Open Access

ARTICLE

Hybrid Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Coconut Sheath and Basalt Fibres: Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Performance for Sustainable Applications

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 207-218, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.057901 - 16 December 2024
Abstract The present study focuses on sustainable biopolymer composites created from coconut sheath and basalt fibres, which are biodegradable, environmentally benign, and have low carbon footprints. High specific strength, superior mechanical performance, reduced weight, and improved thermal stability are all displayed by these materials. Four hybrid epoxy composites (C1–C4) were produced utilizing five stacking sequences and compression moulding, demonstrating that hybridization considerably enhances mechanical characteristics. The hybrid and pure basalt fibre composites have larger storage moduli than untreated coconut sheath fibre-reinforced epoxy (2.1 GPa). The greatest glass transition temperature (Tg) for C4 has been determined to More >

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ARTICLE

Impact Behaviour of Hybrid Jute/Epoxy Composites at Different Temperature Conditions

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 219-237, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.053829 - 16 December 2024
Abstract This manuscript presents the projectile impact behavior of hybrid jute/epoxy composite laminates using an instrumented air gun impact setup with the projectile moving in the vertical direction. An approach based on the stiffness change is used to predict the projectile impact response of hybrid jute epoxy-filled laminates impacted with a stainless-steel projectile. The experimental validation of the parameters like dynamic hardness (Hd) coefficient of restitution (COR), natural frequency, damping factor, and loss factor was used to analyze the impact behavior of jute/epoxy composites strengthened with fillers ZrO₂, ZnO, and TiO₂. The free vibration tests of the More >

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ARTICLE

Poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene/Polystyrene Sulfonate/Dimethyl Sulfoxide-Based Conductive Fabrics for Wearable Electronics: Elucidating the Electrical Conductivity and Durability Properties through Controlled Doping and Washing Tests

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 239-261, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.057420 - 16 December 2024
Abstract Poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene: polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT/PSS) has revolutionized the field of smart textiles as an advanced conductive polymer, offering an unprecedented combination of high electrical conductivity, solution processability, and mechanical conformability. Despite extensive research in PEDOT/PSS-coated fabrics over the past decade, a critical challenge remains in finding the delicate balance between enhanced conductivity and washing durability required for real-world wearable applications. Hence, this study investigates the electrical conductivity and durability properties of PEDOT/PSS-based conductive fabrics for wearable electronics. By carefully controlling the doping concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an optimal conductivity of 8.44 ± 0.21 × 10⁻³ S… More >

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ARTICLE

Preparation and Sustained Release of 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate -N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone Hydrogel for Ophthalmic Drug

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 263-279, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.055821 - 16 December 2024
Abstract Eye drops are the usual method to treat eye diseases, and gel polymer provides the carrier which could be used for ophthalmic drug delivery. However, the stable and sustained release is the main issue for the ophthalmic drug and is concerned by many researchers. In this study, composite hydrogels were prepared using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) used for ophthalmic drug loading and release. According to the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the disappearance of the C=C bond in hydrogel indicated that the copolymerization reaction between HEMA and NVP was successful. The… More >

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ARTICLE

Bio-Nanocomposites Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol and Fuller Earth Nanoclay: Preparation, Properties and Its Application in Food Packaging

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 281-297, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.056470 - 16 December 2024
Abstract Fuller earth (FE) nanoclay is a naturally occurring mineral with a high surface area, is highly abundant, and has a low purchasing cost, making it an excellent candidate for nanocomposite production. The study highlights the novelty of using FE nanoclay in combination with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to create a bio-nanocomposite that meets the need for sustainable packaging solutions, underscoring its potential to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality in food packaging applications. The solvent casting process, a reliable way to evenly disperse nanofillers in polymer matrices, has been employed in this work to incorporate… More >

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ARTICLE

Sustainable Composite of Cardanol Based Phenalkamine Cured Epoxy Systems: Fabrication, Characterization and Mechanical Performance Evaluation for Emerging Applications

