SH-Containing Cellulose Acetate Derivatives: Preparation and Characterization as a Shape Memory-Recovery Material

A review on recent advances of cellulose acetate membranes for gas separation

This review thoroughly investigates the wide-ranging applications of cellulose-based materials, with a particular focus on their utility in gas separation processes. By focusing on cellulose acetate (CA), the review underscores its cost-effectiveness, robust mechanical attributes, and noteworthy CO2 solubility, positioning it as a frontrunner among polymeric gas separation membranes. The synthesis techniques for CA membranes are meticulously examined, and the discourse extends to polymeric blend membranes, underscoring their distinct advantages in gas separation applications. The exploration of advancements in CA-based mixed matrix membranes, particularly the incorporation of nanomaterials, sheds light on the significant versatility and potential improvements offered by composite materials. Fabrication techniques demonstrate exceptional gas separation performance, with selectivity values reaching up to 70.9 for CO2/CH4 and 84.1 for CO2/N2. CA/PEG (polyethylene glycol) and CA/MOF (metal-organic frameworks) demonstrated exceptional selectivity in composite membranes with favorable permeability, surpassing other composite CA membranes. Their selectivity with good permeability lies well above all the synthesised cellulose. As challenges in experimental scale separation emerge, the review seamlessly transitions to molecular simulations, emphasizing their crucial role in understanding molecular interactions and overcoming scalability issues. The significance of the review lies in addressing environmental concerns, optimizing membrane compositions, understanding molecular interactions, and bridging knowledge gaps, offering guidance for the sustainable evolution of CA-based materials in gas separation technologies.

Filled Elastomers: Mechanistic and Physics-Driven Modeling and Applications as Smart Materials

Elastomers are made of chain-like molecules to form networks that can sustain large deformation. Rubbers are thermosetting elastomers that are obtained from irreversible curing reactions. Curing reactions create permanent bonds between the molecular chains. On the other hand, thermoplastic elastomers do not need curing reactions. Incorporation of appropriated filler particles, as has been practiced for decades, can significantly enhance mechanical properties of elastomers. However, there are fundamental questions about polymer matrix composites (PMCs) that still elude complete understanding. This is because the macroscopic properties of PMCs depend not only on the overall volume fraction (ϕ) of the filler particles, but also on their spatial distribution (i.e., primary, secondary, and tertiary structure). This work aims at reviewing how the mechanical properties of PMCs are related to the microstructure of filler particles and to the interaction between filler particles and polymer matrices. Overall, soft rubbery matrices dictate the elasticity/hyperelasticity of the PMCs while the reinforcement involves polymer-particle interactions that can significantly influence the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix interface. For ϕ values higher than a threshold, percolation of the filler particles can lead to significant reinforcement. While viscoelastic behavior may be attributed to the soft rubbery component, inelastic behaviors like the Mullins and Payne effects are highly correlated to the microstructures of the polymer matrix and the filler particles, as well as that of the polymer-particle interface. Additionally, the incorporation of specific filler particles within intelligently designed polymer systems has been shown to yield a variety of functional and responsive materials, commonly termed smart materials. We review three types of smart PMCs, i.e., magnetoelastic (M-), shape-memory (SM-), and self-healing (SH-) PMCs, and discuss the constitutive models for these smart materials.

Cellulose Dissolution, Modification, and the Derived Hydrogel: A Review

The cellulose-based hydrogel has occupied a pivotal position in almost all walks of life. However, the native cellulose can not be directly used for preparing hydrogel due to the complex non-covalent interactions. Some literature has discussed the dissolution and modification of cellulose but has yet to address the influence of the pretreatment on the as-prepared hydrogels. Firstly, the "touching" of cellulose by derived and non-derived solvents was introduced, namely, the dissolution of cellulose. Secondly, the "conversion" of functional groups on the cellulose surface by special routes, which is the modification of cellulose. The above-mentioned two parts were intended to explain the changes in physicochemical properties of cellulose by these routes and their influences on the subsequent hydrogel preparation. Finally, the "reinforcement" of cellulose-based hydrogels by physical and chemical techniques was summarized, viz., improving the mechanical properties of cellulose-based hydrogels and the changes in the multi-level structure of the interior of cellulose-based hydrogels.

