Strategy to Improve the Seebeck Coefficient of PEDOT: Introduction of Chloromethyl Groups on Its Surface.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is a prospective thermoelectric polymer owing to high conductivity, low thermal conductivity, and processability. However, the Seebeck coefficient of PEDOT is substantially lower than inorganics, and molecular design strategies to promote this coefficient are yet to be established. Here, the introduction of chloromethyl (-MeCl) on the surface of PEDOT has been established as an effective strategy for elevating its Seebeck coefficient.

Synthesis of a phenylmaleimide bridged phosphaphenanthrene derivative for enhancing the flame retardancy of poly(lactic acid).

To develop poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites with high flame retardancy and excellent transparency is still a challenge. In this work, a phenylmaleimide bridged phosphaphenanthrene derivative (DHD) containing bisphosphaphenanthrene and phenylmaleimide groups was synthesized, and PLA composites based on DHD with excellent flame retardancy and transparency were prepared. The results showed that with the addition of just 2.

Ultramodern natural and synthetic polymer hydrogel scaffolds for articular cartilage repair and regeneration.

Articular cartilage injury is a serious bone disease that can result in disabilities. With the rapid increase in the aging population, this disorder has become an increasingly important public health issue. Recently, stem cell-based cartilage tissue engineering has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for treating articular cartilage damage.

Heat-Resistant Covalent Organic Framework (COF) PVA-Hybridized Gel Electrolyte for the Preparation of Dendrite-Free Zinc-Ion Batteries.

High-performance zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted a great deal of attention due to their high theoretical capacity and high level of safety. Herein, we propose a covalent organic framework (COF) hybrid poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based gel electrolyte, which can induce the uniform deposition of Zn and achieve dendrite-free formation. By grafting sulfonic acid groups on the surface of COFs to absorb Zn, we can strengthen the interaction between strong ions and dipoles in the electrolyte, improve the ionic conductivity, and achieve stable Zn electroplating and stripping.

Expanded Properties and Applications of Porous Flame-Retardant Polymers Containing Graphene and Its Derivatives.

With the integration and miniaturization of modern equipment and devices, porous polymers, containing graphene and its derivatives, with flame-retardancy have become a research hotspot. In this paper, the expanded properties and high-end applications of flame-retardant porous materials containing graphene and its derivatives were discussed. The research progress regarding graphene-based porous materials with multiple energy conversion, thermal insulation, an electromagnetic shielding property, and a high adsorption capacity were elucidated in detail.

Investigating long-term changes in surface water temperature of Dongting Lake using Landsat imagery, China.

Lake surface water temperature (LSWT) plays a crucial role in assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems. Variations in LSWT can significantly impact the physical, chemical, and biological processes within lakes. This study investigates the long-term changes in surface water temperature of the Dongting Lake, China.

Zinc and sulfur functionalized biochar as a peroxydisulfate activator deferred ultraviolet irradiation for tetracycline removal.

To enhance the degradation of tetracycline class (TC) residuals of high-concentration from pharmaceutical wastewater, a novel zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S) functionalized biochar (SC-Zn), as a peroxydisulfate (PDS) activator, was prepared by two-step pyrolysis using ZnSO accumulated water-hyacinth. Results showed that the removal rate of 50, 150, and 250 mg per L TC reached 100%, 99.22% and 94.

Influence of protonic acid on the structure and properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) in oxidation polymerization.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is widely used because of its excellent performance. We report the synthesis of two PEDOT:PSS dispersions. The two dispersions differ by the addition of additional protonic acid in the oxidative polymerization system.

Preparation of water-dispersed monolayer LDH nanosheets by SMA intercalation to hinder the restacking upon redispersion in water.

We present a novel method for preparing water-dispersed monolayer layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets (m-LDH). By intercalating styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) into LDH, we obtained m-LDH through a simple aging step that produced stable, translucent colloidal solutions. After drying, the resulting powder can be redispersed in water to recover the m-LDH monolayer structure.

Flame retardant properties and mechanism of PLA/P-PPD -Ph /ECE conjugated flame retardant composites.

