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Economically and efficiently removing organic pollutants from water is still a challenge in wastewater treatment. Utilizing environmentally friendly and readily available protein-based natural polymers to develop aerogels with effective removal performance and sustainable regeneration capability is a promising strategy for adsorbent design. Here, a robust and cost-effective method using inexpensive β-lactoglobulin (BLG) as raw material was proposed to fabricate BLG-based aerogels. Firstly, photocurable BLG-based polymers were synthesized by grafting glycidyl methacrylate. Then, a cross-linking reaction, including photo-crosslinking and salting-out treatment, was applied to prepared BLG-based hydrogels. Finally, the BLG-based aerogels with high porosity and ultralight weight were obtained after freeze-drying. The outcomes revealed that the biocompatible BLG-based aerogels exhibited effective removal performance for a variety of organic pollutants under perfectly quiescent conditions, and could be regenerated and reused many times via a simple and rapid process of acid washing and centrifugation. Overall, this work not only demonstrates that BLG-based aerogels are promising adsorbents for water purification but also provides a potential way for the sustainable utilization of BLG. [Display omitted] • The BLG-based aerogels are prepared from inexpensive β-lactoglobulin. • The BLG-based aerogels are porous, ultralight, biocompatible, and shape-recoverable. • The BLG-based aerogels can adsorb organic pollutants under quiescent conditions. • The BLG-based aerogels can be reused many times via an easy regeneration process. • The method is affordable, robust, and suitable for large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental concerns regarding long-time oil spills and oily wastewater discharges have drawn increasingly attention. But up to now, the separation of high-viscosity crude oil-in-water emulsions remains difficult, and the demulsification, aggregation and separation mechanisms of oil-in-water emulsions are still unclear. In this work, a facile strategy is reported to fabricate silica-based superhydrophilic or underwater superoleophobic nanocomposite glass fiber membrane (GFM) via surface grafting method at room temperature. The immobilized epoxy-functionalized SiO 2 nanoparticles improve the roughness and decreased the pore size of GFM. The hydrophilic copolymers of acrylic acid and glycidyl methacrylate (P(AA-co-GMA)) are further grafted on the membrane to increase its hydrophilicity, thereby achieving durable and efficient separation of crude oil-in-water emulsion with a separation efficiency of 96.2 ± 0.4% and a flux of 4725 ± 62 L·m−2·h−1. Moreover, by an in-situ observation of oil droplets on the membrane fiber surface, the demulsification of oil-water emulsions and the coalescence of small oil droplets are discovered when the oil-in-water emulsions flowed through the superhydrophilic fiber surface. Owing to the great demulsification capability, the as-prepared nanocomposite GFM is endowed with excellent crude oil-in-water emulsion separation performances. [Display omitted] • Silica-based nanocomposite membrane for crude oil/water separation was fabricated. • The membrane exhibits underwater superoleophobicity and high separation efficiency. • The coalescence of oil droplets on the membrane fiber surface was observed in-situ. • The membrane shows great self-cleaning and ultralow crude oil-adhesion properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With multiscale hierarchical structure, wood is suitable for a range of high-value applications, especially as a chromatographic matrix. Here, we have aimed to provide a weak anion-exchange polymeric monolithic column based on natural wood with high permeability and stability for effectively separating the targeted protein. The wood-polymeric monolithic column was synthesized by in situ polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in wood, and coupled with diethylaminoethyl hydrochloride. The wood-polymeric monolithic column can be integrated with fast-protein liquid chromatography for large-scale protein purification. According to the results, the wood-polymeric monolithic column showed high hydrophilicity, permeability and stability. Separation experiments verified that the wood-polymeric monolithic column could purify the targeted protein (spike protein of SARS-COV-2 and ovalbumin) from the mixed proteins by ion exchange, and the static adsorption capacity was 33.04 mg mL−1 and the dynamic adsorption capacity was 24.51 mg mL−1. In addition, the wood-polymerized monolithic column had good stability, and a negligible decrease in the dynamic adsorption capacity after 20 cycles. This wood-polymerized monolithic column can provide a novel, efficient, and green matrix for monolithic chromatographic columns. • A weak anion exchange wood-based polymeric monolithic column was obtained by polymer and wood. • Theoretical static and dynamic adsorption capacity are for spike protein were 33.04 mg mL-1 and 24.51 mg mL-1. • The columns had high permeability, good mechanical stability and reproducibility. • Efficient separations were presented for target protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally conductive adhesives (TCAs) have attracted considerable attentions in recent years as they can simultaneously promote interfacial bonding and thermal transfer. So far, a lot of strategies have been explored for producing them. Among them, modifying adhesive resins with thermally conductive nanofillers is one of the most frequently reported methodologies, which often involves complicated process and tedious procedures. We herein report a facile strategy for producing TCAs via an in situ process with the assistance of a designer hyperbranched epoxy copolymer, HBPE@PGMA. This copolymer consists of a hyperbranched polyethylene (HBPE) core and multiple poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) side chains, which can be synthesized under mild conditions by a two-step polymerization process. As a stabilizer, this copolymer is found to effectively promote the exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride (h -BN), natural graphite or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in chloroform under sonication, rendering boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), graphene and individually dispersed MWCNT, respectively. Meanwhile, some of the copolymer can be irreversibly adsorbed on the resultant nanofiller surface based on the noncovalent CH-π interactions. This makes them well dispersible in chloroform and allows us to obtain high-performance TCAs from their dispersions via in situ process directly using the copolymer as matrix. The resultant TCAs simultaneously exhibit excellent interfacial bonding, thermal transfer and adjustable electrical performance. This strategy paves a way for producing high-performance TCAs through in situ process with relatively simple process. [Display omitted] • Efficient exfoliation of thermally conductive nanofillers in common solvent. • Noncovalent but steady functionalization of nanofillers based on CH-π interactions. • Design, synthesis and application of hyperbranched epoxy copolymer. • Facile strategy for producing thermally conductive adhesives via in situ process. • Thermally conductive adhesives with excellent comprehensive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interconnected interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) formed through the incorporation of small-size dual-functional interlinkers, such as glycidyl methacrylate, have demonstrated improved material properties over simple IPNs. Whether increased crosslink density or network interconnection was the main contributing factor to the improvements in IPN properties is unknown. In this work, 4-glycidyl ether-4′-glycidyl methacrylate of bisphenol A (BPA-GE-GMA) was used to interconnect the IPNs of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA). It was hypothesized that the use of BPA-GE-GMA would not alter the crosslink density of the IPNs from dual-cure epoxy-methacrylate formulations