Incorporation Of CNT Research Articles

On the assessment of incorporation of CNT-TiO2 core-shell structures into nanoparticle TiO2 photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Herein, we report dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) based on conventional nanocrystalline TiO2 photoanodes decorated with one-dimensional (1D) CNT-TiO2 core-shell structures (CTH). The core-shell nanotubes are synthesized by a simple sol-gel template-assisted method via in situ deposition of TiO2 on the surface of non-covalently functionalized CNTs. The core-shell nanotubes are well characterized by various techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that formation of the TiO2 shell on the surface of the CNT core follows a layer or Frank-van der Merwe growth mode, resulting in a highly uniform interface with excellent charge transfer from the TiO2 conduction band into the CNTs. The thickness and crystal structure of the TiO2 shell can be tailored by controlling the processing parameters. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy verify that CNTs have no surface defects and are well preserved using the employed method and the subsequent heat treatment in air, respectively. UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy reveal an extension to visible regions with an increase in overall intensity and a significant reduction in charge recombination due to a shift of the Fermi level toward positive potentials. We find an increase by up to 37% in the DSC device's power conversion efficiency by incorporating the CNT-TiO2 core-shell nanotubes into the nanoparticle TiO2 photoanode due to the charge recombination reduction and electron injection enhancement.

Material Characterization and Bioanalysis of Hybrid Scaffolds of Carbon Nanomaterial and Polymer Nanofibers.

The interconnected porous structures that mimic the extracellular matrix support cell growth in tissue engineering. Nanofibers generated by electrospinning can act as a vehicle for therapeutic cell delivery to a neural lesion. The incorporation of carbon nanomaterials with excellent electrical conductivity in nanofibers is an attractive aspect for design of a nanodevice for neural tissue regeneration. In this study, nanoscaffolds were created by electrospinning poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and three different types of carbon nanomaterials, which are carbon nanotubes, graphene, and fullerene. The component of carbon nanomaterials in nanofibers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The fiber diameter was determined by scanning electron microscopy, and it was found that the diameter varied depending on the type of nanomaterial in the fibers. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes and graphene in the PCL fibers increased the contact angle significantly, while the incorporation of fullerene reduced the contact angle significantly. Incorporation of CNT, fullerene, and graphene in the PCL fibers increased dielectric constant. Astrocytes isolated from neonatal rats were cultured on PCL-nanomaterial nanofibers. The cell viability assay showed that the PCL-nanomaterial nanofibers were not toxic to the cultured astrocytes. The immunolabeling showed the growth and morphology of astrocytes on nanofiber scaffolds. SEM was performed to determine the cell attachment and interaction with the nanoscaffolds. This study indicates that PCL nanofibers containing nanomaterials are biocompatible and could be used for cell and drug delivery into the nervous system.

A high-energy-density sodium-ion full battery based on tin anode

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage, owing to the high abundance and low cost of sodium (Na) resources. However, the development of full SIB has been hindered by low energy density because of the sluggish kinetics of large Na+. Here, we report a full SIB with commercial tin (Sn) anode, cross-linked Na3V2(PO4)3/carbon nanotubes composites (NVP-CNT) cathode, and ether-based electrolyte. Sn is capable of delivering high reversible capacity via formation of Na15Sn4 and stable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) in initial cycles. Meanwhile, the NASICON-type NVP enables ultrafast and stable Na+ intercalation/extraction, and the incorporation of CNT can improve its electrical conductivity. The assembled full SIB delivers high output voltage of ~3.2 V, high energy density of 253.4 W h kg−1 at 1600 W kg−1 based on total mass of both cathode and anode, and remarkable capacity retention of 96.1% after 180 cycles. These merit construction of high-energy full SIBs and will promote the development of SIBs.

Novel Hydrothermal Synthesis of CoS2/MWCNT Nanohybrid Electrode for Supercapacitor: A Systematic Investigation on the Influence of MWCNT

