Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Multilayer pH-Sensitive Films Based on Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Intelligent Packaging

The abuse of plastic food packaging has brought about severe white pollution issues around the world.Developing green and sustainable biomass packaging is an effective way to solve this problem.Hence,a chitosan/sodium alginate-based multilayer film is fabricated via a layer-by-layer(LBL)self-assembly method.With the help of superior interaction between the layers,the multilayer film possesses excellent mechanical properties(with a tensile strength of 50 MPa).Besides,the film displays outstanding water retention property(blocking moisture of 97.56%)and ultraviolet blocking property.Anthocyanin is introduced into the film to detect the food quality since it is one natural plant polyphenol that is sensitive to the pH changes ranging from 1 to 13 in food when spoilage occurs.It is noted that the film is also bacteriostatic which is desired for food packaging.This study describes a simple technique for the development of advanced multifunctional and fully biodegradable food packaging film and it is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Hybrid anionic block copolymerization:From organocatalysis-streamlined crossover to internally microphase-separated aggregates

Polyolefin-b-poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)represents the most widely investigated amphiphilic block copolymers.So far,one-pot continuous synthesis of such hybrid block copolymers has only been fulfilled by anionic polymerization through sequen-tial addition of vinyl monomers and ethylene oxide(EO).It still remains challenging to achieve altogether high block efficiency,high polymerization efficiency,and high molar mass for PEO.Here,we report a one-pot hybrid block copolymerization approach to polyisoprene/polystyrene(PI/PS)-b-PEO,in which PI/PS are formed by sBuLi-initiated anionic vinyl-addition polymerization,then in situ employed as macroinitiators for the anionic ring-opening polymerization(ROP)of EO aided by an organic Lewis pair.The cooperative(dual-ion-complexing)catalytic effect of organobase and triethylborane is proven,for thefirst time,effective for lithium alkoxide initiator system,allowing to achieve at room temperature high ROP activity(complete EO conversion and PEO of 3–64 kg/mol reached in 1–6 h),narrow molar mass distribution,controlled block lengths and composition.Density functional the-ory calculation shows that phosphazene bases are particularly effective,compared with N-heterocyclic bases,for complexing with Li+and enhancing the nucleophilic-ity of oxyanion.The rate of ROP is also affected by Li+-induced aggregation of the chain-end ion pairs,which though can be offset by adequate catalyst loadings.The versatility of this approach is further demonstrated in the one-pot synthesis of tri-/tetrablock ter-/quaterpolymers constituted by PI,PS,PEO,and poly(propylene oxide).Of great interest,PS-b-PI-b-PEO triblock terpolymer with a specific com-position is found to form internally microphase-separated micellar aggregates when dispersed in water.

The effect of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer on the formation process of wax crystals and hydrates

Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer(EVA) as a kind of effective polymeric pour point depressant has been extensively used in the pipeline transportation of crude oil to inhibit wax deposition and improve the low temperature fluidity of crude oil. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the effect of EVA on wax-hydrate coexistence system to evaluate the application potentiality of EVA to the flow assurance of deep-sea oil-gas-water multiphase flow system. Our simulation results reveal that wax molecules gradually stretched and stacked from random coiling to a directional and ordered crystalline state during the process of wax solidification. The strong affinity of polar vinyl acetate side chains of EVA to neighboring water molecules made the EVA molecule prefer being in a curly state,which disrupted the ordered crystallization of surrounding wax molecules and delayed the solidification rate of wax cluster. In addition, it is found that EVA cocrystallized with wax molecules to form eutectic when the wax was fully solidified. The simulation results of hydrate nucleation and growth show that the EVA molecule displayed a two-sided effect on gas adsorption of wax crystals, which was the key factor that affected the nucleation and growth of hydrates in the methane-water system. The nonpolar hydrocarbon backbone of EVA increased the diffusion rate of methane and water, allowing more methane to diffuse to the surface of wax crystals, reducing the methane concentration in aqueous solutions and inhibiting the hydrate formation. On the other hand, the nonpolar vinyl acetate chains had a repulsive effect on methane, which reduced the adsorption area of methane on the eutectic surface and decreased the adsorption threshold value of the wax crystal. The excluded methane molecules would continue dissociating in the aqueous phase and participating in the nucleation and growth process of hydrates.Therefore, the probability of hydrate formation would be increased. It was worth noting that the inhibition performance of EVA on hydrate formation mainly played a significant role in the system with small wax crystal, while its hydrate promotion effect played a dominant role in the system with lager wax crystal. In summary, EVA could significantly inhibit both of the wax and hydrate deposition for the waxgas-water multiphase system with low wax content. When the wax content in the system was high, the role of EVA was mainly played in the alleviation of wax crystallization rather than the gas hydrates. The results of the present work can contribute to a better understanding of EVA on wax deposition and hydrate formation, and provide theoretical support of the potential industrial applications of EVA.

