Core cross-linked star polymers via controlled radical polymerisation

Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study on Interfacial Properties of Ternary H-Shaped Copolymer-Homopolymer Blends

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations is used to study the effect of Am/2BmAm/2 and H-shaped (Am/4)2Bm(Am/4)2 block copolymers on the interfacial properties of ternary blends. Our simulations show the following: (i) The capacity of block copolymers to diminish interfacial tension is closely linked to their compositions. With identical molecular weights and concentrations, H-shaped block copolymers outperform triblock copolymers in mitigating interfacial tension. (ii) The interfacial tension within the blends correlates positively with the escalation in H-shaped block copolymer molecular weight. This correlation suggests that H-shaped block copolymers featuring a low molecular weight demonstrate superior efficacy as compatibilizers when contrasted with those possessing a high molecular weight. (iii) Enhancing the concentration of H-shaped block copolymers fosters their accumulation at the interface, leading to a reduction in correlations between immiscible homopolymers and a consequent decrease in interfacial tension. (iv) As the length of the homopolymer chains increases, there is a concurrent elevation in interfacial tension, suggesting that H-shaped block copolymers perform more effectively as compatibilizers in blends characterized by shorter homopolymer chain lengths. These findings elucidate the associations between the efficacy of H-shaped block copolymer compatibilizers and their specific molecular characteristics.

Controllable Synthesis of Chain Center Dye-Labeled Star Polymers for Quantitative Examination of Interchain Conformation by Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Using a "core-first" approach with atom transfer radical polymerization, fluorescent center-functional star polymers of equivalent molecular weight but with varying numbers of arms (di-, tri-, and tetra-arm) were prepared. The sensitivity of fluorescence, combined with a dye-labeling technique introducing a fluorescent donor (carbazole) and an acceptor (anthracene) at the center of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains, enabled the application of time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer to obtain quantitative insights into the conformation of the star polymer chains in the film state. When the results of star-branched polymers were compared with those of linear polymers of identical type and molecular weight, the impact of branching on polymer behavior was isolated for examination. Although the star topology does not alter the average intercoil distance, it affects the distance dispersity. Star polymers with higher arm numbers display decreased dispersity from distance due to reduced intermolecular aggregation at their geometric centers. This study presents the first spectroscopic evidence regarding the distribution of geometric centers in star polymers, offering a physical understanding of chain interpenetration and entanglement within star polymers.

Stimuli-Responsive Polymers for Engineered Emulsions

Emulsions are complex. Dispersing two immiscible phases, thus expanding an interface, requires effort to achieve and the resultant dispersion is thermodynamically unstable, driving the system toward coalescence. Furthermore, physical instabilities, including creaming, arise due to presence of dispersed droplets of different densities to a continuous phase. Emulsions allow the formulation of oils, can act as vehicles to solubilize both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules, and can be tailored to desirable rheological profiles, including "gel-like" behavior and shear thinning. The usefulness of emulsions can be further expanded by imparting stimuli-responsive or "smart" behaviors by inclusion of a stimuli-responsive emulsifier, polymer or surfactant. This enables manipulation like gelation, breaking, or aggregation, by external triggers such as pH, temperature, or salt concentration changes. This platform generates functional materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, oil recovery, and colloid engineering, combining both smart behaviors and intrinsic benefit of emulsions. However, with increased functionality comes greater complexity. This review focuses on the use of stimuli-responsive polymers for the generation of smart emulsions, motivated by the great adaptability of polymers for this application and their efficacy as steric stabilizers. Stimuli-responsive emulsions are described according to the trigger used to provide the reader with an overview of progress in this field.

Colloidal Polymer-Templated Formation of Inorganic Nanocrystals and their Emerging Applications