Here we report a novel hydrothermal method to synthesize hybrid nanostructures based on single phase cobalt disulfide (CoS2) nanoparticles decorated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) for application as supercapacitor electrode. This is also the first report on systematic investigation of the influence of MWCNTs on the electrochemical properties of CoS2 nanoparticle based electrode for supercapacitor. The X-ray diffraction and electron microscopic analyses revealed that incorporation of CNTs promotes the growth of only the CoS2 phase in the form of spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of ∼9 nm. CoS2-MWCNT nanohybrid electrode containing 20 wt % MWCNT showed the highest specific capacitance of 1486 F/g at 1 A/g discharge current density along with excellent reversibility. It also showed high cycle stability with ∼80% retention of specific capacitance even after 10,000 cycles. Thus, we show a low cost and simple method to synthesize a CoS2-MWCNT nanohybrid that has great promise as electrode material for supercapacitor applications. Incorporation of CNT not only provides a conducting network for fast charge diffusion but (due to large surface area) also allows more CoS2 molecules to be readily available for redox reaction resulting in the reduction of the charge transfer resistance consistent with the data obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Carbon Nanotube-Modified MnO2 : An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In this work, manganese dioxide/carbon nanotube (MnO2/CNT) have been synthesized by sonochemical-coprecipitation method and demonstrated that it could be an effective electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Moreover, the effect of CNT inclusion with MnO2 was also investigated for ORR. The physical and electrochemical properties of the MnO2/CNT were examined by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray (FESEM/EDX), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Mott-Schottky and Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) analysis. CV showed higher currents for the ORR in MnO2/CNT than CNT; however, ORR current dropped when the MnO2 loading was increased from 20–40 %. The EIS analysis showed that charge-transfer resistance for MnO2/CNT was significantly lower compared to the MnO2 indicating that MnO2 has good contact with CNT and the composite possess high electrical conductivity. Mott-Schottky results demonstrated that incorporation of CNT into MnO2 resulted in producing larger electron density in n-type MnO2/CNT compared to MnO2 which is liable for efficient electron donation from the Mn3+ to adsorbed oxygen in the rate determining step. RDE results showed that MnO2/CNT follows 4e− transfer pathway, indicating its ability to act as an effective ORR electrocatalyst.

Electrochemical Properties of Electrodeposited Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes.

In this paper, detailed consideration for electrochemical fabrication and optimization of different components used in energy storage device. Fabricated electrode contained three layers: RGO, CNT, and RGO (RGO/CNT/RGO). GO nanosheets were electrochemically modified to RGO utilizing potential scanning from 0 to −1.5 V versus silver chloride electrode during electrodeposition. ITO coated glass and glassy carbon electrode has been utilized as substrate through this research investigation to understand the physical, morphological and structural characteristics of the fabricated electrode. AFM and FESEM were performed to identify morphological and structural properties of the fabricated electrodes components. Besides, electrochemical properties were studied by Cyclic Voltammetry which indicates electrode surface area enhanced due to incorporation of RGO and CNT. Accordingly, results show the fabricated electrodes could enhance performance of energy storage devices. Since unique surface area can boost mobility of electrons on top of surface there must be a good trade-off accessible among the electrical conductivity and the total ion transportation in structural pores.

Mechanical properties of TiO2-filled CNT/PMMA composites

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated the effect of TiO2 fillers on the mechanical properties of CNT/PMMA composites. TiO2/PMMA/CNT composites were prepared by using twin screw extruder and test samples by injection moulding. Results indicated that incorporation of CNT in PMMA causes decreases in tensile stress, elongation at break, and on impact properties. It is observed that addition of CNT and TiO2 seems to be beneficial in increasing mechanical strength via increasing the interface dispersed phase.

Review on Modification of Sulfonated Poly (-ether-ether-ketone) Membranes Used as Proton Exchange Membranes

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a type of modern power, but the traditional proton exchange membranes (PEM) of PEMFC are limited by high methanol permeability and water uptake. Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is a widely used thermoplastic with good cost-effective property. Sulfonated poly (-ether-ether-ketone) (SPEEK) has high electric conductivity and low methanol permeability, as well as comprehensive property, which is expected to be used as PEMs. However, the proton exchange ability, methanol resistance, mechanical property and thermal stability of SPEEK are closely related to the degree of sulfonation (DS) of SPEEK membranes. Additionally, the proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and stability of SPEEK membranes applied in various conditions need to be further improved. In this paper, the research into modification of SPEEK membranes made by SPEEK and other polymers, inorganic materials are introduced. The properties and modification situation of the SPEEK and the composite membranes, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of membranes prepared by different materials are summarized. From the results we know that, the methanol permeability of SPEEK/PES-C membranes is within the order of magnitude, 10-7cm2/s. The proton conductivity of the SPPESK/SPEEK blend membrane reaches 0.212 S cm-1 at 80 °C. The cross-linked SPEEK membranes have raised thermal and dimensional stability. The non-solvent caused aggregation of the SPEEK ionomers. The proton conductivity of SPEEK/50%BMIMPF6/4.6PA membrane maintains stable as 2.0 x 10-2S cm-1 after 600 h at 160 °C. Incorporation of aligned CNT into SPEEK increases the proton conductivity and reduces the methanol permeability of the composite membranes. The PANI improves the hydrothermal stability. More proton transfer sites lead to a more compact structure in the composite membranes. According to the results, the proton exchange capacity, water uptake, and conductivity of the SPEEK membranes are closely related to the structure, stability, mechanical and electrochemical property and methanol permeation of the PEMFC. The modification of SPEEK membranes will improve their applications in aviation, military and other industries. Some proposals for further research are put forward.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.21.4.9712

