Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 March 2021) | Viewed by 35508

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: electrical properties of solid/liquid interfaces; nanoparticle synthesis and characterization; dispersed systems—electrokinetics; magnetic fluids; biomedical nanostructure applications; magnetic hyperthermia; drug delivery

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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: synthesis; magnetic fluids; magnetic hyperthermia; phototermia

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of nanoparticle synthesis and characterization is growing rapidly but the findings remain dependent on the available material processing techniques and observations at the nanoscale. Often, “nude” nanoparticles are only applicable after modification of their surface properties. These modifications include:

  • Increased stability;
  • Control of surface charge;
  • Janus or multifunctionalized particles;
  • Rheological properties at the nanoscale—nanotribology;
  • Surface thermodynamics—wettability;
  • Shape control;
  • Biomedical applications—drug transport, targeting, and specific interactions with cells;
  • Design of specific nanosensors.

In the majority of these fields, researchers have identified polymers designed to modify particle characteristics, suiting them, as well as fully polymeric particles, to specific applications.

The proposed Special Issue intends to cover these aspects, placing emphasis on the methods and preparation, their justification and quantification, and the applications of the resulting nanostructures.

Prof. Ángel V. Delgado
Dr. Guillermo Iglesias
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • Nanoparticles
  • Functionalization
  • Coating
  • Biocompatibility
  • Drug loading
  • Drug release
  • Polyelectrolyte
  • Coating stability
  • Inhomogeneous coating: Janus particles
  • Temperature and pH responsive polymers

