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Polymers
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Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification
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Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 5148

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xinde Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and Development, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Interests: polymer engineering; polymer composites; cellulose engineering; polymer chemistry and physics; mechanical properties; thermal properties; crystallization behavior; modification of waste plastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Bo Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical and Biological Technology, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan, China
Interests: bio-based polymers and chemicals; polymer engineering; polymer functional modification; polymer composites; cellulose engineering; polymer chemistry and physics; mechanical properties; thermal properties; crystallization behavior; modification of waste plastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, the production and application of polymers and their composites have increased exponentially. Polymer functionalization modification provides excellent mechanical properties, crystallization properties, friction properties, thermal properties, and barrier properties and is thus becoming an important research direction within polymer modification. Moreover, the consumption of nonrenewable resources, the disposal of waste polymers, and related issues, as well as government policies, have led to growing interest in sustainable polymer composites prepared using renewable resources. Therefore, the functionalization modification of sustainable polymers is also imperative.

At present, additives agents including nucleating agents, transparent agents, antioxidants, compatibilizers, anti-hydrolysis stabilizers, flame retardant agents, and antibacterial agents are used for polymer functionalization modification. In addition, bio-based polymers and their composites, polymer composites filled with agricultural and forestry wastes, and additive agents for the regeneration of waste plastics have been attracting increased attention.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight additive agents for polymer functionalization modification, including, but not limited to, the molecular design of additive agents and their preparation, characterization, and properties, as well as applications of polymer blends and sustainable polymer composites. In particular, the synthesis and characterization of new structures, action mechanisms, and unconventional uses of polymer additives (compounding and processing) are of interest.

Dr. Xinde Chen
Dr. Bo Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords


  • polymer additives
  • polymer composites
  • sustainable polymers
  • flame retardants
  • plasticizers
  • functionalization modification of biopolymers
  • new structure of polymer additives
  • new mechanism of polymer additives
  • new use of polymer additives
  • application of polymer additives
  • relationship between structure and performance of polymer additives