Mimicking natural electrical environment with cellulose acetate scaffolds enhances collagen formation of osteoblasts

The medical field is continuously seeking new solutions and materials, where cellulose materials due to their high biocompatibility have great potential. Here we investigate the applicability of cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun fibers for bone tissue regeneration. For the first time we show the piezoelectric properties of electrospun CA fibers via high voltage switching spectroscopy piezoresponse force microscopy (HVSS-PFM) tests, which are followed by surface potential studies using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and zeta potential measurements. Piezoelectric coefficient for CA fibers of 6.68 ± 1.70 pmV^-1 along with high surface (718 mV) and zeta (-12.2 mV) potentials allowed us to mimic natural electrical environment favoring bone cell attachment and growth. Importantly, the synergy between increased surface potential and highly developed structure of the fibrous scaffold led to the formation of a vast 3D network of collagen produced by osteoblasts only after 7 days of in vitro culture. We clearly show the advantages of CA scaffolds as a bone replacement material, when long-lasting structural support is needed.

Effect of Filler Types on Cellulose-Acetate-Based Composite Used as Coatings for Biodegradable Magnesium Implants for Trauma

Magnesium alloys are considered one of the most promising materials for biodegradable trauma implants because they promote bone healing and exhibit adequate mechanical strength during their biodegradation in relation to the bone healing process. Surface modification of biodegradable magnesium alloys is an important research field that is analyzed in many publications as the biodegradation due to the corrosion process and the interface with human tissue is improved. The aim of the current preliminary study is to develop a polymeric-based composite coating on biodegradable magnesium alloys by the solvent evaporation method to reduce the biodegradation rate much more than in the case of simple polymeric coatings by involving some bioactive filler in the form of particles consisting of hydroxyapatite and magnesium. Various techniques such as SEM coupled with EDS, FTIR, and RAMAN spectroscopy, and contact angle were used for the structural and morphological characterization of the coatings. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the effect of filler particles on polymer thermostability. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed on MG-63 cells (human osteosarcomas). The experimental analysis highlights the positive effect of magnesium and hydroxyapatite particles as filler for cellulose acetate when they are used alone from biocompatibility and surface analysis points of view, and it is not recommended to use both types of particles (hydroxyapatite and magnesium) as hybrid filling. In future studies focused on implantation testing, we will use only CA-based composite coatings with one filler on magnesium alloys because these composite coatings have shown better results from the in vitro testing point of view for future potential orthopedic biodegradable implants for trauma.

Halogen-bonded shape memory polymers

Halogen bonding (XB), a non-covalent interaction between an electron-deficient halogen atom and a Lewis base, is widely adopted in organic synthesis and supramolecular crystal engineering. However, the roadmap towards materials applications is hindered by the challenges in harnessing this relatively weak intermolecular interaction to devise human-commanded stimuli-responsive soft materials. Here, we report a liquid crystalline network comprising permanent covalent crosslinks and dynamic halogen bond crosslinks, which possess reversible thermo-responsive shape memory behaviour. Our findings suggest that I···N halogen bond, a paradigmatic motif in crystal engineering studies, enables temporary shape fixation at room temperature and subsequent shape recovery in response to human body temperature. We demonstrate versatile shape programming of the halogen-bonded polymer networks through human-hand operation and propose a micro-robotic injection model for complex 1D to 3D shape morphing in aqueous media at 37 °C. Through systematic structure-property-performance studies, we show the necessity of the I···N crosslinks in driving the shape memory effect. The halogen-bonded shape memory polymers expand the toolbox for the preparation of smart supramolecular constructs with tailored mechanical properties and thermoresponsive behaviour, for the needs of, e.g., future medical devices.

