Photostabilizing polymeric materials is crucial for protecting them from damage by UV irradiation. Recent advancements have significantly enhanced polymer resistance to photooxidation and harsh environmental conditions by developing polymeric additives designed to act as photostabilizers. The present study assesses the significant impact of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on enhancing the surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and paving the way for more durable applications. The reaction of PMMA and propylenediamine led to the incorporation of amino residues, which was followed by the attachment of various metal oxide NPs, namely nickel oxide (NiO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), magnesium oxide (MgO), and zinc oxide (ZnO). Thin PMMA films doped with metal oxide NPs experienced reduced photodegradation compared to PMMA films containing the amino residues only. Of the metal oxide NPs studied, PMMA doped with ZnO NPs exhibited the lowest level of weight loss and surface damage caused by UV irradiation. These findings indicate the potential of metal oxide NPs in enhancing the photostability and surface properties of PMMA, contributing to the development of more durable polymeric materials.

Given the environmental impact of polymers on our daily lives, the development of biodegradable polymers is becoming increasingly critical. Poly(diisobutyl glycolide)-polyglycolide (PDIBG-PGA) and poly(diisopropyl glycolide)-polyglycolide (PDIPG-PGA) copolymers, which are structurally similar to polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) polyesters frequently used in the field of biomaterials, were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of glycolide with l-diisobutyl glycolide (l-DIBG) or l-diisopropyl glycolide (l-DIPG), respectively, in various molecular weights (M w GPC: 15.5-40.0 kDa) and in high yields (up to 85.0%). The wettability characteristics of biodegradable polymers are important not only in air but also for their behavior in underwater environments. PDIBG-PGA silica composites, due to their amphiphilic nature, exhibited water contact angles between 72° and 85° in air, unaffected by the increasing addition of hydrophilic silica nanoparticles. However, underwater-oil contact angles increased from 75° to 165° as a result of the higher silica nanoparticle content and enhanced surface roughness. When the silica content reached 30%, the surface demonstrated self-cleaning and oil-repellent properties underwater, attributed to the Cassie state, which trapped air within the surface's hierarchical roughness. Furthermore, the surface free energy (SFE) values of PDIBG-PGA and PDIPG-PGA copolymer films were evaluated using the Owens-Wendt method, which revealed an increasing underwater hexadecane contact angle as the polar component interactions increased. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that all synthesized copolymers were amorphous, and the glass transition temperatures (T g) increased with the increase in the molecular weight of the copolymers (for instance, M n GPC: 9560 g/mol → T g: 25.1 °C vs M n GPC: 20,850 g/mol → T g: 32.3 °C for PDIBG-PGA; M n GPC: 10,670 g/mol → T g: 37.7 °C vs M n GPC: 23,360 g/mol → T g: 42.3 °C for PDIPG-PGA). The molecular weight decreases of 88.3% and 76.5% and mass losses of 36.7% and 12.3% were observed for PDIBG-PGA and PDIPG-PGA copolymers after 8 weeks of hydrolytic degradation, respectively. The faster degradation of PDIBG-PGA (T g: 25.1 °C) than PDIPG-PGA (T g: 37.7 °C) may be attributed to the T g below the hydrolytic degradation temperature (37 °C) because of an increase in the mobility of PDIBG-PGA polymer chains, allowing water molecules to transfer more easily through the matrix.

This study aimed to examine the impact of different surface properties of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (P NPs) and PLGA-Poloxamer nanoparticles (PP NPs) on their in vivo biodistribution. For this purpose, NPs were formulated via nanoprecipitation and loaded with diphenylhexatriene (DPH), a fluorescent dye. The obtained NPs underwent comprehensive characterization, encompassing their morphology, technological attributes, DPH release rate, and thermodynamic properties. The produced NPs were then administered to wild-type mice via intraperitoneal injection, and, at scheduled time intervals, the animals were euthanized. Blood samples, as well as the liver, lungs, and kidneys, were extracted for histological examination and biodistribution analysis. The findings of this investigation revealed that the presence of poloxamers led to smaller NP sizes and induced partial crystallinity in the NPs. The biodistribution and histological results from in vivo experiments evidenced that both, P and PP NPs, exhibited comparable concentrations in the bloodstream, while P NPs could not be detected in the other organs examined. Conversely, PP NPs were primarily sequestered by the lungs and, to a lesser extent, by the kidneys. Future research endeavors will focus on investigating the behavior of drug-loaded NPs in pathological animal models.