Impact behavior of CNT-filled PP/EPDM blends: effect of dynamic vulcanization and PP-g-MA compatibilizer

The impact strength and crystallite structure of un-vulcanized and dynamically vulcanized polypropylene/ethylene-propylene terpolymer (PP/EPDM) blends and polypropylene/ethylene-propylene terpolymer/carbon nanotube (PP/EPDM/CNT) blend nanocomposites with and without maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) were studied. The results showed that incorporation of EPDM increased the impact toughness of PP matrix by promoting debonding and cavitation of rubber particles. Dynamic vulcanization increased the interfacial adhesion leading to superior impact strength. Incorporation of CNT into PP/EPDM blends changed the crystallization behavior of the PP matrix and further increased the impact resistance. Morphological observations on impact-fractured surfaces indicated that dominant failure modes of CNTs in blend nanocomposites with and without PP-g-MA are pulling out and breakage of nanotubes, respectively. While the PP-g-MA had a negative effect on the impact strength of PP, the results demonstrated that its presence enhanced the impact strength of the blends and blend nanocomposites mostly via enhancing the adhesion between the PP and EPDM particles and improving the dispersion of CNTs in the matrix, respectively. The former decreases the rubber particle size and the latter decreases the size of CNT aggregates and crystallites.

Organic–inorganic nanohybrids of novolac phenolic resin and carbon nanotube: High carbon yields by using carbon nanotube aerogel and resin incorporation into aerogel network

CNTCOOH was prepared from oxidation of carbon nanotube. Subsequently, CNTSi was prepared by grafting (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPTES) to the surface of CNTCOOH by a ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. Then, CNTA was obtained by formation of silicon oxide network between CNTSi and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Finally, CNTA was used as an additive in novolac resin matrix to yield RCNTA composites with high carbon yield values. Additionally, modification of novolac resin by GPTES gives MR with silicon ethoxide moieties on its structure. Then, MRCNTA composites were obtained by formation of silica/siloxane network from MR, CNTSi, and TEOS. RCNTA composites were thermally compared with MRCNTA composites. Results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis showed that CNT and novolac resin were successfully modified. Aerogel formation was proved by Raman, X-ray diffraction, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. BET shows that incorporation of CNT into the aerogel network results in lower cumulative pore volume value. The pore size of SA and CNTA ranges from 2 to about 100 nm which shows that both of them can be included in the mesoporous materials category. Finally, MRCNTA composites reached to the maximum increase of char yields; 11.94% increase of char yield was achieved by MRCNTA4 composite.

Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane based on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene and reinforced by carbon nanotubes

Nanocomposites consisting of multi wall carbon wall carbon nano tubes MWCNT/polyurethane (PU) had been successfully prepared based on hydroxy terminated polybutadiene HTPB and the prepared MWCNT. The effect of concentration of prepared MWCNT and surface modified CNT on the morphology, mechanical reinforcement, and thermal properties of PU-based composites had been evaluated by FESEM, tensile testing, thermo gravimetric analysis TGA and differential scanning calorimeter DSC.Polyurethane (PU) networks based on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) compound were prepared by a batch process. Two methods had been used to fabricate PU matrix/carbon nanotube nanocomposites: direct incorporation of unfunctional CNT (UCNT) into polymer matrices (noncovalent attachment) and in situ polymerization at their surface (covalent attachment).TGA showed a much better improvement of thermal stability of the composites than pure PU. Glass temperature (Tg) increased due to high interaction of CNT with PU. Also Young’s modulus increased. FESEM gave that the covalent attachment was better than noncovalent attachment for preparing PU/CNT composites.

Mechanical, Rheological and Thermal Properties of Polystyrene/1-Octadecanol Modified Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites

The results of the studies on the functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with 1-octadecanol and its usage as reinforcing filler in the bulk polymerization of styrene are reported in this article. Both unmodified and modified CNTs were utilized in different loadings, however, without any initiator. The resulting composites were characterized by using mechanical testing, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and melt rheology. The tensile tests show the addition of 0.5wt% of CNT-C18 results in 19.5% increment of Young's modulus. The DSC study shows a decrease in Tg values of prepared PS/CNT nanocomposite. The rheological study was conducted at 190°C and shows that addition of pure CNT increased the viscoelastic behavior of the PS matrices, while the CNT-C18 act as plasticizer. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the incorporation of CNT into PS enhanced the thermal properties significantly.