In this article, 4, 4'-{1'',4''-phenylene-bis[amido-(10'' ''-oxo-10'''-hydro-9'''-oxa-10'''λ5-phosphafi-10'''-yl)-methyl]}-diphenol (P-PPD-Ph) was synthesized by a two-step synthesis, followed by the addition of various levels of epoxy chain extender (ECE) with 5 wt% of P-PPD-Ph The PLA/P-PPD-Ph/ECE conjugated flame retardant composites were produced by co-extrusion into poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The chemical structure of P-PPD-Ph was characterized by FTIR, H NMR and P NMR tests, demonstrating the successful synthesis of the phosphorus heterophilic flame retardant P-PPD-Ph. The structural, thermal, flame retardant and mechanical properties of the PLA/P-PPD-Ph/ECE conjugated flame retardant composites were characterised using FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), vertical combustion testing (UL-94), limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental energy spectroscopy (EDS) and mechanical properties testing.

Flame-retardant properties and mechanism of LGF/PBT/DOPO-HQ-conjugated flame-retardant composites.

In this article, long fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (LGF/PBT/DOPO-HQ) flame-retardant composites were prepared using 10-(2,5-dihydroxy phenyl)-10H-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO-HQ) as the conjugated flame-retardant. The effects of different flame-retardant contents on the combustion properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that after adding 14% of DOPO-HQ, the flame-retardant effect of the composite reached the V-0 level of UL-94 fire rating with an ultimate oxygen index (LOI) of 26.

Thermal degradation behavior and flame retardant properties of PET/DiDOPO conjugated flame retardant composites.

PET/DIDOPO conjugated flame retardant composites were prepared by melt blending of styrene bridged DOPO (DIDOPO) into polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The flame retardancy, rheological behavior, and thermal degradation behavior of the composite were characterized by vertical combustion test (UL-94), limit oxygen index test (LOI), rotational rheometer, and thermogravimetry (TG). The results showed that the flame retardant composite with V-0 grade was obtained when the amount of DIDOPO is 12.

Terminal group effects of DOPO-conjugated flame retardant on polyamide 6: Thermal stability, flame retardancy and mechanical performances.

Two DOPO-conjugated flame retardants with or without amino terminal groups (DOPO-NH and DIDOPO, respectively) were synthesized and incorporated into polyamide 6 (PA6). Results demonstrated the DOPO-NH endowed superior thermal, flame retardant and mechanical performances to PA6 composites. With the same loading of 15 wt%, DOPO-NH can catalyze the PA6 matrix more effectively and result in more residues at high temperature.

Synthesis and Characterization of P-PPD-Ph-Conjugated Flame Retardant.

The conjugated flame retardants have rarely been studied. A conjugate flame-retardant 4, 4'-{1″, 4″-phenylene-bis [amino- (10‴-oxy10‴-hydro-9‴-hydrogen- 10‴λ-phosphaphenanthrene-10″-yl)-methyl]}-diphenol (P-PPD-Ph) was synthesized and added into the polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. The P-PPD-Ph-conjugated flame-retardant structure was tested by FTIR, H, and P NMR analysis.

Flame Retardancy Properties and Rheological Behavior of PP/DiDOPO Conjugated Flame Retardant Composites.

A bridged 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide derivative (DiDOPO) with conjugated structure was utilized as a novel conjugated flame retardant, Polypropylene(PP)/DiDOPO conjugated flame retardant composites were papered by being melt-extruding with a twin-screw extruder. The flame retardant efficiency of PP/DiDOPO conjugated flame retardant composites were investigated by cone calorimetry, limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94). Besides, the rheological behavior of PP/DiDOPO conjugated flame retardant composites are measured by ARES rheometer.

Flame-Retardant Properties and Mechanism of Polylactic Acid-Conjugated Flame-Retardant Composites.

The DOPO derivative-conjugated flame retardant 4, 4'-{1'', 4'' - phenylene - bis [amino - (10‴ - oxy -10‴-hydro-9‴-hydrogen-10‴ λ -phosphaphenanthrene-10''-yl)-methyl]}-diphenol (P-PPD-Ph) with two hydroxyl groups was synthesized. Polylactic acid conjugated flame-retardant composites with P-PPD-Ph were papered by using a twin-screw extruder. The flame-retardant properties of polylactic acid-conjugated flame-retardant composites were investigated.