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3346 KiB  
Article
Poly(ethylene-imine)-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles Derivatized with Folic Acid: Heating and Targeting Properties
by Mariano Ortega-Muñoz, Simona Plesselova, Angel V. Delgado, Francisco Santoyo-Gonzalez, Rafael Salto-Gonzalez, Maria Dolores Giron-Gonzalez, Guillermo R. Iglesias and Francisco Javier López-Jaramillo
Polymers 2021, 13(10), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13101599 - 15 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2817
Abstract
Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) coated by branched poly (ethylene-imine) (PEI) were synthesized in a one-pot. Three molecular weights of PEI were tested, namely, 1.8 kDa (sample MNP-1), 10 kDa (sample MNP-2), and 25 kDa (sample MNP-3). The MNP-1 particles were further [...] Read more.
Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) coated by branched poly (ethylene-imine) (PEI) were synthesized in a one-pot. Three molecular weights of PEI were tested, namely, 1.8 kDa (sample MNP-1), 10 kDa (sample MNP-2), and 25 kDa (sample MNP-3). The MNP-1 particles were further functionalized with folic acid (FA) (sample MNP-4). The four types of particles were found to behave magnetically as superparamagnetic, with MNP-1 showing the highest magnetization saturation. The particles were evaluated as possible hyperthermia agents by subjecting them to magnetic fields of 12 kA/m strength and frequencies ranging between 115 and 175 kHz. MNP-1 released the maximum heating power, reaching 330 W/g at the highest frequency, in the high side of reported values for spherical MNPs. In vitro cell viability assays of MNP-1 and MNP-4 against three cell lines expressing different levels of FA receptors (FR), namely, HEK (low expression), and HeLa (high expression), and HepG2 (high expression), demonstrated that they are not cytotoxic. When the cells were incubated in the presence of a 175 kHz magnetic field, a significant reduction in cell viability and clone formation was obtained for the high expressing FR cells incubated with MNP-4, suggesting that MNP-4 particles are good candidates for magnetic field hyperthermia and active targeting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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12 pages, 42458 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Biocompatibility Tests of Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Silver Nanofibers in Wistar Rats
by Oskar Álvarez-Ortega, Luis Roberto Ruiz-Ramírez, Jesús Alberto Garibay-Alvarado, Alejandro Donohue-Cornejo, León Francisco Espinosa-Cristóbal, Juan Carlos Cuevas-González and Simón Yobanny Reyes-López
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071135 - 02 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2244
Abstract
Currently, nanotechnology is perceived as a promising science that produces materials with diverse unique properties at a nanometric scale. Biocompatibility tests of poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibers, embedded with silver nanoparticles manufactured by means of the electrospinning technique, were carried out in Wistar rats to be [...] Read more.
Currently, nanotechnology is perceived as a promising science that produces materials with diverse unique properties at a nanometric scale. Biocompatibility tests of poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibers, embedded with silver nanoparticles manufactured by means of the electrospinning technique, were carried out in Wistar rats to be used as oral dressings for the eradication of bacteria. Solutions of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mM of silver nitrate were made using N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as reducing solvents with 8% of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) polymer. The solutions were electrospun, and the nanofibers obtained in the process were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, dark field optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray scattering spectroscopy. The nanofibers had an average diameter of 400 ± 100 nm. Once the characterization of the material was done, three implants of each concentration of the nanofibers were formed and placed in the subcutaneous tissue of the rats. Three experimental subjects were used, leaving the material in them for a length of two, four and six weeks, respectively. The rats showed good healing, with the lesions completely healed at four weeks after implantation. After that time, biopsies were taken, and histopathological sections were made to evaluate the inflammatory infiltrate. The tissues of the rats presented chronic inflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of lymphocytes and giant multinucleated cells. The material was rejected by the rats when a layer of collagen and fibroblasts was produced, coating the material, a process characteristic of a foreign body reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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18 pages, 2808 KiB  
Article
Adsorption of Cu(II) by Poly-γ-glutamate/Apatite Nanoparticles
by Kuo-Yu Chen and Wei-Yu Zeng
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060962 - 21 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2007
Abstract
Poly-γ-glutamate/apatite (PGA-AP) nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation method in the presence of various concentrations of poly-γ-glutamate (γ-PGA). Powder X-ray diffraction pattern and energy-dispersive spectroscopy revealed that the main crystal phase of PGA-AP was hydroxyapatite. The immobilization of γ-PGA on PGA-AP was confirmed [...] Read more.
Poly-γ-glutamate/apatite (PGA-AP) nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation method in the presence of various concentrations of poly-γ-glutamate (γ-PGA). Powder X-ray diffraction pattern and energy-dispersive spectroscopy revealed that the main crystal phase of PGA-AP was hydroxyapatite. The immobilization of γ-PGA on PGA-AP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the relative amount of γ-PGA incorporation into PGA-AP was determined by thermal gravimetric analysis. Dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that the particle size of PGA-AP nanoparticles increased remarkably with the decrease of γ-PGA content. The adsorption of aqueous Cu(II) onto the PGA-AP nanoparticles was investigated in batch experiments with varying contact time, solution pH and temperature. Results illustrated that the adsorption of Cu(II) was very rapid during the initial adsorption period. The adsorption capacity of PGA-AP nanoparticles for Cu(II) was increased with the increase in the γ-PGA content, solution pH and temperature. At a pH of 6 and 60 °C, a higher equilibrium adsorption capacity of about 74.80 mg/g was obtained. The kinetic studies indicated that Cu(II) adsorption onto PGA-AP nanoparticles obeyed well the pseudo-second order model. The Langmuir isotherm model was fitted well to the adsorption equilibrium data. The results indicated that the adsorption behavior of PGA-AP nanoparticles for Cu(II) was mainly a monolayer chemical adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of PGA-AP nanoparticles was estimated to be 78.99 mg/g. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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11 pages, 3631 KiB  
Article
Facile Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coated Core/Shell SiO2@Cu Nanoparticles and Their Antifungal Activity against Phytophthora capsici
by Nguyen Thi Thanh Hai, Nguyen Duc Cuong, Nguyen Tran Quyen, Nguyen Quoc Hien, Tran Thi Dieu Hien, Nguyen Thi Thanh Phung, Dao Khac Toan, Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Dang Van Phu and Tran Thai Hoa
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060888 - 14 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2682
Abstract
Cu nanoparticles are a potential material for creating novel alternative antimicrobial products due to their unique antibacterial/antifungal properties, stability, dispersion, low cost and abundance as well as being economical and ecofriendly. In this work, carboxymethyl cellulose coated core/shell SiO2@Cu nanoparticles (NPs) [...] Read more.