Characterization and nanomechanical properties of novel dental implant coatings containing copper decorated-carbon nanotubes

Fluorapatite–titania coated Ti-based implants are promising for using in dental surgery for restoring teeth. One of the challenges in implantology is to achieve a bioactive coating with appropriate mechanical properties. In this research, simple sol–gel method was developed for synthesis of fluorapatite–titania–carbon nanotube decorated with antibacterial agent. Triethyl phosphate [PO4(C2H5)3], calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) were used as precursors under an ethanol–water based solution for fluorapatite (FA) production. Titanium isopropoxide and isopropanol were used as starting materials for making TiO2 sol–gels. Also, Copper acetate [Cu(C2H3O2)2·H2O] was used as precursor for decoration of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with wet chemical method. The decorated MWCNTs (CNT(Cu)) were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phase identification of the FA–TiO2–CNT(Cu) coating was carried out by XRD analysis. Morphology of coated samples was investigated by SEM observations. The surface elastic modulus and hardness of coatings were studied using nanoindentation technique. The results indicate that novel dental implant coating containing FA, TiO2 and copper decorated MWCNTs have proper morphological features. The results of nanoindentation test show that incorporation of CNT(Cu) in FA–TiO2 matrix can improve the nanomechanical properties of composite coating.

AlN/CNT Composites Ceramics by Spark Plasma Sintering

Highly dense AlN/CNT composite ceramics with 1-10% volume fractions of CNT were fabricated by spark plasma sintered (SPS) at 1400°C-1700°C. The results indicated that origination diameter of AlN had a great effect on microstructure and thermal conductivity. In details, for the system with AlN origination diameter of nanosized, the tubular structure of CNT has not been destructed, but when micro-sized AlN powder was adopted, the structure of CNT showed unstable at high temperature. Even though the degradation with incorporation of CNT into AlN, thermal conductivity of sintered AlN/CNT composites ceramics was evidently improved by adjusting content of additive Y2O3and the sintering process. Both the real part and imaginary part of the composites of Ka-Band (26.540.0 GHz) increase with the increase of CNT content, in which the increase of imaginary part is more than that of real part, resulting in an increase of loss factor. The AlN/ CNT thermal conductivity composites with appropriate CNT content and sintering temperature possess good dielectric dissipation and thermal conductivity.

Analysis of vibration damping in a rotating composite beam with embedded carbon nanotubes

This study presents a numerical model describing the vibration damping effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT’s) embedded in the matrix of fiber-reinforced composite materials used in rotating structures. The energy dissipation from the incorporation of CNT’s into the composite matrix is modeled with a stick–slip damping term to describe the interaction between the CNT’s and surrounding matrix as the material deforms. A numerical model is developed using the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation in a rotating frame of reference and solved in a non-dimensional form using the finite element method. A parametric study is performed to examine the effects of various beam geometries, angular speed profiles, and CNT damping values on the vibration settling times of the numerically simulated beams. The results are illustrated in a dimensionless design space to demonstrate the use of CNT’s for improving the vibration damping characteristics of a rotating composite beam.

Polyamide 6/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites with Modified Morphology and Thermal Properties

Pure polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 6/carbon nanotube (PA6/CNT) composite samples with 0.5 weight percent loading of pristine or functionalized CNTs were made using a solution mixing technique. Modification of nanotube surface as a result of chemical functionalization was confirmed through the presence of lattice defects as examined under high-resolution transmission electron microscope and absorption bands characteristic of carboxylic, sulfonic and amine chemical groups. Microstructural examination of the cryogenically fractured surfaces revealed qualitative information regarding CNT dispersion within PA6 matrix and interfacial strength. X-ray diffraction studies indicated formation of thermodynamically more stable α-phase crystals. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that CNT incorporation delayed onset of thermal degradation by as much as 70 °C in case of amine-functionalized CNTs, thus increasing thermal stability of the composites. Furthermore, addition of amine-functionalized CNTs caused an increase in crystallization and melting temperatures from the respective values of 177 and 213 °C (for neat PA6) to 211 and 230 °C (for composite), respectively.

