Progress in Polymer Science最新文献

MXene/polymer composites are attractive materials and find extensive use in many applications, such as energy storage, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, membranes, catalysis, sensors, and biomedicine. The major challenge to fabricate MXene/polymer composites are the processing conditions and poor control over the distribution of the MXene nanosheets within the polymer matrix. Traditional ways involve the direct mix of fillers and polymers to form a random homogeneous composite, which leads to inefficient use of fillers. To address these challenges, researchers have focused on the development of ordered MXene/polymer composite structures using various fabrication strategies. In this review, we summarize recent advances of structured MXene/polymer composites and their processing-structure-property relationships. Two main forms of MXene/polymer composites (films and foams) are separately discussed with a focus on the detailed fabrication means and corresponding structures. These architected composites complement those in which MXenes nanosheets are isotropically dispersed throughout, such as those formed by aqueous solution mixing approaches. This review culminates in a perspective on the future opportunities for architected MXene/polymer composites.

High-safety and low-cost aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIB) are expected to be used in large-scale energy storage systems. However, currently used zinc (Zn) anode materials are susceptible to derogatory processes such as dendrite growth or cause side reactions which limits their practical applications. Although polymeric materials have been specifically applied for Zn anode protection, the complicated composition and lack of understanding of the working mechanisms of currently used materials are not conducive to guiding further research. This review provides a summary and discussion of polymer materials that are used in AZIB applications and a platform for future material development. The importance of polymer materials and the advantages of their applications in Zn batteries are described. Subsequently, the latest progress in the design and optimization of polymer for stable Zn anodes is summarized from multiple perspectives, including electrolyte additives, artificial protective layers, hydrogel electrolytes, and novel separators. Finally, the future challenges and research directions of polymer-stabilized Zn anode are proposed.

The kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanistic studies of sulfur homo- and copolymerization with cyclic and vinyl monomers are described as the major subjects of our review article. Besides, the syntheses, homo- and copolymerization of cyclic mono- and polysulfides are added. The analytical text is complemented with review of the related theoretical topics (mostly DFT), and include theoretical studies of the experimental data of the corresponding sections. Recently, mostly because of the elaboration of the novel process of sulfur copolymerization, so called “inverse vulcanization”, there is renewed interest in polymers of sulfur, with expectation of finding industrial applications, mostly as the Li-sulfur batteries, in optics, removal of toxic metals and biomaterials. We are also discussing papers on the equilibrium between polysulfur and sulfur, in homo- and copolymerization of sulfur with cyclic sulfides and with vinyl monomers. Copolymerization of sulfur is described for cyclic sulfides and vinyl monomers. Analysis of interaction with vinyl monomers involves both low temperatures - then sulfur is merely acting as the chain transfer agent, and for temperatures around the floor temperature, when more or less stable copolymers are formed with high sulfur content. It is also shown that with cyclic monomers the high molar mass copolymers of sulfur were prepared (up to 80 % of sulfur). Analysis of papers describing the molecular structures of copolymers of sulfur are complementing the analysis of the kinetics, thermodynamics and DFT of the studied processes, including the living/controlled polymerization of sulfur with cyclic sulfides. In the final section we analyse the published DFT and other theoretical analyses of the subjects discussed in the major text. These methods have been successfully applied to make predictions of the bond dissociation energies, enthalpies of formation, reaction energies and energy barriers, etc., contributing to a deeper understanding of the chemical processes, as it is shown in this review.

Interfacial polymerization serves as a revolutionary technique to create polymer membranes such as polyamides, polyesters, and covalent organic frameworks, holding exceptional promise in numerous scenarios from liquid and gas separation to energy conversion and harvesting. Despite significant achievements, the fundamental principles of interfacial polymerization have been rarely discussed systemically, particularly from the perspective of thermodynamics, kinetics, and their combinations. This knowledge gap results in the lack of rational design and tailoring of interfacial polymerization. This review aims to revisit interfacial polymerization, integrating thermodynamics and kinetics to bridge the remained knowledge gap. We dissect the process into distinct physicochemical stages, including monomer dissolution, molecular diffusion, chemical reactions, and phase separation. Each stage is examined using thermodynamic and kinetic theories, underlining recent strides in refining process control. Furthermore, the review confronts the unresolved theoretical aspects of interfacial polymerization and the challenges inherent in mastering its controllability. We conclude by offering insights into how a controlled approach to interfacial polymerization could substantially transform the landscape of state-of-the-art polymer membranes.