Exploring the effect of cooling rate on non-isothermal crystallization of copolymer polypropylene by fast scanning calorimetry

Polypropylene is commonly used as a binder for ceramic injection molding,and rapid cooling is often encountered during processing.However,the crystallization behavior of polypropylene shows a strong dependence on cooling rate due to its semi-crystalline characteristics.Therefore,the influence of cooling rate on the quality of final product cannot be ignored.In this study,the fast differential scanning calorimetry(FSC)test was performed to study the influence of cooling rate on the non-isothermal crystallization behavior and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of a copolymer polypropylene(PP BC03B).The results show that the crystallization temperatures and crystallinity decrease as the cooling rate increases.In addition,two exothermic peaks occur when cooling rate ranges from 30 to 300 K·s^(-1),indicating the formation of another crystal phase.Avrami,Ozawa and Mo equations were used to explore the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics,and it can be concluded that the Mo method is suitable for this study.

A Non-parametric Gradient-Based Shape Optimization Approach for Solving Inverse Problems in Directed Self-Assemblyof Block Copolymers

We consider the inverse problem of finding guiding pattern shapes that result in desired self-assembly morphologies of block copolymer melts.Specifically,we model polymer selfassembly using the self-consistent field theory and derive,in a non-parametric setting,the sensitivity of the dissimilarity between the desired and the actual morphologies to arbitrary perturbations in the guiding pattern shape.The sensitivity is then used for the optimization of the confining pattern shapes such that the dissimilarity between the desired and the actual morphologies is minimized.The efficiency and robustness of the proposed gradient-based algorithm are demonstrated in a number of examples related to templating vertical interconnect accesses(VIA).

Advancements in Polymer Science: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications of Homopolymers and Copolymers

Polymer science encompasses a different range of materials critical to industries spanning from packaging to biomedicine. Understanding the synthesis, characterization, and applications of common homopolymers and copolymers is fundamental to advancing polymer research and development. In this comprehensive review, we explore various preparation methods, including free radical, anionic, and cationic polymerization, utilized for synthesizing homopolymers and copolymers. Furthermore, we investigate solvent choices commonly employed for polymer characterization, ranging from neat conditions, polar protic and polar aprotic solvents. We also explored characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). In addition to industrial applications, we highlight the diverse biological applications of homopolymers, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) and polystyrene, which find its extensive use in biomedicine. By synthesizing and analyzing this wealth of information, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the synthesis, characterization, and applications of homopolymers and copolymers, with a particular focus on their biological applications. This holistic approach not only contributes to advancements in polymer science and technology but also fosters innovation in biomedicine, ultimately benefiting human health and well-being.

pH-sensitive micelles self-assembled from star-shaped TPGS copolymers with ortho ester linkages for enhanced MDR reversal and chemotherapy

TPGS approved by FDA can be used as a P-gp inhibitor to effectively reverse multi-drug resistance(MDR)and as an anticancer agent for synergistic antitumor effects.However,the comparatively high critical micelle concentration(CMC),low drug loading(DL)and poor tumor target limit its further clinical application.To overcome these drawbacks,the pH-sensitive star-shaped TPGS copolymers were successfully constructed via using pentaerythritol as the initial materials,ortho esters as the pH-triggered linkages and TPGS active-ester as the terminated MDR material.The amphiphilic star-shaped TPGS copolymers could self-assemble into free and doxorubicin(DOX)-loaded micelles at neutral aqueous solutions.The micelles exhibited the lower CMC(8.2×10^(−5) mg/ml),higher DL(10.8%)and long-term storage and circulation stability,and showed enhanced cellular uptake,apoptosis,cytotoxicity,and growth inhibition for in vitro MCF-7/ADR and/or MCF-7/ADR multicellular spheroids and in vivo MCF-7/ADR tumors via efficiently targeted drug release at tumoral intracellular pH(5.0),MDR reversal of TPGS,and synergistic effect of DOX and TPGS.Therefore,the pH-sensitive micelles self-assembled from star-shaped TPGS copolymers with ortho ester linkages are potentially useful to clinically transform for enhanced MDR cancer treatment.

