Displaying publications 321 - 340 of 841 in total

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  1. Functionalized fluorescent terephthalate monomers and their attempted polyester formation
    Choo YSL, Giamberini M, Antonio J, Waddell PG, Benniston AC
    Org Biomol Chem, 2020 Nov 04;18(42):8735-8745.
    PMID: 33094783 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01533d
    The reaction of diethyl 2,5-bis(tert-butyl)phenoxy-3,6-dihydroxyterephthalate (1) with tetraethylene glycol di(p-toluenesulfonate) under high-dilution conditions afforded several isolated products. Two products were identified as macrocycles with one being the 1 + 1 crown ether derivative 3 (10% yield), and the second being the 2 + 2 crown ether compound D3 (19% yield). The X-ray structure for 3 was determined with the asymmetric unit observed to comprise half of the molecule. The small crown ether ring of 3 interacts with K+ or H+ ions in MeOH, but binding is weak and the macrocyclic cavity is too small to fully encapsulate the K+ ion. Transesterification of compounds 1, its methylated version 2 and 3 with diols such as ethylene glycol or 1,4-butandiol produced monomers (M1-M3) which were reacted with terephthaloyl chloride. Short oligomers were produced (PolyM1-PolyM3) rather than extensive polymeric materials and all displayed solid state fluorescence. The absorption and fluorescence properties of M1-M2 and their polymers can be related to subtle structural changes. The Stokes shift for M2 of 15 627 cm-1 in DCM is one of the largest observed for a simple organic chromophore in fluid solution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  2. Fulltext Polymer Ligands Derived from Jute Fiber for Heavy Metal Removal from Electroplating Wastewater
    Rahman ML, Fui CJ, Ting TX, Sarjadi MS, Arshad SE, Musta B
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Oct 29;12(11).
    PMID: 33137923 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112521
    Industrial operations, domestic and agricultural activities worldwide have had major problems with various contaminants caused by environmental pollution. Heavy metal pollution in wastewater also a prominent issue; therefore, a well built and economical treatment technology is demanded for pollution-free wastewater. The present work emphasized pure cellulose extracted from jute fiber and further modification was performed by a free radical grafting reaction, which resulted in poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA)-grafted cellulose and poly(acrylonitrile)-grafted cellulose. Subsequently, poly(hydroxamic acid) and poly(amidoxime) ligands were prepared from the PMA-grafted cellulose and PAN-grafted cellulose, respectively. An adsorption study was performed using the desired ligands with heavy metals such as copper, cobalt, chromium and nickel ions. The binding capacity (qe) with copper ions for poly(hydroxamic acid) is 352 mg g-1 whereas qe for poly(amidoxime) ligand it was exhibited as 310 mg g-1. Other metal ions (chromium, cobalt and nickel) show significance binding properties at pH 6. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm study was also performed. The Freundlich isotherm model showed good correlation coefficients for all metal ions, indicating that multiple-layers adsorption was occurred by the polymer ligands. The reusability was evaluated and the adsorbents can be reused for 7 cycles without significant loss of removal performance. Both ligands showed outstanding metals removal capacity from the industrial wastewater as such 98% of copper can be removed from electroplating wastewater and other metals (cobalt, chromium, nickel and lead) can also be removed up to 90%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  3. Fulltext Development of Polysulfone Membrane via Vapor-Induced Phase Separation for Oil/Water Emulsion Filtration
    Barambu NU, Bilad MR, Bustam MA, Huda N, Jaafar J, Narkkun T, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Oct 29;12(11).
