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Polymers
Special Issues
Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites
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Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 March 2023) | Viewed by 12245

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kirill Cherednichenko

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Guest Editor
Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, National University of Oil and Gas (Gubkin University), 65 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia
Interests: TEM; SEM; FIB; nanocomposites; XRD; nanoclays; polymer foams
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Dmitry Kopitsyn

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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, National University of Oil and Gas (Gubkin University), 65 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia
Interests: polymers analysis; products testing and analysis; modified polymer material; analytical chemistry; gel permeation chromatography; nanocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rawil Fakhrullin

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
1. Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, 420008 Kazan, Russia
2. Department of Ichthyology and Hydrobiology, Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
Interests: drug delivery vehicles; tissue engineering; clay nanomaterials; colloid chemistry; correlative microscopy; cell surface engineering; nanotoxicology; spectroscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The role of polymer materials in our daily lives can hardly be overestimated. The properties of polymer materials (especially mechanical) have been continuously improved in different ways. One of the approaches to the significant improvement of mechanical and physical properties of polymers is their combination with different micro- and nanoscale materials. Customization of the initial polymer matrix with various materials helps to not only improve some of the already known and outstanding properties of the given polymer but also to add new ones (e.g., combination polyurethane foams with different nanofillers as carbon nanotubes, or aluminosilicates can give flame-retardant properties to polymer foams). Evidently, structure investigation of such polymer composites is of great importance since the filler’s size, texture, charge, as well as its distribution in the polymer matrix can change the polymerization process and polymer microstructure and, hence, dramatically influence the properties of the whole composite material.

This Special Issue aims to provide a forum for the discussion of recent advances in the investigation of the structure of polymer composites and structure–properties correlations. Authors are encouraged to submit contributions dealing with composites based on synthetic polymers and biopolymers, as well as natural or mineral micro- and/or nanofillers. The scope of this Special Issue includes a range of studies, from basic research on the composites’ structure to comprehensive research on structure–properties correlation. This issue also includes studies on the life cycle assessment or environmental impact of polymer composites, as well as possible uses of such materials.

Dr. Kirill Cherednichenko
Dr. Dmitry Kopitsyn
Dr. Rawil Fakhrullin
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

  • polymers
  • composites
  • mechanical properties
  • polymer matrix
  • nanofillers
  • nanomaterials