Influence ofβ-nucleating Compound Agents on the Mechanical Properties and Crystallization Behavior of Polypropylene Random Copolymer

A novel polypropylene random(PPR)composite materials with optimized properties was developed by addingβ-nucleating compound agents(rare earth complex WBG-2 and aryl amide derivative TMB-5)and ternary compound modifier(TPE/WBG-2/CaCO_(3)).The effects of differentβ-nucleating agents and ternary compound modifier on the mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of PPR were analyzed.The results show that,compared with pure PPR materials,both WBG-2 and TMB-5 could significantly improve the impact strength of PPR.The crystallization temperature of PPR increased with the addition ofβ-nucleating agent.The modified PPR prepared with ternary compound modifier showed the most excellent comprehensive properties.

Linear-like polypeptide-based micelle with pH-sensitive detachable PEG to deliver dimeric camptothecin for cancer therapy

Nano drug delivery systems have made significant progress in delivering anticancer drugs camptothecin(CPT).However,many challenges for CPT delivery remain,including low drug loading efficiency,premature drug leakage,and poor cellular internalization.Herein,we report a novel dual-sensitive polypeptide-based micelle with remarkably high drug loading of CPT for cancer therapy.This self-assembled micelle possesses the following essential components for CPT:(1)pH-sensitive PEG(OHC-PEG-CHO)for prolonging blood circulation and allowing biocompatibility by shielding the cationic micelles,which can be detached under the tumor acidic microenvironment and facilitates the cellular uptake;(2)polypeptide polylysine-polyphenylalanine(PKF)synthesized via ring-opening polymerization for micelle formation and CPT analogue loading;(3)dimeric CPT(DCPT)with redox-sensitive linker for increasing CPT loading and ensuring drug release at tumor sites.Interestingly,the linear-like morphology of PEG-PKF/DCPT micelles was able to enhance their cellular internalization when compared with the spherical blank PKF micelles.Also,the anticancer efficacy of DCPT against lung cancer cells was significantly improved by the micelle formation.In conclusion,this work provides a promising strategy facilitating the safety and effective application of CPT in cancer therapy.

Research on the Marine Antifouling Ability and Mechanism of Acrylate Copolymers and Marine Coatings Based on a Synergistic Effect

Marine biofouling is an urgent global problem in the process of ocean exploitation and utilization.In our work,a series of zinc-based acrylate copolymers(ACZn-x)were designed and synthesized using benzoic acid,zinc oxide(ZnO)and a random quaternion copolymer consisting of ethyl acrylate(EA),butyl acrylate(BA),acrylic acid(AA)and methacrylic acid(MAA)by free radical polymerization and dehydration condensation.The ACZn-x with a zinc benzoate side chain is able to hydrolyze in natural seawater under static conditions,resulting in the formation of a smooth surface.We investigated and confirmed the antifouling(AF)behavior of ACZn-x in the laboratory and revealed that they have better antibacterial(86%for S.aureus and 72%for E.coli)and anti-algal(≥60.1%for N.closterium and≥67.5%for P.subcordiformis)activities.We also assessed the marine AF properties of ACZn-x and corresponding coatings in Qingdao,China;the ACZn-x exhibited ideal AF properties with little silt and biological mucosa adhered to the ACZn-x surface after 6 months,and corresponding coatings exhibited little biofouling after 16 months in the ocean.Importantly,possible AF mechanisms were further proposed at the cellular level.These results could be helpful for the development and application of effective AF coatings.

Highly efficient organic solar cells with improved stability enabled by ternary copolymers with antioxidant side chains

The stability of organic solar cells(OSCs)remains a major concern for their ultimate industrialization due to the photo,oxygen,and water susceptibility of organic photoactive materials.Usually,antioxidant additives are blended as radical scavengers into the active layer.However,it will induce the intrinsic morphology instability and adversely affect the efficiency and long-term stability.Herein,the antioxidant dibutylhydroxytoluene(BHT)group has been covalently linked onto the side chain of benzothiadiazole(BT)unit,and a series of ternary copolymers D18-Cl-BTBHTx(x=0,0.05,0.1,0.2)with varied ratio of BHT-containing side chains have been synthesized.It was found that the introduction of BHT side chains would have a negligible effect on the photophysical properties and electronic levels,and the D18-Cl-BTBHT0.05:Y6-based OSC achieved the highest power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 17.6%,which is higher than those based active layer blended with BHT additives.More importantly,the unencapsulated device based on D18-Cl-BTBHTx(x=0.05,0.1,0.2)retained approximately 50%of the initial PCE over 30 hours operation under ambient conditions,significantly outperforming the control device based on D18-Cl(90%degradation in PCE after 30 h).This work provides a new structural design strategy of copolymers for OSCs with simultaneously improved efficiency and stability.