containing DGEBA, BPA-GE-GMA, and Bis-GMA. The amount of BPA-GE-GMA was varied to study the effects of network interconnection on the properties of interconnected IPNs. Our results revealed that the use of BPA-GE-GMA led to a shift in material properties away from those of the methacrylate system and towards those of the epoxy system, that is, reduced cure shrinkage, decreased compressive modulus, higher glass transition temperature (T g), and enhanced fracture toughness property. However, it was discovered that the effective crosslink density increased with higher BPA-GE-GMA content. This increase can be attributed to the ability of BPA-GE-GMA as a mono-methacrylate to facilitate better methacrylate network formation. As a result, the effects of network interconnection and crosslink density were not fully decoupled. Nevertheless, since the crosslink density factor already contributes to the observed differences in material properties, it is likely that the effects of network interconnection are minimal. [Display omitted] • Dual functional BPA-GE-GMA was used as the interlinker for IPNs consisting of DGEBA and Bis-GMA. • BPA-GE-GMA is hypothesized to maintain the crosslink density, allowing studying the effects of network interconnection. • The incorporation of BPA-GE-GMA renders the IPNs more epoxy-like. • The effects were attributed to better methacrylate network formation, rather than a higher extent of network interconnection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new magnetic amino-functionalized polymeric sorbent based on glycidyl methacrylate was synthesized and used in the separation of chromium Cr(VI) oxyanions sorption from aqueous solutions in a static batch system. The kinetic and isothermal parameters of the sorption process were determined. The experimental data were best fitted by a pseudo-second-order model with R2 = 0.994 and χ2 = 0.004. The sorption process of Cr(VI) removal by amino-functionalized sorbent was controlled by both intraparticle diffusion and liquid film diffusion. The equilibrium results showed that the sorption process is best described by the Freundlich model, followed closely by the Sips isotherm model, with a maximum sorption capacity of 64 mg/g. Quantum chemical modeling revealed that the sorption sites on the sorbent surface are fragments with diethylenetriamine and aminopropyl silane groups that coated the magnetic nanoparticles. The calculations showed that Cr(VI) oxyanions (Cr2O72−, CrO42− and HCrO4−) bind to both sorption sites, with diethylenetriamine centers slightly favored. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra demonstrate that the chromium bound to the sorbent in the form of Cr(III), indicating that the Cr(VI) can be converted on the surface of the sorbent to a less harmful form Cr(III) due to the sorbent’s chemical composition.

A series of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was successfully synthesized for producing of CMC-g-GMA copolymer. Water-soluble CMC-g-GMA copolymer was photo-crosslinked while Irgacure-2959 was used as a UV-photo-initiator at 365 nm. On the other hand, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from sugarcane were graft-copolymerized in an aqueous solution utilizing cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) as an initiator in a redox-initiated free-radical approach. CNCs were grafted with GMA to enhance their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Factors affecting hydrogel formation, e.g. CMC-g-GMA copolymer concentration, irradiation time and incorporation of different concentration of CNCs-g-GMA nano-filler, were discussed in dependance on the swelling degree and gel fraction of the produced hydrogels. Notably, the addition of CNCs-g-GMA nanofillers increased progressively thermal stability of the prepared hydrogel. CMC-g-GMA filled with CNCs-g-GMA composite hydrogel showed antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistance pathogens. Thus, CMC-g-GMA filled with CNCs-g-GMA composite hydrogel could be endorsed as compatible biomaterials for versatile biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes to use reactive copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate and fluoroalkyl methacrylates with a low fluorine content in the monomer unit as agents to reduce the surface free energy (SFE). This work reveals the effect of the structure and composition of copolymers on the SFE and water-repellent properties of these coatings. On a smooth surface, coatings based on copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate and fluoroalkyl methacrylates with fluorine atoms in the monomer unit ranging from three to seven are characterized by SFE values in the range from 25 to 13 mN/m, which is comparable to the values for polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes and perfluoroalkyl acrylates. On textured aluminum surfaces, the obtained coatings provide time-stable superhydrophobic properties with contact angles up to 170° and sliding angles up to 2°. The possibility of using copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate and fluoroalkyl methacrylates for the creation of self-cleaning polymer coatings is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of microcapsule with self-healing and anti-corrosion function was prepared by emulsion template combined with photopolymerization and in-situ polymerization. Then the dual-functional microcapsules were dispersed in water-based epoxy resin to fabricate smart anti-corrosion coatings. In our strategy, lignosulfonate was used as an emulsifier to stabilize the oil phase composed of Tung oil, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and 1, 6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA). GMA and HDDA underwent crosslinking and formed the shell of microcapsule initiated by UV light. Aniline monomer was added to the water phase subsequently and adsorbed on the outer surface of the microcapsules through the electrostatic interaction between lignosulfonate and aniline. Finally the polyaniline (PANI) shell was synthesized subsequently via chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline initiated by ammonium persulfate in the water phase. The polyaniline microcapsules (Tung oil- PGMA@PANI) loaded with tung oil were prepared. The microcapsule has a composite shell structure, in which the PGMA shell layer can stabilize the emulsion droplet and improve the toughness of the microcapsule, the PANI shell layer gives the microcapsule anti-corrosion performance, and the loaded tung oil can give the microcapsule self-healing performance. FT-IR, TGA and SEM tests proved the successful preparation of the microcapsules, and the tung oil loading in the microcapsules reached 55.1% (mass fraction). The solvent resistance result showed that the microcapsules had strong resistance to water and common non-polar solvents. The self-healing and corrosion inhibition properties of coatings were tested by microscope and salt spray test. As the mass fraction of microcapsules was 7.5%, the defects of coating could be completely repaired after 3 d and the salt spray test results proved that the microcapsules could significantly improve the anticorrosion performance of the smart coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat resistance poly(lactic acid) PLA/ethylene butyl methacrylate glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (GEBMA)/talc composites were fabricated by melt mixing. Talc is a high aspect ratio filler that has the potential to substantially enhance the heat resistance of crystalline polymer composites. The heat resistance of PLA/GEBMA/talc composite was remarkably enhanced by incorporating a small amount of talc. GEBMA has been introduced as a compatibilizer to improve the interphase balance between the constituent PLA matrix and talc. GEBMA coated on the surface of talc and lead to closely contact with PLA during the melting process. Well-dispersed talc composites were obtained, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. The polarized optical microscopy and thermal analysis results showed that the talc acted as a heterogeneous nucleating agent promoted the crystallization