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 299-313, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.056261 - 16 December 2024
Abstract Petroleum-based cured epoxy polymers, used widely in aerospace, marine, and automotive industries, pose environmental threats due to their toxicity. Therefore, developing alternative curing systems for epoxy resin is crucial. This study explores the use of bio-based phenalkamines as curing agents for epoxy resin to enhance the mechanical properties of polymer composites and fiber-reinforced laminates. The functional groups, morphology, and thermal properties of the composites were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical properties of two epoxy systems—EP-TETA (triethylenetetramine-cured) and EP-PA (phenalkamine-cured)—were evaluated according to ASTM standards. More >

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ARTICLE

Constructing TiO₂/g-C₃N₄/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Hydrogel for Synergistic Solar Evaporation and Photocatalytic Organic Pollutant

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 315-327, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.057951 - 16 December 2024
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multifunctional Conductive Hydrogels and Their Applications)
Abstract Integration of solar-driven interfacial evaporation and photocatalysis is one of the most promising technologies for generating fresh water and removing pollutants. In this work, TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ photocatalysis is loaded on a hydrogel containing single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Due to the excellent water evaporation channel of hydrogel and the excellent photothermal conversion performance of SWCNT, as well as the good visible light absorption ability of TiO₂/g-C₃N₄, TiO₂/g-C₃N₄/SWCNT hydrogel exhibits good hydrothermal evaporation and photocatalytic activity. The optimum water evaporation rate of 1.43 kg m⁻² h⁻¹. In particular, the optimized TiO₂/g-C₃N₄/SWCNT hydrogel can also remove more than 90% methylene blue (MB) More >

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ARTICLE

Investigation of the Damping Abilities of Sheep Wool Reinforced Expanded Polystyrene Core Layer Composites at Different Energies

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.1, pp. 1-14, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.052279
Abstract In this study, natural fiber reinforced polymer foam core layered composites were produced for the automotive industry. Sheep wool was used as natural fiber. Polymer foam with a single layer XPS foam structure was used as the core material. XPS foams and fibers are bonded to the upper and lower sides of the foams with the help of resin. Samples were produced with one and two layers on both sides, with a total of two and four layers. Production was carried out using the vacuum bagging method using the manual laying method. After the production More >

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REVIEW

Mini Review on PEDOT:PSS as a Conducting Material in Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices Applications

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.40, No.1-2, pp. 1-17, 2023, DOI:10.32381/JPM.2023.40.1-2.1
Abstract Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), one of the conducting polymers, is widely used as a conducting material in various applications. PEDOT:PSS possesses high electrical conductivity, optical transparency in visible light range, good chemical and physical stability in ambient state, etc. Furthermore, PEDOT:PSS offers the advantages of flexibility and possibility of solution-based process, which makes it suitable for use in flexible electronic devices. In this mini review, the applications of PEDOT:PSS as a conductive parts in energy harvesting and storage technologies are discussed and summarized. More >

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REVIEW

A Review on Auxetic Polymeric Materials: Synthetic Methodology, Characterization and their Applications

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.40, No.3-4, pp. 227-269, 2023, DOI:10.32381/JPM.2023.40.3-4.8
Abstract Over the last three decades, there has been considerable interest in the captivating mechanical properties displayed by auxetic materials, highlighting the advantages stemming from their distinct negative Poisson's ratio. The negative Poisson's ratio observed in auxetic polymeric materials is a result of the distinctive geometries of their unit cells. These unit cells, encompassing structures such as chiral, re-entrant, and rotating rigid configurations, are carefully engineered to collectively generate the desired auxetic behaviour. This comprehensive review article explores the field of auxetic polymeric materials, offering a detailed exploration of their geometries, fabrication methods, mechanical properties, and More >

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ARTICLE

Rheological Investigation on a Polypropylene/Low Density Polyethylene Blending Melt

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.1, pp. 45-54, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.053021
Abstract Polymer blending with co-continuous morphology has garnered the interest of many researchers, but corresponding rheological models are rarely presented. In this study, the dynamic rheological behavior of a blend of polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the ratio of 50/50 wt% is investigated, and a rheological model suggested by Yu et al. is used to fit the dynamic modulus. The rheological measurement shows that at low frequency, pure PP has higher complex viscosity and dynamic modulus than LDPE. SEM images reveal that the morphology among the 40/60 and 60/40 blends is non-dispersive. The fitting… More >

