Multifunctionality and Processability of a Thermoplastic Based Gel Electrolyte Cell for the Realization of Structural Batteries.

In this work, a battery layup consisting of a poorly flammable ionic liquid electrolyte and a poly(vinylidene fluoride--hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) thermoplastic has been developed along with composite anode and cathode electrodes. The developed gel electrolyte exhibits feasible ionic conductivity of about 1 mS/cm at 30 °C. State-of-the-art active electrode materials, i.

Foaming and cross-linking of cellulose fibers using phytic acid.

Bio-based compounds have become the focus in the development of next-generation materials. The polyphosphated structure and availability of phytic acid has sparked an interest to understand its properties and apply it to making fire-retardant fabrics. However, its degradative effect on natural fibers sets limitations to its potential uses.

Flexing with lignin: lignin-based elastomers synthesised from untreated kraft black liquor.

The synthesis and characterisation of a lignin-based elastomer system using lignin-epoxy-resins is presented. Untreated kraft black liquor was used to synthesise glycidyl lignin or black liquor-based epoxy resin (BLER), following a published procedure. A flexible, elastomeric thermoset was produced by cross-linking BLER with succinic anhydride (SA).

Functionally Gradient Macroporous Polymers: Emulsion Templating Offers Control over Density, Pore Morphology, and Composition.

Gradient macroporous polymers were produced by polymerization of emulsion templates comprising a continuous monomer phase and an internal aqueous template phase. To produce macroporous polymers with gradient composition, pore size, and foam density, we varied the template formulation, droplet size, and internal phase ratio of emulsion templates continuously and stacked those prior to polymerization. Using the outlined approach, it is possible to vary one property along the resulting macroporous polymer while retaining the other properties.