Stiffness Variable Polymers Comprising Phase-Changing Side-Chains: Material Syntheses and Application Explorations

Stiffness variable materials have been applied in a variety of engineering fields that require adaptation, automatic modulation, and morphing because of their unique property to switch between a rigid, load-bearing state and a soft, compliant state. Stiffness variable polymers comprising phase-changing side-chains (s-SVPs) have densely grafted, highly crystallizable long alkyl side-chains in a crosslinked network. Such a bottlebrush network-like structure gives rise to rigidity modulation as a result of the reversible crystallization and melting of the side chains. The corresponding modulus changes can be more than 1000-fold within a narrow temperature span, from ≈10²  MPa to ≈10²  kPa or lower. Other important properties of the s-SVP, such as stretchability, optical transmittance, and adhesion, can also be altered. This work reviews the underlying molecular mechanisms in the s-SVP's, discusses the material's structure-property relationship, and summarizes important applications explored so far, including reversible shape transformation, bistable electromechanical transduction, optical modulation, and reversible adhesion.

Cellulose acetate in fabrication of polymeric membranes: A review

Developing biodegradable polymers to fabricate filtration membranes is one of the main challenges of membrane science and technology. Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes, due to their excellent film-forming property, high chemical and mechanical stability, high hydrophilicity, eco-friendly, and suitable cost, are extensively used in water and wastewater treatment, gas separation, and energy generation purposes. The CA is one of the first materials used to fabricate filtration membranes. However, in the last decade, the possibility of modification of CA to improve permeability and stability has attracted the researcher's attention again. This review is focused on the properties of cellulose derivatives and especially CA membranes in the fabrication of polymeric separation membranes in various applications such as filtration, gas separation, adsorption, and ion exchange membranes. Firstly, a brief introduction of CA properties and used molecular weights in the fabrication of membranes will be presented. After that, different configurations of CA membranes will be outlined, and the performance of CA membranes in several applications and configurations as the main polymer and as an additive in the fabrication of other polymer-based membranes will be discussed.

A Review of Shape Memory Polymers and Composites: Mechanisms, Materials, and Applications

Over the past decades, interest in shape memory polymers (SMPs) has persisted, and immense efforts have been dedicated to developing SMPs and their multifunctional composites. As a class of stimuli-responsive polymers, SMPs can return to their initial shape from a programmed temporary shape under external stimuli, such as light, heat, magnetism, and electricity. The introduction of functional materials and nanostructures results in shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) with large recoverable deformation, enhanced mechanical properties, and controllable remote actuation. Because of these unique features, SMPCs have a broad application prospect in many fields covering aerospace engineering, biomedical devices, flexible electronics, soft robotics, shape memory arrays, and 4D printing. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of the shape recovery mechanisms, multifunctionality, applications, and recent advances in SMPs and SMPCs is presented. Specifically, the combination of functional, reversible, multiple, and controllable shape recovery processes is discussed. Further, established products from such materials are highlighted. Finally, potential directions for the future advancement of SMPs are proposed.

Dually Crosslinked Polymer Networks Incorporating Dynamic Covalent Bonds

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are polymeric networks containing covalent crosslinks that are dynamic under specific conditions. In addition to possessing the malleability of thermoplastics and the dimensional stability of thermosets, CANs exhibit a unique combination of physical properties, including adaptability, self-healing, shape-memory, stimuli-responsiveness, and enhanced recyclability. The physical properties and the service conditions (such as temperature, pH, and humidity) of CANs are defined by the nature of their constituent dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs). In response to the increasing demand for more sophisticated and adaptable materials, the scientific community has identified dual dynamic networks (DDNs) as a promising new class of polymeric materials. By combining two (or more) distinct crosslinkers in one system, a material with tailored thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties can be designed. One remarkable ability of DDNs is their capacity to combine dimensional stability, bond dynamicity, and multi-responsiveness. This review aims to give an overview of the advances in the emerging field of DDNs with a special emphasis on their design, structure-property relationships, and applications. This review illustrates how DDNs offer many prospects that single (dynamic) networks cannot provide and highlights the challenges associated with their synthesis and characterization.

