The cover image by Bahareh Baheri, Amy L. Lindenberger, Sumit Sharma, and Sunggyu Lee shows the capability of a two-roll calendaring machine to disperse HNT particles into a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix. Cross-sectional SEM images and EDS Al-mappings below each SEM image of nanocomposite samples with 1 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 30 wt.% HNT loadings are presented. In addition, for each mentioned composition, the dumbbell-shaped injection molded samples are also presented on each SEM/EDS image. A homogeneous distribution of HNTs by the shear forces from a roll mill in concentrations up to 5 wt.%was evidenced by SEM/EDS analysis. It can be concluded that a roll mill can be effectively used in the fabrication of LLDPE/HNT nanocomposites. DOI: 10.1002/app.53259

A Comparative study of bio-based PU foam reinforced with nanoparticles for EMI shielding effectiveness

This study investigates the efficiency of multifunctional silane and silazane agents for surface modification of recycled glass fibers. Overall, the amino-silane reagents improve the dispersion of GFs in PP, and permit subsequent reaction with MAPP leading to better compatibilization, with moderate improvements in strength attributed to the modifications.

All polymer-based transparent composites are proposed for the electrothermal actuator and supercapacitor. The transmittances of hierarchical composites is over 40% at the wavelength of 550 nm, which can be used as transparent electrical-driven actuators as well as electrodes for transparent supercapacitors. A series of practical applications are demonstrated, such as transparent grippers, flexible supercapacitor arrays, intelligent integrated electronic system, and so forth.

The effect mechanisms of different configurations on CF/BMI composite joints.

Pitch-polyacrylonitrile composite nanofibers were successfully prepared by a controllable electrospinning technique. Different oxidative stabilization strategies were adopted to solve the preoxidation problem of composite nanofibers incorporating high percentage low-softening-point pitch. The morphology, structure, and physical properties of composite nanofibers could be adjusted by the preoxidation process. This study paves the road for facile preparation of cost-competitive carbon nanofibers.

Schematic diagram of dopamine synthesis process on wool fiber.

Hybrid fillers containing hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) enhance thermal conductivity of PI composites synergistically.

In this work, the influence of intentionally aged or oxidized lubricating oil (A-O) on the aging process of FKM is reported for the first time comparing with the situation in the fresh oil (F-O).

MS whisker modified by a coupling agent Step 1: KH570, Step 2: interfacial interaction between modified. whisker, EAA, and SR/EVM matrix.

Membrane filtration process

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a backlog of filtration material for N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). An alternative face mask filter material is presented, consisting of an unsupported, nonwoven layer of uncharged polystyrene microfibers. This microfiber material meets NIOSH N95 FFR filtration and breathability requirements, demonstrates durability upon disinfection, and can be modified with silver nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial activity.

In this study, an iron-based nanoscale metal–organic framework (MIL-101(Fe)-N₃) was prepared as a pH-responsive drug-loading core, and then polymer Alkyne-PLA-PEG-F3 was stepwise synthesized. The polymer Alkyne-PLA-PEG-F3 was covalently conjugated to the surface of MIL-101(Fe)-N₃ by click chemistry reaction, and the modification of the polymer layer not only endowed the nanocarriers with targeting ability, but also improved its stability and biocompatibility. TEM and DLS results showed that the particle size and average hydrodynamic diameter of MIL-101-PLA-PEG-F3 were 130 nm and 263.0 ± 3.1 nm, respectively. The MIL-101-PLA-PEG-F3 exhibited a high drug loading rate for Doxorubicin (DOX), as well as good hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation ability and pH-responsive drug release ability. The in vitro cytotoxicity test showed that DOX/MIL-101-PLA-PEG-F3 exhibited good cell killing properties on MDA-MB-231 cells, and could achieve the enhanced antitumor effect of chemotherapy combined with chemodynamic therapy. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that it has tumor-targeted drug delivery capabilities.

The ZnO CMC NPs were blended with PVC casting solution, and the PVC/ZnO CMC NPs UF membrane were prepared by using the non solvent induce phase inversion (NIPS) method.

PANI/rGO was coated onto three different types of flexible substrates (namely filter paper, cotton fabric, and weighing paper) through in-situ reduction and polymerization methods. Surface morphology of the uncoated flexible substrates and those coated with different mass ratios of PANI/rGO was evaluated using scanning electron microscope. PANI/rGO coated filter paper showed highest electrical conductance and was used for detection of CO₂ gas.

A durable anti-icing coating film formed by the PDMS molecules bridging polysilazane rigid segments and TiO₂ compositions due to a hydrophobic cross-linking network structure.

Dynamic frequency sweep was utilized to conduct a further investigation on the melt post-polycondensation (MPP) process in commercial polycarbonate (PC) by a forced gas sweeping. Results indicate that the crosslinked polymer was generated and it significantly affects the rheological properties of PC. Finally, a schematic diagram of structural evolution was exhibited during the MPP process.

Progression of aging time and temperature-induced an increase in compression set, hardness, and cross-link density. In high temperatures, non-uniform aging of the NBR gaskets was observed due to the limited diffusion oxidation (DLO) effects. Longer gaskets specimen showed slower aging than shorter ones, which resulted in a more significant lifetime prediction. Real-scale geometry is an essential factor when studying aging in elastomers.

A new polymer was obtained from the technical cashew nutshell liquid (t-CNSL). The poly(t-CNSL) is synthesized through the electrosynthesis method. The polymer is low-cost, thermally stable, and easy to prepare. Poly(t-CNSL) coating provides corrosion protection of steel in saline solution.

The binding energy for the complex of P[Phe][EMI]-AR

The morphology of PA6/CNT composites was different when they were processed using different methods, thereby resulting in a dfferent trend of electrical conductivity vs the filler concentration.

This article revealed the synergistic action of EG on improving the fire safety of a self-intumescent flame retardant EP by LOI, and demonstrated that the optimal mass ratio combination based on LOI, significantly improve the FR and fire safety parameters in UL-94 and cone calorimeter tests. Based on analysis of the morphologies of char residues and mass loss rate obtained from cone calorimeter tests, a possible action mode was proposed to elucidate the combination effect of EG and APP8-Cu₂O2 on enhancing the fire safety of EP, which will provide a beneficial inspiration for developing other flame retardant polymers with high fire safety.

Schematic of PLGA/MXene membranes preparation and application.