Enhancement of Plasticizing Effect on Bio-Based Polyurethane Acrylate Solid Polymer Electrolyte and Its Properties

Synthesis of Room Temperature Curable Polymer Binder Mixed with Polymethyl Methacrylate and Urethane Acrylate for High-Strength and Improved Transparency

Urethane acrylate (UA) was synthesized from various di-polyols, such as poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTMG, Mn = 1000), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, Mn = 1000), and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG, Mn = 1000), for use as a polymer binder for paint. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and UA were blended to form an acrylic resin with high transmittance and stress-strain curve. When PMMA was blended with UA, a network structure was formed due to physical entanglement between the two polymers, increasing the mechanical properties. UA was synthesized by forming a prepolymer using di-polyol and hexamethylene diisocyanate, which were chain structure monomers, and capping them with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to provide an acryl group. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to observe the changes in functional groups, and gel permeation chromatography was used to confirm that the three series showed similar molecular weight and PDI values. The yellowing phenomenon that appears mainly in the curing reaction of the polymer binder was solved, and the mechanical properties according to the effects of the polyol used in the main chain were compared. The content of the blended UA was quantified using ultravioletvisible spectroscopy at a wavelength of 370 nm based on 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%, and the shear strength and tensile strength were evaluated using specimens in a suitable mode. The ratio for producing the polymer binder was optimized. The mechanical properties of the polymer binder with 5-10 wt% UA were improved in all series.

Isolation and characterization of novel bioplasticizers from rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) petals and its suitability investigation for poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) biofilm applications

The current growing environmental awareness has forced the use of biodegradable plasticizers, which are sustainable and abundant in plant resources. Rose petal plasticizers (RPP) act as an actual substitute for chemical plasticizers in this situation as they are biocompatible and biodegradable. Chemical procedures like amination, alkalization, and surface catalysis are used to extract the natural emollients from rose petals. XRD, FT-IR, and UV studies were used to understand the characteristics of the rose petal plasticizer. Based on the XRD data, the RPP's crystallinity size (CS) and crystallinity index (CI) values were determined to be 9.36 nm and 23.87%, respectively. The surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer is investigated using SEM, EDAX analysis and AFM. RPP surface pores with rough surfaces are visible in SEM images, which make them appropriate for plasticizing novel bioplastics with superior mechanical qualities. The plasticizer's heat degradation behaviour is investigated using thermogravimetric and differential thermogram analysis curves. Following the characterization of the synthesised molecules, the plasticization effect was examined using a biodegradable polymer matrix called poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The reinforcement interface was also examined using scanning electron microscopy analysis. RPP-reinforced films demonstrated greater flexibility and superior surface compatibility at a 5% loading compared to PBAT-only films. Based on a number of reported features, RPP could be a great plasticizer to address future environmental problems.

Highly Stretchable Thermoplastic Polyurethane Separators for Li-Ion Batteries Based on Non-Solvent-Induced Phase Separation Method

The growing interest in wearable and portable devices has stimulated the need for flexible and stretchable lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). A crucial component in these batteries is the separator, which provides a pathway for Li-ion transfer and prevents electrode contact. In a flexible and stretchable LiB, the separator must exhibit stretchability and elasticity akin to its existing counterparts. Here, we developed a non-modified thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) separator using the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. We compared their performance with commercially available polypropylene (PP) separators. Our results demonstrate that TPU separators exhibit superior elasticity based on repeated stretch/release tests with excellent thermal stability and electrolyte wettability. Furthermore, our findings confirm that TPU separators, even after being repeatedly stretched and released, can function effectively without severe damage in a fabricated coin cell LiB with high oxidative stability, as evidenced by linear sweep voltammetry, like commercially available separators.

Mechanical and Structural Properties of Polyhydroxybutyrate as Additive in Blend Material in Additive Manufacturing for Medical Applications

Today, additive manufacturing (AM) is considered one of the vital tenets of the industry 4.0 revolution due to its high productivity, decentralized production and rapid prototyping. This work aims to study the mechanical and structural properties of polyhydroxybutyrate as an additive in blend materials and its potential in medical applications. PHB/PUA blend resins were formulated with 0 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 12 wt.% and 18 wt.% of PHB concentration. Stereolithography or an SLA 3D printing technique were used to evaluate the printability of the PHB/PUA blend resins. Additionally, from FESEM analysis, a change was observed in PUA's microstructure, with an additional number of voids spotted. Furthermore, from XRD analysis, as PHB concentration increased, the crystallinity index (CI) also increased. This indicates the brittleness properties of the materials, which correlated to the weak performance of the tensile and impact properties. Next, the effect of PHB loading concentration within PHB/PUA blends and aging duration towards the mechanical performance of tensile and impact properties was also studied by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a two-way method. Finally, 12 wt.% of PHB/PUA was selected to 3D print the finger splint due to its characteristics, which are compatible to be used in finger bone fracture recovery.

Boron Nitride-Doped Polyphenylenic Organogels

Herein, we describe the synthesis of the first boron nitride-doped polyphenylenic material obtained through a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between a triethynyl borazine unit and a biscyclopentadienone derivative, which undergoes organogel formation in chlorinated solvents (the critical jellification concentration is 4% w/w in CHCl₃). The polymer has been characterized extensively by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state ¹³C NMR, solid-state ¹¹B NMR, and by comparison with the isolated monomeric unit. Furthermore, the polymer gels formed in chlorinated solvents have been thoroughly characterized and studied, showing rheological properties comparable to those of polyacrylamide gels with a low crosslinker percentage. Given the thermal and chemical stability, the material was studied as a potential support for solid-state electrolytes. showing properties comparable to those of polyethylene glycol-based electrolytes, thus presenting great potential for the application of this new class of material in lithium-ion batteries.