Heavy metal removal applications using adsorptive membranes

Water is a significant natural resource for humans. As such, wastewater containing heavy metals is seen as a grave problem for the environment. Currently, adsorption is one of the common methods used for both water purification and wastewater treatment. Adsorption relies on the physical and chemical interactions between heavy metal ions and adsorbents. Adsorptive membranes (AMs) have demonstrated high effectiveness in heavy metal removal from wastewater owing to their exclusive structural properties. This article examines the applications of adsorptive membranes such as polymeric membranes (PMs), polymer-ceramic membranes (PCMs), electrospinning nanofiber membranes (ENMs), and nano-enhanced membranes (NEMs), which demonstrate high selectivity and adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions, as well as both advantages and disadvantages of each one all, are summarized and compared shortly. Moreover, the general theories for both adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics are described briefly to comprehend the adsorption process. This work will be valuable to readers in understanding the current applications of various AMs and their mechanisms in heavy metal ion adsorption, as well as the recycling methods in heavy ions desorption process are summarized and described clearly. Besides, the influences of morphological and chemical structures of AMs are presented and described in detail as well.

Polymer actuators based on covalent adaptable networks

Advances in polymer actuators containing covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are summarized and discussed in this review.

Photodirected Morphing Structures of Nanocomposite Shape Memory Hydrogel with High Stiffness and Toughness

Shape memory hydrogels have drawn increasing attention in recent years. Practical applications require these hydrogels to have good mechanical properties as well as contactless stimulations to trigger the shape deformations. Here we report a stiff and tough shape memory hydrogel that can transform to various configurations sequentially by phototriggered site-specific deformations. Response of the shape memory hydrogel to near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation was achieved by incorporating gold nanorods (AuNRs) into the glassy gel matrix of poly(methacrylic acid-co-methacrylamide) without compromising the excellent mechanical properties. Owing to the photothermal effect of the AuNRs, the localized temperature rise led to a dramatic decrease in Young's modulus (from 200 to 2 MPa) of the prestretched hydrogel and bending deformation with a programmable direction and amplitude. More complex three-dimensional configurations can be obtained by multidirectional prestretching and shape memorizing the individual parts of the nanocomposite hydrogel. Furthermore, the AuNRs embedded in the gel were aligned along the prestretching direction, leading to anisotropic plasmon resonance. These photomediated programmable deformations of tough shape memory hydrogels should find applications in the biomedical and engineering fields.

Is biopolymer hair a multi-responsive smart material?

A twin-netpoint-switch structure model for animal hair has been proposed for interpreting different shape memory abilities when exposure on different external stimuli, where a twin-netpoint/single-switch structure is for the stimulus of water, heat and UV-light, and a single-netpoint/twin-switch structure is for the stimulus of redox agent.

Cellulose acetate fibers prepared from different raw materials with rapid synthesis method

Transesterification is a mild process to prepare cellulose acetate (CA) as compared with the traditional method. In this study, CA fibers were produced from six cellulose raw materials based on a simple and rapid transesterification method. The properties of the CA solutions and the obtained CA fibers were investigated in detail. Results showed that all of the cellulose raw materials were esterified within 15 min, and spinning dopes could be obtained by concentrating the CA solutions via vacuum distillation. The XRD, FT-IR, (1)H, (13)C and HSQC NMR analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of CA. The degree of substitution (DS) of the obtained CA was significantly affected by the degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose raw materials, which further influenced the viscosity of CA solutions as well as the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of the CA fibers.

Biocomposites from Natural Rubber: Synergistic Effects of Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals as Both Reinforcing and Cross-Linking Agents via Free-Radical Thiol-ene Chemistry

Natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals (NR/CNCs) form true biocomposites from renewable resources and are demonstrated to show significantly improved thermo-mechanical properties and reduced stress-softening. The nanocomposites were prepared from chemically functionalized CNCs bearing thiols. CNCs served as both reinforcing and cross-linking agents in the NR matrix, and the study was designed to prove the cross-linking function of modified CNCs. CNCs were prepared from cotton, and the cross-linkable mercapto-groups were introduced onto the surface of CNCs by esterification. Nanocomposite films were prepared by dispersing the modified CNCs (m-CNCs) in NR matrix by solution casting. The cross-links at the filler-matrix (m-CNCs-NR) interface were generated by photochemically initiated thiol-ene reactions as monitored by real-time FTIR analysis. The synergistic effects of reinforcement and chemical cross-linking at the m-CNCs-NR interface on structure, thermo-mechanical, and stress-softening behavior were investigated. Methods included field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), swelling tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile tests. Compared to biocomposites from NR with unmodified CNCs, the NR/m-CNCs nanocomposites showed 2.4-fold increase in tensile strength, 1.6-fold increase in strain-to-failure, and 2.9-fold increase in work-of-fracture at 10 wt % of m-CNCs in NR.

pH-Responsive Shape Memory Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(ε-caprolactone)-based Polyurethane/Cellulose Nanocrystals Nanocomposite

In this study, we developed a pH-responsive shape-memory polymer nanocomposite by blending poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-based polyurethane (PECU) with functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). CNCs were functionalized with pyridine moieties (CNC-C6H4NO2) through hydroxyl substitution of CNCs with pyridine-4-carbonyl chloride and with carboxyl groups (CNC-CO2H) via 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) mediated surface oxidation, respectively. At a high pH value, the CNC-C6H4NO2 had attractive interactions from the hydrogen bonding between pyridine groups and hydroxyl moieties; at a low pH value, the interactions reduced or disappeared due to the protonation of pyridine groups, which are a Lewis base. The CNC-CO2H responded to pH variation in an opposite manner. The hydrogen bonding interactions of both CNC-C6H4NO2 and CNC-CO2H can be readily disassociated by altering pH values, endowing the pH-responsiveness of CNCs. When these functionalized CNCs were added in PECU polymer matrix to form nanocomposite network which was confirmed with rheological measurements, the mechanical properties of PECU were not only obviously improved but also the pH-responsiveness of CNCs could be transferred to the nanocomposite network. The pH-sensitive CNC percolation network in polymer matrix served as the switch units of shape-memory polymers (SMPs). Furthermore, the modified CNC percolation network and polymer molecular chains also had strong hydrogen bonding interactions among hydroxyl, carboxyl, pyridine moieties, and isocyanate groups, which could be formed or destroyed through changing pH value. The shape memory function of the nanocomposite network was only dependent on the pH variation of the environment. Therefore, this pH-responsive shape-memory nancomposite could be potentially developed into a new smart polymer material.

Thiol click modification of cyclic disulfide containing biodegradable polyurethane urea elastomers

Although the thiol click reaction is an attractive tool for postpolymerization modification of thiolmers, thiol groups are easily oxidized, limiting the potential for covalent immobilization of bioactive molecules. In this study, a series of biodegradable polyurethane elastomers incorporating stable cyclic disulfide groups was developed and characterized. These poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU-SS) polymers were based on polycaprolactone diol (PCL), oxidized dl-dithiothreitol (O-DTT), lysine diisocyanate (LDI), or butyl diisocyanate (BDI), with chain extension by putrescine. The ratio of O-DTT:PCL was altered to investigate different levels of potential functionalization. PEG acrylate was employed to study the mechanism and availability of both bulk and surface click modification of PEUU-SS polymers. All synthesized PEUU-SS polymers were elastic with breaking strengths of 38-45 MPa, while the PEUU-SS(LDI) polymers were more amorphous, possessing lower moduli and relatively small permanent deformations versus PEUU-SS(BDI) polymers. Variable bulk click modification of PEUU-SS(LDI) polymers was achieved by controlling the amount of reduction reagent, and rapid reaction rates occurred using a one-pot, two-step process. Likewise, surface click reaction could be carried out quickly under mild, aqueous conditions. Furthermore, a maleimide-modified affinity peptide (TPS) was successfully clicked on the surface of an electrospun PEUU-SS(BDI) fibrous sheet, which improved endothelial progenitor cell adhesion versus corresponding unmodified films. The cyclic disulfide containing biodegradable polyurethanes described provide an option for cardiovascular and other soft tissue regenerative medicine applications where a temporary, elastic scaffold with designed biofunctionality from a relatively simple click chemistry approach is desired.

