Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition)

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 October 2024) | Viewed by 9039

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hui Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
Interests: polyurethane; cellulose; composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yang Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
Interests: cellulose; packaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yan Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
Interests: lignocellulose; nanostructure; nanocomposite; sustainable chemistry; structural design; plastic replacement; green functionalization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polyurethane, cellulose and their composites have been widely used in hitherto unimagined areas due to their excellent properties. Along with their fast-increasing consumption in recent years, the demand for advanced polyurethane and cellulose-based composites is growing rapidly. Therefore, this Special Issue seeks to showcase research papers, short communications, and review articles that focus on innovations in polyurethane and cellulose-based materials, including material synthesis, modification and engineering.

Dr. Hui Zhao
Dr. Yang Liu
Dr. Yan Jiang
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

polyurethane
cellulose
lignocellulose
composites
properties

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

15 pages, 5207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Bond Strength of Concrete Repaired Using Polyurethane Grout Material under Static and Impact Loads Coupled with Statistical Analysis

by Sadi Ibrahim Haruna, Yasser E. Ibrahim and Ali Al-shawafi

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192729 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 573

Abstract

The effectiveness of repair work relies on whether the interface substrate can achieve sufficient bond strength when subjected to numerous stresses. This study investigated the bond properties of repaired normal concrete (NC-to-NC) elements, including cube, beam, and U-shaped specimens, after undergoing natural fracture due to flexural and tensile stresses. The specimens were repaired using a polyurethane (PU) matrix by gluing the two parts and applying compression, splitting, and drop-weight impact (DWI) tests to evaluate the bond strength properties. The results revealed that the PU matrix effectively repairs NC substrate with adequate bond strength, which exceeds the minimum allowable bond strength specified in the ASTM ACI 546-06 to rehabilitate damage concrete structures. The reference beams exhibit a peak applied load capacity of 15.6 kN with less deflection than the repaired samples. The compressive strength of the NC-to-NC repaired specimens loaded along and parallel to the interface plane revealed a decrease in compressive strength of 47.3% and 31.5% compared to the NC-R samples, respectively. The mean number of blows at the cracking stages appeared nearly equal for reference and repaired NC-to-NC specimens. The reference specimens exhibited an average number of 24 and 31 blows at the initial and failure stages, respectively, which were higher by 9.1% and 5.2% than the NC-to-NC repaired specimens. The PU binder showed promising results in achieving adequate interfacial bond strength under static and impact loads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Molecular Weight of the Polycarbonate Polyol on the Intrinsic Self-Healing at 20 °C of Polyurethanes

by Yuliet Paez-Amieva and José Miguel Martín-Martínez

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2724; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192724 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 588

Abstract

Different polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized with polycarbonate polyols of molecular weights of 500, 1000, and 2000 Da. Their self-healing abilities at 20 °C were tested, and their structural, thermal, and mechanical properties were analyzed. The PUs made with polycarbonates of molecular weights 500 (YC500) and 1000 Da (YC1000) exhibited self-healing at 20 °C, and the self-healing time of YC1000 was the shortest. The absence of crystallinity and the low degree of micro-phase separation favored self-healing at 20 °C in YC500. However, the presence of tack and the existence of allophanate species and urethane–carbonate and urea–carbonate hydrogen bonds disfavored self-healing. Consequently, the self-healing time at 20 °C of YC500 was longer than expected. On the other hand, YC1000 exhibited an “equilibrium” between urethane-carbonate and urea–carbonate hydrogen bonds and carbonate–carbonate interactions among the soft segments, so a particular structural order was produced that was associated with its fastest self-healing at 20 °C. The PU made with the polycarbonate of molecular weight 2000 Da did not exhibit self-healing at 20 °C because of its significant micro-phase separation, the presence of semi-crystalline soft domains, and the lower density of hydrogen bonds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 78948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Catalytic Effect of Low Molecular Weight Acids on the Physicochemical and Dielectric Properties of Oil-Paper Insulation Systems

by Kakou D. Kouassi, Issouf Fofana, Yazid Hadjadj and Kouba M. Lucia Yapi

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2655; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182655 - 20 Sep 2024