    PMID: 33137888 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112519
    The discharge of improperly treated oil/water emulsion by industries imposes detrimental effects on human health and the environment. The membrane process is a promising technology for oil/water emulsion treatment. However, it faces the challenge of being maintaining due to membrane fouling. It occurs as a result of the strong interaction between the hydrophobic oil droplets and the hydrophobic membrane surface. This issue has attracted research interest in developing the membrane material that possesses high hydraulic and fouling resistance performances. This research explores the vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) method for the fabrication of a hydrophilic polysulfone (PSF) membrane with the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the additive for the treatment of oil/water emulsion. Results show that the slow nonsolvent intake in VIPS greatly influences the resulting membrane structure that allows the higher retention of the additive within the membrane matrix. By extending the exposure time of the cast film under humid air, both surface chemistry and morphology of the resulting membrane can be enhanced. By extending the exposure time from 0 to 60 s, the water contact angle decreases from 70.28 ± 0.61° to 57.72 ± 0.61°, and the clean water permeability increases from 328.70 ± 8.27 to 501.89 ± 8.92 (L·m-2·h-1·bar-1). Moreover, the oil rejection also improves from 85.06 ± 1.6 to 98.48 ± 1.2%. The membrane structure was transformed from a porous top layer with a finger-like macrovoid sub-structure to a relatively thick top layer with a sponge-like macrovoid-free sub-structure. Overall results demonstrate the potential of the VIPS process to enhance both surface chemistry and morphology of the PSF membrane.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  4. Fulltext Facile Approaches of Polymeric Face Masks Reuse and Reinforcements for Micro-Aerosol Droplets and Viruses Filtration: A Review
    Wibisono Y, Fadila CR, Saiful S, Bilad MR
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Oct 28;12(11).
    PMID: 33126730 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112516
    Since the widespread of severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease, the utilization of face masks has become omnipresent all over the world. Face masks are believed to contribute to an adequate protection against respiratory infections spread through micro-droplets among the infected person to non-infected others. However, due to the very high demands of face masks, especially the N95-type mask typically worn by medical workers, the public faces a shortage of face masks. Many papers have been published recently that focus on developing new and facile techniques to reuse and reinforce commercially available face masks. For instance, the N95 mask uses a polymer-based (membrane) filter inside, and the filter membrane can be replaced if needed. Another polymer sputtering technique by using a simple cotton candy machine could provide a cheap and robust solution for face mask fabrication. This review discuss the novel approaches of face mask reuse and reinforcement specifically by using membrane-based technology. Tuning the polymeric properties of face masks to enhance filterability and virus inactivity is crucial for future investigation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  5. Fulltext Assessment of Nano-Indentation Method in Mechanical Characterization of Heterogeneous Nanocomposite Materials Using Experimental and Computational Approaches
    Karimzadeh A, R Koloor SS, Ayatollahi MR, Bushroa AR, Yahya MY
    Sci Rep, 2019 10 31;9(1):15763.
    PMID: 31673118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51904-4
    This study investigates the capacity of the nano-indentation method in the mechanical characterization of a heterogeneous dental restorative nanocomposite using experimental and computational approaches. In this respect, Filtek Z350 XT was selected as a nano-particle reinforced polymer nanocomposite with a specific range of the particle size (50 nm to 4 µm), within the range of indenter contact area of the nano-indentation experiment. A Sufficient number of nano-indentation tests were performed in various locations of the nanocomposite to extract the hardness and elastic modulus properties. A hybrid computational-experimental approach was developed to examine the extracted properties by linking the internal behaviour and the global response of the nanocomposite. In the computational part, several representative models of the nanocomposite were created in a finite element environment to simulate the mechanism of elastic-plastic deformation of the nanocomposite under Berkovich indenter. Dispersed values of hardness and elastic modulus were obtained through the experiment with 26.8 and 48.5 percent average errors, respectively, in comparison to the nanocomposite properties, respectively. A disordered shape was predicted for plastic deformation of the equilateral indentation mark, representing the interaction of the particles and matrix, which caused the experiment results reflect the local behaviour of the nanocomposite instead of the real material properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  6. Fulltext Comparison of the Effect for Fracture Resistance of Different Coronally Extended Post Length with Two Different Post Materials
    Chauhan NS, Saraswat N, Parashar A, Sandu KS, Jhajharia K, Rabadiya N
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2019 04 12;9(2):144-151.
    PMID: 31058064 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_334_18
    Aims and Objectives: To compare the effect for fracture resistance of different coronally extended post length with two different post materials.

    Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty endodontically treated maxillary central incisors embedded in acrylic resin with decoronated root portion were taken for the study. The postspaces were prepared according to standard protocol. The samples were divided into two groups according to the post material: glass-fiber post and Quartz fiber post. These groups were further subdivided on the basis of coronal extension of 4 and 6 mm for glass fiber and Quartz fiber posts, respectively. The posts were then luted with dual-polymerizing resin cement followed by core buildup. Samples were subjected to increasing compressive oblique load until fracture occurred in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and independent Student's t-test. Analysis was done using SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) Windows software program.