Inorganic nanocrystals possess unique physicochemical properties compared to their bulk counterparts. Stabilizing agents are commonly used for the preparation of inorganic nanocrystals with controllable properties. Particularly, colloidal polymers have emerged as general and robust templates for in situ formation and confinement of inorganic nanocrystals. In addition to templating and stabilizing inorganic nanocrystals, colloidal polymers can tailor their physicochemical properties such as size, shape, structure, composition, surface chemistry, and so on. By incorporating functional groups into colloidal polymers, desired functions can be integrated with inorganic nanocrystals, advancing their potential applications. Here, recent advances in the colloidal polymer-templated formation of inorganic nanocrystals are reviewed. Seven types of colloidal polymers, including dendrimer, polymer micelle, stare-like block polymer, bottlebrush polymer, spherical polyelectrolyte brush, microgel, and single-chain nanoparticle, have been extensively applied for the synthesis of inorganic nanocrystals. Different strategies for the development of these colloidal polymer-templated inorganic nanocrystals are summarized. Then, their emerging applications in the fields of catalysis, biomedicine, solar cells, sensing, light-emitting diodes, and lithium-ion batteries are highlighted. Last, the remaining issues and future directions are discussed. This review will stimulate the development and application of colloidal polymer-templated inorganic nanocrystals.

Fabrication and biological investigation of a novel star polymer based on magnetic cyclic aromatic polyimide chains

Herein, a novel nanostructure based on cyclic aromatic polyimide with statistical star polymer structure was synthesized via the functionalization of the CuFe₂O₄ MNPs surface. The polymerization process on the functionalized surface of CuFe₂O₄ MNPs was performed with pyromellitic dianhydride and phenylenediamine derivatives. All analytical methods such as Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) were performed to characterize the structure of CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂-polymer nanomagnetic. The cytotoxicity of CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂-Polymer was investigated for biomedical application by MTT test. The results proved that this nanocmposite was biocompatible with HEK293T healthy cells. Also, the evaluation antibacterial property of CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂-Polymer showed that its MIC in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were 500-1000 µg/mL, so it had antibacterial activity.

Poly(2-oxazoline)-based core cross-linked star polymers: synthesis and drug delivery applications

Poly(2-oxazoline)s (POxs) are promising platforms for drug delivery applications due to their biocompatibility and stealth properties. In addition, the use of core cross-linked star (CCS) polymers based on POxs is expected to enhance drug encapsulation and release performances. In this study, we employed the "arm-first" strategy to synthesize a series of amphiphilic CCS [poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)]_n-block-poly(2,2'-(1,4-phenylene)bis-2-oxazoline)-cross-link/copolymer-(2-n-butyl-2-oxazoline)s (PMeOx)_n-b-P(PhBisOx-cl/co-ButOx)s by using microwave-assisted cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP). First, PMeOx, as the hydrophilic arm, was synthesized by CROP of MeOx using methyl tosylate as the initiator. Subsequently, the living PMeOx was used as the macroinitiator to initiate the copolymerization/core-crosslinking reaction of ButOx and PhBisOx to form CCS POxs having a hydrophobic core. The molecular structures of the resulting CCS POxs were characterized by size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The CCS POxs were loaded with the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX), and the loading was detected by UV-vis spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro studies showed that DOX release at pH 5.2 was faster than that at pH 7.1. The in vitro cytotoxicity study using HeLa cells revealed that the neat CCS POxs are compatible with the cells. In contrast, the DOX-loaded CCS POxs exhibited a cytotoxic effect in a concentration-dependent manner in HeLa cells, which strongly supports that the CSS POxs are potential candidates for drug delivery applications.

Star-Shaped Thermoplastic Elastomers Prepared via RAFT Polymerization

Styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) demonstrate excellent overall performance and account for the largest industrial output. The traditional methods of preparation styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers mainly focused on anionic polymerization, and strict equipment conditions were required. In recent years, controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) has developed rapidly, enabling the synthesis of polymers with various complex topologies while controlling their molecular weight. Herein, a series of core crosslinked star-shaped poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene)s (SISs) was synthesized for the first time via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Meanwhile, linear triblock SISs with a similar molecular weight were synthesized as a control. We achieved not only the controlled/living radical polymerization of isoprene but also investigated the factors influencing the star-forming process. By testing the mechanical and thermal properties and characterizing the microscopic fractional phase structure, we found that both the linear and star-shaped SISs possessed good tensile properties and a certain phase separation structure, demonstrating the characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers.

Synthesis of Supramolecular A8 Bn Miktoarm Star Copolymers by Host-Guest Complexation

We report a new synthetic method to construct supramolecular A₈ B_n (n=1, 2, 4) miktoarm star copolymers by host-guest complexation between a resorcinarene-based coordination capsule possessing eight polystyrene chains and 4,4-diacetoxybiphenyl guest molecules that retain one, two or four polymethyl acrylate chains. The formation of the supramolecular A₈ B_n (n=1, 2, 4) miktoarm star copolymers was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements revealed that the miktoarm copolymers were phase-separated in the bulk. The micro-Brownian motion of the A₈ B₄ structure was markedly enhanced in the bulk due to a weak segregation interaction between the immiscible arms.