Preparation of novel hetero-nanostructures and high efficient visible light-active photocatalyst using incorporation of CNT as an electron-transfer channel into the support TiO2 and PbS

A series of novel visible light-active photocatalysts of TiO2/CNT and PbS/CNT were prepared by simple wet-chemical method and the resulting materials were used for degradation of methyl orange (MO) as probe pollutant. The reactive substances used to decorate the PbS quantum dots (QDs) with the diameters of ca. 6–10nm located onto the CNT substrate, were lead acetate (Pb(CH3COOH)) and Thiourea (NH2CSNH2) aqueous solution at 90°C. The physic-chemical properties of the resulting photocatalysts were characterized by SEM-EDX, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV–vis DRS spectroscopy. It was found that the size, shape, and coverage density of the PbS QDs and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) onto the CNT can be controlled through varying synthesis conditions. As a result, the experiments demonstrated photodegradation efficiency of ∼100% of MO, for TiO2/CNT and PbS/CNT, under 20 and 45min UV light irradiation time, respectively, and also 30 and 80min under visible light irradiation time, respectively. In addition, the possible decomposing mechanisms were also discussed. The results of the current study showed the feasible and potential use of high efficient CNT:TiO2:PbS photocatalyst in photodecomposition of toxic organic pollutants. As the above-mentioned results show, the use of CNT in photocatalyst systems is not only enhances the optical properties of TiO2 and PbS photocatalysts, but also improve their capability in photodegradation of organic pollutants.

Influence of CNT incorporation on the photovoltaic behavior of TiO2 films formed by high-voltage electrophoretic deposition

This study examined the effects of incorporated-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the photovoltaic response of a mesoporous TiO2 film on a titanium foil subjected to electrophoretic deposition (EPD) at a high voltage of 350 V for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Microstructural observations showed that after EPD in an alkaline electrolyte for 40 s, the surface area of the CNT/TiO2 film was relatively higher than that of its TiO2 counterpart. This was attributed to the incorporated CNTs triggered, local agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles during EPD. The DSSCs with the CNT/TiO2 film exhibited a higher short-circuit current density than the cell with the TiO2 film, whereas the open circuit voltage remained constant for both cases. The power conversion efficiency of the CNT/TiO2 film approached 2.49% due to the increased surface area of the film, which facilitates increased dye absorption. Electrochemical impedance analysis showed that the charge transport resistance at the interface between the photoelectrode and electrolyte decreased when the CNTs were incorporated. This was attributed mainly to the incorporation of CNTs, which provide interpenetration paths for electrons across the entire photoelectrode.

Electroless Ni-P-CNT composite coating on aluminum powder

Ni-P-CNT composite coatings were deposited on micro-sized aluminum particles using electroless plating technique and the effect of different process parameters on the microstructural characteristics of the produced composite coatings were investigated. The results showed that a uniform Ni-P-CNT composite coating could be successfully deposited on the aluminum particles provided the electroless processing parameters were adjusted carefully. The most favorable coating quality was achieved at bath temperature of 80 °C, bath pH of 5.5 and CNT concentration of 1.25 g/lit. While a higher CNT concentration resulted in increased CNT agglomeration and poor CNT distribution in the Ni-P matrix, a lower CNT concentration resulted in fewer incorporated CNTs. Higher bath temperatures intensified the hydrogen gas evolution during the process and resulted in poor uniformity and presence of porosity in the coating. Low bath pH resulted in poor CNT incorporation and distribution in the Ni-P matrix and clustering of a large part of CNTs out of the coating.

Mechanical and barrier properties of carbon nanotube reinforced PCL‐based composite films: Effect of gamma radiation

AbstractCarbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced (0.05–0.5% by wt) polycaprolactone (PCL)‐based composites were prepared by compression molding. Addition of 0.2% CNT caused a 131% improvement of tensile strength (TS) of PCL films. The tensile modulus (TM) and elongation at break (Eb) of PCL were also significantly improved with the addition of CNT. The water vapor permeability of PCL was 1.51 g·mm/m2·day but 0.2% CNT containing PCL films showed 1.08 g·mm/m2·day. Similarly, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of PCL films was found to decrease with the addition of CNT. But, carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO2TR) of PCL film was improved due to incorporation of CNT. Effect of gamma radiation on PCL films and CNT reinforced PCL‐based composites were also studied. The TS of the irradiated (10 kGy) PCL films gained to 75% higher than control sample. The TS of the 0.2% CNT reinforced composite film was reached to 41 MPa at 15 kGy dose. The barrier properties of non‐irradiated and irradiated (10 kGy) PCL films and composites (0.2% CNT reinforced) were also measured. Both PCL films and composites showed lower values of WVP upon irradiation and indicated better water vapor barrier. The OTR and CO2TR of the irradiated (10 kGy) PCL films and composites were decreased compared to their counterparts. Surface and interface morphologies of the composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013