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The present study involved the preparation of Zein/Poly (Ɛ-caprolactone)/Poly (ethylene oxide) (Zein/PCL/PEO) nanofiber loaded with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) using the electrospinning process. These Nanofibers were intended for topical medication delivery applications to increase the drug delivery rate and minimise application times. In the present study, silver sulfadiazine was initially introduced into (Zein/PCL/PEO) nanofiber. The characterisation of nanofiber mat involved using Attenuated Total reflective Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess the chemical interaction between SSD and the polymer matrix. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique was employed to study the surface morphology of the nanofibers. To improve the solubility, effective drug release, and efficient drug loading of SSD, composite nanofiber carriers consisting of (Zein/PCL/PEO) were electrospun by the identification of best formula using Design Expert® software, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was used to identify the crystalline state of the pure SSD, (Zein/PCL/PEO) polymers and SSD loaded (Zein/PCL/PEO) nanofibers selected adsorbent. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos demonstrated the successful production of composite nanofibers that exhibited a consistent and smooth surface morphology. The nanofibers' diameter decreased upon introducing SSD and the findings of many experimental outcomes have consistently indicated that composite nanofibers consisting of (Zein/PCL/PEO) loaded with SSD exhibit significant promise for topical medication delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion-conducting thin nanocomposite polymer electrolyte films were prepared by solution casting technique using poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and sodium lauryl sulfate (NaC12H25SO4) salt complexation in the ratio 30:1. Fine nanoparticles of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) were incorporated into the polymer matrix at various weight percentages. The XRD pattern exhibited the amorphous nature of the novel nanocomposite polymer electrolyte thin films, and FTIR studies showed the complexation and the incorporation of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The maximum ionic conductivity of 3.76 × 10−6 Scm−1 was obtained for the sample with 5 wt.% of Fe2O3. Thermal and morphological studies showed a reduction in the degree of crystallinity of the polymer material. The electrochemical cell was fabricated at room temperature (304 K) using the chosen best conducting thin nanocomposite polymer film with an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.255 V and a short circuit current (SCC) of 648 µA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial potential of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) is significant due to their ability to combine the advantages of both inorganic and polymer solid electrolytes. However, the unstable interface and insufficient ionic conductivity remain important challenges in practical applications of CPEs for achieving high-performance solid-state lithium batteries (SLBs). Herein, we construct a double-layer composite polymer electrolyte (D-CPE) by incorporating nanosized TiO 2 fillers with adjustable concentrations of oxygen vacancies into poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolyte composites. In the D-CPE structure, one CPE layer containing TiO 2 fillers with oxygen vacancies exclusively interfaces with the LiFePO 4 cathode, while the other CPE layer consisting of pristine TiO 2 fillers (with negatively charged surfaces) solely contacts the lithium anode. This design of D-CPE achieves high ionic conductivity, a broad electrochemical window, and interfacial stability without additional resistance at the electrolyte-electrolyte interface simultaneously. The LiFePO 4 /D-CPEs/Li battery exhibits excellent cycling stability at 0.1 C, maintaining a capacity of 157.2 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 99.1% after 100 cycles. Furthermore, even at 0 °C, it delivers an impressive discharge capacity of 133.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. This work presents a simple and effective approach to achieving superior polymer-based electrolytes for high-performance solid-state lithium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of three different compositions of the Mg(BH4)2:polyethylene oxide (PEO):propylene carbonate (PC) polymer gel electrolyte with Mg(BH4)2:PEO molar ratios of 1:8, 1:10, and 1:12 was studied. The composition with Mg(BH4)2:PEO = 1:10 exhibited the highest ionic conductivity of 7.60 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 30 °C. The effect of TiO2 nanofiller on ionic conductivity enhancement was studied for Mg(BH4)2:PEO:PC:TiO2 polymer gel electrolyte by varying the TiO2 weight ratio from 0 to 12.5 wt.%. The highest ionic conductivity of 17.95 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 30 °C was exhibited by the electrolyte composition with 10 wt% of TiO2 nanofiller. The optimized electrolytes had a Mg++ cationic transference number of 0.22 for the filler free electrolyte and 0.30 for the TiO2 10wt% filler incorporated electrolyte. Both electrolytes had negligible electronic conductivity. A more than two-fold increase in the ionic conductivity and a 30% increase in Mg++ ion transference number can be attributed to the nanofiller effect caused by TiO2. This preliminary study shows the possibility of developing this PEO-based polymer gel electrolyte to be used in rechargeable Mg ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Additive of 1-adamantanecarbonitrile is used to strengthen the poly(ethylene oxide) based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). LiF-based integral cathode/SPE and Li/SPE interfaces are generated. The NMC811/Li all-solid-state performs stable cycle at 45 °C (1000, 80%).