of the PLA (increased the crystallization rate and reduce the crystal size). However, the high content talc affects the mechanical properties of the composites, the tensile strength and impact strength decreased. Besides, the weakened chemical reaction was found between PLA and GEBMA during melt blending. Therefore, the PLA/GEBMA/talc composites have good heat resistance properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substantial progress made in extrinsic self‐healing has been limited to microcapsules containing heat‐active polymerizable monomers. Fabrication of self‐healing microvascular and nanoparticle systems that are responsive to light is, therefore, an important task. In this study, using azobenzene‐grafted mesoporous SBA‐15 (Azo‐SBA) as the functional nanocontainer to adsorb a photoactive repair agent (glycidyl methacrylate, GMA)(GMA@Azo‐SBA), a facile yet feasible strategy is demonstrated to prepare photoresponsive self‐healing epoxy composites. The resulting composite integrates the controllable fixation and release of the repair agent driven by the isomerization of azobenzene and photo‐induced self‐healing properties under UV irradiation. The hydrogenated epoxy resin composite, incorporated with isophorone diamine (IPDA) as the curing agent and 2 wt.% GMA@Azo‐SBA and 4 wt.% photoinitiator, exhibits desirable self‐healing properties; the microcracks of the composite can be completely repaired after self‐healing for 15 min. In addition, the pyrene‐modified GMA monomer with fluorescence characteristics as a fluorescent probe is further employed to successfully visualize the fixation and release process of the repair agent under UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrialization and urbanization expansion have increased the demand for precious and rare earth elements (REEs). In addition, environmental concerns regarding the toxic effects of heavy metals on living organisms imposed an urgent need for efficient methods for their removal from wastewaters and aqueous solutions. The most efficient technique for metal ions removal from wastewaters is adsorption due to its reversibility and high efficiency. Numerous adsorbents were mentioned as possible metal ions adsorbents in the literature. Chelating polymer ligands (CPLs) with adaptable surface chemistry, high affinity towards targeted metal ions, high capacity, fast kinetics, chemically stable, and reusable are especially attractive. This review is focused on methacrylate-based magnetic and non-magnetic porous sorbents. Special attention was devoted to amino-modified glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) copolymers. Main adsorption parameters, kinetic models, adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics of the adsorption process, as well as regeneration of the polymeric sorbents were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombosis is an important factor that causes the failure of artificial biological valves in addition to calcification and immune rejection. A hydrophobic antifouling surface can improve blood compatibility by reducing the absorption of protein. In this study, porcine pericardium was cross‐linked with glycidyl methacrylate, and carbon–carbon double bonds were introduced. Then, fluoride monomer was added so that the pericardial surface would become hydrophobic and antifouling. Fluoride modification changed the hydrophilicity of the pericardium surface, and the surface water contact angle increased from 84° to 143°. Compared with unmodified pericardium, the adsorption of bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen decreased by 93.1% and 85%, respectively, and the anti‐thrombogenicity was greatly enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene phytic acid and unsaturated itaconic acid could be copolymerized insitu and cross-linked on the cotton fabrics to enhance flame-retardant and crease-proofing properties. Natural phytic acid was modified with glycidyl methacrylate and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and TG. The IR indicated that new characteristic absorption peaks appear near 1720 c/m, 1470 c/m, 1380 c/m, and 1002 c/m for the molar ratios phytic acid: glycidyl methacrylate of 1:3 or 1:6, the peaks correspond to the bending vibration of C=O, C-H, CH3, and C=O-O respectively in the glycidyl methacrylate. The 1H NMR results further confirmed the reaction between glycidyl methacrylate and phytic acid, and the TG results revealed the thermal properties of phytic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross‐linked cationic polyvinyl alcohol (CPVA) is obtained by solution polymerization using vinyl acetate (VAc) and N‐(isobutoxymethyl)acrylamide (IBMA) as main raw materials and free radical co‐polymerization using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DM) as modified monomers. The structure is characterized by HNMR. The effects of DM monomer on the properties of CPVA are investigated. It turns out that CPVA dispersion is a Bingham fluid with good stability. The particle size of CPVA reaches minimum and the value is 147.2 nm, which is in favor of infiltration into the paper. It is more suitable for the DM dosage ranging from 2% to 2.5% in light of the mechanical properties of CPVA film. The obtained CPVA is amorphous and the degree of crystallinity is decreased. When used as surface sizing agent for paper, the water absorption of the sizing paper reaches minimum and the folding resistance reaches maximum when DM is 2.5%. The maximum dry and wet tensile indexes of the paper are increased by 190.71% and 331.09%, respectively. SEM results shows that the larger pores between the paper fibers are filled and cross‐linked after CPVA sizing, which is beneficial to the improvement of paper strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion exchange chromatography was created using a polymer-based monolithic column as a strong cation-exchange column with various function groups. Acrylic acid (A. acid), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), and acryl amid were used to make monolithic columns via free radical polymerization (A. amid). The epoxy rings were then sulfonated at 70°C using Na2SO3. A model of common cation of Ni(II) spectrophotometry was used to assess the monolithic column, which was compared to atomic absorption approach. The LOD and LOQ were 0.001 g/mL and 0.002 g/mL, respectively, while the linearity (R2) was 0.9980. FTIR, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the cation-exchange columns (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model for the kinetics, composition and molar mass development of the bulk reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and styrene (St), at several GMA molar feed fractions at 103 °C, in the presence of 2-cyano isopropyl dodecyl trithiocarbonate as the RAFT agent and 1,1′-azobis(cyclohexane carbonitrile), as the initiator, is presented. The copolymerization proceeded in a controlled manner and dispersities of the copolymers remained narrow even at high conversions. Experimental data and calculated profiles of conversion versus time, composition versus conversion and molar mass development for the RAFT copolymerization of St and GMA agreed well for all conditions tested, including high-conversion regions. The kinetic rate constants associated with the RAFT- related reactions and diffusion-controlled parameters were properly estimated using a weighted nonlinear multivariable regression procedure. The mathematical model developed in this study may be used as an aid in the design and upscaling of industrial RAFT polymerization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a two component microgel assembly using soft anisometric microgels that interlink to create a 3D macroporous construct for cell growth is reported. Reactive microgel rods with variable aspect ratio are produced via microfluidics in a continuous plug‐flow on‐chip gelation method by photoinitiated free‐radical polymerization of star‐polyethylene glycol‐acrylate with glycidyl methacrylate or 2‐aminoethyl methacrylate comonomers. The resulting complementary epoxy‐ and amine‐functionalized microgels assemble and interlink