    Results: Glass fiber post with coronal extension of 4 mm (182.8 N) showed better results than with 6-mm length (124.1 N). Similarly, in quartz fiber posts group, 4-mm postlength (314 N) was better when compared with 6 mm (160 N). The 4-mm coronal extension of quartz fiber post displayed superior fracture resistance.

    Conclusions: Glass fiber posts showed better fracture resistance than Quartz fiber posts. 4-mm coronal length showed more fracture resistance than 6 mm.

    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  7. A comprehensive review of techniques for natural fibers as reinforcement in composites: Preparation, processing and characterization
    M R S, Siengchin S, Parameswaranpillai J, Jawaid M, Pruncu CI, Khan A
    Carbohydr Polym, 2019 Mar 01;207:108-121.
    PMID: 30599990 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.11.083
    Designing environmentally friendly materials from natural resources represents a great challenge in the last decade. However, the lack of fundamental knowledge in the processing of the raw materials to fabricate the composites structure is still a major challenge for potential applications. Natural fibers extracted from plants are receiving more attention from researchers, scientists and academics due to their use in polymer composites and also their environmentally friendly nature and sustainability. The natural fiber features depend on the preparation and processing of the fibers. Natural plant fibers are extracted either by mechanical retting, dew retting and/or water retting processes. The natural fibers characteristics could be improved by suitable chemicals and surface treatments. This survey proposes a detailed review of the different types of retting processes, chemical and surface treatments and characterization techniques for natural fibers. We summarize major findings from the literature and the treatment effects on the properties of the natural fibers are being highlighted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  8. Fulltext Electrospun Collagen Nanofibers and Their Applications in Skin Tissue Engineering
    Law JX, Liau LL, Saim A, Yang Y, Idrus R
    Tissue Eng Regen Med, 2017 Dec;14(6):699-718.
    PMID: 30603521 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-017-0075-9
    Electrospinning is a simple and versatile technique to fabricate continuous fibers with diameter ranging from micrometers to a few nanometers. To date, the number of polymers that have been electrospun has exceeded 200. In recent years, electrospinning has become one of the most popular scaffold fabrication techniques to prepare nanofiber mesh for tissue engineering applications. Collagen, the most abundant extracellular matrix protein in the human body, has been electrospun to fabricate biomimetic scaffolds that imitate the architecture of native human tissues. As collagen nanofibers are mechanically weak in nature, it is commonly cross-linked or blended with synthetic polymers to improve the mechanical strength without compromising the biological activity. Electrospun collagen nanofiber mesh has high surface area to volume ratio, tunable diameter and porosity, and excellent biological activity to regulate cell function and tissue formation. Due to these advantages, collagen nanofibers have been tested for the regeneration of a myriad of tissues and organs. In this review, we gave an overview of electrospinning, encompassing the history, the instrument settings, the spinning process and the parameters that affect fiber formation, with emphasis given to collagen nanofibers' fabrication and application, especially the use of collagen nanofibers in skin tissue engineering.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  9. Enhancing the Efficiency of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on a Metal Oxide Nanocomposite Gel Polymer Electrolyte
    Saidi NM, Omar FS, Numan A, Apperley DC, Algaradah MM, Kasi R, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2019 Aug 21;11(33):30185-30196.