Cu nanoparticles are a potential material for creating novel alternative antimicrobial products due to their unique antibacterial/antifungal properties, stability, dispersion, low cost and abundance as well as being economical and ecofriendly. In this work, carboxymethyl cellulose coated core/shell SiO2@Cu nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a simple and effective chemical reduction process. The initial SiO2 NPs, which were prepared from rice husk ash, were coated by a copper ultrathin film using hydrazine and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as reducing agent and stable agent, respectively. The core/shell SiO2@Cu nanoparticles with an average size of ~19 nm were surrounded by CMC. The results indicated that the SiO2@Cu@CMC suspension was a homogenous morphology with a spherical shape, regular dispersion and good stability. Furthermore, the multicomponent SiO2@Cu@CMC NPs showed good antifungal activity against Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici). The novel Cu NPs-based multicomponent suspension is a key compound in the development of new fungicides for the control of the Phytophthora disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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12 pages, 3572 KiB  
Article
Glucose-Assisted One-Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical-Structured MoS2/C Quasi-Hollow Microspheres for High-Performance Lithium Ion Battery
by Xingang Liu, Jiang Tan, Xi Li and Chuhong Zhang
Polymers 2021, 13(5), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050837 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2535
Abstract
In this work, hierarchical MoS2/C quasi-hollow microspheres are prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal process with the addition of glucose. The glucose is not only inclined to form the roundish sphere in the completion of the synthesis of MoS2, but [...] Read more.
In this work, hierarchical MoS2/C quasi-hollow microspheres are prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal process with the addition of glucose. The glucose is not only inclined to form the roundish sphere in the completion of the synthesis of MoS2, but at the same time the microspheres formed by the glucose can act as the nuclei on which the MoS2 grows. Glucose, acting as a nucleating agent, has the advantages of being low-cost and environmentally friendly, which can simplify the fabrication process. The interiors of the MoS2/C samples are multi-hole and quasi-hollow, which is beneficial for the insertion and extraction of lithium ions. For the first time, we demonstrate that hierarchical-structured MoS2/C quasi-hollow microspheres exhibit an excellent cycling stability and rate capability in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and are significantly superior to the bulk MoS2. The method presented in this article may provide a simple, clean. and economical strategy for the preparation of MoS2/C microspheres as a feasible and promising anode material for LIBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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17 pages, 3677 KiB  
Article
Gemcitabine-Loaded Magnetically Responsive Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanoparticles against Breast Cancer
by Gracia García-García, Fátima Fernández-Álvarez, Laura Cabeza, Ángel V. Delgado, Consolación Melguizo, José C. Prados and José L. Arias
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2790; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122790 - 25 Nov 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2287
Abstract
A reproducible and efficient interfacial polymer disposition method has been used to formulate magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone) (core/shell) nanoparticles (average size ≈ 125 nm, production performance ≈ 90%). To demonstrate that the iron oxide nuclei were satisfactorily embedded within the polymeric solid matrix, a [...] Read more.
A reproducible and efficient interfacial polymer disposition method has been used to formulate magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone) (core/shell) nanoparticles (average size ≈ 125 nm, production performance ≈ 90%). To demonstrate that the iron oxide nuclei were satisfactorily embedded within the polymeric solid matrix, a complete analysis of these nanocomposites by, e.g., electron microscopy visualizations, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and contact angle goniometry was conducted. The magnetic responsive behaviour of these nanoparticles was quantitatively characterized by the hysteresis cycle and qualitatively investigated by visualization of the colloid under exposure to a 0.4 T magnet. Gemcitabine entrapment into the polymeric shell reported adequate drug loading values (≈11%), and a biphasic and pH-responsive drug release profile (≈four-fold faster Gemcitabine release at pH 5.0 compared to pH 7.4). Cytotoxicity studies in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells proved that the half maximal inhibitory concentration of Gem-loaded nanocomposites was ≈two-fold less than that of the free drug. Therefore, these core/shell nanoparticles could have great possibilities as a magnetically targeted Gemcitabine delivery system for breast cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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20 pages, 4500 KiB  
Article
AC Electrokinetics of Salt-Free Multilayered Polymer-Grafted Particles
by Silvia Ahualli, Sara Bermúdez, Félix Carrique, María L. Jiménez and Ángel V. Delgado
Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12092097 - 15 Sep 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1968
Abstract
Interest in the electrical properties of the interface between soft (or polymer-grafted) nanoparticles and solutions is considerable. Of particular significance is the case of polyelectrolyte-coated particles, mainly taking into account that the layer-by-layer procedure allows the control of the thickness and permeability of [...] Read more.
Interest in the electrical properties of the interface between soft (or polymer-grafted) nanoparticles and solutions is considerable. Of particular significance is the case of polyelectrolyte-coated particles, mainly taking into account that the layer-by-layer procedure allows the control of the thickness and permeability of the layer, and the overall charge of the coated particle. Like in simpler systems, electrokinetic determinations in AC fields (including dielectric dispersion in the 1 kHz–1 MHz frequency range and dynamic electrophoresis by electroacoustic methods in the 1–18 MHz range) provide a large amount of information about the physics of the interface. Different models have dealt with the electrokinetics of particles coated by a single polymer layer, but studies regarding multi-layered particles are far scarcer. This is even more significant in the case of so-called salt-free systems; ideally, the only charges existing in this case consist of the charge in the layer(s) and the core particle itself, and their corresponding countercharges, with no other ions added. The aims of this paper are as follows: (i) the elaboration of a model for the evaluation of the electrokinetics of multi-grafted polymer particles in the presence of alternating electric fields, in dispersion media where no salts are added; (ii) to carry out an experimental evaluation of the frequency dependence of the dynamic (or AC) electrophoretic mobility and the dielectric permittivity of suspensions of polystyrene latex spherical particles coated with successive layers of cationic, anionic, and neutral polymers; and (iii) finally, to perform a comparison between predictions and experimental results, so that it can be demonstrated that the electrokinetic analysis is a useful tool for the in situ characterization of multilayered particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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16 pages, 2693 KiB  
Article
Nanoformulation Design Including MamC-Mediated Biomimetic Nanoparticles Allows the Simultaneous Application of Targeted Drug Delivery and Magnetic Hyperthermia
