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Polymers
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Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials
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Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 11101

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Xingfeng Lei

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
Interests: construction and application of high-performance polymer matrix composites; construction and application of functional polyimide membrane materials; molecular structure regulation and application of dynamically responsive organic polymer materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As an important branch of materials, high-performance polymer materials play an indispensable role in human daily life, microelectronics, semiconductors, the automobile industry, aerospace applications, sustainable development, etc. However, achieving a desirable balance between functionalities and physical properties for high-performance polymers remains a great challenge from a molecular design perspective. This Special Issue aims to collect recent progress, achievements, breakthroughs, challenges, and future directions of different types of high-performance polymers for various applications. Studies on high-performance polymer material fabrication methods, characterization techniques, simulations, and evaluation of polymers for specific applications are also encouraged.

Manuscripts are invited on all topics related to high-performance polymer materials for gas separation, space applications, electromagnetic wave treatment, microelectronics, semiconductors, automobile industry, sustainable development, etc., including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Composite matrices;
  2. Coatings;
  3. Adhesives;
  4. Fibers;
  5. Films and membranes;
  6. Polymer composites and hybrid polymers;
  7. Aromatic polymers;
  8. Aromatic heterocyclic polymers;
  9. Fluoropolymers and siloxanes;
  10. Polymer materials or polymer composites for potential applications in aerospace, chemicals, energy electronics, and automobile industries.

Papers from polymer scientists, organic chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, processing technologists, and physicists are welcome.

Dr. Xingfeng Lei
Guest Editor

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

  • polyimide
  • space application
  • heat resistance
  • high impact resistance
  • polymer composites
  • hybrid polymers
  • engineering plastics
  • electromagnetic shielding
  • wave-transparent