    PMID: 31347822 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b07062
    To overcome the critical limitations of liquid-electrolyte-based dye-sensitized solar cells, quasi-solid-state electrolytes have been explored as a means of addressing long-term device stability, albeit with comparatively low ionic conductivities and device performances. Although metal oxide additives have been shown to augment ionic conductivity, their propensity to aggregate into large crystalline particles upon high-heat annealing hinders their full potential in quasi-solid-state electrolytes. In this work, sonochemical processing has been successfully applied to generate fine Co3O4 nanoparticles that are highly dispersible in a PAN:P(VP-co-VAc) polymer-blended gel electrolyte, even after calcination. An optimized nanocomposite gel polymer electrolyte containing 3 wt % sonicated Co3O4 nanoparticles (PVVA-3) delivers the highest ionic conductivity (4.62 × 10-3 S cm-1) of the series. This property is accompanied by a 51% enhancement in the apparent diffusion coefficient of triiodide versus both unmodified and unsonicated electrolyte samples. The dye-sensitized solar cell based on PVVA-3 displays a power conversion efficiency of 6.46% under AM1.5 G, 100 mW cm-2. By identifying the optimal loading of sonochemically processed nanoparticles, we are able to generate a homogenous extended particle network that effectively mobilizes redox-active species through a highly amorphous host matrix. This effect is manifested in a selective 51% enhancement in photocurrent density (JSC = 16.2 mA cm-2) and a lowered barrier to N719 dye regeneration (RCT = 193 Ω) versus an unmodified solar cell. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the highest known efficiency to date for dye-sensitized solar cells based on a sonicated Co3O4-modified gel polymer electrolyte. Sonochemical processing, when applied in this manner, has the potential to make meaningful contributions toward the ongoing mission to achieve the widespread exploitation of stable and low-cost dye-sensitized solar cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  10. Effect of mixing process parameters and suitability of backbone polymer for aluminum powder injection molding feedstock
    Abdullahi A, Choudhury I, Azuddin M, Nahar N
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:477-483.
    A suitable and cost-effective microfabrication technique for processing aluminum micropart is required, as the choice
    of aluminum microparts for aerospace, electronics and automobile components is preferred over other metals due to its
    excellent properties. Meanwhile, powder injection molding (PIM) is identified as an economical manufacturing technique
    for processing ceramic and micro-metal powders into microparts and or components. Therefore, this study investigates
    formulation and processing of aluminum PIM feedstock using a custom-made machine. The investigation is focused on
    the effect of mixing process parameters (powder loading, rotor speed and mixing temperature) and the suitability of
    the backbone polymer. The formulated PIM feedstock constituents are paraffin wax (PW), stearic acid (SA), high-density
    polyethylene (HDPE)/ medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) alternatively and aluminum micro-metal powder. Taguchi
    method is used for the design of experiments (DOEs) and analysis. In addition, response surface methodology (RSM) is
    employed to develop empirical viscosity models. The optimum powder-binder mixing ratio of 58:42 vol. % with rotor
    speed of 43 rpm were determined for preparing aluminum PIM feedstock using mini-lab mixer developed. The empirical
    model developed for aluminum PIM feedstock viscosity shows a good fit with R2
    values of 0.84 using HDPE and 0.96 for
    MDPE binder system. This investigation demonstrates preparation and suitability of aluminum PIM feedstock using waxbased
    binder system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  11. Highly sensitive and selective determination of malathion in vegetable extracts by an electrochemical sensor based on Cu-metal organic framework
    Al'Abri AM, Abdul Halim SN, Abu Bakar NK, Saharin SM, Sherino B, Rashidi Nodeh H, et al.
    J Environ Sci Health B, 2019;54(12):930-941.
    PMID: 31407615 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2019.1652072
    This article demonstrates the first application of a copper-based porous coordination polymer (BTCA-P-Cu-CP) as a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modifier for the detection of malathion. The electrochemical behavior of BTCA-P-Cu-CP/CPE was explored using cyclic voltammetry (CV) while chrono-amperometry methods were applied for the analytical evaluation of the sensor performance. Under optimized conditions, the developed sensor exhibited high reproducibility, stability, and wide dynamic range (0.6-24 nM) with the limits of detection and sensitivity equal to 0.17 nM and 5.7 µAnMcm-1, respectively, based on inhibition signal measurement. Furthermore, the presence of common coexisting interfering species showed a minor change in signals (<4.4%). The developed sensor has been applied in the determination of malathion in spiked vegetable extracts. It exhibited promising results in term of fast and sensitive determination of malathion in real samples at trace level with recoveries of 91.0 to 104.4%. (RSDs < 5%, n = 3). A comparison of the two studied techniques showed that the HPLC technique is unable to detect malathion when the concentration is lower than 1.8 µM while 0.006 µM is detected with appropriate RSDs 0.2-5.2% (n = 3) by amperometric method. Due to the high sensitivity and selectivity, this new electrochemical sensor will be useful for monitoring trace malathion in real samples.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  12. Fulltext Compression after Impact Behaviour and Failure Analysis of Nanosilica-Toughened Thin Epoxy/GFRP Composite Laminates
    Lal LPJ, Ramesh S, Parasuraman S, Natarajan E, Elamvazuthi I
    Materials (Basel), 2019 Sep 20;12(19).