Highlights: Additive of 1-adamantanecarbonitrile is used to strengthen the poly(ethylene oxide) based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). LiF-based integral cathode/SPE and Li/SPE interfaces are generated. The NMC811/Li all-solid-state performs stable cycle at 45 °C (1000, 80%). The interfacial instability of the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolytes impedes the long-term cycling and further application of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries. In this work, we have shown an effective additive 1-adamantanecarbonitrile, which contributes to the excellent performance of the poly(ethylene oxide)-based electrolytes. Owing to the strong interaction of the 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile to the polymer matrix and anions, the coordination of the Li+-EO is weakened, and the binding effect of anions is strengthened, thereby improving the Li+ conductivity and the electrochemical stability. The diamond building block on the surface of the lithium anode can suppress the growth of lithium dendrites. Importantly, the 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile also regulates the formation of LiF in the solid electrolyte interface and cathode electrolyte interface, which contributes to the interfacial stability (especially at high voltages) and protects the electrodes, enabling all-solid-state batteries to cycle at high voltages for long periods of time. Therefore, the Li/Li symmetric cell undergoes long-term lithium plating/stripping for more than 2000 h. 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile-poly(ethylene oxide)-based LFP/Li and 4.3 V Ni0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2/Li all-solid-state batteries achieved stable cycles for 1000 times, with capacity retention rates reaching 85% and 80%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining core-sheath fibers by single-spinneret electrospinning is a recent and straightforward approach to prepare composite fibers. Fibers of more complex architecture consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) core, inner poly(Llactide) sheath sd and outer beeswax (BW) sheath may also be obtained using this method. In the present study we report its applicability for a large series of (bio)degradable polyesters such as poly(e-caprolactone), poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), poly(butylene succinate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and poly(L-lactideco- D,L-lactide). The fibers have a well-differentiated PEO core, polyester inner sheath and BW outer sheath. The possibility for targeted location of hydrophilic or hydrophobic substances in the core or in the sheaths of the PEO/polyester/BW fibers has been demonstrated using nanosized zinc oxide with unmodified (hydrophilic) or silanized (hydrophobic) surface. PEO/polyester/BW fibrous materials loaded with a model drug (5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline) exhibit antimicrobial activity. The obtained results show that single-spinneret electrospinning is a novel and versatile method to prepare core-double sheath composite fibers prospective for various applications such as biomedicine, cosmetics, and food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the use of biodegradable polymers has become widespread in a wide range of industries. This research scrutinized the physical, mechanical, and rheological properties of poly (lactic acid)/poly (ethylene oxide)/carbon nanotube (PLA/PEO/CNTs) blend nanocomposites, as a good candidate for usage in the packaging industry. PEO and CNTs were added at various concentrations to improve the flexibility, toughness, gas permeability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of PLA via solution blending. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), water contact angle (WCA), rheometric mechanical spectrometer (RMS) test, gas permeability, and tensile characterization were performed to characterize the properties of the prepared blends and nanocomposites. The experimental results revealed that the addition of 25 wt% PEO to the PLA matrix made a partially miscible blend with a droplet‐matrix morphology. PEO at this concentration increased the elongation at break (from 2.2% to 18%) while reducing the modulus (from 25 to 6 MPa). Also, the experimental results indicated that the miscibility of PLA and PEO was enhanced by the addition of 1 wt% CNTs to the prepared blend, associated with diminished entropy of mixing in the LCST phase diagram. Theoretical calculations predicted that the CNTs would be localized in the PLA phase which increased the total crystallinity of the sample by 28%, considerably reducing the amount of gas permeation into the nanocomposite. In