Abundant Hydrogen Bonds Formed in a Urea-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte Improve Interfacial Stability in Lithium Metal Batteries

As an emerging and potential replacement system for liquid electrolytes, polymer electrolytes (PEs) exhibit unique capacity in suppressing metal dendrite formation and leakage risks. However, the most used polymer matrix, including polyether, polyester, and polysiloxane, still cannot meet the practical demands for metal electrode compatibility and long lifespan. In this study, gel polymer electrolytes consisting of a polyurea network with abundant hydrogen bonds and deep eutectic electrolyte (DEE) are designed and prepared in-situ. The hydrogen bonding between polyurea chains and polyurea-DEE provides good interfacial stability between PEs and lithium metal. As a result, the assembled Li/LiFePO₄ cells based on this electrolyte deliver a long cycle life with 90 % retention after 500 cycles and 76.5 % retention after 1000 cycles at 1 C. In addition, the flexible design characteristics of polyurea structure permit easy operation for performance optimization by modulating the composition of hard and soft segments, and enhanced ionic conductivity and self-healing efficiency are obtained. This study provides a novel method for preparing advanced polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries.

Additive Manufacturing Polyurethane Acrylate via Stereolithography for 3D Structure Polymer Electrolyte Application

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D-printing technology, is currently integrated in many fields as it possesses an attractive fabrication process. In this work, we deployed the 3D-print stereolithography (SLA) method to print polyurethane acrylate (PUA)-based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). The printed PUA GPE was then characterized through several techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The printed GPE exhibited high ionic conductivity of 1.24 × 10-3 S cm-1 at low-lithium-salt content (10 wt.%) in ambient temperature and favorable thermal stability to about 300 °C. The FTIR results show that addition of LiClO4 to the polymer matrix caused a shift in carbonyl, ester and amide functional groups. In addition, FTIR deconvolution peaks of LiClO4 show 10 wt.% has the highest amount of free ions, in line with the highest conductivity achieved. Finally, the PUA GPE was printed into 3D complex structure to show SLA flexibility in designing an electrolyte, which could be a potential application in advanced battery fabrication.

Innovative Methylcellulose‐Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes Impregnated with Potassium Salt: Ion Conduction and Thermal Properties

In this research, innovative green and sustainable solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on plasticized methylcellulose/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/potassium carbonate (MC/PVP/K2CO3) were examined. The MC/PVP/K2CO3 SPE system with five distinct ethylene carbonate (EC) concentrations as a plasticizer was successfully designed. Frequency-dependent conductivity plots were used to investigate the conduction mechanism of the SPEs. Electrochemical potential window stability and the cation transfer number of the SPEs were studied via linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and transference number measurement (TNM), respectively. Additionally, the structural behavior of the SPEs was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The SPE film complexed with 15 wt.% EC measured a maximum conductivity of 3.88 × 10−4 Scm−1. According to the results of the transference number examination, cations that record a transference number of 0.949 are the primary charge carriers. An EDLC was fabricated based on the highest conducting sample that recorded a specific capacitance of 54.936 Fg−1 at 5 mVs−1.

The role of disaccharides as a plasticizer in improving the interaction between chitosan chain based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs)

This study proved the potential of disaccharides as plasticisers for polymer electrolyte system-based chitosan as they can increase the flexibility of chitosan molecular chains, thus enhancing the conductivity and dissociation of ions.

Physico-Chemical, Thermal, and Electrochemical Analysis of Solid Polymer Electrolyte from Vegetable Oil-Based Polyurethane

In this paper, we report the preparation of bio-based polyurethane (PU) from renewable vegetable oil. The PU was synthesized through the reaction between jatropha oil-based polyol and isocyanate in a one-shot method. Then, lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) salt was added to the polyurethane system to form an electrolyte film via a solution casting technique. The solid polymer electrolyte was characterized through several techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), electrochemical studies, thermal studies by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The NMR analysis confirmed that the polyurethane was successfully synthesized and the intermolecular reaction had occurred in the electrolytes system. The FTIR results show the shifting of the carbonyl group (C=O), ether and ester group (C–O–C), and amine functional groups (N–H) in PU–LiClO₄ electrolytes compared to the blank polyurethane, which suggests that interaction occurred between the oxygen and nitrogen atom and the Li+ ion as they acted as electron donors in the electrolytes system. DSC analysis shows a decreasing trend in glass transition temperature, T_g and melting point, T_m of the polymer electrolyte as the salt content increases. Further, DMA analysis shows similar behavior in terms of T_g. The ionic conductivity increased with increasing salt content until the optimum value. The dielectric analysis reveals that the highest conducting electrolyte has the lowest relaxation time. The electrochemical behavior of the PU electrolytes is in line with the T_g result from the thermal analysis.

Effect of High Ammonium Salt Concentration and Temperature on the Structure, Morphology, and Ionic Conductivity of Proton-Conductor Solid Polymer Electrolytes Based PVA

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based proton-conducting solid polymer electrolyte was prepared with a high salt concentration of ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) by the technique of solvent casting. From the X-ray diffraction studies, the semicrystalline nature of PVA with the inclusion of NH₄NO₃ was studied. XRD analysis indicates that the highest ion conductive sample exhibits the minimum crystalline nature. The decreasing trend of Jonscher-exponent with temperature rise reveals that the present system is insured by the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. The maximum room temperature conductivity was found to be 5.17 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm for PVA loaded 30 wt.% of NH₄NO₃. The ionic transport of the proton-conducting solid polymer electrolyte was studied at the temperature range of 303–353 K. The conductivity-temperature relationship of the systems was analyzed using both the Arrhenius and Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher (VTF) models to explain the ionic hopping mechanism for the system.