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 2461 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Polylactic Acid by Incorporating a Novel Nucleating Agent
by Ruijie Jin, Zehong Chen, Yidan Ouyang, Xintu Lin, Xin Dai, Shangxi Zhang, Ruilan Xu, Zhengbao Wang and Yong Peng
Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3204; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223204 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 333
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely recognized biodegradable polymer. However, the slow crystallization rate of PLA restricts its practical applications. In this study, camphor leaf biochar decorated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (C@MWCNTs) was prepared using the strong adhesive properties of polydopamine, and PLA/C@MWCNTs [...] Read more.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely recognized biodegradable polymer. However, the slow crystallization rate of PLA restricts its practical applications. In this study, camphor leaf biochar decorated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (C@MWCNTs) was prepared using the strong adhesive properties of polydopamine, and PLA/C@MWCNTs composites were fabricated via the casting solution method. The influence of C@MWCNTs as a novel nucleating agent on the melt behavior and non-isothermal crystallization behavior of PLA was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystallization kinetic parameters were obtained through the Jeziorny, Ozawa, and Mo methods, and the crystallization activation energy of the PLA/C@MWCNTs composites was calculated by the Kissinger method. The results show that the PLA/C@MWCNTs composites exhibit higher crystallinity and crystallization temperatures than those of PLA. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetic analysis reveals that the Mo method better describes the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of both PLA and PLA/C@MWCNTs composites. In addition, it was found that C@MWCNTs, despite increasing the crystallization activation energy, can act as an efficient nucleating agent to increase the crystallization rate of PLA. These experimental results provide valuable insights for enhancing the slow crystallization rates associated with PLA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification)
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15 pages, 3008 KiB  
Article
Development of Novel Cardanol-Derived Reactive Dispersing Agents for Bio-Based Anionic–Nonionic Waterborne Polyurethane
by Jianrong Xia, Haobin Wu, Kaidong Chen, Yanling Li, Xin Lu, Sibo Ding and Xuelin Zheng
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 2958; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16212958 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 541
Abstract
This study successfully developed a bio-based, photocurable, anionic–nonionic dual-functional chain extender, and sulfonated cardanol-based polyethylene glycol (SCP), derived from renewable resources—cardanol and polyethylene glycol—for application in waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUDs). Utilizing SCP as a chain extender, WPUDs were prepared through a typical acetone [...] Read more.
This study successfully developed a bio-based, photocurable, anionic–nonionic dual-functional chain extender, and sulfonated cardanol-based polyethylene glycol (SCP), derived from renewable resources—cardanol and polyethylene glycol—for application in waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUDs). Utilizing SCP as a chain extender, WPUDs were prepared through a typical acetone process with poly(butylene adipate) (PBA), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and ethylene diamine (EDA) at a constant NCO/OH ratio of 1:1. This research focused on the effects of polyethylene glycol molecular weight and SCP dosage on the particle size, stability, and film-forming properties of the WPUD. Optimal dispersion stability and film-forming performance were achieved with a polyethylene glycol molecular weight of 1500 and a PBA to SCP molar ratio of 4:1, yielding a particle size of 0.326 ± 0.010 μm and excellent storage stability over six months. The resulting WPU coatings exhibited a tensile strength of 11.4 MPa, which increased to 16.8 MPa after UV irradiation owing to the formation of a semi-interpenetrating network via the photopolymerization of cardanol’s unsaturated side chains. UV cross-linking also enhanced water resistance, reducing the water absorption rate (WAR) from 18.68% to 4.21% and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 6.59 × 10−5 g·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹·d⁻¹ to 2.26 × 10⁻⁵ g·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹·d⁻¹, while also improving thermal stability. These findings demonstrate that SCP offers a sustainable and effective solution for developing high-performance WPU coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification)
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20 pages, 5563 KiB  
Article
Performance Enhancement of Polyurethane Acrylate Resin by Urushiol: Rheological and Kinetic Studies
by Yuchi Zhang, Run Fang, Hanyu Xue, Yuansong Ye, Li Chen and Jianrong Xia
Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2716; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192716 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 662
Abstract
A natural extract, i.e., urushiol, was employed to effectively cross-link and modify commercial wet-cured polyurethane acrylic resin. Comprehensive characterization of the paint film was performed using techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and TGA. The results indicated that the incorporation of urushiol significantly increased [...] Read more.
A natural extract, i.e., urushiol, was employed to effectively cross-link and modify commercial wet-cured polyurethane acrylic resin. Comprehensive characterization of the paint film was performed using techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and TGA. The results indicated that the incorporation of urushiol significantly increased the cross-linking density of the resin, which in turn enhanced the film-forming properties, mechanical strength, and thermal stability of the paint film. Additionally, the study discovered that under isothermal conditions, the dynamic moduli (G′ and G″) of the paint film are related to the gel point frequency by a power law, aligning with the predictions of percolation theory. The application of the autocatalytic model has provided a novel approach to studying non-isothermal kinetic reactions, offering valuable insights for process optimization and further development of urushiol-based polyurethane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification)