Pathway Complexity in Supramolecular Copolymerization and Blocky Star Copolymers by a Hetero-Seeding Effect

This study unravels the intricate kinetic and thermodynamic pathways involved in the supramolecular copolymerization of the two chiral dipolar naphthalene monoimide (NMI) building blocks (O-NMI and S-NMI), differing merely by a single heteroatom (oxygen vs sulfur). O-NMI exhibits distinct supramolecular polymerization features as compared to S-NMI in terms of its pathway complexity, hierarchical organization, and chiroptical properties. Two distinct self-assembly pathways in O-NMI occur due to the interplay between the competing dipolar interactions among the NMI chromophores and amide-amide hydrogen (H)-bonding that engenders distinct nanotapes and helical fibers, from its antiparallel and parallel stacking modes, respectively. In contrast, the propensity of S-NMI to form only a stable spherical assembly is ascribed to its much stronger amide-amide H-bonding, which outperforms other competing interactions. Under the thermodynamic route, an equimolar mixture of the two monomers generates a temporally controlled chiral statistical supramolecular copolymer that autocatalytically evolves from an initially formed metastable spherical heterostructure. In contrast, the sequence-controlled addition of the two monomers leads to the kinetically driven hetero-seeded block copolymerization. The ability to trap O-NMI in a metastable state allows its secondary nucleation from the surface of the thermodynamically stable S-NMI spherical "seed", which leads to the core-multiarmed "star" copolymer with reversibly and temporally controllable length of the growing O-NMI "arms" from the S-NMI "core". Unlike the one-dimensional self-assembly of O-NMI and its random co-assembly with S-NMI, which are both chiral, unprecedentedly, the preferred helical bias of the nucleating O-NMI fibers is completely inhibited by the absence of stereoregularity of the S-NMI "seed" in the "star" topology.

Solvent-Free Templated Synthesis of Core-Crosslinked Star-Shaped Polymers in Supramolecular Body-Centered Cubic Phase

This study reports the exploration of a solvent-free supramolecular templated synthesis strategy toward highly core-cross-linked star-shaped polymers (CSPs). To achieve this, a kind of cross-linkable giant surfactant, based on a functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) head tethered with a diblock copolymer tail containing reactive benzocyclobutene groups, is designed and prepared. By varying the volume fraction of linear block copolymer tail, these giant surfactants can self-assemble into a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure in bulk, in which the supramolecular spheres are composed of a core of POSS cages, a middle shell of crosslinkable poly(4-vinylbenzocyclobutene) (PBCB) blocks, and a corona of inert polystyrene (PS) blocks. The solvent-free thermally induced cross-linking reaction of the benzocyclobutene groups can be finished in 5 min upon heating, resulting in well-defined polymeric spheres with over 90 linear chains surrounding the cross-linked cores. The outer PS blocks serve as the protection corona to ensure that cross-linking of giant surfactants occurs in each supramolecular spherical domain. Given the modular design and diversity of the POSS-based giant surfactants, it is believed that the strategy may enable access to a wide range of CSPs.

Patchwork Metal-Organic Frameworks by Radical-Mediated Heterografting of Star Polymers for Surface Modification

We report a synthetic methodology for decorating a surface of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with polymers through postsynthetic modification. Well-defined polymers with reversibly deactivated radical species at their chain end were reacted with vinyl-functionalized MOFs in the presence of a radical initiator. The radical addition forms a C-C bond between the polymer end with the functional group at the MOF ligand. We used sterically bulky star polymers containing electron-deficient maleimide chain ends, which facilitated modification of the external surface, yielding polymer-grafted MOF composite particles. A patchy MOF particle can also be obtained by simultaneously grafting two polymers and jammed at the immiscible liquid-liquid interface. We further show that the selective removal of a sacrificial polymer would partially expose the surface of MOFs to external environment, which hinders the uptake of macromolecular guests above the critical hydrodynamic size. Overall, four polymer@MOF composites have successfully been achieved through the present postsynthetic patchworks on MOFs with star polymers and selective etching process.