addition, the introduction of the CNTs to the blend increased the elongation at break and tensile strength by 13% compared to pure PLA and lowered the rate of thermal degradation effectively. Also, the final results showed that the COOH‐CNTs located in the PEO phase caused a decline in the crystallinity and an increase in the gas permeability of the prepared nanocomposite. Highlights: Improvement of physical properties of PLA by blending with PEO and CNTs.A deep investigation on rheological behavior of the prepared nanocomposite.Increasing the crystallinity degree of PLA/PEO blend by adding CNTs.Improvement of the miscibility between PLA and PEO in the presence of CNTs.Controlling the CNTs localization by surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO)-based derivative (PN-DOPO) combined with aluminium phosphates-coated sepiolite (Sep@AlPO4) was used to improve the flame retardance, thermal stability and mechanical performances of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends. The synergistic effects of PN-DOPO and Sep@AlPO4 on flame-retarded PEO/PBAT composites were systematically discussed. Results indicated that introducing 5 wt% Sep@AlPO4 with 10 wt% PN-DOPO into PEO/PBAT achieved a V-1 rating for the UL-94 test and increased the limiting oxygen index value to 23.7%. Moreover, the peak heat release rate (p-HRR), average HRR and total heat release values of PEO/PBAT/PN10%/Sep5% composites decreased by 35.6%, 11.0% and 23.0% compared with those of PEO/PBAT, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results confirmed that PN-DOPO/Sep@AlPO4 enhanced the initial thermal stability and char yield of PEO/PBAT matrix, and TGA/Fourier transform infrared spectrometry results revealed that the composites exhibited the characteristic absorption peaks of phosphorous-containing groups and an increase in gas-phase volatiles during thermal degradation. The morphological structures of the residues indicated that PN-DOPO and Sep@AlPO4 mixtures produced a more dense and continuous char layer on the composite surface during burning. Rheological behaviour revealed that higher complex viscosity and modulus values of PEO/PBAT/PN-DOPO/Sep@AlPO4 sample could also promote the crosslinking network structure of condensed phases during combustion. Furthermore, the PEO/PBAT/PN-DOPO/Sep@AlPO4 composites exhibited superior elongation at break and flexural performance than the PEO/PBAT system. All results demonstrated that the PEO/PBAT system modified with PN-DOPO/Sep@AlPO4 showed remarkable flame retardance, and improved thermal stability and mechanical properties, indicating its potential application in areas requiring fire safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-inorganic CsPbI3−xBrx perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are becoming increasingly mature due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, because of the poor environmental stability of the perovskite material, the device is susceptibly decomposed when exposed to moisture, high temperature, and high illumination. Therefore, a critical task is to address the problem of poor long-term stability in the environment, which serves as a significant obstacle impeding the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. This article introduces the incorporation of PEO into all-inorganic CsPbI3−xBrx perovskites with an advantageous thermal stability. PEO acts as a passivating agent near the grain boundary, and its high viscosity characteristics effectively improve the film-forming properties, leading to a substantial reduction in defects and to improving the surface uniformity. In addition, the grain boundaries that serve as water and oxygen penetration channels are filled, resulting in a substantial improvement in device stability. With 7.5 mg/mL PEO doping into CsPbI3−xBrx, the unencapsulated device maintained its original power conversion efficiency of 98% after being placed in a dark environment of 40% humidity and 25 °C for 10 days. Using PEO effectively enhanced the performance of the devices, with the highest PCE reaching 10.95%, significantly improving environmental stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, electrospun nanofiber mats were fabricated by mixing different ratios (96:4, 95:5, 94:6, 93:7, and 92:8) of Persian gum (PG) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO). The SEM micrographs revealed that the nanofibers obtained from 93% PG and 7% PEO were bead-free and uniform. Therefore, it was selected as the optimized ratio of PG:PEO for the development of antimicrobial nanofibers loaded with ɛ-Polylysine (ɛ-PL). All of the spinning solutions showed pseudoplastic behavior and the viscosity decreased by increasing the shear rate. Additionally, the apparent viscosity, G′, and G″ of the spinning solutions increased as a function of PEO concentration, and the incorporation of ɛ-PL did not affect these parameters. The electrical conductivity of the solutions decreased when increasing the PEO ratio and with the incorporation of ɛ-PL. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed the compatibility of polymers. The antimicrobial activity of nanofibers against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was investigated, and the samples loaded with ɛ-PL demonstrated stronger antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is an important biodegradable plastic with unique properties. However, its widespread application is hindered by its low miscibility and suboptimal degradation properties. To overcome these limitations, we investigated the mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties of PLA and poly (butylene sebacate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBSeT) blends in the presence of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO). Specifically, this study aimed to identify the effects of PEO as a compatibilizer and hydrolysis accelerator in PLA/PBSeT blends. PLA (80%) and PBSeT (20%) were melt blended with various PEO contents (2–10 phr), and their mechanical, thermal, and hydrolytic properties were analyzed. All PEO‐treated blends exhibited a higher elongation at break than that of the control sample, and the tensile strength was slightly reduced. In the PEO 10% sample, the elongation at break increased to 800% of that of the control sample. Differential scanning chromatography (DSC) analysis confirmed that when PEO was added to the PLA/PBSeT blends, the two glass transition temperatures (Tg) narrowed, resulting in improved miscibility of PLA and PBSeT. In addition, the hydrolytic degradation of the PLA/PBSeT/PEO blend accelerated as the PEO content increased. It was confirmed that PEO can act as a compatibilizer and hydrolysis‐accelerating agent for PLA/PBSeT blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly conductive and stable solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) will make a dramatic impact on electrochemical applications. This paper reports the electron beam (EB) induced modifications of structural, electrical and electrochemical properties of poly (ethylene oxide)-based SPEs. FT-IR and SEM characterizations confirm the structural rearrangements and crystallinity reduction in irradiated films due to degradation effects. The electrical and dielectric studies imply that dielectric permittivity (ε), and conductivity values increased after irradiation. The intensity of the well-defined relaxation peaks (tanδ) increased and also, the peak position is shifted toward the higher frequency with dose is attributed to increase in mobile charge carriers density or dipolar molecules formed in the irradiated films. The amorphocity of the films increases with radiation dose due to scissoring and cross-linking of polymer chains. At room temperature, the ionic conductivity of the non-irradiated sample is ~ 1.55310−5 Scm−1 and increases with dose, reaching a maximum value of ~ 3.4 × 10−4 Scm−1 for 100 kGy. The Cyclic Voltammetry study confirms that the modified polymer electrolyte film shows the ideal capacitive behavior and specific capacitance values significantly improved after EB irradiation due to a high-surface-area and increase in the charge carrier concentration. Hence, these modified polymer electrolyte films are a promising material for battery, supercapacitor, and fuel cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, electrospun nanofiber mats were fabricated by mixing different ratios (96:4, 95:5, 94:6, 93:7, and 92:8) of Persian gum (PG) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO). The SEM micrographs revealed that the nanofibers obtained from 93% PG and 7% PEO were bead-free and uniform. Therefore, it was selected as the optimized ratio of PG:PEO for the development of antimicrobial nanofibers loaded with ɛ-Polylysine (ɛ-PL). All of the spinning solutions showed pseudoplastic behavior and the viscosity decreased by increasing the shear rate. Additionally, the apparent viscosity, G′, and G″ of the spinning solutions increased as a function of PEO concentration, and the incorporation of ɛ-PL did not affect these parameters. The electrical conductivity of the solutions decreased when increasing the PEO ratio and with the incorporation of ɛ-PL. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed the compatibility of polymers. The antimicrobial activity of nanofibers against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was investigated, and the samples loaded with ɛ-PL demonstrated stronger antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.