    PMID: 31547117 DOI: 10.3390/ma12193057
    Nanosilica particles were utilized as secondary reinforcement to enhance the strength of the epoxy resin matrix. Thin glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite laminates of 3 ± 0.25 mm were developed with E-Glass mats of 610 GSM and LY556 epoxy resin. Nanosilica fillers were mixed with epoxy resin in the order of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 wt% through mechanical stirring followed by an ultrasonication method. Thereafter, the damage was induced on toughened laminates through low-velocity drop weight impact tests and the induced damage was assessed through an image analysis tool. The residual compression strength of the impacted laminates was assessed through compression after impact (CAI) experiments. Laminates with nanosilica as secondary reinforcement exhibited enhanced compression strength, stiffness, and damage suppression. Results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that physical toughening mechanisms enhanced the strength of the nanoparticle-reinforced composite. Failure analysis of the damaged area through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evidenced the presence of key toughening mechanisms like damage containment through micro-cracks, enhanced fiber-matrix bonding, and load transfer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  13. Fulltext Application of Zwitterions in Forward Osmosis: A Short Review
    Chiao YH, Sengupta A, Ang MBMY, Chen ST, Haan TY, Almodovar J, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 15;13(4).
    PMID: 33672026 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040583
    Forward osmosis (FO) is an important desalination method to produce potable water. It was also used to treat different wastewater streams, including industrial as well as municipal wastewater. Though FO is environmentally benign, energy intensive, and highly efficient; it still suffers from four types of fouling namely: organic fouling, inorganic scaling, biofouling and colloidal fouling or a combination of these types of fouling. Membrane fouling may require simple shear force and physical cleaning for sufficient recovery of membrane performance. Severe fouling may need chemical cleaning, especially when a slimy biofilm or severe microbial colony is formed. Modification of FO membrane through introducing zwitterionic moieties on the membrane surface has been proven to enhance antifouling property. In addition, it could also significantly improve the separation efficiency and longevity of the membrane. Zwitterion moieties can also incorporate in draw solution as electrolytes in FO process. It could be in a form of a monomer or a polymer. Hence, this review comprehensively discussed several methods of inclusion of zwitterionic moieties in FO membrane. These methods include atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP); second interfacial polymerization (SIP); coating and in situ formation. Furthermore, an attempt was made to understand the mechanism of improvement in FO performance by zwitterionic moieties. Finally, the future prospective of the application of zwitterions in FO has been discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  14. Fulltext Free-Radical Photopolymerization of Acrylonitrile Grafted onto Epoxidized Natural Rubber
    Whba R, Su'ait MS, Tian Khoon L, Ibrahim S, Mohamed NS, Ahmad A
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 23;13(4).
    PMID: 33672185 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040660
    The exploitation of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) in electrochemical applications is approaching its limits because of its poor thermo-mechanical properties. These properties could be improved by chemical and/or physical modification, including grafting and/or crosslinking techniques. In this work, acrylonitrile (ACN) has been successfully grafted onto ENR- 25 by a radical photopolymerization technique. The effect of (ACN to ENR) mole ratios on chemical structure and interaction, thermo-mechanical behaviour and that related to the viscoelastic properties of the polymer was investigated. The existence of the -C≡N functional group at the end-product of ACN-g-ENR is confirmed by infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. An enhanced grafting efficiency (~57%) was obtained after ACN was grafted onto the isoprene unit of ENR- 25 and showing a significant improvement in thermal stability and dielectric properties. The viscoelastic behaviour of the sample analysis showed an increase of storage modulus up to 150 × 103 MPa and the temperature of glass transition (Tg) was between -40 and 10 °C. The loss modulus, relaxation process, and tan delta were also described. Overall, the ACN-g-ENR shows a distinctive improvement in characteristics compared to ENR and can be widely used in many applications where natural rubber is used but improved thermal and mechanical properties are required. Likewise, it may also be used in electronic applications, for example, as a polymer electrolyte in batteries or supercapacitor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  15. Fulltext Thermal Delamination Modelling and Evaluation of Aluminium-Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Hybrid
    Chow ZP, Ahmad Z, Wong KJ, Koloor SSR, Petrů M
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 04;13(4).