Star Polymers vs. Dendrimers: Studies of the Synthesis Based on Computer Simulations

A generic model was developed for studies of the polymerization process of regular branched macromolecules. Monte Carlo simulations were performed employing the Dynamic Lattice Liquid algorithm to study this process. A core-first methodology was used in a living polymerization of stars with up to 32 arms, and dendrimers consisted of 4-functional segments. The kinetics of the synthesis process for stars with different numbers of branches and dendrimers was compared. The size and structure of star-branched polymers and dendrimers during the synthesis were studied. The influence of the functionality of well-defined cores on the structure and on the dispersity of the system was also examined. The differences in the kinetics in the formation of both architectures, as well as changes to their structures, were described and discussed.

Updated Perceptions on Polymer-Based Enhanced Oil Recovery Toward High-Temperature High-Salinity Tolerance for Successful Field Applications in Carbonate Reservoirs

The aging of the existing reservoirs makes the hydrocarbon extraction shift toward newer reserves, and harsh conditioned carbonates, which possess high temperature and high salinity (HTHS). Conventional polymer-flooding fails in these HTHS carbonates, due to precipitation, viscosity loss, and polymer adsorption. Therefore, to counteract these challenges, novel polymer-based cEOR alternatives employ optimized polymers, polymer–surfactant, and alkali–surfactant–polymer solutions along with hybrid methods, which have shown a potential to target the residual or remaining oils in carbonates. Consequently, we investigate novel polymers, viz., ATBS, Scleroglucan, NVP-based polymers, and hydrophobic associative polymers, along with bio-polymers. These selected polymers have shown low shear sensitivity, low adsorption, and robust thermal/salinity tolerance. Additionally, adding an alkali-surfactant to polymer solution produces a synergy effect of improved mobility control, wettability alteration, and interfacial-tension reduction. Thus, enhancing the displacement and sweep efficiencies. Moreover, low-salinity water can precondition high-salinity reservoirs before polymer flooding (hybrid method), to decrease polymer adsorption and viscosity loss. Thus, this paper is a reference for novel polymers, and their hybrid techniques, to improve polymer-based cEOR field applications under HTHS conditions in carbonates. Additionally, the recommendations can assist in project designs with reasonable costs and minimal environmental impact. The implication of this work will aid in supplementing the oil and gas energy sector growth, making a positive contribution to the Middle Eastern economy.

In Situ Supramolecular Polymerization of Micellar Nanoobjects Induced by Polymerization

Supramolecular polymerization offers a fascinating opportunity to develop dynamic soft materials by associating monomeric building blocks via noncovalent interactions. We report that polymerization can spontaneously drive the supramolecular polymerization of nanoscale micellar objects. We constructed the patchy micelles via two-step polymerization-induced self-assembly. A horizontal association between the patches results in a 1D supermicellar chain in situ by minimizing the enthalpic penalty of exposing the growing chains to solvent. Its length grows with increasing degree of polymerization, confirming that the supramolecular polymerization was triggered and controlled by polymerization. Our results highlight the observation that (1) the entire self-assembly process of forming, compartmentalizing, and associating the micelles can be driven by polymerization in a concerted manner and that (2) polymerization-induced self-assembly now can use compartmentalized nanoobjects as substrates beyond block copolymer chains. Polymerization-induced supramolecular polymerization could be useful for the autonomous preparation of hierarchical nanostructures.

Fluorescent Strategy for Direct Quantification of Arm Component in Mikto-Arm Star Copolymers

Fluorescent end-functional mikto-arm star copolymers were prepared by an “arm-first” approach mediated by a mixture of macro-RAFT agents. RAFT copolymerization of coumarin-POEGMA, boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-PDMA and bisindolylmaleimide (BIM)-PNIPAM with different fluorophore-labeled...

Peptide Multimerization as Leads for Therapeutic Development

Multimerization of peptide structures has been a logical evolution in their development as potential therapeutic molecules. The multivalent properties of these assemblies have attracted much attention from researchers in the past and the development of more complex branching dendrimeric structures, with a wide array of biocompatible building blocks is revealing previously unseen properties and activities. These branching multimer and dendrimer structures can induce greater effect on cellular targets than monomeric forms and act as potent antimicrobials, potential vaccine alternatives and promising candidates in biomedical imaging and drug delivery applications. This review aims to outline the chemical synthetic innovations for the development of these highly complex structures and highlight the extensive capabilities of these molecules to rival those of natural biomolecules.