with each other via a ring opening reaction, resulting in macroporous constructs with pores up to several hundreds of micrometers. The level of crosslinking depends on the functionalization degree of the microgels, which also affects the stiffness and cell adhesiveness of the microgels when modified with the cell‐adhesive GRGDS‐PC peptide. Therefore, 3D spreading and growth of cells inside the macroporous structure is influenced not only by the presence of macropores but also by the mechanical and biochemical properties of the individual microgels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The preparation of particles with non-spherical shapes is a challenging endeavor, often requiring a significant ingenuity, complex experimental procedures and difficulties to obtain reproducible results. In this work we prove that monodisperse non-spherical polymer particles possessing asymmetric Janus structure can be easily produced by using an activated swelling method in combination with a control of the rate of free radical polymerization through the addition of the inhibitors 4-methoxyphenol (MEHQ) and O 2. Monodisperse non cross-linked polystyrene particles, used as seeds, are activated by the addition of an initiator, which promotes their swelling ability, and then swollen with a monomers mixture (methyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), before being polymerized in presence of both MEHQ and O 2. Our results show that only when both MEHQ and O 2 are present during the course of the polymerization, the particles shape can be controlled, from spherical to asymmetrical. A variety of particles shapes can be obtained, ranging from dimpled spheres, flattened spheres and Janus particles by varying the swelling ratio, always with excellent monodispersity and reproducibility. Finally, to provide even more complex functionalities to these non-spherical polymer particles, iron oxide nanocrystals were grown within the polymer matrix resulting in superparamagnetic particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science of Sintering is the property of National Library of Serbia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Plastics Science & Technology / Suliao Ke-Ji is the property of Plastics Science & Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Forest Products Industry is the property of China Forest Products Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Drying of the warp sizing in yarn preparation is an extremely energy-consuming process in yarn preparation, herein, a cross-linked polyacrylate sizing with remarkable quick-drying characteristic was synthesized via emulsion polymerization to address this problem. The molecular structure, dissolving state and film forming characteristics of polyacrylate were investigated compared with starch and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) sizing agent. Different from starch and PVA in which the molecular chain is fully extended in aqueous solution, the drying rate of polyacrylate in the form of emulsion particles shows significantly faster. The drying rate of polyacrylate emulsion agent (PEA) can be further enhanced via cross-linked by glycidyl methacrylate which will not sacrifice other sizing properties. Taking into account of the low temperature solubility, quick-drying property as well as its excellent sizing characteristics, the prepared cross-linked PEA possessed a broad application prospect in quick-drying yarn sizing field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the possibility of strength improvement and energy absorption of carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites by matrix modification. In this study, the mechanical properties of bisphenol-A epoxy matrix and carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites were modified with four different wt.% of star-shaped polymer n -butyl methacrylate (P n -BMA) block glycidyl methacrylate (PGMA). The tensile strength of the epoxy with 1 wt.% star-shaped polymer showed 128% increase in comparison to unmodified epoxy samples. Two different wt.% were then used for the modification of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composite samples. Tensile tests and low-velocity impact tests were conducted for characterising modified samples. Tensile test results performed showed a slight improvement in the tensile strength and modulus of the composite. Low-velocity impact tests showed that addition of 1 wt.% star-shaped polymer additives increase composite energy absorption by 53.85%, compared to pure epoxy composite specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of post-impact specimens displays fracture modes and bonding between the matrix and fibre in the composites. These results demonstrate the potential of a novel star-shaped polymer as an additive material for automotive composite parts, where energy absorption is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) blends with different toughening agents were prepared by melt compounding, and the effects of toughening agents on the toughness of PLA, especially the low-temperature toughness, were investigated. All blends were immiscible systems, but the rheological Cole-Cole diagram showed that the blends had certain compatibility, and the interfacial bonding of PLA/Ethylene/butyl methacrylate/Glycidyl Methacrylate Terpolymer (GEBMA) blend was the best. With addition of the toughening agents, all blends showed improvement of the tensile and impact toughness both at room temperature and low temperature. GEBMA was the best toughening agent, the elongation at break and impact strength at room temperature and low temperature were greatly improved. The elongation at break, tensile strength and impact strength of PLA blend with 20 wt% GEBMA at −20 °C was 55.8 MPa, 195.9% and 18.8 kJ/m2, respectively, which showed the reinforcement and super ductility at low temperature. However, the toughening effect of Poly (propylene carbonate) polyurethane (PPCU) at low temperature was poor. The T g and interfacial bonding were the main factors affecting the toughness of the blends, especially at low temperature. The lower the T g and the better the interfacial bonding, the better the toughness of the blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Authors are encouraged to provide a concise description of the specific application or a potential application of the work. This section is not mandatory. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was grafted onto (recycled) polyethylene (PE) to design a new adhesive with better mechanical properties compared to non-grafted PE. The effects of the amount of GMA, the amount of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) in a reactive extrusion (REX) were evaluated based on the grafting degree and efficiency of the grafted samples. Generally speaking, higher amounts of GMA led to higher functionalization degrees (FD), whereas higher amounts of DCP resulted in a lower FD due to the occurrence of more unfavorable side reactions. The influence of scCO2 showed different outcomes for the two substrates used. Higher FDs were obtained for the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) samples while, by contrast, lower FDs were obtained for the recycled polyethylene (RPE) samples when using scCO2. Additionally, adjusting the screw speed and the temperature profile of the extruder to the half-life time of the radical initiator appeared to have the highest positive impact on the FD. According to the tensile tests, all the grafted samples can withstand higher stress levels, especially the grafted RPE, compared to the non-grafted samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, PLA biocomposites were prepared by two different processing methods to evaluate two coupling agents: maleic anhydride grafted PLA (MA-g-PLA) and glycidyl methacrylate grafted PLA (GMA-g-PLA). Coupling agents were directly incorporated during extrusion before injection molding and through fiber surface treatment before dry-blending (DB) and compression molding. The biocomposites morphology was more homogeneous and with fewer voids using both coupling agents due to a better adhesion. The processing