    PMID: 33557350 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040492
    This paper aims to propose a temperature-dependent cohesive model to predict the delamination of dissimilar metal-composite material hybrid under Mode-I and Mode-II delamination. Commercial nonlinear finite element (FE) code LS-DYNA was used to simulate the material and cohesive model of hybrid aluminium-glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminate. For an accurate representation of the Mode-I and Mode-II delamination between aluminium and GFRP laminates, cohesive zone modelling with bilinear traction separation law was implemented. Cohesive zone properties at different temperatures were obtained by applying trends of experimental results from double cantilever beam and end notched flexural tests. Results from experimental tests were compared with simulation results at 30, 70 and 110 °C to verify the validity of the model. Mode-I and Mode-II FE models compared to experimental tests show a good correlation of 5.73% and 7.26% discrepancy, respectively. Crack front stress distribution at 30 °C is characterised by a smooth gradual decrease in Mode-I stress from the centre to the edge of the specimen. At 70 °C, the entire crack front reaches the maximum Mode-I stress with the exception of much lower stress build-up at the specimen's edge. On the other hand, the Mode-II stress increases progressively from the centre to the edge at 30 °C. At 70 °C, uniform low stress is built up along the crack front with the exception of significantly higher stress concentrated only at the free edge. At 110 °C, the stress distribution for both modes transforms back to the similar profile, as observed in the 30 °C case.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  16. Fulltext Optical Properties and Conductivity of PVA-H3PO4 (Polyvinyl Alcohol-Phosphoric Acid) Film Blend Irradiated by γ-Rays
    Susilawati S, Prayogi S, Arif MF, Ismail NM, Bilad MR, Asy'ari M
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Mar 28;13(7).
    PMID: 33800592 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071065
    This study assesses the optical properties and conductivity of PVA-H3PO4 (polyvinyl alcohol-phosphoric acid) polymer film blend irradiated by gamma (γ) rays. The PVA-H3PO4 polymer film blend was prepared by the solvent-casting method at H3PO4 concentrations of 75 v% and 85 v%, and then irradiated up to 25 kGy using γ-rays from the Cobalt-60 isotope source. The optical absorption spectrum was measured using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer over a wavelength range of 200 to 700 nm. It was found that the absorption peaks are in three regions, namely two peaks in the ultraviolet region (310 and 350 nm) and one peak in the visible region (550 nm). The presence of an absorption peak after being exposed to hυ energy indicates a transition of electrons from HOMO to LUMO within the polymer chain. The study of optical absorption shows that the energy band gap (energy gap) depends on the radiation dose and the concentration of H3PO4 in the polymer film blend. The optical absorption, absorption edge, and energy gap decrease with increasing H3PO4 concentration and radiation dose. The interaction between PVA and H3PO4 blend led to an increase in the conductivity of the resulting polymer blend film.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  17. Fulltext The Study of the Degree of Crystallinity, Electrical Equivalent Circuit, and Dielectric Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Based Biopolymer Electrolytes
    B Aziz S, S Marf A, Dannoun EMA, Brza MA, Abdullah RM
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Sep 24;12(10).
    PMID: 32987807 DOI: 10.3390/polym12102184
    This report presents a facile and efficient methodology for the fabrication of plasticized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA):chitosan (CS) polymer electrolytes using a solution cast technique. Regarding characterizations of electrical properties and structural behavior, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used, respectively. Crystalline peaks appear in the XRD pattern of the PVA:CS:NH4I while no peaks can be seen in the XRD pattern of plasticized systems. The degree of crystallinity is calculated for all the samples from the deconvoluted area of crystalline and amorphous phases. Considering the EIS measurements, the most conductive plasticized system shows a relatively high conductivity of (1.37 × 10-4) S/cm, which is eligible for applications in energy storage devices. The analysis of the EIS spectra reveals a decrease in bulk resistance which indicates an increase in free ion carriers. The electrical equivalent circuit (EEC) model is used in the analysis of EIS plots. Dielectric properties are modified with the addition of glycerol as a plasticizer. It is proved that the addition of glycerol as a plasticizer lowers ion association. It also shows, at the low-frequency region, a large value of a dielectric constant which is correlated with electrode polarization (EP). The distribution of relaxation times is associated with conducting ions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  18. Fulltext A Review on Citric Acid as Green Modifying Agent and Binder for Wood
    Lee SH, Md Tahir P, Lum WC, Tan LP, Bawon P, Park BD, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Jul 29;12(8).