Molecular engineering of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-polymer conjugates

As antimicrobial resistance becomes an increasing threat, bringing significant economic and health burdens, innovative antimicrobial treatments are urgently needed. While antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising therapeutics, exhibiting high activity against resistant bacterial strains, limited stability and toxicity to mammalian cells has hindered clinical development. Attaching AMPs to polymers provides opportunities to present AMPs in a way that maximizes bacterial killing while enhancing compatibility with mammalian cells, stability, and solubility. Conjugation of an AMP to a linear hydrophilic polymer yields the desired improvements in stability, mammalian cell compatibility, and solubility, yet often markedly reduces bactericidal effects. Non-linear polymer architectures and supramolecular assemblies that accommodate multiple AMPs per polymer chain afford AMP-polymer conjugates that strike a superior balance of antimicrobial activity, mammalian cell compatibility, stability, and solubility. Therefore, we review the design criteria, building blocks, and synthetic strategies for engineering AMP-polymer conjugates, emphasizing the connection between molecular architecture and antimicrobial performance to inspire and enable further innovation to advance this emerging class of biomaterials.

Research Progress on Synthesis and Application of Cyclodextrin Polymers

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a series of cyclic oligosaccharides formed by amylose under the action of CD glucosyltransferase that is produced by Bacillus. After being modified by polymerization, substitution and grafting, high molecular weight cyclodextrin polymers (pCDs) containing multiple CD units can be obtained. pCDs retain the internal hydrophobic-external hydrophilic cavity structure characteristic of CDs, while also possessing the stability of polymer. They are a class of functional polymer materials with strong development potential and have been applied in many fields. This review introduces the research progress of pCDs, including the synthesis of pCDs and their applications in analytical separation science, materials science, and biomedicine.

Nanomaterial Nitric Oxide Delivery in Traumatic Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine

Achieving bone fracture union after trauma represents a major challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Fracture non-healing has a multifactorial etiology and there are many risk factors for non-fusion. Environmental factors such as wound contamination, infection, and open fractures can contribute to non-healing, as can patient specific factors such as poor vascular status and improper immunologic response to fracture. Nitric oxide (NO) is a small, neutral, hydrophobic, highly reactive free radical that can diffuse across local cell membranes and exert paracrine functions in the vascular wall. This molecule plays a role in many biologic pathways, and participates in wound healing through decontamination, mediating inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Additionally, NO is thought to play a role in fighting wound infection by mitigating growth of both Gram negative and Gram positive pathogens. Herein, we discuss recent developments in NO delivery mechanisms and potential implications for patients with bone fractures. NO donors are functional groups that store and release NO, independent of the enzymatic actions of NOS. Donor molecules include organic nitrates/nitrites, metal-NO complexes, and low molecular weight NO donors such as NONOates. Numerous advancements have also been made in developing mechanisms for localized nanomaterial delivery of nitric oxide to bone. NO-releasing aerogels, sol- gel derived nanomaterials, dendrimers, NO-releasing micelles, and core cross linked star (CCS) polymers are all discussed as potential avenues of NO delivery to bone. As a further target for improved fracture healing, 3d bone scaffolds have been developed to include potential for nanoparticulated NO release. These advancements are discussed in detail, and their potential therapeutic advantages are explored. This review aims to provide valuable insight for translational researchers who wish to improve the armamentarium of the feature trauma surgeon through use of NO mediated augmentation of bone healing.

Synthesis of core-crosslinked star polymers via organocatalyzed living radical polymerization

Core-crosslinked star polymers synthesized via a grafting-through approach using RCMP.

Detailed GPC analysis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with core cross-linked star architecture

Core cross-linked star shaped polymers possess unique physical properties that can be utilized as drug transporters for biomedical applications.

Thiol-Bromo Click Reaction for One-Pot Synthesis of Star-Shaped Polymers

Star-shaped polymers have unique physical properties and they are sought after materials in industry. However, the ease of synthesis is essential for translation of these materials into large-scale applications. Herein, a highly efficient synthetic method to prepare star-shaped polymers by combination of Cu-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (Cu-RDRP) and thiol-bromo click reaction is described. Well-defined linear and block polymers with a very high bromine chain end fidelity are obtained via Cu-RDRP and subsequently react with multi-functional thiol compounds. High coupling efficiencies of larger than 90% are obtained owing to the quick and efficient reaction between thiols and alkyl bromides. Moreover, the arms of the obtained star-shaped polymers are linked via thioether bonds to the core, making them susceptible for oxidative degradation.