Flexure-resistant and additive-free poly (L-lactic acid) hydrophobic membranes fabricated by slow phase separation.

PLLA membranes with excellent ductility were successfully prepared by a simple solvent evaporation-induced precipitation method, without any additive. The excellent mechanical properties are mainly attributed to the interconnecting pore morphology and the plastic deformation of the pore wall during the stretching process. The interconnecting pore morphology is determined by delaying non-solvent diffusion and molecular chain pre-nucleation.

Preparation and Finite Element Analysis of Fly Ash/HDPE Composites for Large Diameter Bellows.

In recent years, buried bellows have often had safety accidents such as pipeline bursts and ground subsidence due to the lack of adequate mechanical properties and other quality problems. In order to improve the mechanical properties of bellows, fly ash (FA) was used as a reinforced filler in high density polyethylene (HDPE) to develop composites. The FA was surface treated with a silane coupling agent and HDPE-g-maleic anhydride was used as compatibilizer.

Directional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Based on Step-Wise Asymmetric Conductive Networks.

Some precision electronics such as signal transmitters need to not only emit effective signal but also be protected from the external electromagnetic (EM) waves. Thus, directional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials (i.e.

Integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in response to cadmium stress.

Cadmium (Cd) stress is a ubiquitous abiotic stress affecting plant growth worldwide and negatively impacting crop yield and food safety. Potato is the most important non-grain crop globally, but there is limited research available on the response of this crop to Cd stress. This study explored the coping mechanism for Cd stress in potato through analyses of miRNA and mRNA.

Integration of mRNA and miRNA analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) response to alkali stress.

The continuing increase in the global saline-alkali land area has made saline-alkali stress the principal abiotic stress limiting plant growth. Potato is the most important non-grain crop, and its production is also severely limited by saline-alkali stress. However, few studies have addressed the mechanism of saline-alkali tolerance of potato with a focus on its response to neutral salt NaCl stress, or its response to alkali stress.

Fabrication of reinforced and toughened PC/PMMA composites by tuning the migration and selective location of graphenes during melt blending.

In this work, we creatively obtained reinforced and toughened PC/PMMA/GNs composites by tuning the migration and selective location of graphene nanosheets (GNs) during melt blending. TEM results revealed that the migration of GNs in PC/PMMA blends during melt blending always existed no matter how the GNs were introduced, and most of them exclusively localized at the interface of PC and PMMA phase due to interfacial effects. The migration of GNs could refine the size of the dispersed phase, and the exclusive localization of GNs at the interface show obvious interfacial compatibilizing effects, leading to improved mechanical properties of the composites.

Crystallization Morphology Regulation on Enhancing Heat Resistance of Polylactic Acid.

To expand the use of polylactic acid (PLA) in high-temperature environments, crystallization morphology regulation was studied to enhance the heat resistance of PLA. PLA crystallinity was controlled using heat treatment and nucleating agent (zinc phenylphosphonate, brand TMC). The heat deflection temperatures of PLAs with same crystallinities considerably varied using different treatments.

Genome-wide analysis of lectin receptor-like kinases family from potato ( L.).

Lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are involved in responses to diverse environmental stresses and pathogenic microbes. A comprehensive acknowledgment of the family members in potato () genome is largely limited until now. In total, 113 potato LecRLKs (LecRLKs) were first identified, including 85 G-type, 26 L-type and 2 C-type members.

Genome-wide analysis and expression profiles of the StR2R3-MYB transcription factor superfamily in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

MYB transcription factors comprise one of the largest families in plant kingdom, which play a variety of functions in plant developmental processes and defence responses, the R2R3-MYB members are the predominant form found in higher plants. In the present study, a total of 111 StR2R3-MYB transcription factors were identified and further phylogenetically classified into 31 subfamilies, as supported by highly conserved gene structures and motifs. Collinearity analysis showed that the segmental duplication events played a crucial role in the expansion of StR2R3-MYB gene family.