Viewed by 745

Abstract

In most industrialized countries, power transformers built several decades ago are approaching the end of their operational lifespan. The ongoing energy transition, focused on developing 100% renewable energy sources and accelerating global transportation electrification, further exacerbates these assets. Combined with rising electricity demand, there is an increasing risk of critical transformers’ degradation acceleration. In this context, understanding the aging mechanisms of the insulation system inside these essential assets, which form the core of every energy network, becomes paramount for today’s managers and engineers responsible for their operations. The acids generated through oil oxidation can be classified into two categories: low molecular weight acids (LMAs), which are inherently more hydrophilic and consequently have a greater impact on the degradation rate of solid insulation through hydrolysis, and high molecular weight acids (HMAs), which do not significantly contribute to the degradation of paper insulation. This study specifically addresses the impact of acids generated through oil oxidation—focusing on LMAs. New oil samples were infused with different ratios of LMAs before impregnation. The impregnated paper samples underwent thermal aging at 115 °C. Different physicochemical and dielectric properties were investigated. The investigations revealed that oils blended with formic acid exhibited more adverse effects on the insulation system compared to other LMAs. This information is essential for industry professionals seeking to mitigate the risks associated with transformer degradation and extend the lifespan of these critical assets during the energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Diffusion Characteristics of Polymer Grouting Materials Applied for Crack Filling in Underground Mines Based on Numerical Simulation and Experimental Methods

by Xuanning Zhang and Ende Wang

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182612 - 15 Sep 2024

Viewed by 640

Abstract

Polymer grouting materials are increasingly used in the filling of mine fissures. Unlike conventional inorganic grouting materials, the self-expansion of polymers adds complexity to their diffusion process within the crack. The objective of this research was to examine how polymer grouting material spreads in cracks at ambient temperatures and pressure. The investigation involved conducting grouting tests and performing numerical fluid simulation calculations using the finite-volume method in the computational fluid dynamics software, ANSYS FLUENT 2022 R1. The fluid volume approach was employed to determine the boundary between fluid and air and to ascertain the variation patterns of density in the slurry and the fracture system. This study applied the principles of fluid mechanics to investigate the patterns of variation in the physical characteristics of polymer grouting materials, including their density, pressure, flow velocity, and movement distance, during the diffusion process. The results indicated that the density of the polymer grouting material decreased exponentially over time throughout the diffusion process. With the increase in the grouting’s volume, the grout’s pressure and the permeable distance of the grout increased. The slurry’s pressure near the grouting hole exceeded the other points’ pressure. The physical parameters of the slurry were numerically simulated by ANSYS FLUENT 2022 R1 software, and the results were compared with the experimental data. After comparing the numerical simulation results with the test data, it was clear that the numerical simulation method was superior in accurately predicting the distribution pattern of each parameter of the polymer slurry during diffusion. The grouting volume, pressure distribution, and real-time change in the position of the flow of slurry could be efficiently determined through numerical calculation and simulated grouting tests. This work can offer valuable information for designing polymer grouting materials used in underground mine fissures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suitability of Test Procedures for Determining the Compatibility of Seal Materials with Ionic Hydraulic Fluids

by Darko Lovrec and Vito Tič

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2551; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182551 - 10 Sep 2024