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30 pages, 28391 KiB  
Article
Regulation of the Phase Structure in the Crystallizing Curing System PCL–DGEBA
by Irina O. Plyusnina, Uliana V. Nikulova, Ramil R. Khasbiullin and Aleksey V. Shapagin
Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2695; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192695 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 596
Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative aspects of the formation of various types of phase structures, sizes and compositions were considered. For the studied polycaprolactone–epoxy resin/4,4′-diaminediphenylsulfone system, a phase diagram characterized by amorphous separation with a lower critical solution temperature was constructed and its evolution was [...] Read more.
Qualitative and quantitative aspects of the formation of various types of phase structures, sizes and compositions were considered. For the studied polycaprolactone–epoxy resin/4,4′-diaminediphenylsulfone system, a phase diagram characterized by amorphous separation with a lower critical solution temperature was constructed and its evolution was traced with increasing conversion degree of epoxy groups. A method is proposed for determining the temperature–concentration parameters that determine the type of phase structure of composite materials, based on the optical interferometry method. All types of phase structures and features of structure formation in the phase reversal region and at its boundaries have been studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy methods. The dimensions of the structural elements were determined and their correlation with the temperature and concentration regimes of the system’s curing was established. The composition of phases in cured compositions was studied using FTIR spectroscopy, DSC and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that by varying the temperature–concentration parameters of curing reactive thermoplastic systems, it is possible to specifically regulate the type of phase structure, phase sizes and their composition, which determine the operational properties of the material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification)
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15 pages, 9728 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Enhancement of the Friction and Wear Performance for UHMWPE Composites under Different Aging Times
by Yingliang Liu, Yunxiang Han, Lin Yuan, Jinming Zhen, Zhengfeng Jia and Ran Zhang
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2059; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142059 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 941
Abstract
With the rapid development of the pipeline transportation and exploitation of mineral resources, there is an urgent requirement for high-performance polymer matrix composites with low friction and wear, especially under oxidative and prolonged working conditions. In this work, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix composites [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of the pipeline transportation and exploitation of mineral resources, there is an urgent requirement for high-performance polymer matrix composites with low friction and wear, especially under oxidative and prolonged working conditions. In this work, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix composites with the addition of carbon fibers (CFs), TiC, and MoS2 were prepared by the hot press sintering method. The influence of thermal oxygen aging time (90 °C, 0 h–64 h) on their mechanical and frictional performance was investigated. The results showed that TiC ceramic particles can increase wear resistance, especially by aging times up to 32 and 64 h. The wear mechanisms were analyzed based on the results of SEM images, EDS, and Raman spectra. The knowledge obtained herein will facilitate the design of long-service-life polymer matrix composites with promising low friction and wear performances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification)
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16 pages, 16472 KiB  
Article
Dispersion and Lubrication of Zinc Stearate in Polypropylene/Sodium 4-[(4-chlorobenzoyl) amino] Benzoate Nucleating Agent Composite
by Yapeng Dong, Fuhua Lin, Tianjiao Zhao, Meizhen Wang, Dingyi Ning, Xinyu Hao, Yanli Zhang, Dan Zhou, Yuying Zhao, Xinde Chen and Bo Wang
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1942; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131942 - 7 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
Zinc stearate (Znst) was physically blended with the sodium 4-[(4 chlorobenzoyl) amino] benzoate (SCAB) to obtain the SCAB-Znst composite nucleating agent. Znst was used to improve the dispersion property of SCAB and exert a lubricating effect on the PP matrix. The scanning electron [...] Read more.
Zinc stearate (Znst) was physically blended with the sodium 4-[(4 chlorobenzoyl) amino] benzoate (SCAB) to obtain the SCAB-Znst composite nucleating agent. Znst was used to improve the dispersion property of SCAB and exert a lubricating effect on the PP matrix. The scanning electron microscopy and the fracture surface morphology of the PP/SCAB composite illustrated that the addition of Znst greatly reduced the aggregation phenomenon of SCAB in the PP matrix. The result of the rotary rheometer indicated that Znst exhibits internal lubrication in PP. The DSC result illustrated that the crystallization properties of PP were improved. Compared with pure PP, the Tc of the PP/SCAB composite increased by 1.44 °C (PP/Znst), 13.48 °C (PP/SCAB), and 14.96 °C (PP/SCAB-Znst), respectively. The flexural strength of pure PP, PP/SCAB, and PP/SCAB-Znst were 35.8 MPa, 38.8 MPa, and 40.6 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength of the PP/SCAB and PP/SCAB-Znst reached the values of 39.8 MPa and 42.9 MPa, respectively, compared with pure PP (34.1 MPa). The results demonstrated that Znst can promote the dispersion of SCAB in the PP matrix while exerting a lubricating effect, which enabled the enhancement of the crystalline and mechanical properties of PP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Agents for Polymer Functionalization Modification)
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