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3628 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Nanofillers Creating the Stable PVDF Nanocomposite Films and Their Effect on the Friction and Mechanical Properties
by Karla Čech Barabaszová, Sylva Holešová, Lukáš Plesník, Zdeňka Kolská, Kamil Joszko and Bożena Gzik-Zroska
Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3831; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14183831 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
The solvent casting method was used for five types of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite film preparation. The effect of nanofillers in PVDF nanocomposite films on the structural, phase, and friction and mechanical properties was examined and compared with that of the natural PVDF [...] Read more.
The solvent casting method was used for five types of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite film preparation. The effect of nanofillers in PVDF nanocomposite films on the structural, phase, and friction and mechanical properties was examined and compared with that of the natural PVDF film. The surface topography of PVDF nanocomposite films was investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and correlative imaging (CPEM, combinate AFM and SEM). A selection of 2D CPEM images was used for a detailed study of the spherulitic morphologies (grains size around 6–10 μm) and surface roughness (value of 50–68 nm). The chemical interactions were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Dominant polar γ-phase in the original PVDF, PVDF_ZnO and PVDF_ZnO/V, the most stable non-polar α-phase in the PVDF_V_CH nanocomposite film and mixture of γ and α phases in the PVDF_V and PVDF_ZnO/V_CH nanocomposite films were confirmed. Moderately hydrophilic PVDF nanocomposite films with water contact angle values (WCA) in the range of 58°–69° showed surface stability with respect to the Zeta potential values. The effect of positive or negative Zeta-potential values of nanofillers (ζn) on the resulting negative Zeta-potential values (ζ) of PVDF nanocomposite films was demonstrated. Interaction of PVDF chains with hydroxy groups of vermiculite and amino and imino groups of CH caused transformation of γ-phase to α. The friction properties were evaluated based on the wear testing and mechanical properties were evaluated from the tensile tests based on Young’s modulus (E) and tensile strength (Rm) values. Used nanofillers caused decreasing of friction and mechanical properties of PVDF nanocomposite material films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites)
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16 pages, 3250 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Investigation of Gamma- and Neutron-Shielding Properties of Polysulfone (PSU) Polymer Material Using Geant4
by Hanan Akhdar
Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3374; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163374 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Polymers are widely used materials that have many medical and industrial applications. Some polymers have even been introduced as radiation-shielding materials; therefore, many studies are focusing on new polymers and their interactions with photons and neutrons. Research has focused on theoretical estimation of [...] Read more.
Polymers are widely used materials that have many medical and industrial applications. Some polymers have even been introduced as radiation-shielding materials; therefore, many studies are focusing on new polymers and their interactions with photons and neutrons. Research has focused on theoretical estimation of the shielding effectiveness of different materials. It is well known that theoretical studies on the shielding properties of different materials through modeling and simulation have many benefits, as they help scientists to choose the right shielding material for a specific application, and they are also much more cost-effective and take much less time compared to experimental studies. In this study, polysulfone (PSU) was investigated. PSU is a high-temperature, amber-colored, semi-transparent plastic material with good mechanical properties. It is resistant to degradation from hot water and steam and is often used in medical and food preparation applications, where repeated sterilization is required. The interactions of photons and neutrons with PSU were investigated using a Monte Carlo-based simulation toolkit, Geant4, within a wide range of energies of both photons and neutrons. The mass attenuation coefficients (µm), the half-value layers (HVL), the effective atomic numbers (Zeff), and the effective electron densities (Neff) of gammas were investigated. In addition, the effective removal cross-sections (ΣR) and the mean free paths (λ) of neutrons were also studied. The results were then compared to other commonly used polymer materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites)
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20 pages, 6795 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Performance of 3D-Printed PLA Reinforced with Date Pit Particles for Its Suitability as an Acetabular Liner in Artificial Hip Joints
by Ahmed Fouly, Ibrahim A. Alnaser, Abdulaziz K. Assaifan and Hany S. Abdo
Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3321; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163321 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2070
Abstract
Off-the-shelf hip joints are considered essential parts in rehabilitation medicine that can help the disabled. However, the failure of the materials used in such joints can cause individual discomfort. In support of the various motor conditions of the influenced individuals, the aim of [...] Read more.
Off-the-shelf hip joints are considered essential parts in rehabilitation medicine that can help the disabled. However, the failure of the materials used in such joints can cause individual discomfort. In support of the various motor conditions of the influenced individuals, the aim of the current research is to develop a new composite that can be used as an acetabular liner inside the hip joint. Polylactic acid (PLA) can provide the advantage of design flexibility owing to its well-known applicability as a 3D printed material. However, using PLA as an acetabular liner is subject to limitations concerning mechanical properties. We developed a complete production process of a natural filler, i.e., date pits. Then, the PLA and date pit particles were extruded for homogenous mixing, producing a composite filament that can be used in 3D printing. Date pit particles with loading fractions of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt.% are dispersed in the PLA. The thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of the PLA–date pit composites were estimated experimentally. The incorporation of date pit particles into PLA enhanced the compressive strength and stiffness but resulted in a reduction in the elongation and toughness. A finite element model (FEM) for hip joints was constructed, and the contact stresses on the surface of the acetabular liner were evaluated. The FEM results showed an enhancement in the composite load carrying capacity, in agreement with the experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites)
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11 pages, 3645 KiB  
Article
Structure and Properties of Cellulose/Mycelium Biocomposites
by Adeliya Sayfutdinova, Irina Samofalova, Artem Barkov, Kirill Cherednichenko, Denis Rimashevskiy and Vladimir Vinokurov
Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14081519 - 08 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3091
Abstract
The current environmental problems require the use of low-energy, environmentally friendly methods and nature-like technologies for the creation of materials. In this work, we aim to study the possibility of the direct biotransformation of fibrillar cellulose by fungi through obtaining a cellulose/mycelium-based biocomposite. [...] Read more.
The current environmental problems require the use of low-energy, environmentally friendly methods and nature-like technologies for the creation of materials. In this work, we aim to study the possibility of the direct biotransformation of fibrillar cellulose by fungi through obtaining a cellulose/mycelium-based biocomposite. The cellulose micro- and nanofibrils were used as the main carbon sources in the solid-phase cultivation of basidiomycete Trametes hirsuta. The cellulose fibrils in this process act as a template for growing mycelium with the formation of well-developed net structure. The biotransformation dynamics of cellulose fibrils were studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy. The appearance of nitrogen in the structure of formed fibers was revealed by elemental analysis and FTIR-spectroscopy. The fibers diameters were estimated based on micrograph analysis and the laser diffraction method. It was shown that the diameter of cellulose fibrils can be tuned by fungi through obtaining cellulose-based mycelium fibers with a narrower diameter-size distribution as compared to the pristine cellulose fibrils. The morphology of the resulting mycelium differed when the micro or nanofibrils were used as a substrate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites)
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15 pages, 3293 KiB  
Article
The Hyperbranched Polyester Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Resin
by Lifei Feng, Ran Li, Han Yang, Shanwei Chen and Wenbin Yang
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061127 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3065
Abstract
We report a method of reinforcing and toughening unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) with a kind of hyperbranched polyester (HBP-1). Polyethylene glycol with different molecular weight was used as the core molecule of the preparation reaction, and the reaction product of phthalic anhydride and [...] Read more.
We report a method of reinforcing and toughening unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) with a kind of hyperbranched polyester (HBP-1). Polyethylene glycol with different molecular weight was used as the core molecule of the preparation reaction, and the reaction product of phthalic anhydride and glycerol was used as the branching unit. The esterification reaction of polycondensation occurred, and then the hydroxyl-terminated hyperbranched polyester was prepared. The reaction product of maleic anhydride and isooctanol was added to the prepared hydroxyl-terminated hyperbranched polyester for esterification reaction. Both ends of the hyperbranched polyester had unsaturated double bond to obtain the hyperbranched polyester (HBP-1). The effects of this treatment on the morphology, mechanical properties and thermal properties of the composites were studied in detail. The HBP-1 was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The HBP-1/UPR composites were investigated by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), mechanical properties analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that HBP-1 enhanced the thermostability and mechanical properties of UPR. However, DMA indicated that the addition of HBP-1 cannot effectively improve the thermodynamic properties of UPR due to the flexible chain in HBP-1 structure. The HBP-1 improves tensile strength, bending strength and impact strength compared to neat UPR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites)
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