Viewed by 586

Abstract

The compatibility of seal materials with the working fluid is crucial for the flawless, energy-saving, environmentally sustainable, and safe operation of any technical system. This is especially true for hydraulic systems operating under high operating pressure. The problem of materials compatibility comes into play when either a new type of seal material or a new type of fluid comes into use. The paper discusses the research findings regarding material compatibility testing of new high-tech ionic hydraulic fluids with commonly used seal materials. Due to the completely different chemical composition of these new fluids compared to the classical mineral-based oil, for these fluids, there are no standardized testing procedures. In these cases, we can only lean on the Standards that apply to classical fluids, which can lead to incorrect results. In the forefront of the paper is the discrepancy between the results obtained by the standardized test, and the test under real operating conditions. FKM, an excellent material for seals, proved to be the most suitable in the case of using ionic hydraulic fluid, according to a standardized test. However, it failed in the comparison test under real operating conditions, as the cylinder leaked. NBR seals proved to be a better solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties and Crystallinity of Specific PLA/Cellulose Composites by Surface Modification of Nanofibrillated Cellulose

by Hongzhe Chu, Zeyan Chen, Yongli Chen, Deling Wei, Yang Liu and Hui Zhao

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2474; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172474 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 767

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) has inherent drawbacks, such as its amorphous structure, which affect its mechanical and barrier properties. The use of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) mixed with PLA for the production of composites has been chosen as a solution to the above problems. A PLA/NFC composite was produced by solution casting. Before use, the cellulose was modified using a silane coupling agent. The composite films were investigated via X-ray diffraction, as well as by mechanical, physical, thermal analyses and by differential scanning calorimeter. The crystallinity was four times that of pure PLA and the water vapor transmission rate decreased by 76.9% with the incorporation of 10 wt% of NFC. The tensile strength of PLA/NFC blend films increased by 98.8% with the incorporation of 5 wt% of NFC. The study demonstrates that the addition of NFC improved the properties of PLA. This provides a solid foundation for the enhancement of the performance of PLA products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanochemical Recycling of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Scraps for Quantitative Replacement of Polyol Using Wedge-Block-Reinforced Extruder

by Lei Guo, Fu Wang, Hailin Chai, Gongxu Liu, Xingao Jian, Jinyang Zhao, Kexin Liu, Haichao Liu, Tiewei Liu, Xiangping Zhang, Yongshuai Wang and Fumin Liu

Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121633 - 9 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1195

Abstract

Recycling flexible polyurethane foam (F-PUF) scraps is difficult due to the material’s high cross-linking structure. In this work, a wedge-block-reinforced extruder with a considerable enhanced shear extrusion and stretching area between the rotating screw and the stationary wedge blocks was utilized to recycle F-PUF scraps into powder containing surface-active hydroxyl groups. The powder was then utilized for the quantitative replacement of polyol in the foaming process. Characterizations showed that the continuous shear extrusion and stretching during the extrusion process reduced the volume mean diameter (VMD) of the F-PUF powder obtained by extruding it three times at room temperature to reach 54 μm. The -OH number (OHN) of the powder prepared by extruding it three times reached 19.51 mgKOH/g due to the mechanochemical effect of the powdering method. The F-PUF containing recycled powder used to quantitively replace 10 wt.% polyol was similar in microstructure and chemical structure to the original F-PUF, with a compression set of 2%, indentation load deflection of 21.3 lbf, resilience of 43.4%, air permeability of 815.7 L/m²·s, tensile strength of 73.0 Kpa, and tear strength of 2.3 N/cm, indicating that the recycling method has potential for industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Non-Isocyanate Polyhydroxyurethanes (NIPHUs) from Epoxidized Soybean Oil: Candidates for Wound Dressing Applications