method influenced the coupling efficiency and determined the biocomposites properties. Tensile strength decreased with the agave fibers incorporation to a larger extent in DB-compression molding (from 47 to 34 MPa) than in extrusion-injection (from 55 to 51 MPa) due to the high level of compaction and dispersion achieved with high shear rate. Tensile strength was improved with both surface treatments in DB-compressed samples, while in the extrusion-injected materials, this property increased up to 67 and 59 MPa with GMA-g-PLA and MA-g-PLA, being even higher than the neat PLA. However, the excess of the coupling agent could affect its stiffness. The hydrophobic coating deposited on the surface reduced fibers hydrophilicity, and water diffusivity decreased due to a more compact internal structure, resulting in water absorption lower than 15% in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new methacrylate monomer, methyl-4-{[(methacryloyloxy)acetyl]oxy}benzoate (MMOAB) was synthesized and copolymerized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) by the free radical polymerization at 65 °C in the 1,4-dioxane solvent. The compounds are characterized by FTIR, 1H- and 13C-NMR techniques. The copolymer composition was determined from the 1H-NMR data. The microstructures of the copolymers were found from the mean sequence length and run number. Thermal properties of polymers were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods. The thermal decomposition activation energy (Ea) values were determined by Kissinger, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods. Some copolymers showed good biological activity against various microorganisms. Dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, and AC conductivity values of the copolymers were estimated with the 100 Hz–20 kHz frequencies range. The dielectric study reveals that MMOAB units improve the dielectric properties of copolymers. The variation of electrical conductivity with frequency showed that the σ value increased linearly with increasing MMOAB content. The frequency dependence of the conductivity indicates that the transmission occurs through the barrier-hopping process. In addition, impedance measurements were performed over a wide frequency range. The obtained results showed that poly(MMOAB) and its copolymers could be used to miniaturize electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scaling behavior relating the synthesis conditions with swelling degree, preparation concentration and crosslinking density of multifunctional ternary‐gels consisting of 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is reported. Swelling is controlled by DMAEMA portion of terpolymers and DMAEMA‐rich gels tended to swell more than GMA‐rich gels and increase in GMA increase polymer‐solvent interaction parameter, χ Critical conditions required for terpolymers to show phase transition are calculated as χ1=0.4993 and χ2=0.2959. Dependence of swelling degree ϕVon gel preparation concentration ν20$\nu _2^0$ as a function of solvent quality is examined. Good solvent prediction of φV≈(N¯Cν20)0.29${\varphi _V} \approx {({{{\overline N }_C}\nu _2^0})^{0.29}}$ indicates a crossover between entanglement‐dominated case and strongly cross‐linked case corresponding to low and moderate degrees of swelling. Swelling of ternary‐gels in different solvents shows that cyclohexanol is a good solvent and solubility parameter is 23.7 (MPa)1/2. Addition of hydrophobic GMA leads to a significant increase in stiffness of terpolymer gels. Increase in elastic modulus as‐prepared state is not monotonic and can be controlled by adjusting DMAEMA/GMA ratio since tertiary amine groups triggers cascading epoxy ring‐opening reaction. Reduced modulus Gr decreased with increasing swelling degree and scaling relation between modulus and swelling is found as Gr ≈ (ϕV)−0.66 which indicates that ternary‐hydrogels, limited to weak stretching regime, obey Gaussian statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of highly porous monoliths based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) crosslinked with divinylbenzene (DVB) or ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) is presented. Redox-initiated polymerization in the external (oil) phase of a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) is used. The use of the oil-soluble redox couple benzoyl peroxide/dimethyl-p-toluidine eliminates the need to heat the usually unstable GMA-based HIPEs during polymerization. The most striking feature of these cured GMA polyHIPEs is their open-cell, highly interconnected porous structure. The polyHIPEs crosslinked with EGDMA contain voids with a diameter of 10 to 13 µm, and the polyHIPEs crosslinked with DVB contain voids with a diameter of 10 to 22 µm. In both cases, the surfaces of the voids have a high density of windows with a diameter of 0.5 to 1 µm. Highly crosslinked poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) monoliths showed negligible volume shrinkage when heated to 200 °C. In order to obtain monoliths with ion-exchange groups on the surface of the pores for chromatography applications, functionalization with different multifunctional diamines was performed. FTIR spectroscopy and nitrogen content analysis were used to monitor the functionalization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel coating based on hybrid monolith with metal–organic framework (MOF) onto conventional Teflon-coated magnetic stir bars was developed. For this purpose, the external surface of the Teflon stir bar was firstly vinylized in order to immobilize a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)–based polymer onto the magnet. Then, an amino-modified MOF of type MIL-101 (NH2-MIL-101(Al)) was covalently attached to the GMA-based monolith. After the synthesis process, several parameters affecting extraction of target estrogens by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) including pH, ionic strength, extraction time, stirring rate, desorption solvent, and desorption time were also investigated. The resulting hybrid monolith was evaluated as SBSE sorbent for extraction of three estrogens (estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol) and synthetic 17β-ethinylestradiol from water and human urine samples followed by HPLC with fluorescence detection (excitation and emission wavelengths, 280 and 310 nm, respectively). Under the optimal experimental conditions, the analytical figures of the method were established, achieving satisfactory limits of detection in the range of 0.015–0.58 µg L−1, recovery results ranging from 70 to 95% with RSD less than 6%, and precision values (intra- and inter-extraction units) below 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a new phenomenon whereby the ionic content of a random ionomer was increased by the introduction of a hydrophobic modifier. In the current study, the ionomer synthesized from the solution polymerization of the three vinyl monomers, which are polar hydrophobic monomers acrylonitrile (AN), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), and ionic monomer potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate (SPM), encountered an early phase separation problem when the ionic content exceeded a certain threshold value. However, the addition of a strongly hydrophobic monomer, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl methacrylate (TFPM), during the copolymerization is able to restrain this phase separation trend, consequently allowing 50% more of SPM units to be incorporated and uniformly distributed in the ionomer and achieving a random copolymer chain. The ionic clustering of the SPM units, which is the cause for the phase separation, was reduced as a result. The resulting random ionomer was demonstrated to be a superior proton conducting material over its ternary originator. This is due to the fact that TFPM possesses acidic protons, which brings about an association of TFPM with SPM and GMA via hydrogen bonding. This study could impact the synthesis of random ionomers by free radical polymerization since monitoring ionic content and improving ionic unit distribution in ionomers are issues encountered in several industries (e.g., the healthcare industry). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melt free-radical grafting reactions between ethylene-propylene-dieneterpolymer (EPDM) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) were investigated in a batch mixer (170°C, 60rpm). Effect of dicumylperoxide (DCP) initiator and GMA functionalizing monomer concentrations was studied on the grafted EPDM characteristics. Titration results indicated an increase in the graft degree (GD) and gel content (GC) values with increasing DCP concentration as a result of increasing primary free radical concentration and strengthening cross-linking side reaction. FTIR spectrums confirmed that GMA functionalities have been grafted onto EPDM with appearing carbonyl (C=O) peak. After that, the resultant EPDM-g-GMA was used as compatibilizer in PS(polystyrene)/EPDM/PA6 (polyamide6) ternary blends. The effect of rubbery compatibilizer on the blend morphology and mechanical properties was studied. The ATR-FTIR spectra of ternary blends, etched to remove unreacted PA6, demonstrated that the compatibilizing reactions occurred during melt blending. By investigating the SEM micrographs it was revealed that the EPDM-g-GMA compatibilizer at the concentration range of 5 wt.% to 15 wt.% changed the size and type of the blend morphology from separated dispersed to multicore-shell morphology. The finest morphology was achieved by using 7.5 wt.% EPDM-g-GMA. Also, the presence of compatibilizer up to 7.5 wt.% could improve the tensile modulus, yield stress and impact strength, but a decreasing trend was observed at higher concentration of the compatibilizer.

A novel magnetic polymer/bentonite composite was prepared by suspension copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of magnetic bentonite (MB-PGME) and functionalized with ethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine (MB-PGME-ED and MB-PGME-HD). The obtained samples were characterized in terms of structure as well as thermal, magnetic and morphological properties. The sorption of rhenium (Re) and tungsten (W) from aqueous solution onto MB-PGME-ED and MB-PGME-HD was investigated considering their contact time and different initial ion concentration, giving possibility for usage of these composites as commercial sorbents. The sorption system follows the pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. The results indicated a better fit with the Freundlich isotherm model.

Using monodisperse poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) as the matrix, and pefloxacin template molecules, a novel restricted‐access medium molecularly imprinted polymers with Bovine serum albumin crosslinked on its surface was prepared through reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization. Then, the obtained material was employed in dispersive solid‐phase extraction to analyze the fluoroquinolones in untreated egg samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection. Adsorption performance revealed a good binding amount (40.72 mg/g), fast binding kinetics (25 min), satisfactory selectivity, and good ability to eliminate matrix interference. The reusability experiments indicated the materials have good reusable performance after repetition. Under the optimized conditions, restricted access media‐molecularly imprinted polymers‐dispersive solid‐phase extraction was combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet to enrich fluoroquinolones in untreated eggs, good limit of detection (1.31–3.15 μg/L) and high recovery (89.5–96.8%) were obtained. The results showed that the prepared restricted‐access material is promising for the direct detection of antibiotics in complex samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In this work, we successfully synthesize the core-shell structure carbon@titanium dioxide (C@TiO 2) composite microspheres with wrinkled surface through a three-step method and build up the relationship between the TiO 2 layer thickness and the microwave absorption property. The absorbing mechanism of the novel microsphere is revealed. Interface polymerization is applied for preparation of wrinkled poly glycidyl methacrylate/divinylbenzene polymer microspheres (PGMA/PDVB); Then, TiO 2 layer is controllably coated on the surface of PGMA/PDVB microspheres by hydrolysis of tetrabutyl titanate (TBT); C@TiO 2 composite microspheres are obtained by vacuum carbonization with PGMA/PDVB@TiO 2 microspheres as the precursor. TiO 2 layer thickness on the surface of C@TiO 2 composite microspheres can be effectively adjusted by controlling the amount of TBT. When the amount of TBT is 0.75 mL, C@TiO 2 composite microspheres exhibit the outstanding electromagnetic loss performance. The maximum reflection loss value (RLmax) reaches -49.21 dB at the thickness of 2 mm, corresponding effective absorption bandwidth is 5.27 GHz. The maximum effective absorption bandwidth is 5.5 GHz at 2.2 mm. The results show that the introduction of TiO 2 can regulate electromagnetic parameters and enhance interface polarization ability. Meanwhile, the surface wrinkle structure offers more opportunities for multiple reflections of electromagnetic and introduces a large number of defective skeleton structure. The synergy of multiple advantages makes the absorbing performance of C@TiO 2 composite microspheres significantly improved. This work plays a guiding role for the composition and the structure optimization of existing microwave absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic fibers have been widely applied for the fabrication of biomedical textiles, artificial extracellular matrix, and functional garments, as where antibacterial property is one of the indispensable features. Herein, we developed a fresh type of non‐leaching antibacterial fiber that could effectively inactivate bacteria with durable performance to circumvent above concerns. In detail, we firstly synthesized a precursor polymer (PS‐GMA) based on styrene and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) through free radical polymerization, then blended PS‐GMA with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and processed the blend into fiber through wet spinning technology. Finally, the obtained fiber was covalently modified by polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB). The experimental results showed that the resultant fiber (named as PGPs) exhibited a strong bactericidal ability to both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as maintained excellent antibacterial properties even after ultraviolet irradiation for 7 days or 50 washing cycles. Furthermore, we explored the sterilization mechanism with respect to the bacterial morphologies and the activity of the respiratory chain dehydrogenase. In addition, the biocidal efficacy of the prepared fiber could remain approximately 100% after eight consecutive antibacterial cycles. Collectively, this work exhibited an attempt in exploitation of the intrinsically antibacterial fiber with long‐run function duration by an economical tactic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is an irreplaceable structural and biodegradable material, which is subject to swelling, shrinkage, significant deformation of structural elements, and products when its moisture content changes. This paper proposes wood surface modification with reactive copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate and alkyl methacrylates to impart superhydrophobic properties with initial contact angles up to 166°. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to study the features of polymer coating formation and to determine the modifier penetration depth, which was more than 1000 μm. It has been shown that copolymers do not fill the initial capillary system of wood. Modified wood is characterized by stable water‐repellent properties with low‐water diffusion rates, with the water absorption rate reduced by more than three times compared to that of initial wood. Polymer coatings provide water repellency, retain the appearance of original wood, and provide increased buoyancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, four novel and bio-based hydrogel samples using sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan (CH) grafted with acrylamide (AAm) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and their reinforced nanocomposites with graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized and coded as SA-g-(AAm-co-GMA), CH-g-(AAm-co-GMA), GO/SA-g-(AAm-co-GMA), and GO/CH-g-(AAm-co-GMA), respectively. The morphology, net charge, and water absorption capacity of samples were entirely changed by switching the biopolymer from SA to CH and adding a nano-filler. The proficiencies of hydrogels were compared in the immobilization of a model metagenomic-derived xylanase (PersiXyn9). The best performance was observed for GO/SA-g-poly(AAm-co-GMA) sample indicating better stabilizing electrostatic attractions between PersiXyn9 and reinforced SA-based hydrogel. Compared to the free enzyme, the immobilized PersiXyn9 on reinforced SA-based hydrogel showed a 110.1% increase in the released reducing sugar and almost double relative activity after 180 min storage. While immobilized enzyme on SA-based hydrogel displayed 58.7% activity after twelve reuse cycles, the enzyme on CH-based carrier just retained 8.5% activity after similar runs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among commercial biodegradable polyesters, poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) has been rarely investigated for packaging applications, despite its unique advantages such as 100% compostability, high degree of crystallinity, high thermal stability and high gas barrier properties. The application of PGA has been limited by its mechanical brittleness, moisture sensitivity, and high melting temperature (~240°C), restricting its processing and applications for film packaging. In this study, PGA was modified by blending with poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) via melt‐extrusion. A commercial terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic ester and glycidyl methacrylate (EMA‐GMA) was selected for compatibilization. The phase morphology, rheology, thermal, mechanical and gas barrier properties of the blends were investigated. With addition of 20 wt. % EMA‐GMA, the elongation of PGA/PBAT (50/50 wt. %) blends was improved from 10.7% to 145%, the oxygen permeability was reduced from 125 to 103 (cm3 mm)/(m2 24 h atm), and the water vapor barrier performance was improved by ~47%. The enhancement in ductility, oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of the flexible blends were ascribed to the interfacial bonding between PBAT and PGA enabled by EMA‐GMA. The compatibilized PGA/PBAT blends with high thermal stability up to 300°C are preferable for high temperature or hot food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scandium is a rare earth element that has a wide range of uses in modern technology. The conventional recovery of scandium is commonly done by solvent extraction using organophosphorus compounds. This process however produces a lot of waste extractants. To circumvent this challenge, a model organophosphorus compound phenylphosphinic acid (PPI) was immobilized to a polymer support fabric to produce a Sc(III) adsorbent for high throughput scandium recovery with less waste generation. Polymer support (PP‐g‐PGMA) for the organophosphorus compound was synthesized using radiation‐induced graft polymerization. Successful post‐polymer modification of the PGMA grafts to attach PPI groups was carried out using 1 M PPI in isopropanol at 80°C for 4 h, achieving a maximum functional group density of 1.32 mmol/g. The obtained PP‐g‐PGMA‐PPI fabrics were used in the batch Sc(III) adsorption experiments. The results showed that PP‐g‐PGMA‐PPI effectively adsorbed low concentrations of Sc(III) at a pH of at least 2.0. More than 98% adsorption was achieved using 1 ppm Sc(III). The synthesized adsorbent was also shown to be selective for Sc(III) even in the presence of Fe(III) and Al(III) ions. PP‐g‐PGMA‐PPI adsorbent fabrics are therefore promising alternatives to solvent extraction methods and ion‐exchange granular resin technologies in the recovery of scandium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, commercial artificial biological valves are mostly prepared by crosslinking bovine or porcine pericardia with glutaraldehyde. Swim bladder has similar components and lower immunogenicity compared to bovine or porcine pericardium. In this study, we used a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)–based radical polymerization method to crosslink decellularized swim bladders. Amino and carboxyl groups in the swim bladder were reacted with epoxy groups on GMA to introduce carbon–carbon double bonds to the swim bladder. The results showed that the platelet adhesion of GMA-crosslinked swim bladders (GMA-SBs) decreased by 35%, as compared to that of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked swim bladders (GLUT-SBs). Moreover, the superior anticoagulant property was further verified by the ex vivo arteriovenous shunt assay. Meanwhile, the subcutaneous implantation in rats showed that GMA-SBs were able to effectively inhibit the calcification compared with GLUT-SBs. In conclusion, GMA-SBs showed improved antithrombotic and anticalcification properties compared to GLUT-SBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct photolysis reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of (meth)acrylates is developed with 2‐cyano‐2‐propyldodecyl trithiocarbonate (TTP), which plays the dual role as photoinitiator and chain transfer agent. The polymerizations can be efficiently activated by blue light while maintaining a linear increase in Mn versus conversion. With poly(methyl methacrylate)‐TTP (PMMA‐TTP, Mn = 6700 g mol–1, Ð = 1.29) as precursor, a higher molecular weight PMMA (Mn = 14 600 g mol–1, Ð = 1.67) by chain extension, and a series of block copolymers, including poly(methyl methacryalte)‐b‐poly(glycidyl methacrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(tert‐butyl methacrylate), and poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(benzyl meacrylate)(PMMA‐b‐PBnMA), are prepared. The Mn,NMR = 14 900 g mol–1 of PMMA‐b‐PBnMA measured by NMR is very close to Mn,GPC = 14 200 g mol–1 determined by gel permeation chromatography. Furthermore, the polymerization of acrylates exhibits higher controllability in regarding to dispersity (Ð < 1.20) compared to those of polymethacrylates (Ð = 1.10–1.80). With poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA‐TTP, Mn = 11 900 g mol–1, Ð = 1.09) as macro‐RAFT agent, a higher molecular weight PMA (Mn = 23 500 g mol–1, Ð = 1.28) by chain extension, and PMA‐b‐PBnA (Mn = 26 500 g mol–1, Ð = 1.19) are also prepared. A positive synergic effect is demonstrated by enhanced apparent polymerization rates at elevated temperature. For example, the apparent polymerization rates of MA increases from 0.0860 to 0.115 h–1 with temperature rising from 32 to 50 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) modified poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate- glycidyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA-GMA)] cryogels were prepared by base-catalyzed CNC addition. Resultant cryogels were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2-adsorption methods. As expected, the CNC-modified cryogels' ability to retain water (~ 600 mg/g cryogel) was high leading to increased diffusion of the analyte to the adsorbent flow channels. To increase the functionality of polymeric adsorbent towards anions, iron (II) metal cations were immobilized onto the polymeric adsorbent and quantified by an electrochemical method. Methyl orange was chosen as model anionic dye molecule and adsorption studies were conducted at different pH levels, target concentrations and times of binding. Advantages of CNC addition and Fe(II) cation immobilization were determined against unmodified poly(HEMA-GMA) cryogels. It was found that 455 mg/g of the Fe(II) immobilized polymer (25% removal) was optimal for adsorption resulting in the removal of approximately 55.75 mg/g (17.25%) for the methyl orange at a concentration of 100 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: As the