Abstract In this study, 8‐((4‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino)naphthalene‐2‐ol (ANAPSB) compound was synthesized from condensation reaction of 8‐amino‐2‐naphthol (ANAP) with 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and then ANAPSB and 8‐amino‐2‐naphthol were polymerized via oxidative polycondensation alkaline medium by H2O2 (35% aqueous solution) as oxidant at 70°C 14 h. The structures of compounds were confirmed by UV–Vis, 1H‐13C‐NMR and FT‐IR measurements. The surface morphologies of PANAP and PANAPSB were examined with SEM analyses. The electrochemical properties of 8‐amino‐2‐naphthol, poly(8‐amino‐2‐naphthol) (PANAP), ANAPSB and poly(8‐((4‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino)naphthalene‐2‐ol) (PANAPSB) were determined by cyclic voltammetry technique. The thermal properties of compounds were found by TG‐DTA analysis. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of PANAP and PANAPSB were determined from DSC measurements. The Tg values of PANAP and PANAPSB were found to be 159 and 150°C, respectively. The Mn, Mw, Mp, Mz and PDI values of the PANAP and PANAPSB were calculated from gel permeation chromatography measurements. The optical and fluorescence properties of the compounds were determined by UV–Vis and fluorescence measurements, respectively. The optical band gap values of ANAP, PANAP, ANAPSB and PANAPSB were calculated as 3.12, 1.61, 2.79 and 1.57 eV, respectively.

Comparison of the effects of various reinforcements on the mechanical, morphological, thermal and surface properties of poly(butylene succinate)

Synthesis, structure, and surface properties of Poly(meth)acrylates bearing a vinylene-bridged fluoroalkyl side chain

Poly(hydroxyurethane)s (PHU) are alternatives for conventional polyurethanes due to the use of bis-cyclic dicarbonates and diamines instead of harmful and toxic isocyanates. However, the surface properties of poly(hydroxyurethane)s are not well known. In this work, we focus on the analysis of the surface properties of poly(hydroxyurethane) coatings. Poly(hydroxyurethane)s were obtained by a catalyst-free method from commercially available carbonated diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (Epidian 6 epoxy resins) and various diamines: ethylenediamine, trimethylenediamine, putrescine, hexamethylenediamine, 2,2,4(2,4,4)-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine, m-xylylenediamine, 1,8-diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane, 4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecanediamine, and isophorone diamine, using a non-isocyanate route. The structures of the obtained polymers were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses were performed. The rheological characteristic of the obtained polymers is presented. The static contact angles of water, diidomethane, and formamide, deposited on PHU coatings, were measured. From the measured contact angles, the surface free energy was calculated using two different approaches: Owens–Wendt and van Oss–Chaudhury–Good. Moreover, the wetting envelopes of PHU coatings were plotted, which enables the prediction of the wetting effect of various solvents. The results show that in the investigated coatings, a mainly dispersive interaction occurs.

Effect of non-oxidative plasma treatments on the surface properties of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) and poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibres as measured by inverse gas chromatography