by Maria Morales-González, Manuel F. Valero and Luis E. Díaz

Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111514 - 27 May 2024

Viewed by 800

Abstract

Only 0.1% of polyurethanes available on the market are from renewable sources. With increasing concern about climate change, the substitution of monomers derived from petrochemical sources and the application of eco-friendly synthesis processes is crucial for the development of biomaterials. Therefore, polyhydroxyurethanes have been utilized, as their synthesis route allows for the carbonation of vegetable oils with carbon dioxide and the substitution of isocyanates known for their high toxicity, carcinogenicity, and petrochemical origin. In this study, polyhydroxyurethanes were obtained from carbonated soybean oil in combination with two diamines, one that is aliphatic (1,4-butadiamine (putrescine)) and another that is cycloaliphatic (1,3-cyclohexanobis(methylamine)). Four polyhydroxyurethanes were obtained, showing stability in hydrolytic and oxidative media, thermal stability above 200 °C, tensile strength between 0.9 and 1.1 MPa, an elongation at break between 81 and 222%, a water absorption rate up 102%, and contact angles between 63.70 and 101.39. New formulations of bio-based NIPHUs can be developed with the inclusion of a cycloaliphatic diamine (CHM) for the improvement of mechanical properties, which represents a more sustainable process for obtaining NIPHUs with the physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties required for the preparation of wound dressings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Strategy for the Treatment of Old Corrugated Container Pulping Wastewater by the Ozone-Catalyzed Polyurethane Sponge Biodegradation Process

by Yuxuan Cai, Shaozhe Huang and Jianhua Xiong

Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101329 - 9 May 2024

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Old Corrugated Container (OCC) pulping wastewater has a complex organic composition and high levels of biotoxicity. The presence of dissolved and colloidal substances (DCSs) is a major limiting factor for pulp and paper companies to achieve closed-water recycling. In order to solve this problem, the coupled ozone-catalyzed oxidation and biodegradation (OCB) method was used to treat OCC pulping wastewater in this study. A polyurethane sponge was used as the basic skeleton, loaded with nano TiO₂ and microorganisms, respectively, and then put into a reactor. After an 8-min ozone-catalyzed oxidation reaction, a 10-h biological reaction was carried out. The process was effective in removing organic pollutants such as COD and BOD₅ from OCC paper whitewater. The removal rates of COD and BOD₅ were 81.5% and 85.1%, respectively. By using the polyurethane sponge to construct a microenvironment suitable for microbial growth and metabolism, this study successfully applied and optimized engineered bacteria—white rut fungi (WRF)—in the system to achieve practical degradation of OCC pulping wastewater. Meanwhile, the biocompatibility of different microbial communities on the polyurethane sponge was analyzed by examining the degradation performance of OCC pulping wastewater. The structure of microbial communities loaded on the polyurethane sponge was analyzed to understand the degradation mechanism and microbial reaction behavior. White-rot fungi (Phanerochaete) contributed more to the degradation of OCC wastewater, and new strains adapted to OCC wastewater degradation were generated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 7491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tribological Performance and Enhancing Mechanism of 3D Printed PEEK Coated with In Situ ZIF-8 Nanomaterial

by Xinchao Wang, Jiale Hu, Jiajia Liu, Yixin Liang, Lan Wu, Tie Geng, Shihua Liu and Yonggang Guo

Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081150 - 19 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1047

Abstract

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is esteemed as a high-performance engineering polymer renowned for its exceptional mechanical properties and thermal stability. Nonetheless, the majority of polymer-based lubricating materials fail to meet the contemporary industrial demands for motion components regarding high speed, heavy loading, temperature resistance, and precise control. Utilizing 3D printing technology to design and fabricate intricately structured components, developing high-performance polymer self-lubricating materials becomes imperative to fulfill the stringent operational requirements of motion mechanisms. This study introduces a novel approach employing 3D printing technology to produce PEEK with varying filling densities and conducting in situ synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) nanomaterials on its surface to enhance PEEK’s frictional performance. The research discusses the synthetic methodology, characterization techniques, and tribological performance evaluation of in situ synthesized ZIF-8 nanomaterials on PEEK surfaces. The findings demonstrate a significant enhancement in frictional performance of the composite material under low-load conditions, achieving a minimum wear rate of 4.68 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m compared to the non-grafted PEEK material’s wear rate of 1.091 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/N·m, an approximately 1.3 times improvement. Detailed characterization and analysis of the worn surface of the steel ring unveil the lubrication mechanism of the ZIF-8 nanoparticles, thereby presenting new prospects for the diversified applications of PEEK. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in the Preparation, Properties and Application of Polyurethane, Cellulose and Their Composites (2nd Edition)

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI