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Polymers
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Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers
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Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 27672

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Edith Perret

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
Interests: polymer fibers; X-ray analysis; structural properties; biomaterials

Special Issue Information

Melt spinning is nowadays the most economic and preferred industrial method to manufacture polymeric fibers in the textile industry. Being able to tailor physical and chemical fiber properties is essential to meet the high demands of certain applications in e.g. biomedicine, filtration or architectural textiles. Mechanical properties of melt-spun fibers are influenced by spinning, drawing or annealing procedures. Stress and temperature strongly affect the structure and thus also the mechanical performance of the polymer fibers. Additionally, chemical and structural properties can be altered by using specific additives during the melt-spinning process.

This Special Issue collects contributions that emphasize structure-property relationships in e.g. melt-spun, electrospun or natural polymer fibers. Of particular interest are structural investigations of polymer fibers with Wide- and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS/SAXS) or other techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) or Raman spectroscopy, that focus on molecular orientation, changes to crystalline and amorphous phases as well as mesophases. In general, experimental studies that focus on the interplay between structural and physical or chemical properties of polymer fibers are very welcome.

Dr. Edith Perret
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

  • melt spinning
  • polymer fibers
  • molecular orientation
  • crystalline phase
  • mesophase
  • chemical properties
  • physical properties
  • WAXD
  • SAXS
  • spectroscopy
  • textile

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 32301 KiB  
Article
Effects of Nanoscale Morphology on Optical Properties of Photoluminescent Polymer Optical Fibers
by Edith Perret, Konrad Jakubowski, Manfred Heuberger and Rudolf Hufenus
Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3262; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163262 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1654
Abstract
Bicomponent photoluminescent polymer optical fibers (PL-POFs) have been melt-spun and in-situ drawn to different extents. The results suggest that scattering in the sheath can effectively increase the photoluminescent dye excitation probability in the fiber core. The core/sheath PL-POFs are made of a semi-crystalline [...] Read more.
Bicomponent photoluminescent polymer optical fibers (PL-POFs) have been melt-spun and in-situ drawn to different extents. The results suggest that scattering in the sheath can effectively increase the photoluminescent dye excitation probability in the fiber core. The core/sheath PL-POFs are made of a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer sheath of low refractive index (RI) and an amorphous cycloolefin polymeric core of high RI, which is doped with a luminescent dye. The axial light emission, as well as the guiding attenuation coefficients of the core/sheath PL-POFs, have been measured using a side-illumination set-up. The incident blue laser is down-converted to red light, which is re-emitted and partially guided by the core. The axial light emission is measured at the fiber tip as a function of the distance from the illumination position to the integrating sphere. It is demonstrated that the presence of a semi-crystalline sheath significantly enhances the axial light emission and that it also lowers the attenuation coefficient, compared to the emission and guiding properties of PL core-only fibers. Additionally, the attenuation coefficient has been found to be lower in more strongly drawn PL-POFs. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments reveal structural differences in differently drawn PL-POFs that can be linked to the observed differences in the optical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers)
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17 pages, 4985 KiB  
Article
Structure–Property Relationship in Melt-Spun Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hexanoate) Monofilaments
by Figen Selli, Rudolf Hufenus, Ali Gooneie, Umit Halis Erdoğan and Edith Perret
Polymers 2022, 14(1), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010200 - 4 Jan 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3072
Abstract
Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hexanoate) (PHBH) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester with the potential to be used in textile and medical applications. We have aimed at developing an upscalable melt-spinning method to produce fine biodegradable PHBH filaments without the use of an ice water bath or offline [...] Read more.
Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hexanoate) (PHBH) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester with the potential to be used in textile and medical applications. We have aimed at developing an upscalable melt-spinning method to produce fine biodegradable PHBH filaments without the use of an ice water bath or offline drawing techniques. We have evaluated the effect of different polymer grades (mol% 3-hydroxy hexanoate, molecular weight etc.) and production parameters on the tensile properties of melt-spun filaments. PHBH monofilaments (diameter < 130 µm) have been successfully melt-spun and online drawn from three different polymer grades. We report thermal and rheological properties of the polymer grades as well as morphological, thermal, mechanical, and structural properties of the melt-spun filaments thereof. Tensile strengths up to 291 MPa have been achieved. Differences in tensile performance have been correlated to structural differences with wide-angle X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering. The measurements obtained have revealed that a synergetic interaction of a highly oriented non-crystalline mesophase with highly oriented α-crystals leads to increased tensile strength. Additionally, the effect of aging on the structure and tensile performance has been investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers)
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19 pages, 48914 KiB  
Article
Phase and Structure Behavior vs. Electromechanical Performance of Electrostrictive P(VDF-HFP)/ZnO Composite Nanofibers
by Nikruesong Tohluebaji, Panu Thainiramit, Chatchai Putson and Nantakan Muensit
Polymers 2021, 13(15), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152565 - 31 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2493
Abstract
In this work, we improved the electromechanical properties, electrostrictive behavior and energy-harvesting performance of poly(vinylidenefluoridene-hexafluoropropylene) P(VDF-HFP)/zinc oxide (ZnO) composite nanofibers. The main factor in increasing their electromechanical performance and harvesting power based on electrostrictive behavior is an improved coefficient with a modified crystallinity [...] Read more.
In this work, we improved the electromechanical properties, electrostrictive behavior and energy-harvesting performance of poly(vinylidenefluoridene-hexafluoropropylene) P(VDF-HFP)/zinc oxide (ZnO) composite nanofibers. The main factor in increasing their electromechanical performance and harvesting power based on electrostrictive behavior is an improved coefficient with a modified crystallinity phase and tuning the polarizability of material. These blends were fabricated by using a simple electrospinning method with varied ZnO contents (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%). The effects of the ZnO nanoparticle size and content on the phase transformation, dielectric permittivity, strain response and vibration energy harvesting were investigated. The characteristics of these structures were evaluated utilizing SEM, EDX, XRD, FT-IR and DMA. The electrical properties of the fabrication samples were examined by LCR meter as a function of the concentration of the ZnO and frequency. The strain response from the electric field was observed by the photonic displacement apparatus and lock-in amplifier along the thickness direction at a low frequency of 1 Hz. Moreover, the energy conversion behavior was determined by an energy-harvesting setup measuring the current induced in the composite nanofibers. The results showed that the ZnO nanoparticles’ component effectively achieves a strain response and the energy-harvesting capabilities of these P(VDF-HFP)/ZnO composites nanofibers. The electrostriction coefficient tended to increase with a higher ZnO content and an increasing dielectric constant. The generated current increased with the ZnO content when the external electric field was applied at a vibration of 20 Hz. Consequently, the ZnO nanoparticles dispersed into electrostrictive P(VDF-HFP) nanofibers, which offer a large power density and excellent efficiency of energy harvesting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers)
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18 pages, 31108 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of a Diclofenac Sodium-Dual Layer Polyvinyl Alcohol Patch
by Shafizah Sa’adon, Mohamed Nainar Mohamed Ansari, Saiful Izwan Abd Razak, Joseph Sahaya Anand, Nadirul Hasraf Mat Nayan, Al Emran Ismail, Muhammad Umar Aslam Khan and Adnan Haider
Polymers 2021, 13(15), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152459 - 27 Jul 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4300
Abstract
The aim of this study is to prepare a dual layer polyvinyl (PVA) patch using a combination of electrospinning techniques and cryogelation (freeze-thaw process) then subsequently to investigate the effect of freeze-thaw cycles, nanofiber thickness, and diclofenac sodium (DS) loading on the physicochemical [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to prepare a dual layer polyvinyl (PVA) patch using a combination of electrospinning techniques and cryogelation (freeze-thaw process) then subsequently to investigate the effect of freeze-thaw cycles, nanofiber thickness, and diclofenac sodium (DS) loading on the physicochemical and mechanical properties and formulation of dual layer PVA patches composed of electrospun PVA nanofibers and PVA cryogel. After the successful preparation of the dual layer PVA patch, the prepared patch was subjected to investigation to assess the effect of freeze-thaw cycles, nanofiber thickness and percentages of DS loading on the morphology, physiochemical and mechanical properties. Various spectroscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), water contact angle, and tensile tests were used to evaluate the physicochemical and mechanical properties of prepared dual layer PVA patches. The morphological structures of the dual layer PVA patch demonstrated the effectiveness of both techniques. The effect of freeze-thaw cycles, nanofiber thickness, and DS percentage loading on the crystallinity of a dual layer PVA patch was investigated using XRD analysis. The presence of a distinct DS peak in the FTIR spectrum indicates the compatibility of DS in a dual layer PVA patch through in-situ loading. All prepared patches were considered highly hydrophilic because the data obtained was less than 90°. The increasing saturation of DS within the PVA matrix increases the tensile strength of prepared patches, however decreased its elasticity. Evidently, the increasing of electrospun PVA nanofibers thickness, freeze-thaw cycles, and the DS saturation has improved the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the DS medicated dual layer PVA patches, making them a promising biomaterial for transdermal drug delivery applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers)
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12 pages, 2142 KiB  
Article
Electrospun Polylactide/Natural Rubber Fibers: Effect Natural Rubber Content on Fiber Morphology and Properties
by Yulia Tertyshnaya, Svetlana Karpova, Maksim Moskovskiy and Aleksey Dorokhov
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2232; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142232 - 7 Jul 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3036
Abstract
Non-woven polylactide-natural rubber fiber materials with a rubber content of 5, 10 and 15 wt.% were obtained by electrospinning. The thermal, dynamic, and mechanical properties of the fibers were determined. It was shown that the average fiber diameter increased with adding of the [...] Read more.
Non-woven polylactide-natural rubber fiber materials with a rubber content of 5, 10 and 15 wt.% were obtained by electrospinning. The thermal, dynamic, and mechanical properties of the fibers were determined. It was shown that the average fiber diameter increased with adding of the NR content, while the linear and surface densities changed slightly. Using the differential scanning calorimetry, the thermal characteristics were obtained. It was found that the glass transition temperature of polylactide increased by 2–5 °C, and the melting temperature increased by 2–4 °C in the presence of natural rubber in the samples. By the method of electronic paramagnetic resonance at T = 50 and 70 °C it was determined that the mobility of the amorphous phase in PLA/NR fibers increased with the addition of NR. The adding of NR at a content of 15 wt.% increased the value of elongation at break by 3.5 times compared to pure PLA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers)
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12 pages, 3941 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Highly Oriented Cylindrical Polyacrylonitrile, Poly(lactide-co-glycolide), Polycaprolactone and Poly(vinyl acetate) Nanofibers for Vascular Graft Applications
by Sairish Malik, Subramanian Sundarrajan, Tanveer Hussain, Ahsan Nazir and Seeram Ramakrishna
Polymers 2021, 13(13), 2075; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13132075 - 24 Jun 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2332
Abstract
Small-diameter vascular grafts fabricated from synthetic polymers have found limited applications so far in vascular surgeries, owing to their poor mechanical properties. In this study, cylindrical nanofibrous structures of highly oriented nanofibers made from polyacrylonitrile, poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and [...] Read more.
Small-diameter vascular grafts fabricated from synthetic polymers have found limited applications so far in vascular surgeries, owing to their poor mechanical properties. In this study, cylindrical nanofibrous structures of highly oriented nanofibers made from polyacrylonitrile, poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) were investigated. Cylindrical collectors with alternate conductive and non-conductive segments were used to obtain highly oriented nanofibrous structures at the same time with better mechanical properties. The surface morphology (orientation), mechanical properties and suture retention of the nanofibrous structures were characterized using SEM, mechanical tester and universal testing machine, respectively. The PLGA nanofibrous cylindrical structure exhibited excellent properties (tensile strength of 9.1 ± 0.6 MPa, suture retention strength of 27N and burst pressure of 350 ± 50 mmHg) when compared to other polymers. Moreover, the PLGA grafts showed good porosity and elongation values, that could be potentially used for vascular graft applications. The combination of PLGA nanofibers with extracellular vesicles (EVs) will be explored as a potential vascular graft in future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers)
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Review