global population grows, large quantities of agrochemicals are used to secure food demand and there is an urgent need to develop efficient and environmentally friendly pesticides and fertilizers. Compared with traditional pesticides, nanopesticide formulations can achieve better foliar wettability, chemical stability, and water dispersibility without or with the minimal use of organic solvents, in line with the development of sustainable agriculture. RESULTS: In this research, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was used as an intermediate and glycine methyl ester (GLY) was used as an organic nitrogen source to modify carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to synthesize a pesticide nanocarrier CMC‐PGMA‐GLY. A nanopesticide EB@CMC‐PGMA‐GLY (EB@CPG) was formed by the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions of emamectin benzoate (EB), which had good water dispersion. The good affinity of the composite towards leaves led to the effective moistening of the leaf surface by the pesticide and through the pH control pesticide release. Biological experiments show that nanopesticides can maintain high insecticidal activity and have no toxicity to seed germination. The results of pot experiment showed that the nanocarriers could be used as an organic nitrogen fertilizer to increase the fresh weight of plants by 39.77%. CONCLUSIONS: This environmentally friendly pesticide carrier can be used as a fertilizer to provide sufficient nutrients for crops, opening a new method for the development of sustainable agriculture. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work focuses on the synthesis of a proton exchange membrane to be assembled in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) for simultaneous bioelectricity production and domestic wastewater treatment. The indigenous membrane was prepared by ionizing irradiation-induced graft copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and vinyl acetate (VAc) onto low-density polyethylene and subsequently, the prepared grafted sheets were sulfonated via epoxy ring-opening of PGMA moieties. Parameters affecting the grafting degree were investigated and the prepared membranes were characterized by investigating their structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. Some physicochemical characteristics including ion exchange capacity, sulfonation density, and proton conductivity were also evaluated. The data confirmed the success of the preparation protocol to obtain a suitable membrane for the proposed application. Moreover, the performance of the assembled MFC was thoroughly investigated through the evaluation of its electrochemical behaviour including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, columbic efficiency, and wastewater treatment capability. The sulfonated LDPE-g-P(GMA-co-VAc) membrane of 80% grafting degree shows substantial removal of chemical oxygen demand up to about 90% with columbic efficiency of 10.1%, columbic recovery of 8.7%, rate of energy harvest of 2.1 C/h and power density of 2.72 W m−2. However, the use of 10 mM of KMnO4 as electron acceptor drastically increase the harvested power density to reach 356.4 W m−2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, cassava starch was used as the main raw material to prepare high performance and environment-friendly starch-based adhesive. Starch was grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), and then cross-linked with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). Before preparation of plywood, polyaryl polymethylene isocyanate (PAPI) was mixed as chain extension agent. Prepared starch adhesives are used in wood-based panel applications. From the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, it was found that GMA was successfully grafted to the starch adhesives which improved the hydrophobicity and shear strength of the adhesive. The plywood using modified starch adhesive at pH 4.50–5.50 showed the highest wet shear strength, 1.00 MPa, which was 163% higher than that using unmodified starch adhesive. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the original morphology of starch particles were destroyed and became smaller during GMA grafting, which made the modified starch-based adhesive easier to penetrate into the bonding interface of plywood. The characterization results of the adhesive film also showed that the mechanical properties of the adhesive were better when the grafting reaction pH was 4.50–5.50. Graft copolymerization modification of starch improves the hydrophobic properties of starch binders. [Display omitted] • Highly hydrophobic and environmentally friendly starch adhesives were synthesized. • The wet shear strength was increased by 163% after Graft copolymerization. • The adhesive film became smoother and more uniform after graft copolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were synthesized from graphite by a liquid-phase exfoliation (layer separation) method, and their surfaces were functionalized with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) by using the rotatingbed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses were performed to characterize the unmodified (u-GNP) and modified GNP (PGMA-GNP). Epoxy nanocomposites were prepared with both types of GNPs at different loading levels (0.1-2% by weight). The role of the surface modification of the GNPs on the mechanical, thermal, electrical conductivity, contact angle, water sorption, and corrosion properties of the epoxy nanocomposite coatings was also investigated. Consequently, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the epoxy resin (ER)/PGMA-GNP nanocomposites were enhanced by 10.2-20 and 3.3-18.4%, respectively, as compared to the ER/u-GNP composites. Moreover, the nanocomposites prepared with PGMA-GNP had better water sorption and wettability properties than those prepared with u-GNP, but lower electrical conductivity. The corrosion test results showed that the addition of GNPs to epoxy effectively improved the corrosion resistance of the epoxy composites in high salinity, basic, and acidic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terpolymers are used to generate bio‐decomposable self‐assemblies. PEG‐PVL‐PGMA terpolymers are synthesized via a combination of organocatalyzed living radical polymerization (RCMP) with polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA), generating vesicle, multicompartment micelle (MCM), and core‐compartmentalized worm (CCW), where PEG, PVL, and PGMA are poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether, poly(δ‐valerolactone), and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and PGMA is grown during the PISA. MCM and CCW are uniquely obtainable using terpolymers. The PVL segment is biodegradable, and the obtained assemblies are bio‐decomposable. Heavy metal‐free and sulfur‐free synthesis and bio‐decomposability of the assemblies are attractive features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first step of this study, 2‐[(methoxy‐1,3‐benzothiazole‐2‐yl)amino]‐2‐oxoethyl methacrylate (MBAOM) monomer was synthesized and characterized. Then, a series copolymers were obtained by free‐radical copolymerization method of MBAOM and glycidyl methacrylate, which is a commercial monomer at 65°C in 1,4‐dioxane solvent. Structural characterizations of synthesized monomer and copolymers were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C‐NMR) instruments. The composition of the copolymers was estimated by elemental analysis. The thermal behaviors of all the polymers have been investigated using the differential scanning calorimetry and the thermogravimetric analysis. A kinetic study of the thermal decomposition of copolymers was investigated using thermogravimetric analyzer with non‐isothermal methods selected for analyzing solid‐state kinetics data. The activation energy (Ea) values were calculated via Kissinger and Ozawa models in a period of α = 0.10–0.80. Photostability of the copolymers was investigated. Also, the biological activity of the copolymers against different bacterial and fungal species has been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]