A series of enzymatic degradation experiments were designed to examine the surface morphology of phase separated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend films. Candida antarctica Lipase B (CALB), previously reported to have superior degradation selectivity when used at low concentrations, was utilized to selectively dissect interlamellar amorphous PCL chains and therefore to reveal the crystalline region of PCL phase. Water soluble PEO can be simultaneously removed by the CALB aqueous solutions, allowing one to envision the topological features of phase separated PCL/PEO films with various blend ratios. The transition of phase-separated PCL/PEO from nucleation and growth to spinodal decomposition was fully mapped out, along with the spatial distribution and surface morphological features of the crystalline PCL phase. The morphological characteristics of PCL/PEO blend films were further correlated to their reported physicochemical properties, demonstrating the impact of microscopic structures on the macroscopic properties of given semicrystalline polymer systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication and antioxidant properties of polythiophene/poly(sulfonic acid diphenyl aniline)/polyethylene oxide electrospun nanofibers obtained in this study were brought to the literature for the first time. For this, polythiophene/poly(sulfonic acid diphenyl aniline)/polyethylene oxide (PTh/PSDA/PEO) nanofibers containing 5, 10, 20 and 40 % PTH/PSDA composite by weight were produced by electrospinning method. According to both CUPRAC and ABTS assays, these electrospun nanofibers were found to have antioxidant activity. According to both CUPRAC and ABTS assays, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained from PTh/PSDA/PEO4 electrospun nanofiber containing 40 % PTH/PSDA with values of 244 and 111 μg TE/mg, respectively. This nanofiber was found to be non‐toxic according to the MTT assay and its thermal stability was not much different from that of the PEO nanofiber. PTh/PSDA/PEO electrospun nanofibers were biocompatible, water‐soluble nanofibers that were candidates for use in many biological applications with further characterization. These electrospun nanofibers were characterized by FT‐IR, UV‐Vis., 1H NMR, XRD and TGA. Surface morphologies were investigated by SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PEO-LiCF3SO3-halloysite nanotube (HNT) composites were fabricated by solution casting together with hot compression to form a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane. Different ultrasonic exposure times were used to disperse HNT nanoparticles in the PEO-20%LiCF3SO3-HNT composite solutions prior to casting. An exposure time of 15 min gave the highest ionic conductivity in the SPE membrane, the ionic conductivity significantly increased by two orders of magnitude from 6.6 × 10−6 to 1.1 × 10−4 S/cm. TEM, FE-SEM, and EDS-mapping were used to study the dispersion of HNTs in the SPE membrane. ATR-FTIR revealed that the bonding of PEO-LiCF3SO3 and PEO-HNT was created. XRD and DSC showed a reduction in the crystallinity of PEO due to HNT addition. The ultrasonication for an optimal period gave uniform dispersion of HNT, reduced the polymer crystallinity and strengthened the tensile property of SPE membrane. Moreover, the electrochemical stability, flame retardance and dimensional stability were improved by the addition of HNT and by ultrasonication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) has potential to be used as a reinforcement in polymeric nanocomposites because of their inherent biodegradability, universal accessibility, and superior mechanical properties. The most crucial challenge faced in the nanocomposite production is dispersing the nanoparticles effectively in the polymer matrix, so that the exceptional mechanical properties of the nanoparticles can be transferred to the macroscale properties to the bulk nanocomposites. In this research, a safe, effective and ecofriendly modification was used to functionalize the surface hydroxyl groups of CNC via silane treatment. These modified CNCs were used as reinforcements to prepare poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)/CNC nanocomposites. The composites were prepared using solvent casting method. The composite properties were evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The SEM micrographs demonstrated that the composites incorporated with silane treated CNCs showed improvement in the dispersion behavior of the nanoparticles in the matrix. Oxidative combustion of the composites containing silane treated CNCs promoted char formation and enhanced thermal stability. The composites containing (1:1) silane treated CNCs exhibited the better crystallization ability, highest storage modulus, and lowest tan δ value compared to the other silane treated systems indicating improved dispersion of CNC. The polysiloxane network provided an efficient surface covering of the CNC molecules, imparting reduced polar surface characteristics and enhancing the overall mechanical properties of the composites.