Functional thermoplastic materials from derivatives of cellulose and related structural polysaccharides

This review surveys advances in the development of various material functionalities based on thermoplastic cellulose and related structural polysaccharide derivatives. First, the dependence of thermal (phase) transition behavior on the molecular composition of simple derivatives is rationalized. Next, approaches enabling effective thermoplasticization and further incorporation of material functionalities into structural polysaccharides are discussed. These approaches include: (a) single-substituent derivatization, (b) derivatization with multi-substituents, (c) blending of simple derivatives with synthetic polymers, and (d) graft copolymerization. Some examples addressing the control of supramolecular structures and the regulation of molecular and segmental orientations for functional materials fabrication, which have especially progressed over the past decade, are also addressed. Attractive material functions include improved mechanical performance, controlled biodegradability, cytocompatiblity, and optical functions.

Inherently Photohealable and Thermal Shape-Memory Polydisulfide Networks

Structurally dynamic polydisulfide networks that inherently exhibit both shape-memory and healable properties have been synthesized. These materials are semicrystalline, covalently cross-linked network polymers and as such exhibit thermal shape-memory properties. Upon heating above its melting temperature (T_m) films of the material can be deformed by a force. Subsequent cooling and removal of the force result in the material being "fixed" in this strained temporary shape through a combination of crystallinity and covalent cross-links until it is exposed to temperatures above the T_m at which point it recovers to its remembered processed shape. The incorporation of disulfide bonds, which become dynamic/reversible upon exposure to light or elevated temperatures, into these networks results in them being structurally dynamic upon exposure to the appropriate stimulus. Thus, by activating this disulfide exchange, the network reorganizes, and the material can flow and exhibit healable properties. Furthermore, exposure to light also allows the film's permanent "remembered" shape to be reprogrammed. Shape-memory experiments on these films show high degrees of both fixing and recovery (>95%), and photohealing experiments showed that the films were able to recover from a scratch whose depth is approximately half the thickness of the film. Using a combination of the thermal shape-memory behavior followed by photohealing allows wide scratches to also be efficiently healed.

Preparation and characterization of Kraft lignin-based moisture-responsive films with reversible shape-change capability

Preparation of moisture-responsive Kraft lignin-based materials by electrospinning blends of Kraft lignin fractions with different physical properties is presented. The differences in thermal mobility between lignin fractions are shown to influence the degree of interfiber fusion occurring during oxidative thermostabilization of electrospun nonwoven fabrics, resulting in different material morphologies including submicrometer fibers, bonded nonwovens, porous films, and smooth films. The relative amount of different lignin fractions and degree of fiber flow and fiber fusion is shown to influence the tendency for the electrospun materials to be transformed into moisture-responsive materials capable of reversible changes in shape. Material characterization by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy as well characterization of the chemical and physical properties of Kraft lignin fractions by dynamic rheology, 1H and 13C NMR, and gel permeation chromatography combined with multiangle laser light scattering are presented. A proposed mechanism underlying moisture-responsiveness, shape change, and shape recovery is discussed based on the differences in chemical structure and physical properties of Kraft lignin fractions.

Electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers: the present status and gamut of biotechnological applications

Cellulose acetate (CA) has been a material of choice for spectrum of utilities across different domains ranging from high absorbing diapers to membrane filters. Electrospinning has conferred a whole new perspective to polymeric materials including CA in the context of multifarious applications across myriad of niches. In the present review, we try to bring out the recent trend (focused over last five years' progress) of research on electrospun CA fibers of nanoscale regime in the context of developmental strategies of their blends and nanocomposites for advanced applications. In the realm of biotechnology, electrospun CA fibers have found applications in biomolecule immobilization, tissue engineering, bio-sensing, nutraceutical delivery, bioseparation, crop protection, bioremediation and in the development of anti-counterfeiting and pH sensitive material, photocatalytic self-cleaning textile, temperature-adaptable fabric, and antimicrobial mats, amongst others. The present review discusses these diverse applications of electrospun CA nanofibers.