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19 pages, 5356 KiB  
Review
Intelligent Polymers, Fibers and Applications
by Li Jingcheng, Vundrala Sumedha Reddy, Wanasinghe A. D. M. Jayathilaka, Amutha Chinnappan, Seeram Ramakrishna and Rituparna Ghosh
Polymers 2021, 13(9), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13091427 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 9380
Abstract
Intelligent materials, also known as smart materials, are capable of reacting to various external stimuli or environmental changes by rearranging their structure at a molecular level and adapting functionality accordingly. The initial concept of the intelligence of a material originated from the natural [...] Read more.
Intelligent materials, also known as smart materials, are capable of reacting to various external stimuli or environmental changes by rearranging their structure at a molecular level and adapting functionality accordingly. The initial concept of the intelligence of a material originated from the natural biological system, following the sensing–reacting–learning mechanism. The dynamic and adaptive nature, along with the immediate responsiveness, of the polymer- and fiber-based smart materials have increased their global demand in both academia and industry. In this manuscript, the most recent progress in smart materials with various features is reviewed with a focus on their applications in diverse fields. Moreover, their performance and working mechanisms, based on different physical, chemical and biological stimuli, such as temperature, electric and magnetic field, deformation, pH and enzymes, are summarized. Finally, the study is concluded by highlighting the existing challenges and future opportunities in the field of intelligent materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer Fibers)
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