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 2147 KiB  
Article
Novel Glycidyl Carbamate Functional Epoxy Resin Using Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene
by Hae-Chan Kim, Sun-Jae Moon, Yong-Rok Kwon, Seok-kyu Moon, Dah-hee Kim and Dong-Hyun Kim
Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3107; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223107 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Herein, a novel glycidyl carbamate functional epoxy resin (GCE) is synthesized by the additional reaction of the isocyanate group of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) with the hydroxyl group of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and glycidol. The successful synthesis of the GCE is confirmed by FT-IR [...] Read more.
Herein, a novel glycidyl carbamate functional epoxy resin (GCE) is synthesized by the additional reaction of the isocyanate group of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) with the hydroxyl group of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and glycidol. The successful synthesis of the GCE is confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, a dual-curing adhesive system is developed using acrylic acid and trimethylolpropane triacrylate with varying GCE contents, and its adhesive performance is assessed by testing adhesive strength, pencil hardness, and surface energy. As a result, the dual-cure adhesive containing 0.2 mol of GCE demonstrates an impressive adhesive strength of 11.1 MPa, a pencil hardness of B, and surface energy comparable to that of standard polycarbonate film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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13 pages, 4481 KiB  
Article
Orientation Control of Perfluorosulfonic Acid Films via Addition of 1,2,4-Triazole during Casting
by Tatsuya Miyajima, Susumu Saito, Takumi Okuyama, Satoshi Matsushita, Tetsuji Shimohira and Go Matsuba
Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2533; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172533 - 7 Sep 2024
Viewed by 749
Abstract
Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers are used as electrolyte membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. To investigate the effect on proton conductivity through structural orientation control, we added 1,2,4-triazole to PFSA films during casting to impart anisotropy to the ion-cluster structure of the films. [...] Read more.
Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers are used as electrolyte membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. To investigate the effect on proton conductivity through structural orientation control, we added 1,2,4-triazole to PFSA films during casting to impart anisotropy to the ion-cluster structure of the films. The proton conductivities of the films were found to be high in the film-surface direction and low in the film-thickness direction. Structural analysis using small-angle X-ray scattering suggested that the anisotropy in proton conductivity was due to anisotropy in the ion-cluster structure, which in turn was attributed to the formation of a phase-separated structure via strong bonding between sulfonic acid groups and 1,2,4-triazole during cast film formation and the surface segregation of fluorine. We expect the findings of this study to aid in the fabrication of PFSA films with controlled ion clusters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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18 pages, 4357 KiB  
Article
Multi-Objective Robust Design Optimization for Crashworthiness Enhancement of Hybrid 2D Triaxially Braided Composite Tube Using Evolutionary Algorithms
by Dongyang Sun, Yudu Jiao, Yuanhao Tian, Youkun Gong, Leilei Li and Huiming Ning
Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172457 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 627
Abstract
An innovative optimal design framework is developed aiming at enhancing the crashworthiness while ensuring the lightweight design of a hybrid two-dimensional triaxial braided composite (2DTBC) tube, drawing insights from the mesostructure of the composite material. To achieve these goals, we first compile the [...] Read more.
An innovative optimal design framework is developed aiming at enhancing the crashworthiness while ensuring the lightweight design of a hybrid two-dimensional triaxial braided composite (2DTBC) tube, drawing insights from the mesostructure of the composite material. To achieve these goals, we first compile the essential mechanical properties of the 2DTBC using a concentric cylinder model (CCM) and an analytical laminate model. Subsequently, a kriging surrogate model to elucidate the intricate relationship between design variables and macroscopic crashworthiness is developed and validated. Finally, employing multi-objective evolutionary optimization, we identify Pareto optimal solutions, highlighting that reducing the total fiber volume and increasing the glass fiber content in the total fiber volume are crucial for optimal crashworthiness and the lightweight design of the hybrid 2DTBC tube. By integrating advanced predictive modeling techniques with multi-objective evolutionary optimization, the proposed approach not only sheds light on the fundamental principles governing the crashworthiness of hybrid 2DTBC but also provides valuable insights for the design of robust and lightweight composite structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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11 pages, 2403 KiB  
Article
Facile Preparation of a Transparent, Self-Healing, and Recyclable Polysiloxane Elastomer Based on a Dynamic Imine and Boroxine Bond
by Peng Wang, Zhuochao Wang, Wenxin Cao and Jiaqi Zhu
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091262 - 1 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1166
Abstract
Transparent polysiloxane elastomers with good self-healing and reprocessing abilities have attracted significant attention in the field of artificial skin and flexible displays. Herein, we propose a simple one-pot method to fabricate a room temperature self-healable polysiloxane elastomer (HPDMS) by introducing dynamic and reversible [...] Read more.
Transparent polysiloxane elastomers with good self-healing and reprocessing abilities have attracted significant attention in the field of artificial skin and flexible displays. Herein, we propose a simple one-pot method to fabricate a room temperature self-healable polysiloxane elastomer (HPDMS) by introducing dynamic and reversible imine bonds and boroxine into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks. The presence of imine bonds and boroxine is proved by FT−IR and NMR spectra. The obtained HPDMS elastomer is highly transparent with a transmittance of up to 80%. The TGA results demonstrated that the HPDMS elastomer has good heat resistance and can be used in a wide temperature range. A lower glass transition temperature (Tg, −127.4 °C) was obtained and revealed that the elastomer is highly flexible at room temperature. Because of the reformation of dynamic reversible imine bonds and boroxine, the HPDMS elastomers exhibited excellent autonomous self-healing properties. After healing for 3 h, the self-healing efficiency of HPDMS reached 96.3% at room temperature. Moreover, the elastomers can be repeatedly reprocessed multiple times under milder conditions. This work provides a simple but effective method to prepare transparent self-healable and reprocessable polysiloxane elastomers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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12 pages, 1937 KiB  
Article
Intrinsically Microporous Polyimides Derived from 2,2′-Dibromo-4,4′,5,5′-bipohenyltetracarboxylic Dianhydride for Gas Separation Membranes
by Yongle Li, Yao Lu, Chun Tian, Zhen Wang and Jingling Yan
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091198 - 25 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1028
Abstract
This work aims to expand the structure–property relationships of bromo-containing polyimides and the influence of bromine atoms on the gas separation properties of such materials. A series of intrinsically microporous polyimides were synthesized from 2,2′-dibromo-4,4′,5,5′-bipohenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (Br-BPDA) and five bulky diamines, (7,7′-(mesitylmethylene)bis(8-methyldibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxin-2-amine) (MMBMA), [...] Read more.
This work aims to expand the structure–property relationships of bromo-containing polyimides and the influence of bromine atoms on the gas separation properties of such materials. A series of intrinsically microporous polyimides were synthesized from 2,2′-dibromo-4,4′,5,5′-bipohenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (Br-BPDA) and five bulky diamines, (7,7′-(mesitylmethylene)bis(8-methyldibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxin-2-amine) (MMBMA), 7,7′-(Mesitylmethylene)bis(1,8-dimethyldibenzo[b,e][1,4] dioxin-2-amine) (MMBDA), 4,10-dimethyl-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine-2,8-diamine (TBDA1), 4,10-dimethyl-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine-3,9-diamine (TBDA2), and (9R,10R)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-[1,2]benzenoanthracene-2,6-diamine (DAT). The Br-BPDA-derived polyimides exhibited excellent solubility, high thermal stability, and good mechanical properties, with their tensile strength and modulus being 59.2–109.3 MPa and 1.8–2.2 GPa, respectively. The fractional free volumes (FFVs) and surface areas (SBET) of the Br-BPDA-derived polyimides were in the range of 0.169–0.216 and 211–342 m2 g−1, following the order of MMBDA > MMBMA > TBDA2 > DAT > TBDA1, wherein the Br-BPDA-MMBDA exhibited the highest SBET and FFV and thus highest CO2 permeability of 724.5 Barrer. Moreover, Br-BPDA-DAT displayed the best gas separation performance, with CO2, H2, O2, N2, and CH4 permeabilities of 349.8, 384.4, 69.8, 16.3, and 19.7 Barrer, and H2/N2 selectivity of 21.4. This can be ascribed to the ultra-micropores (<0.7 nm) caused by the high rigidity of Br-BPDA-DAT. In addition, all the bromo-containing polymers of intrinsic microporosity membranes exhibited excellent resistance to physical ageing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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41 pages, 22874 KiB  
Article
Poly(ester imide)s with Low Linear Coefficients of Thermal Expansion and Low Water Uptake (VII): A Strategy to Achieve Ultra-Low Dissipation Factors at 10 GHz
by Masatoshi Hasegawa, Taro Fukuda and Junichi Ishii
Polymers 2024, 16(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050653 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1427
Abstract
In this study, a series of ester-linked tetracarboxylic dianhydrides (TCDAs) with 2,6-naphthalene-containing longitudinally extended structures consisting of different numbers of aromatic rings (NAr = 6–8) was synthesized to obtain novel modified polyimides, poly(ester imide)s (PEsIs). These TCDAs were fully compatible with [...] Read more.
In this study, a series of ester-linked tetracarboxylic dianhydrides (TCDAs) with 2,6-naphthalene-containing longitudinally extended structures consisting of different numbers of aromatic rings (NAr = 6–8) was synthesized to obtain novel modified polyimides, poly(ester imide)s (PEsIs). These TCDAs were fully compatible with the conventional manufacturing processes of conventional polyimide (PI) systems. As an example, the PEsI film obtained from the ester-linked TCDA (NAr = 8) and an ester-linked diamine achieved unprecedented outstanding dielectric properties without the support of fluorinated monomers, specifically an ultra-low dissipation factor (tan δ) of 0.00128 at a frequency of 10 GHz (50% RH and 23 °C), in addition to an extremely high glass transition temperature (Tg) of 365 °C, extremely low linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 6.8 ppm K−1, suppressed water uptake (0.24%), requisite film ductility, and a low haze. Consequently, certain PEsI films developed in this study are promising candidates for heat-resistant dielectric substrates for use in 5G-compatible high-speed flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs). The chemical and physical factors denominating tan δ are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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11 pages, 2901 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Properties of Mechanically Robust, Colorless, and Transparent Aramid Films
by Heesang Kim, Jin-Hee Noh, Young-Rae Kim, Hyojin Kim and Giseop Kwak
Polymers 2024, 16(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050575 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1242
Abstract
