Ionomeric Nanofibers: A Versatile Platform for Advanced Functional Materials.

The one-dimensional nanomaterials known as nanofibers have remarkable qualities, such as large surface areas, adjustable porosity, and superior mechanical strength. Ionomers, types of polymers, have ionic functional groups that give them special properties, including high mechanical strength, water absorption capacity, and ionic conductivity. Integrating ionomers and nanofibers with diverse materials and advanced methodologies has been shown to improve the mechanical strength, processing capacity, and multifunctional attributes of ionomeric nanofibers.

Fabrication and Characterization of PLA/PBAT Blends, Blend-Based Nanocomposites, and Their Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Induced Foams.

In this study, a twin-screw extruder was used to fabricate poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends and blend-based nanocomposites with carbon nanotube (CNT) or nanocarbon black (CB) as nanofillers. The fabricated samples were subsequently treated with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO) to fabricate the corresponding foams. Bi-phasic morphology and selective distribution of CNTs or CBs in the PBAT phase were observed in the blends/composites through scanning electron microscopy.

Physical properties of cellulose nanocrystal/magnesium oxide/chitosan transparent composite films for packaging applications.

Hitherto unreported hybrid nanofillers (CNC:MgO) reinforced chitosan (CTS) based composite (CNC:MgO)/CTS films were synthesized using a solution-casting blend technique and synergistic effect of hybrid nanofiller in terms of properties enhancement were investigated. Optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the films. The hybrid nanofiller considerably changed the transparency and color of the CTS films.

Design and synthesis of polypyrrole conductive ink based on sulfated chitosan for bactericide carbendazim detection.

Conductive polymers (CPs) are typically insoluble in solvents, and devising biocompatible hydrophilic CPs is challenging and imperative to expand the applications of CPs. Herein, sulfated chitosan (SCS) is used as a green dopant instead of toxic poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), and SCS:polypyrrole (SCS:PPy) conductive ink is prepared by in situ polymerization. Due to the complex structure between PPy and SCS polyanion, the synthesized SCS:PPy dispersion forms a well-connected electric pathway and confers superior conductivity, dispersion stability, good film-forming ability, and high electrical stability.

Protein-Aided Synthesis of Copper-Integrated Polyaniline Nanocomposite Encapsulated with Reduced Graphene Oxide for Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Dimetridazole in Real Samples.

Dimetridazole (DMZ) is a derivative of nitroimidazole and is a veterinary drug used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial or protozoal infections in poultry. The residues of DMZ cause harmful side effects in human beings. Thus, we have constructed a superior electrocatalyst for DMZ detection.

Synthesis of High-Value Bio-Based Polyamide 12,36 Microcellular Foams with Excellent Dimensional Stability and Shape Recovery Properties.

The search for alternatives to petroleum-based thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPAEs) has recently drawn great interest. In this study, a bio-massed TPAE, PA12,36, was synthesized using 1,12-dodecanediamine (DDA) and fatty dimer acid (FDA, Pripol1009) precursors via catalyst and solvent-free melt polycondensation. The molecular structure and molecular weight of the PA12,36 were characterized by H NMR, FTIR, and GPC.

Modifications of Phase Morphology, Physical Properties, and Burning Anti-Dripping Performance of Compatibilized Poly(butylene succinate)/High-Density Polyethylene Blend by Adding Nanofillers.

A twin-screw extruder was used to fabricate poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blends (7:3 weight ratio) and blend-based nanocomposites. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and organoclays (15A and 30B) served as the nanofiller, while maleated HDPE (PEgMA) acted as an efficient compatibilizer for the blend. In the composites, individual nanofillers were mostly localized in HDPE domains, but some fillers were also observed at PBS-HDPE interfaces.

Polycarbonate/Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-Blend-Based Nanocomposites-Effect of Adding Different Carbon Nanofillers/Organoclay.

Carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) individually or doubly served as reinforcing fillers in polycarbonate (PC)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-blend (designated CF)-based nanocomposites. Additionally, organo-montmorillonite (15A) was incorporated simultaneously with the individual carbon fillers to form hybrid filler nanocomposites. Microscopic images confirmed the selective localization of carbon fillers, mainly in the continuous PC phase, while 15A located in the PVDF domains.

Chitosan/boron nitride nanobiocomposite films with improved properties for active food packaging applications.

Chitosan (CS)/boron nitride nanoplatelet (BNNP) nanobiocomposite films were successfully prepared. Morphological results showed good dispersion of BNNPs in the CS matrix. After loading with BNNPs, water solubility (WS) and moisture absorption of the CS film decreased.

Cellulose Nanocrystal Reinforced Chitosan Based UV Barrier Composite Films for Sustainable Packaging.

In this study, green composite films based on cellulose nanocrystal/chitosan (CNC/CS) were fabricated by solution casting. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM characterizations were conducted to determine the structure and morphology of the prepared films. The addition of only 4 wt.

Polyamide 6/Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Blend-Based Nanocomposites with Enhanced Rigidity: Selective Localization of Carbon Nanotube and Organoclay.

Polyamide 6 (PA6)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) blend-based nanocomposites were successfully prepared using a twin screw extruder. Carbon nanotube (CNT) and organo-montmorillonite (30B) were used individually and simultaneously as reinforcing nanofillers for the immiscible PA6/PVDF blend. Scanning electron micrographs showed that adding 30B reduced the dispersed domain size of PVDF in the blend, and CNT played a vital role in the formation of a quasi-co-continuous PA6-PVDF morphology.

Fabrication of Cellulose Nanocrystal/Silver/Alginate Bionanocomposite Films with Enhanced Mechanical and Barrier Properties for Food Packaging Application.

Eco-friendly cellulose nanocrystal/silver/alginate (CNC/Ag/Alg) bionanocomposite films were successfully prepared by blending of CNC with Ag/Alg solution. The CNC was fabricated from cellulose microcrystal (CMC) by acid hydrolysis method. The Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were generated by using Alg as a reducing agent through hydrothermal process.

Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/High Density Polyethylene Blend-Based Nanocomposites with Enhanced Thermal and Electrical Properties.

In this study, a graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) was used as a reinforcing filler to prepare poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blend-based nanocomposites through a melt mixing method. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the GNP was mainly distributed within the PVDF matrix phase. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that PVDF and HDPE retained their crystal structure in the blend and composites.

Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced κ-carrageenan based UV resistant transparent bionanocomposite films for sustainable packaging applications.

In this work, κ-carrageenan bionanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting of a mixture of κ-carrageenan, glycerol, and various amounts of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, 0-9 wt.%). The structure and morphology of the bionanocomposite films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.