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ARTICLE

Enhanced Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites with Graphene Platelet Nano-powder

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.40, No.3-4, pp. 141-156, 2023, DOI:10.32381/JPM.2023.40.3-4.2
Abstract Nanocomposites are very important materials because it imparts superior properties than other composites with low level of filler loading. Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is a non-polar rubber which acts as an insulator and has low electrical conductivity. Graphene platelet nano-powder from 0.1 to 1.25 phr level is incorporated into SBR rubber in order to improve the electrical properties. Comparative studies on electrical and mechanical properties of styrene butadiene rubber with graphene platelet nano-powder (GPN) by varying the filler content are made. The incorporation of Graphene platelet nano-powder increases the electrical conductivity in styrene butadiene rubber. More >

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ARTICLE

Chitosan/PVA Films and Silver Nanoparticle Impregnated Nanofibrous Dressings for Evaluation of their Wound Healing Efficacy in Wistar Albino Rat Model

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.40, No.3-4, pp. 285-303, 2023, DOI:10.32381/JPM.2023.40.3-4.10
Abstract The exoskeleton of marine shrimp contains a natural, biocompatible polymer chitin, which is dumped as a waste. The study proposes the sustainable single-pot-extraction of chitosan from the waste and its use in the fabrication of wound-dressings, and thus leverage its piezoelectric, antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and medicinal properties in wound-healing. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum revealed that marine chitosan contains functional groups with N-O, O-H, and CO stretching. Scanning electron micrographs demonstrated the spherical and mesoporous structures of the extracted chitosan. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a semi-crystalline phase of chitosan particles with a mean size of 28.9… More >

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ARTICLE

Application of Machine Learning For Prediction Dental Material Wear

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.40, No.3-4, pp. 305-316, 2023, DOI:10.32381/JPM.2023.40.3-4.11
Abstract Resin composites are commonly applied as the material for dental restoration. Wear of these materials is a major issue. In this study specimens made of dental composite materials were subjected to an in-vitro test in a pin-on-disc tribometer. Four different dental composite materials applied in the experiment were soaked in a solution of chewing tobacco for certain days before being removed and put through a wear test. Subsequently, four different machine learning (ML) algorithms (AdaBoost, CatBoost, Gradient Boosting, Random Forest) were implemented for developing models for the prediction of wear of dental materials. AdaBoost, CatBoost, More >

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ARTICLE

Optimizing Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Bars Design: A Machine Learning Approach

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.1, pp. 15-44, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.053859
Abstract Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars are gaining popularity as an alternative to steel reinforcement due to their advantages such as corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, FRP has a lower modulus of elasticity compared to steel. Therefore, special attention is required in structural design to address deflection related issues and ensure ductile failure. This research explores the use of machine learning algorithms such as gene expression programming (GEP) to develop a simple and effective equation for predicting the elastic modulus of hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (HFPR) bars. A comprehensive database of 125 experimental results of HFPR… More >

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ARTICLE

Mathematical Modelling and Simulations of Active Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.40, No.3-4, pp. 125-139, 2023, DOI:10.32381/JPM.2023.40.3-4.1
Abstract A one dimensional isothermal model is proposed by modelling the kinetics of methanol transport at anode flow channel (AFC), membrane and cathode catalyst layer of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Analytical model is proposed to predict methanol cross-over rate through the electrolyte membrane and cell performance. The model presented in this paper considered methanol diffusion and electrochemical oxidation at the anode and cathode channels. The analytical solution of the proposed model was simulated in a MATLAB environment to obtain the polarization curve and leakage current. The effect of methanol concentration on cell voltage and leakage More >

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402

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ARTICLE

Effect of Selective Laser Sintering Polyamide-12 Powder as a Filler in Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.3, pp. 131-141, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.055989
Abstract In this study, the Polyamide-12 (PA-12) powdered material in the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process has been incorporated as the filler in the composite material to enhance its properties. The PA-12 powder has been made into a form of filament and is primarily used in the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process. The PA-12 has been used with epoxy resin and glass fiber with different proportions. The characterization of materials, including the validation of the presence of PA-12 filler with epoxy, has been evidenced using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric More >

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