To evaluate and compare the surface properties (roughness and hardness) of poly(methylmethacrylate) denture base material modified with zirconium dioxide (ZNPs), silicon dioxide (SNPs), and diamond (DNPs) nanoparticles. Two hundred sixty heat-polymerized acrylic resin disks (15 × 2 mm) were prepared. ZNPs, SNPs, and DNPs were added in concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% by weight of acrylic powder. This yielded a total of 13 groups for each test according to filler type and concentration (n = 10/group). The control group was made of pure acrylic. A mechanical polisher was used to standardize specimens' surfaces before testing. A profilometer and Vickers hardness indenter were used to test the surface roughness and hardness, respectively. ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). In comparison to control, results showed a nonsignificant increase in surface roughness (Ra ) of acrylic material after the addition of 0.5% nanoparticles (ZNPs p = 0.168, SNPs p = 0.166, and DNPs p = 0.177), while a significant increase was seen with all other concentrations (p ˂ 0.05). Ra values of ZNP and DNP groups were significantly higher than those of the SNPs group (p < 0.001). The addition of any of the fillers to acrylic denture base materials significantly increased the hardness (p ˂ 0.05), with ZNPs and DNPs having values lower than those of the SNPs group (p < 0.001). Although nanofiller addition increased the hardness of denture base material, Ra was adversely affected when the concentration exceeded 0.5%. Therefore, 0.5% is suggested to be the most appropriate ratio to improve hardness with acceptable Ra .

The surface properties of nanofillers and surface/interfacial interactions between fillers and matrix play crucial roles in the control of the properties of composites, especially considering hybrid materials used in biomedical, electronic and energy applications. In the present work, we investigate the surface properties of mono-filler and bi-filler composites of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) prepared by melt extrusion method. Zeta potential, contact angle (surface energy), Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to evaluate the interaction between PLA matrix, GNP and MWCNTs particles, and also to characterize filler-polymer composite properties at the surfaces of the film. The effect of filler loading in the GNP/PLA and GNP/MWCNT/PLA composite films surface properties was investigated using surface Zeta potential by streaming and Contact angle measurements. The results suggest that the surface characteristics of the composite film may be synergistically tuned by incorporation of GNPs and MWCNTs with controlling the filler contents and filler combinations.

Molecular aggregation structure and water repellency of Poly(perfluorohexyl acrylate) with a carbamate linkage

Time-based changes in surface properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) activated with air and argon-plasma treatments

The phase separation and surface characteristics of poly(propyl methacrylate-b-methyl methacrylate) (PPrMA-b-PMMA) diblock copolymers were studied and compared to strongly phase-separated poly(pentyl methacrylate-b-methyl methacrylate) (PPMA-b-PMMA) block copolymers (BCPs). PPrMA-b-PMMA with varied compositions and molar masses was synthesized by living anionic polymerization. The phase separation was studied by DSC, SAXS, TEM and AFM. The experimental data were compared to the calculated phase diagram. PPrMA-b-PMMA BCPs were weakly phase-separated, and indications for the existence of a relative broad interface between the blocks were observed. Nevertheless, two ordered morphologies—hexagonally packed cylinders and lamellae—depending on the molar composition were distinguished. The phase separation in thin films was studied by AFM in comparison with PPMA-b-PMMA. The wetting behavior of the thin films was examined by contact angle measurements. The water contact angles on PPrMA-b-PMMA were clearly influenced by both blocks. XPS confirmed the presence of both blocks in the top surface layer, which was different to PPMA-b-PMMA diblock copolymers where the top layer consisted only of PPMA blocks. Thus, only the weakly phase-separated PPrMA-b-PMMA BCP system allowed the generation of phase-separated films with tunable wetting characteristics.

The surface propertiesof poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):(polystyrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) affect the performance of many organic electronicdevices. The work function determines the efficiency of the chargecarrier transfer between PEDOT:PSS electrodes and the active layerof the device. The surface free energy affects phase separation inmulticomponent blends that are typically used to fabricate activelayers of organic light-emitting diodes and photovoltaic devices.Here, we present a method to prepare PEDOT:PSS films with a gradientwork function and surface free energy. This modification was achievedby evaporation of trimethoxy(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane in sucha way that the degree of surface coverage of the molecules variedin the selected direction. Gradient films were used as electrodesto fabricate two-terminal PEDOT:PSS/poly(3-hexyl thiophene)/Au devicesto rapidly screen for the influence of the modification on the performanceof the prepared polymer diodes. Gradual changes in the morphologyof the solution-cast model poly(3-butyl thiophene)/poly-bromostyrenefilms followed changes in the surface energy of the substrate.