Permanent polymer networks present an important sustainability challenge. Irreversible covalent crosslinks impart these materials excellent mechanical properties, thermal and chemical resistance, yet also render them difficult to repair and to recycle. Self-healing mechanisms can extend the lifetime of thermosets and elastomers, improving their durability and making their lifecycle more sustainable. In addition to the lifetime extension, this paper reviews the sustainability of self-healing polymers from a holistic point of view. The entire lifecycle of self-healing polymers is critically assessed with reference to the green chemistry principles and sustainable development. The relation between the self-healing chemistries and the sustainability aspects of each of the phases of the lifecycle are discussed, starting from the feedstocks, monomer functionalisation and polymer synthesis, to processing and manufacturing as well as end-of-life considerations, i.e. recycling or (bio)degradation. The review provides a toolbox for the development of more sustainable thermosets, elastomers and their composites. It is of utmost importance to consider the entire lifecycle of self-healing materials, derived products and – by extension – any material or product. The self-healing ability and often related recyclability should primarily reduce the amount of new materials that are necessary to fulfill societal needs, by extending the lifetime of products and maximizing reprocessing into new products. Increasing healing efficiency and the number of healing cycles improves the overall environmental impact relative to the extended service lifetime. Renewable resources derived from biomass, recycling processes or waste streams should be the first choice to create new self-healing polymers. Finally, biodegradability can be considered as a complementary end-of-life scenario upon accidental loss of self-healing polymer to the environment, provided that the biodegradation does not start under the prospected use conditions of the self-healing polymers and products, but can be postponed until contact with stimuli present in the environment.

Polymeric semiconductors based on donor-acceptor (D-A) conjugated polymers have emerged as a promising class of materials for various applications due to their excellent solution processability, low cost, and intrinsic flexibility. The use of the indacenodithiophene (IDT) unit as a building block has received significant attention due to its unique pentacyclic ring structure and exceptional photophysical and electronic properties. This review focuses on the latest progress in the field of IDT-based polymers. We discuss the versatility of IDT as a structural molecular engineering tool, along with the use of various electron-deficient acceptors as comonomers and modifications to the IDT structure unit. These advancements have led to improved device performance, particularly in organic electronics applications such as photodetectors, solar cells, field-effect transistors, and thermoelectric devices. In summary, this review serves as a valuable reference for researchers who are interested in creating high-performance polymeric semiconductors using the IDT building block for a range of optoelectronic devices.

Polyurethanes (PU) are ranked amongst the 6^th most manufactured worldwide polymers and are widely used in a variety of applications due to the diversity of properties they offer. Nevertheless, PUs are raising questions around environmental, legislative, health, and recycling concerns. In this context, due to the high isocyanate toxicity, blocked isocyanates, waterborne PU systems, and non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) were introduced to prevent isocyanate handling risks. Moreover, sustainable feedstocks stood out to synthetize greener PU. In particular, bio-based polyfunctional short alcohol and isocyanate compounds have emerged to design fully bio-based PU materials with targeted chemical and mechanical properties. Finally, the large amounts of PU that have been placed on the market are now leading to environmental issues regarding its accumulation in the environment. Several methods have thus been recently developed to facilitate their end-of-life management and recyclability.

This review provides a complete overview on the most recent advances on PUs synthesis with focus on the replacement of toxic isocyanates and petroleum-based resources, the use of greener processes, and their recycling methods. After a quick summary on PUs history and worldwide situation, different bio-based alcohols and isocyanates introduced on academic and industrial sides, and the corresponding PU are outlined. Furthermore, different synthesis pathways to produce NIPUs are discussed. Finally, the enzymatic and chemical recycling of PUs are outlined.