In this study, various diamine monomers were used to synthesize aramid polymer films via a low-temperature solution condensation reaction with diacid chloride. For diamines with relatively high basicity, the reaction system became opaque because amine salt formation inhibited polymer synthesis. Meanwhile, low-basicity diamines [...] Read more.
In this study, various diamine monomers were used to synthesize aramid polymer films via a low-temperature solution condensation reaction with diacid chloride. For diamines with relatively high basicity, the reaction system became opaque because amine salt formation inhibited polymer synthesis. Meanwhile, low-basicity diamines with strong electron-withdrawing groups, such as CF3 and sulfone, were smoothly polymerized without amine salt formation to provide highly viscous solutions. The acid byproduct HCl generated during polymerization was removed by adding propylene oxide to the reaction vessel and converting the acid into highly volatile inert substances. The resulting solutions were used as varnishes without any additional purification, and polymer films with an excellent appearance were easily obtained through a conventional casting and convection drying process. The films neither tore nor broke when pulled or bent by hand; furthermore, even when heated up to 400 °C, they did not decompose or melt. Moreover, polymers prepared from 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB) and bis(4-aminophenyl)sulfone (pAPS) did not exhibit glass transition until decomposition. The prepared polymer films showed a high elastic modulus of more than 4.1 GPa and a high tensile strength of more than 52 MPa. In particular, TFMB-, pAPS-, and 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane-based polymer films were colorless and transparent, with very high light transmittances of 95%, 96%, and 91%, respectively, at 420 nm and low yellow indexes of 2.4, 1.9, and 4.3, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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13 pages, 3357 KiB  
Article
N-Halamine-Based Polypropylene Melt-Blown Nonwoven Fabric with Superhydrophilicity and Antibacterial Properties for Face Masks
by Zhuo Chen, Qinghua Zhao, Jiahui Chen, Tao Mei, Wenwen Wang, Mufang Li and Dong Wang
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4335; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214335 - 6 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1840
Abstract
Polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabric (PP MNF) masks can effectively block pathogens in the environment from entering the human body. However, the adhesion of surviving pathogens to masks poses a risk of human infection. Thus, embedding safe and efficient antibacterial materials is the key [...] Read more.
Polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabric (PP MNF) masks can effectively block pathogens in the environment from entering the human body. However, the adhesion of surviving pathogens to masks poses a risk of human infection. Thus, embedding safe and efficient antibacterial materials is the key to solving pathogen infection. In this study, stable chlorinated poly(methacrylamide-N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide) polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabrics (PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs) have been fabricated by a simple UV cross-link and chlorination process, and the active chlorine content can reach 3500 ppm. The PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs show excellent hydrophilic and antibacterial properties. The PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs could kill all bacteria (both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) with only 5 min of contact. Therefore, incorporating PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNF as a hydrophilic antimicrobial layer into a four-layer PP-based mask holds great potential for enhancing protection and comfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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13 pages, 4402 KiB  
Article
Boosted Chemical Protective Properties Using Interface Constructed between Ti3C2Tx MXene and Natural Rubber
by Qinyu Chen, Min Zhang, Xiaopeng Li, Chuan Zhou, Guang Yang, Heguo Li and Xiaohui Zheng
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4260; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214260 - 30 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1646
Abstract
Rubbers are extensively applied in chemical protective clothing (CPC) due to their eye-catching anti-penetration of chemicals. However, their impermeability, particularly that of natural rubber (NR), is unsatisfactory. In this work, we demonstrate the facile construction of Ti3C2Tx MXene/NR [...] Read more.
Rubbers are extensively applied in chemical protective clothing (CPC) due to their eye-catching anti-penetration of chemicals. However, their impermeability, particularly that of natural rubber (NR), is unsatisfactory. In this work, we demonstrate the facile construction of Ti3C2Tx MXene/NR interface using a plant-scale and feasible method combining latex mixing, emulsion flocculation, and flat-plate vulcanisation. The above crafts achieved a homogeneous dispersion of Ti3C2Tx MXene in the NR matrix in a single layer, thereby constructing a strong interfacial interaction between Ti3C2Tx MXene and NR, which induced the formation of a robust three-dimensional (3D) network in the composite. The anti-swelling capacity of the 3D cross-linked network structure and the layered structure of Ti3C2Tx MXene effectively prolonged the permeation path of toxic chemicals. Compared with pure NR, the nanocomposite with 1 wt% of Ti3C2Tx MXene showed substantially enhanced breakthrough times of toluene, dichloromethane, and concentrated sulfuric acid (increased by 140%, 178.6%, and 92.5%, respectively). Furthermore, its tensile strength, elongation at break, and shore hardness increased by 7.847 MPa, 194%, and 12 HA, respectively. Taken together with the satisfactory anti-permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, and shore hardness, the resulting Ti3C2Tx MXene/NR nanocomposites hold promise for application to long-term and high-strength CPC in the chemical industry and military fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Polymer Materials)
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