One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Shape-Memory Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Based Polyurethane-Epoxy Co-networks with Diels⁻Alder Couplings.

The present work aimed at the preparation and investigation of different epoxy-polyurethane (EP-PU) co-networks. The EP-PU co-networks were obtained by applying two different synthetic strategies, in which the coupling element, the Diels⁻Alder (DA) adduct, was prepared previously or formed "in situ" in the reaction between furan functionalized polyurethane and furfuryl amine-diglycidyl ether bisphenol-A oligomers (FA_DGEBA). For the synthesis of these EP-PU networks, poly(ε-caprolactone)-diol (PCD, = 2 kg/mol) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with different molecular weights ( = 10, 25 and 50 kg/mol) and 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) were used.

Polymers and Related Composites via Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactams: Recent Developments and Future Trends.

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of polymers and related (nano)composites produced via anionic ring opening polymerization (AROP) of lactams. It was aimed at surveying and showing the important research and development results achieved in this field mostly over the last two decades. This review covers the chemical background of the AROP of lactams, their homopolymers, copolymers, and in situ produced blends.

Microwave Devulcanized Crumb Rubbers in Polypropylene Based Thermoplastic Dynamic Vulcanizates.

Because of the chemically crosslinked 3D molecular structure of rubbers, their recycling is a challenging task, especially when cost efficiency is also considered. One of the most straightforward procedures is the grinding of discarded rubber products with subsequent devulcanization. The devulcanized rubber can be used as a feedstock for fresh rubber compounds or can be blended with uncured virgin rubber and thermoplastic polymers to form thermoplastic dynamic vulcanizates (TDVs).

Review of Progress in Shape Memory Epoxies and Their Composites.

Shape memory polymer (SMP) is capable of memorizing one or more temporary shapes and recovering successively to the permanent shape upon various external stimuli. Beside of the above mentioned one-way variants, also two-way shape memory polymers (SMPs) and shape memory (SM) systems exist which feature a reversible shape change on the basis of "on-off switching" of the external stimulus. The preparation, properties and modelling of shape memory epoxy resins (SMEP), SMEP foams and composites have been surveyed in this exhaustive review article.

Characterization of layered silicate-reinforced blends of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate).

A two-step melt blending procedure was used to produce binary systems composed of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). To improve the properties of the blends, two different layered silicates, viz. bentonite (BT) and organically modified montmorillonite (oMMT) were incorporated.

Surface tailored PS/TiO2 composite nanofiber membrane for copper removal from water.

Polystyrene (PS)/TiO2 composite nanofiber membranes have been fabricated by electrospinning process for Cu(2+) ions removal from water. The surface properties of the polystyrene nanofibers were modulated by introducing TiO2 nanoparticles. The contact angle of the PS nanofiber membrane was found to be decreased with increasing concentration of TiO2, depicted enhanced hydrophilicity.

Epoxy/Polycaprolactone Systems with Triple-Shape Memory Effect: Electrospun Nanoweb with and without Graphene Co-Continuous Morphology.

Triple-shape memory epoxy (EP)/polycaprolactone (PCL) systems (PCL content: 23 wt %) with different structures (PCL nanoweb embedded in EP matrix and EP/PCL with co-continuous phase structure) were produced. To set the two temporary shapes, the glass transition temperature () of the EP and the melting temperature () of PCL served during the shape memory cycle. An attempt was made to reinforce the PCL nanoweb by graphene nanoplatelets prior to infiltrating the nanoweb with EP through vacuum assisted resin transfer molding.