Polyurethane, a synthetic polymer distinguished by its urethane (carbamate, -NHCOO-) and/or urea (-NHCONH-) linkages, has been applied in various industries since its discovery in 1937 by Bayer and colleagues. The successful in vivo use of segmented multiblock thermoplastic polyurethane in 1967 marked the beginning of its development for biomedical applications. Over the past few decades, research on polyurethane biomaterials has evolved from focusing on biostable to biodegradable forms, exploring multifunctionality and application in areas like functional medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, etc.

This review aims to summarize the recent advancements in engineering polyurethane structures for biomedical applications, presenting the main methods utilized in their preparation, biological functions, and their main biomedical applications. In addition, we proposed four general strategies for engineering polyurethane structures in the biomedical field, offering a structured methodology for researchers and engineers engaged in polyurethane biomaterials work. Concluding the review, we spotlight future development directions, emphasizing multifunctional programmable polyurethane, peptide-mimicking polyurethane, and poly (hydroxyl urethane).

Chirality, an inherent characteristic observed throughout nature, plays a pivotal role across a wide range of scales, from subatomic to galactic, and holds significance in myriad scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology. Since the discovery of molecular chirality in 1848, there have been monumental advances, especially in the realm of chiral macromolecules and chiral supramolecular assemblies. This progress, primarily propelled by innovations in polymer science and supramolecular chemistry, has opened up numerous applications, spanning enantioselective sensing, catalysis, optics, and biomedicine. Both chiral macromolecules, synthesized either from chiral or achiral components, and chiral supramolecular assemblies, often manifest enhanced chiroptical responses and other intriguing chiral-related characteristics. However, challenges remain, particularly in precisely characterizing and understanding the governing factors and dynamics of these complex systems, as well as in synthesizing novel chiral macromolecules and chiral supramolecular assemblies that can efficiently interact with circularly polarized light. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent advances in the synthesis, properties, characterization, and applications of chiral macromolecules and chiral supramolecular assemblies. In addition, it provides an insightful perspective on the current challenges and the future direction of research in this rapidly evolving field.

In the last decades, adhesives derived from natural resources (i.e., bioadhesives) have emerged as promising alternative to the standard wound closure devices, including sutures, clips, and strips, owing to relatively easy and rapid application, minimal tissue damage, fast hemostasis, and ability to decrease the risk of infection. Various synthetic and natural materials have been utilized as bioadhesives. These materials find extensive applications in various biomedical fields, ranging from simple wound sealing to controlled drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and noninvasive therapy. Considering the weak underwater adhesion, degradability, and biological performances of synthetic adhesives, naturally derived-based adhesives are more attractive. The first generation of these bioadhesives provided primarily only one function. Moreover, they had issues including long curing time, slow adhesion, high degradation rate, low mechanical properties, and the risk of transferring contamination to the wound. Various chemically and genetically engineered strategies have been applied to advance their multifunctionality. The synergy of bonding chemistry, topography, and mechanics of dissipation in their structure supports the improved adhesion and controlled degradation rate. Various naturally derived bioadhesives are developed that cover subjects from innovative biomaterial synthesis or functionalization and cutting-edge manufacturing processes. However, to fulfill all the criteria of an ideal bioadhesive for clinical applications, more efforts should be devoted to investigating the surface characteristics of target tissues and the long-term relationship between the physiochemical properties of natural polymers and cohesion and adhesion mechanisms, as well as adhesive functionality. This review outlines the recent progress on naturally-derived bioadhesives, including proteins and polysaccharides, focusing on designing approaches based on chemically and genetically engineering strategies, development, and applications. Furthermore, the challenges of current studies are summarized to show future perspectives for developing bioengineered and high-performance naturally-derived bioadhesives for clinical use.