Degradation of PBS-Based Copolymers and Impacts on the Growth of Winter Wheat

[Objective] The degradation properties of PBS-based copolymers and impacts on the growth of winter wheat were studied.[Method] Seeds of winter wheat were sown and cultivated in soil,and mixed with equal amounts of PBS,PBS-co-HS and PBS-co-BA,to investigate the degradation of polymers in soil and effects of the degradation intermediates and degradation products on seed germination and the growth of winter wheat during the continuous process of degradation.[Result] The results showed that the copolymers had better biodegradation properties than PBS in Lou Soil in Shaanxi Province under the same condition;polymer treatments had not affected the germination percentage and plant height of the winter wheat but contributed to the improvement of plant biomass.[Conclusion] These results suggested that the degradation and degradation products of PBS,PBS-co-HS and PBS-co-BA had not affected the growth of plants in soil environment for temporary.

Removal of manganese from waste water by complexation-ultrafiltration using copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid

Copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid （PMA-100）, combining with polyvinyl butyral （PVB） ultrafiltration membrane was used for the removal of Mn（II） from waste water by complexation-ultrafiltration. The carboxylic group content of PMA-100 and the rate of complexation reaction were measured. Effects of the mass ratio of PMA-100 to Mn（II） （n）, pH, background electrolyte, etc on the rejection rate （R） and permeate flux （J） were investigated. The results show that carboxylic group content of PMA-100 is 9.5 mmol/g. The complexation of Mn（II） with PMA-100 is rapid and completed within 5 min at pH 6.0. Both R and J increase with pH increasing in the range of 2.5-7.0, and R increases with the increase of n at pH 6.0 while J is little affected. The background electrolyte leads to the decrease of R, and CaCl2 has much greater effect on R than NaCl at the same ionic strength.

Copolymer 1保护高眼压大鼠视神经的免疫学机制

目的探讨Copolymer 1(Cop 1)对实验性高眼压性青光眼视神经保护作用的相关免疫学机制。方法对27只大鼠采用烧灼巩膜上静脉制作双眼高眼压模型,在眼压升高的第3周,取12只模型大鼠于后脚皮内注射100μg Cop 1和等体积的完全弗氏佐剂(CFA)混合乳化液(实验组);另取12只模型大鼠作为对照组,后脚皮内注射等体积PBS和CFA的混合乳化液;其余3只模型大鼠作为空白对照组,不做任何处理。1周后取出大鼠脾淋巴细胞,采用流式细胞仪检测T细胞亚群的变化;ELISA法检测T细胞分泌细胞因子的变化;[3H]thymidine标记检测淋巴细胞的增殖。结果实验组大鼠的CD4+CD25+Treg/CD4+比值显著高于对照组和空白对照组(P<0.05)。实验组IL-10分泌量和分泌浓度均显著高于对照组和空白对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但三组间INF-γ分泌量和分泌浓度比较差异均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。三组间体外刺激淋巴细胞指数比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 Cop 1能诱导CD4+CD25-向CD4+CD25+Treg转化,促进Th1转化为Th2,并增加IL-10的分泌。

Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Microstructure and Pyrolysis Pathway of Polyester-Polyether Multiblock Copolymer

The composition and sequence distribution of monomeric units in polyester polyether multiblock copolymer were studied by pyrolysis? gas chromatography (PGC) and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PGC/MS). PGC was applied to study the F t curve of the multiblock copolymer and PGC/MS was used to separate and identify the pyrolyzates. DTA experiment was used to study the decomposition temperature. The results show that the beginning point of elastomer’s decomposition was about 300?℃ and the decomposition temperature of most of the sample was 550?℃. Many pyrolyzates were produced because of the breaking of weak bonds in the sample. The possible microstructure was verified and the pyrolysis pathway of the copolymer was investigated.

