyen Quang , Daun Seol , Sanghoon Cho , Hoeil Chung , Daewon Sohn
The internal structure of tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) networks crosslinked via coordination bonds was investigated to understand the structural aspects of these networks, which are connected by finite polymer units. In tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) modified with catechol moieties (4-PCA), the networks were preserved by coordination bonds of catechol-Fe(III) ions using optimal quantitative ratios (RCA/Fe) that form bis and tris-complexes depending on pH values. The network is established with finite units associated with changes in geometrical connections. This research focuses on the structural aspects composed of controllable coordination bonding units. The samples were investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. The apparent correlation lengths of the gels were discussed as the presence of nano-defects. The contrast variation SANS results support the presence of nano-defects, Rg ∼3 nm. The defects are incorporated by partial irregularity of missing linkages and subsequent distortion of the topology. The rapid and sensitive controls using metal-mediated coordination bond may generate defects in the polymer network. It suggests that diverse strategies for metal-mediated hydrogels can be found by monitoring their nanostructures.
{"title":"Nanostructures of tetra-arm Poly(ethylene glycol) networks by Iron(III)-Catechol coordinative crosslinking units","authors":"Jungju Ryu , Anna V. Sokolova , Minjeong Kang , Yoolee Lee , Ngoc Nguyen Quang , Daun Seol , Sanghoon Cho , Hoeil Chung , Daewon Sohn","doi":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The internal structure of tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) networks crosslinked via coordination bonds was investigated to understand the structural aspects of these networks, which are connected by finite polymer units. In tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) modified with catechol moieties (4-PCA), the networks were preserved by coordination bonds of catechol-Fe(III) ions using optimal quantitative ratios (R<sub>CA/Fe</sub>) that form bis and tris-complexes depending on pH values. The network is established with finite units associated with changes in geometrical connections. This research focuses on the structural aspects composed of controllable coordination bonding units. The samples were investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. The apparent correlation lengths of the gels were discussed as the presence of nano-defects. The contrast variation SANS results support the presence of nano-defects, R<sub>g</sub> ∼3 nm. The defects are incorporated by partial irregularity of missing linkages and subsequent distortion of the topology. The rapid and sensitive controls using metal-mediated coordination bond may generate defects in the polymer network. It suggests that diverse strategies for metal-mediated hydrogels can be found by monitoring their nanostructures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":405,"journal":{"name":"Polymer","volume":"348 ","pages":"Article 129700"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146110985","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-19Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2026.129678
Jun Zhao , Yangyang Yu , Kejing Wu , Yingying Liu , Yingming Zhu , Houfang Lu , Hairong Yue , Bin Liang
The presence of salt ions significantly enhances the stability of polymer/surfactant composite foam systems, offering great potential for optimizing CO2 foam flooding performance in high-salinity reservoirs. However, the molecular-level mechanism underlying this “salt ion-induced enhancement” effect remains unclear. This study systematically investigates the evolution of foam performance and the synergistic salt-tolerance mechanism of a polymer/surfactant system across a wide salinity range (0∼20 × 104 mg/L) through interface/bulk characterization combined with molecular dynamics simulations. Research demonstrates that salt ions weaken polymer/surfactant-H2O interactions through competitive hydration, while simultaneously promoting hydrogen bonds between the polymer/surfactant interface to form a highly elastic interfacial film. Additionally, the “salt thickening” effect of the foam base-fluid drives to form a supramolecular network, which is a key mechanism behind the enhanced viscoelasticity. Compared to a salt-free system, high salinity (20 × 104 mg/L) delays foam drainage (the drainage activation energy increases to 51.46 kJ/mol) and suppresses coarsening (Ostwald ripening rate decreases by 57.4%), thereby enhancing the foam comprehensive index by 1.78 times. This study elucidates the key pathways for salt ion-induced synergistic salt-tolerance in polymer/surfactant composite systems, providing theoretical support for constructing green, efficient CO2 foam systems adapted to high-salinity environments.
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