Cancer and microbial infections threaten human health. Currently, chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer lack selectivity between normal and cancer cells, exacerbating this problem. Effective anticancer drug encapsulation is the golden key to solving this issue. Disulfiram (DS), an anticancer drug, has low solubility and selectivity and to tackle this concern, cellulose acetate (CA) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) was selected as a matrix to prepare nanofiber containing DS (DS@CA/PEO) via electrospinning technique. DS@CA/PEO nanofiber was characterized by SEM, FTIR, TGA, and X-rd patterns and the results confirmed DS incorporation in CA/PEO nanofiber. DS@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold showed higher safety than DS-free on human normal cells (Wi-38) with revealing similar anticancer activity of DS-free against colon cancer line (Caco-2) and breast cancer line (MDA-MB 231). This higher selectivity of DS@CA/PEO towards cancer cells than normal cells was associated with maintaining apoptotic activity and aldehyde dehydrogenase-inhibitory potency of DS. The latter efficacy led to eradicating colon and breast cancer stem cells, as evidenced by flow cytometry. Moreover, DS@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold showed potent antibacterial activity (in vitro) against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These results investigated that DS@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold could be a potential dual candidate as a selective anticancer and antimicrobial agent. • Disulfiram/cellulose acetate/polyethylene oxide (DS@CA/PEO) nanofibrous scaffold was prepared via electrospinning process. • In-vitro studies revealed the biocompatibility of the scaffold towards human normal cells (Wi-38). • In-vitro studies revealed better anticancer for DS@CA/PEO nanofibrous scaffold than Free-DS • DS@CA/PEO nanofibrous scaffold showed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study on non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of polymer is relevant for both fundamental as well as application perspective. Hence, the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of bulk and confined poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in electrospun nanofibers was investigated using DSC. The nanofibers were prepared from polystyrene (PS)/PEO immiscible blends where PEO weight fraction was varied upto 0.4. It was found that the Avarmi and Jeziorny models successfully predict the nucleation nature of PEO chains and its growth behavior. However, the Ozawa model was not found to be suitable for the confined system. Nevertheless, the Mo's method, which is the combination of Avrami and Ozawa models, effectively described the non-isothermal crystallization behavior of PEO in confined domains. The Kissinger and Takhor methods showed that activation energy for crystallization of PEO chains increased with reduction of PEO weight fraction in the nanofibers. This was plausibly due to the geometrical restriction on the mobility of PEO chains. The present study is the first report on non-isothermal crystallization behavior of confined polymer in electrospun nanofibers systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous materials are becoming progressively more popular because of their potential applications in the fields of oil−water separation, drug delivery, gas adsorption, and chemical sensing. Herein, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) porous materials by the etching method and supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) foaming after the etching method are proposed. On this basis, ABS porous conductive composites are prepared by adding conductive carbon black (CCB). The results show that as the content of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) in the blend increases to 50 phr, the ABS materials prepared by SC‐CO2 foaming after the etching method all become open‐cell structures. When the content of CCB reaches 6%, the conductivity of ABS porous materials prepared by the etching method is 2.56 Sm−1; after etching, the conductivity of ABS porous materials prepared by SC‐CO2 foaming can reach 15 Sm−1 and electromagnetic shielding can reach 23 dB. When the content of CCB is greater than 6%, the conductivity is significantly improved. The conductivity of the ABS open‐pore materials prepared by the two methods can reach 15 Sm−1, and the maximum electromagnetic shielding can reach 33 dB. The developed foam has a great potential in electronics and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method of introducing a Limonene obtained from orange fruit skin (Lim) is successfully incorporated in Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) with KI and I2 redox couple and employed in a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ ray diffraction (XRD) Ultra violet‐visible spectrum (UV‐Visible), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies described the influence of Lim on ionic conductivity and the photovoltaic properties of the PEO/KI/I2 system. The temperature‐dependent conduction mechanism of ionic motion and ionic interactions as a function of frequency has been studied. The dielectric behavior of the electrolyte samples were carried out over a wide frequency range (∼1 MHz to 20 Hz) at various temperatures. A DSSC system fabricated with the prepared PEO/KI/I2/Lim polymer electrolyte facilitating a fill factor of 0.52, a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 14.1 mAcm−2 and an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 795 mV yields the achieved solar to electrical energy conversion efficiency of 5.83 % under irradiation of 1 sun (100 mWcm−2). The compound Lim thus effectively enhanced the ionic conductivity of the composite polymer electrolyte and hence the photovoltaic performance of the fabricated DSSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic composite scaffolds are used to mimic extracellular matrix in tissue regeneration. They are composed of synthetic elastomers in favor of natural elastin. Many elastomers require thermal polymerization for fiber stabilization. If the scaffold contains protein, additional treatments are required for stabilization. These treatments may modify the structure and function of the scaffold. In the present study a protein-elastomeric polymer composite of poly (glycerol sebacate), (PGS), silk fibroin, and type I collagen (termed PFC) was used as a model material to investigate a new method to improve stabilization of electrospun fibers. The purpose of this study was to optimize conditions in order to reduce internal flow of an elastomeric prepolymer during fiber