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the effect of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer on the thermal, mechanical, and surface properties on cementitious composites for sustainable development. Thermal properties of the PVA‐modified cement paste, including thermal insulation and energy absorption ability, were first studied and correlated with the porosity and microstructures. The experimental results indicated that the thermal conductivity of cement paste can be greatly reduced by 42.9% with 2.0 wt % addition of PVA due to the more porous structure. However, at the same time, more thermal energy can be captured and concentrated at the surface of cement paste with the increasing amount of PVA, causing an increased thermal load and a negative effect on thermal insulating efficiency of cement paste. The contradictory effect of PVA on thermal properties of cement paste should be balanced before it is used as a foaming modifier to fabricate cementitious composites with thermal insulation. In addition, the contact angle measurement revealed that PVA can be used as an effective additive to improve the hydrophobicity of cement‐based materials. Only 3.0% PVA can turn the surface nature from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity for cement paste, which benefited to the development of self‐cleaning cementitious composites. Finally, the mechanical properties of the PVA‐modified cement paste, especially for the tensile strength that has been rarely reported, were investigated and correlated with its thermal and surface properties. Due to the compensative effects of irregular packing, formation of PVA films and microcracks, tensile strength of cement paste can be improved by 23.5% with a small scarifying of the compressive strength by adding 2.0% of PVA. In conclusion, the PVA‐modified cement‐based materials with lower thermal conductivity, hydrophobic surface nature and enhanced mechanical properties have a great potential to satisfy the high requirements in developing sustainable infrastructure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46177.

An in-tube solid-phase microextraction device was developed by packing poly(ionic liquids)-coated stainless-steel wires into a polyether ether ketone tube. An anion-exchange process was performed to enhance the extraction performance. Surface properties of poly(ionic liquids)-coated stainless-steel wires were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The extraction device was connected to high-performance liquid chromatography equipment to build an online enrichment and analysis system. Ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were used as model analytes, and important conditions including extraction time and desorption time were optimized. The enrichment factors from 268 to 2497, linear range of 0.03-20μg/L, detection limits of 0.010-0.020μg/L, extraction and preparation repeatability with relative standard deviation less than 1.8 and 19%, respectively were given by the established online analysis method. It has been used to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental samples, with the relative recovery (5, 10μg/L) in the range of 85.1-118.9%.

The surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were investigated after accelerated weathering. Glossinesses, contact angles, surface free energies, thermal stability, and mechanical properties were investigated. The glossiness of the weathered PMMA was decreased with increasing exposure time. Contact angles and surface free energies were not overtly changed because the amount of oxygen on the surface was remained. PMMA was compounded with anti-block and antistatic agents using a co-rotating twin screw extruder to improve the durability. The PMMA composites showed better glossinesses after accelerated weathering while maintaining the contact angles, surface energy, thermal stability, and mechanical properties without significant changes.

Ultra-hydrophobic sticky polymer surfaces formed by water-induced surface deformation

Surface studies of UV-irradiated poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends

In this paper, we report on the effect of curing agents on the miscibility, morphology, thermomechanical properties, and surface hydrophobicity of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) blends. Two curing agents, 4,4′-diamino diphenylsulfone (DDS) and 4,4′-diamino diphenylmethane (DDM), were used. Studies revealed that the epoxy/PCL/DDM system was completely miscible due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between carbonyl groups of PCL and hydroxyl groups of epoxy resin. On the other hand, the epoxy/PCL/DDS system exhibited phase separated matrix/droplet type morphology, primarily due to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions within the epoxy phase between sulfonyl groups of DDS and hydroxyl groups generated during epoxy–DDS reaction. The storage modulus of the epoxy/PCL/DDM system was greater than that of the epoxy/PCL/DDS system, and the dependence of modulus on PCL content was more pronounced in the former. Moreover, the epoxy/PCL/DDM system exhibi...