by Ylenia Jabalera, Francesca Oltolina, Ana Peigneux, Alberto Sola-Leyva, Maria P. Carrasco-Jiménez, Maria Prat, Concepcion Jimenez-Lopez and Guillermo R. Iglesias
Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081832 - 15 Aug 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3614
Abstract
The design of novel nanomaterials that can be used as multifunctional platforms allowing the combination of therapies is gaining increased interest. Moreover, if this nanomaterial is intended for a targeted drug delivery, the use of several guidance methods to increase guidance efficiency is [...] Read more.
The design of novel nanomaterials that can be used as multifunctional platforms allowing the combination of therapies is gaining increased interest. Moreover, if this nanomaterial is intended for a targeted drug delivery, the use of several guidance methods to increase guidance efficiency is also crucial. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) allow this combination of therapies and guidance strategies. In fact, MNPs can be used simultaneously as drug nanocarriers and magnetic hyperthermia agents and, moreover, they can be guided toward the target by an external magnetic field and by their functionalization with a specific probe. However, it is difficult to find a system based on MNPs that exhibits optimal conditions as a drug nanocarrier and as a magnetic hyperthermia agent. In this work, a novel nanoformulation is proposed to be used as a multifunctional platform that also allows dual complementary guidance. This nanoformulation is based on mixtures of inorganic magnetic nanoparticles (M) that have been shown to be optimal hyperthermia agents, and biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BM), that have been shown to be highly efficient drug nanocarriers. The presence of the magnetosome protein MamC at the surface of BM confers novel surface properties that allow for the efficient and stable functionalization of these nanoparticles without the need of further coating, with the release of the relevant molecule being pH-dependent, improved by magnetic hyperthermia. The BM are functionalized with Doxorubicin (DOXO) as a model drug and with an antibody that allows for dual guidance based on a magnetic field and on an antibody. The present study represents a proof of concept to optimize the nanoformulation composition in order to provide the best performance in terms of the magnetic hyperthermia agent and drug nanocarrier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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19 pages, 4294 KiB  
Article
Creation of a PDMS Polymer Brush on SiO2-Based Nanoparticles by Surface-Initiated Ring-Opening Polymerization
by Karin Koch, Sven Geller, Kubilay Acar, Patricia Bach, Ekaterina Tsarenko and Annette Schmidt
Polymers 2020, 12(4), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12040787 - 02 Apr 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3367
Abstract
The incorporation of nanoparticles into soft matrices opens a broad spectrum of novel property combinations. However, one of the major challenges for these systems remains the compatibilization of particles with the surrounding matrix by proper surface functionalization. For silicon-based systems or liquid crystalline [...] Read more.
The incorporation of nanoparticles into soft matrices opens a broad spectrum of novel property combinations. However, one of the major challenges for these systems remains the compatibilization of particles with the surrounding matrix by proper surface functionalization. For silicon-based systems or liquid crystalline phases, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes at the surface of particles increase the stability against particle agglomeration in such systems. Here, we report a novel approach for the functionalization of particles with a polysiloxane brush by surface-initiated ring-opening polymerization of a cyclosiloxane. For this purpose, surface hydroxy groups of silica and silica-coated hematite particles are used as initiators in combination with phosphazene bases as catalysts. The ring–chain equilibrium of a model-based solution polymerization is investigated in detail to find the appropriate reaction parameters. The corresponding molar masses are determined and compared by 1H-NMR and SEC measurements to confirm the underlying mechanism. In the resulting hybrid nanostructures, a covalently bound PDMS fraction is achieved up to 47 mass %. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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13 pages, 6238 KiB  
Article
Ag NPs-Assisted Synthesis of Stable Cu NPs on PET Fabrics for Antibacterial and Electromagnetic Shielding Performance
by Ke Wang, Qian Ma, Yuanming Zhang, Shudong Wang and Guangting Han
Polymers 2020, 12(4), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12040783 - 02 Apr 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3614
Abstract
In this study, Cu/Ag/polydopamine (PDA)/polyester (PET) fabrics were fabricated for multi-functional textiles. The PET fabrics were firstly modified by dopamine to form a polydopamine (PDA) layer on the fiber surface, then Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were anchored on fiber surface through chelation between [...] Read more.
In this study, Cu/Ag/polydopamine (PDA)/polyester (PET) fabrics were fabricated for multi-functional textiles. The PET fabrics were firstly modified by dopamine to form a polydopamine (PDA) layer on the fiber surface, then Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were anchored on fiber surface through chelation between PDA and Ag+ ions, and the Ag NPs were further used as catalytic seeds for in situ reduction of Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs). The surface morphology, chemistry, and crystalline structure of the prepared PET fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). As expected, Cu NPs were evenly dispersed on the surface of fibers. The Cu/Ag/PDA/PET fabrics showed good antibacterial property against Escherichia coli and exhibited excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding ability. The Cu/Ag/PDA/PET fabrics with high performance antibacterial and EMI shielding properties can be applied as functional protective textiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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10 pages, 5802 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ionic Polymer Membrane with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Performance of Ionic Electroactive Polymer Actuators
by Joohee Kim, Minjeong Park, Seonpil Kim and Minhyon Jeon
Polymers 2020, 12(2), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12020396 - 10 Feb 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2834
Abstract
Ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) actuators have received interest because of their advantageous properties, including their large displacement, high energy density, light weight, and low power consumption under a low electric field. However, they have a low blocking force under driving, and it is [...] Read more.
Ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) actuators have received interest because of their advantageous properties, including their large displacement, high energy density, light weight, and low power consumption under a low electric field. However, they have a low blocking force under driving, and it is difficult to control the thickness of the ionic polymer membrane. In this study, an IEAP actuator is fabricated using a Nafion membrane with added multiwalled carbon nanotubes to increase the blocking force. A heat press two-step process is also developed to produce a constant and uniform membrane. The fabricated Nafion membrane with 0.2 wt% multiwalled carbon nanotubes has the largest displacement and highest blocking force. As a result, the developed heat press two-step method can be used in various polymer-casting fields, and the fabricated carbon nanotube-based IEAP actuators can serve as useful references in fields such as flexible robotics and artificial muscles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Research