Novel synthesis metal 3-alkylthiophene copolymer

Copolymer, regiorandom and regioregular poly （ 3-octylthiophene ）-co-poly （ 3-（ 2-ethyl-1- hexylthiophene））（P3OTIOT） was synthesized by a FeCl3-oxidation and GRIM （grignard method） approach. The structure and optical properties were verified by the Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, NMR （nuclear magnetic resonance ）, gel permeation chromatography （GPC） and photoluminescence （PL）. The results indicate that the band-gap energy of the regioregular HT P3OTEHT was lower than that of the regiorandom copolymer and both of them depict low band-gap energy, high photoluminescence quantum yield, excellent solubility and processability, and might be promising polymer materials for applications in polymer light-emitting diodes, light-emitting electrochemical cells and polymer solar cells, etc.

Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulation of Microscopic Properties in Diblock Copolymer Films

Mean-square bond length, root-mean-square end-to-end distance and gyration radius in diblock copolymer films have been studied by dissipative particle dynamics simulations. Results show evident linear trends of any property separately with the thickness of film, the interaction between particles of different types, the repulsion between particle and boundary, except for the dependence of the variations of mean-square bond length on the thickness of film, which exhibits as a wave trend. What＇s more, the varying trends of mean-square bond length and root-mean-square end-to-end distance can correspond to each other. The density distribution of either component in diblock copolymer film can be controlled and adjusted effectively through its interaction with boundary.

Microphase Separation of Star-diblock Copolymer Films： a Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulation

The microphase-separating behaviors of two types of star-diblock copolymers （Ax）4（By）4 and （A^Bg）4 in thin films are studied using the simulation technique of dissipative particle dynamics. A variety of ordered mesostructures have been observed and the simulated phase diagrams show obvious symmetries for the （Ax）4（By）a films and asymmetries for the （AxBy）4 films, besides, it is easier for the （Ax）4（By）4 than for the （A^By）4 to carry out microphase separation under the same conditions, which has been recognized in bulk and can be ascribed to the structural difference between the two types of star copolymers. There are some correspondences between the mesostructures formed in the film and those formed in bulk at the same composition fraction. Decreasing the thickness of film and strengthening the A-B repulsion both help the mesostructures enhance the degree of order. Composition fraction dependences of the mean-square radius of gyration in the two types of star copolymer films are almost contrary, which can be attributed to the differences in their respective structures. These findings can provide a guide to designing novel microstructures involving star-diblock copolymers via geometrical confinement.

Nutrient Release Characteristics of Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl acetate Copolymers Coated SlowRelease Nitrogen Fertilizer and Its Effect on Soil Mineral Nitrogen

[Objective] The aim was to explore release characteristics of vinyl chlo- ride-vinyl acetate copolymer controlled-release N fertilizer and the effects on minerat nitrogen in soils. [Method] Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and hydroxyl-modi- fied VCNAc were taken as coating materials to prepare slow release fertilizer. Nutri- ent release characteristics of VC/VAc slow release fertilizer was evaluated by water immersion method and the effects of VC/VAc slow release fertilizer on mineral ni- trogen were researched by pot experiment. [Result] The release periods of VC-VAc controlled-release urea and hydroxyl-modified VC/VAc coated urea were 60 and 50 d, respectively. Furthermore, the content of ammonium nitrogen reached the peak on the 30th d and the content of nitrate nitrogen reached the peak on the 60th d in soils in treatments with VCNAc and hydroxyl-modified VC/VAc; the content of nitrate nitrogen rose again on the 120th d in the treatment with VC/VAc. In terms of wheat yield, different treatments showed insignificant differences and rice yield in the treatment with VCNAc was significantly higher than that in the treatment with hy- droxyl-modified VCNAc （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] The release days of slow controlled- release fertilizer vary upon pot experiment method and water immersion method. Slow controlled-release fertilizer is not suitable for monoculture, due to long fertilizer efficiency, but multiple cropping would be optimal for its role to be fully exploited.

An Approach to the Flame Retardancy of EVA Copolymer by Plasma Treatmentc2

An attempt was made in the paper aiming at imparting flame retardancy to polymers by plasma grafting technique Based on EVA copolymers with different VA contents the author tried to use the Ar plasma followed by grafting with/without subsequent saponification and metal ion exchange expediting the charring of polymers upon heationg Characterization of the flammability of the plasma treated EVA copolymers grafted with acrylic monomers(MAA,AA and AAm)indicates that this approach turns out to be a promising way and worthy doing whatever in research and/or applications