fabrication. Co-electrospun sacrificial poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) was used to provide scaffold fiber stabilization during fiber formation in order to test different protocols to prevent fiber fusion. Using PEO at a 1:1 ratio with PFC followed by glutaraldehyde treatment, removal of PEO and heat treatment to polymerize PGS resulted in the most stable and consistent fiber morphology. Functionally, scaffolds had increased porosity and improved cell infiltration. The study provides an improved procedure for fabrication of composite electrospun scaffolds requiring stabilization by both chemical and thermal methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) has potential to be used as a reinforcement in polymeric nanocomposites because of their inherent biodegradability, universal accessibility, and superior mechanical properties. The most crucial challenge faced in the nanocomposite production is dispersing the nanoparticles effectively in the polymer matrix, so that the exceptional mechanical properties of the nanoparticles can be transferred to the macroscale properties to the bulk nanocomposites. In this research, a safe, effective and ecofriendly modification was used to functionalize the surface hydroxyl groups of CNC via silane treatment. These modified CNCs were used as reinforcements to prepare poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)/CNC nanocomposites. The composites were prepared using solvent casting method. The composite properties were evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The SEM micrographs demonstrated that the composites incorporated with silane treated CNCs showed improvement in the dispersion behavior of the nanoparticles in the matrix. Oxidative combustion of the composites containing silane treated CNCs promoted char formation and enhanced thermal stability. The composites containing (1:1) silane treated CNCs exhibited the better crystallization ability, highest storage modulus, and lowest tan δ value compared to the other silane treated systems indicating improved dispersion of CNC. The polysiloxane network provided an efficient surface covering of the CNC molecules, imparting reduced polar surface characteristics and enhancing the overall mechanical properties of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effect of nanostructured Al2O3 particles on Li ion conducting, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based membranes prepared by electrospinning, solution casting and hot pressing. Pure PEO:LiBF4 solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) and also plasticizer containing membranes were investigated with various amounts of Al2O3. In a first step, the best-performing composition of pure PEO:LiBF4 concerning the resulting ionic conductivity was identified and used as a standard for further experiments. In the following, the influence of the preparation method, the nature of the Al2O3, and the type of the plasticizer additives on the thermal and electrochemical properties for this standard composition were investigated. The Al2O3 composition was varied between 1 and 5 wt%. The ionic conductivity of bare electrospun PEO:LiBF4 SPE standard material has been improved by a factor ten to 1.9 × 10−6 S cm−1 at T = 293 K when 5 wt% of Al2O3 is added. For solution-casted PEO:LiBF4 standard compositions 18:1 with an initial ionic conductivity of 6.7 × 10−8 S cm−1, the addition of 2 wt% Al2O3 increased the performance to 1.4 × 10−7 S cm−1, both at T = 293 K. If succinonitrile and Al2O3 was admixed to the solution casted standard material, the ionic conductivity was further increased to reach 5.5 × 10−5 S cm−1 at T = 293 K. This material with a composition of 18:3:1 + 2 wt% Al2O3, outperforms the standard material by three orders of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that crosslinking poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) membranes exhibit high CO 2 /N 2 solubility selectivity, and are suitable for separating CO 2 from flue gas. However, the high CO 2 /N 2 selectivity is temperature sensitive and decreases rapidly with increasing temperature. To overcome this deficiency, imidazolium-based amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) are introduced into the PEO membranes. A series of (AAILs-PEO)/PAN thin-film composite (TFC) membranes were prepared by a polymerization-induced self-assembly process. Due to the hydrogen and Coulomb interactions between the imidazolium ring of AAILs and the ether groups of PEO monomers, the morphology of the selective layer changed from micellar to granular upon the introduction of the AAILs into the PEO membranes, while the chain-segment flexibility and interspacing of the PEO are also changed. Compared with the original PEO/PAN TFC membrane, the (AAILs-PEO)/PAN TFC membranes show much higher CO 2 /N 2 selectivity, which increases from ∼41 to ∼ 74. In addition, the AAILs show strong hydrophilicity, which leads to a significant increase in CO 2 /N 2 selectivity under the wet-gas feed, reaching ∼105. Compared with the original PEO/PAN TFC membranes with CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of ∼10 at 70 °C, the (AAILs-PEO)/PAN TFC membranes show the selectivity of ∼30, coupled with CO 2 permeance of ∼1300 GPU at 70 °C. Under the 40: 60 mixtures of CO 2 : N 2 , which is a common lime kiln exhaust gas, by using the (AAILs-PEO)/PAN TFC membrane, the CO 2 concentration on the downstream side can reach over 90 % at 20 °C and over 70 % at 70 °C, respectively, under a pressure ratio of 5. [Display omitted] • Imidazolium-based amino acid ionic liquids are introduced into the PEO membrane. • The TFC membrane were prepared by a polymerization-induced self-assembly process. • The membranes show good CO 2 permeation-separation performance at 70 °C. • It shows a potential application for CO 2 capture from lime kiln flue gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the ease of the electrospinning process of synthetic polymers, the adjustment of several independent variables for natural ones is a complex procedure. In this work, the electrospinning parameters of silk fibroin (SF)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blends including tip-to-collector distance (X1), applied voltage (X2), flow rate (X3) and SF/PEO ratio (X4) were optimized using the D-optimal method. By considering the response surface plots and interaction graphs as well as observing the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the optimized conditions were set as follows: X1 = 15 cm, X2 = 12 kV, X3 = 1.2 mL/h and X4 = 4. Accordingly, the electrospun SF/PEO nanofibrous sample with uniform morphology and an average diameter of 182 ± 55 nm was obtained.