31 pages, 14281 KiB  
Review
Nanoparticles Functionalized by Conducting Polymers and Their Electrorheological and Magnetorheological Applications
by Yu Zhen Dong, Kisuk Choi, Seung Hyuk Kwon, Jae-Do Nam and Hyoung Jin Choi
Polymers 2020, 12(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12010204 - 13 Jan 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4636
Abstract
Conducting polymer-coated nanoparticles used in electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids are reviewed along with their fabrication methods, morphologies, thermal properties, sedimentation stabilities, dielectric properties, and ER and MR characteristics under applied electric or magnetic fields. After functionalization of the conducting polymers, the [...] Read more.
Conducting polymer-coated nanoparticles used in electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids are reviewed along with their fabrication methods, morphologies, thermal properties, sedimentation stabilities, dielectric properties, and ER and MR characteristics under applied electric or magnetic fields. After functionalization of the conducting polymers, the nanoparticles exhibited properties suitable for use as ER materials, and materials in which magnetic particles are used as a core could also be applied as MR materials. The conducting polymers covered in this study included polyaniline and its derivatives, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), poly(3-octylthiophene), polypyrrole, and poly(diphenylamine). The modified nanoparticles included polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), silica, titanium dioxide, maghemite, magnetite, and nanoclay. This article reviews many core-shell structured conducting polymer-coated nanoparticles used in ER and MR fluids and is expected to contribute to the understanding and development of ER and MR materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticle Functionalization by Polymers: Methods and Applications)
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