    PMID: 32751175 DOI: 10.3390/polym12081692
    Citric acid (CA) can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruit. CA is widely used in many fields but its usage as a green modifying agent and binder for wood is barely addressed. Esterification is one of the most common chemical reactions applied in wood modification. CA contains three carboxyl groups, making it possible to attain at least two esterification reactions that are required for crosslinking when reacting with the hydroxyl groups of the cell wall polymers. In addition, the reaction could form ester linkages to bring adhesivity and good bonding characteristics, and therefore CA could be used as wood binder too. This paper presents a review concerning the usage of CA as a wood modifying agent and binder. For wood modification, the reaction mechanism between wood and CA and the pros and cons of using CA are discussed. CA and its combination with various reactants and their respective optimum parameters are also compiled in this paper. As for the major wood bonding component, the bonding mechanism and types of wood composites bonded with CA are presented. The best working conditions for the CA in the fabrication of wood-based panels are discussed. In addition, the environmental impacts and future outlook of CA-treated wood and bonded composite are also considered.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  19. Fulltext Synthesis of Porous Proton Ion Conducting Solid Polymer Blend Electrolytes Based on PVA: CS Polymers: Structural, Morphological and Electrochemical Properties
    M Nofal M, Aziz SB, Hadi JM, Abdulwahid RT, Dannoun EMA, Marif AS, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Oct 30;13(21).
    PMID: 33143345 DOI: 10.3390/ma13214890
    In this study, porous cationic hydrogen (H+) conducting polymer blend electrolytes with an amorphous structure were prepared using a casting technique. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan (CS), and NH4SCN were used as raw materials. The peak broadening and drop in intensity of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the electrolyte systems established the growth of the amorphous phase. The porous structure is associated with the amorphous nature, which was visualized through the field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images. The enhancement of DC ionic conductivity with increasing salt content was observed up to 40 wt.% of the added salt. The dielectric and electric modulus results were helpful in understanding the ionic conductivity behavior. The transfer number measurement (TNM) technique was used to determine the ion (tion) and electron (telec) transference numbers. The high electrochemical stability up to 2.25 V was recorded using the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  20. Fulltext Effects of Accelerated Weathering on Degradation Behavior of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites
    Hashim UR, Jumahat A, Jawaid M, Dungani R, Alamery S
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Nov 06;12(11).
    PMID: 33172162 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112621
    This work aims to give insight on the effect of accelerated weathering, i.e., the combination of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and water spraying, on the visual and mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites. The solvent exchange method, sonication and high shear milling technique were used to prepare the nanocomposite laminates. Three types of laminates were fabricated, i.e., unmodified BFRP, nanosilica modified BFRP and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) modified BFRP composites with the total fiber loading of 45 wt.%. Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminate was also prepared for performance comparison purposes between the natural and synthetic fibers. The laminates were exposed to UV with a total weathering condition of 504 h using a Quantum-UV accelerated weathering tester. The weathering condition cycle was set at 8 h 60 °C UV exposure and 4 h 50 °C condensation. The discoloration visual inspection on the tested specimen was observed under the optical microscope. The obtained results showed that the UV exposure and water absorption caused severe discoloration of the laminates due to photo-oxidation reaction. The effect of weathering conditions on tensile and flexural properties of unmodified BFRP composites indicated that the UV exposure and water absorption caused reduction by 12% in tensile strength and by 7% in flexural strength. It is also found that the reduction in tensile and flexural properties of nanomodified BFRP composites was smaller than the unmodified system. It concluded from this work, that the mineral based composites (i.e., BFRP) has high potential for structural applications owing to its better properties than synthetic based composites (i.e., GFRP).
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
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