Miktoarm Star Polymers: Branched Architectures in Drug Delivery

Delivering active pharmaceutical agents to disease sites using soft polymeric nanoparticles continues to be a topical area of research. It is becoming increasingly evident that the composition of amphiphilic macromolecules plays a significant role in developing efficient nanoformulations. Branched architectures with asymmetric polymeric arms emanating from a central core junction have provided a pivotal venue to tailor their key parameters. The build-up of miktoarm stars offers vast polymer arm tunability, aiding in the development of macromolecules with adjustable properties, and allows facile inclusion of endogenous stimulus-responsive entities. Miktoarm star-based micelles have been demonstrated to exhibit denser coronae, very low critical micelle concentrations, high drug loading contents, and sustained drug release profiles. With significant advances in chemical methodologies, synthetic articulation of miktoarm polymer architecture, and determination of their structure-property relationships, are now becoming streamlined. This is helping advance their implementation into formulating efficient therapeutic interventions. This review brings into focus the important discoveries in the syntheses of miktoarm stars of varied compositions, their aqueous self-assembly, and contributions their formulations are making in advancing the field of drug delivery.

Star-shaped arylacetylene resins derived from silicon

Star-shaped arylacetylene resins, tris(3-ethynyl-phenylethynyl)methylsilane, tris(3-ethynyl-phenylethynyl) phenylsilane, and tris (3-ethynyl-phenylethynyl) silane (TEPHS), were synthesized through Grignard reaction between 1,3-diethynylbenzene and three types of trichlorinated silanes. The chemical structures and properties of the resins were characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Haake torque rheomoter, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, mechanical test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the melt viscosity at 120 °C is lower than 150 mPa⋅s, and the processing windows are as wide as 60 °C for the resins. The resins cure at the temperature as low as 150 °C. The good processabilities make the resins to be suitable for resin transfer molding. The cured resins exhibit high flexural modulus and excellent heat-resistance. The flexural modulus of the cured TEPHS at room temperature arrives at as high as 10.9 GPa. Its temperature of 5% weight loss (T d5) is up to 697 °C in nitrogen. The resins show the potential for application in fiber-reinforced composites as high-performance resin in the field of aviation and aerospace.

Fluorous-Core Nanoparticle-Embedded Hydrogel Synthesized via Tandem Photo-Controlled Radical Polymerization: Facilitating the Separation of Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances from Water

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are broadly used as surfactants and water/oil repellents for many decades. However, they are toxic, environmental persistence, and widely detected in water sources. In this work, we developed a fluorous-core nanoparticle-embedded hydrogel (FCH) synthesized by the metal-free tandem photocontrolled radical polymerization under visible-light irradiation. With the FCH material, the scope of absorbable PFASs has been expanded to neutral, anionic, cationic and zwitterionic PFASs with the same adsorbent for the first time. The fluorous nanoparticles exhibited strong and selective affinity toward PFASs without being dramatically influenced by pH levels and background ions, enabling efficient removing of PFASs at high to environmentally relevant concentrations (10 mg/L to 1 μg/L). Furthermore, the FCH network has shown good mechanical performance, facilitating the separation, regeneration, and recycling of adsorbent for multiple runs. These results demonstrate the promise of the FCH material for PFASs separation and adsorbent recycling toward sustainable environment.

Reversible-deactivation radical polymerization of cyclic ketene acetals

This review discusses the history of reversible-deactivation radical ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ketene acetals, focusing on the preparation of degradable complex polymeric architectures.

Ring opening polymerization of α-amino acids: advances in synthesis, architecture and applications of polypeptides and their hybrids

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the synthesis, architectural design and biomedical applications of polypeptides and their hybrids.

Synthetic route-dependent intramolecular segregation in heteroarm core cross-linked star polymers as Janus-like nanoobjects

Polymerization-induced intramolecular segregation can be realized during the “in–out” synthesis of heteroarm core cross-linked star polymers to facilitate well-defined microphase separation.