Oil spills can result in significant damage to marine estuaries, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and shorelines. Electrospun nanofibers containing biosurfactant (ENFs) can be used to clean oil spills up and protect the environmental biology. Present work aimed to study the side-effects of prepared nanofibers on animal models. Screening of the prepared ECNFs on animals showed that three of them (PVA-5, PEO-1, and PEO-5) are safe to hepatic tissues and liver functions. Furthermore, oxidative stress did not change after using these nanofibers. The PVA-1 nanofibers, however, were found to cause major pathological changes in the liver tissue. In addition, PVA-1 nanofibers were proved to alter the total white blood count and the neutrophil percentages significantly in comparison to the control. In conclusion, PVA-5, PEO-1, and PEO-5 are safe to hepatic tissues and liver functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, silver sulfadiazine (SSD) loaded Poly (ε -caprolactone)/Poly (ethylene oxide) (PCL/PEO) nanofiber patches were prepared via electrospinning method for topical drug delivery applications. SSD was loaded for the first time into PCL/PEO nanofibers. Nanofiber patches were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) to check the presence of chemical bonding between SSD and polymer matrix. The surface morphology of the nanofibers was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM images showed that uniform and smooth composite nanofibers were obtained. The diameter of the nanofibers decreased with the addition of SSD. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out to examine the crystallinity of composite nanofiber patches. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was performed to confirm Ag and S contents in the SSD loaded composite nanofibers and EDS Mapping was used to show the homogeneous distribution of SSD in the fiber structure. In order to investigate the release and solubility properties of SSD, an unused buffer solution; Water/Propylene Glycol/Phosphoric Acid (82:16:2) was prepared. The release of SSD was performed in this buffer and the release amount of SSD was calculated by UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. Thereby, SSD containing PCL/PEO composite nanofiber carriers were electrospun to achieve the enhancement in solubility, effective drug release and efficient drug loading of SSD. All experimental studies demonstrated that SSD loaded PCL/PEO composite nanofibers have great potential to be used in topical drug delivery applications. In the current study, silver sulfadiazine (SSD) was loaded for the first time into the poly (ε -caprolactone)/poly (ethylene oxide) (PCL/PEO) polymer matrix. The SSD incorporated composite nanofibers were fabricated with the electrospinning method. Experimental studies showed that the composite nanofibers provided a better surface area for effective drug delivery, high drug loading efficiency and adequate drug dissolution. Therefore, SSD loaded PCL/PEO composite nanofibers can be a good candidate for drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing CO 2 -selective polymeric membranes with high permeability and selectivity is industrially attractive for both pre-combustion hydrogen purification and post-combustion carbon capture. In this work, composite membranes consisting of crosslinked polymer network, CO 2 -philic small molecules, and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were designed for dual-enhanced solubility and diffusivity in CO 2 /N 2 and CO 2 /H 2 separation. The presence of MOF in the matrix increased the fractional free volume (FFV) and provided additional pathways for gas diffusion, while small polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules favored both high CO 2 selectivity and diffusivity via CO 2 -philic –C-C- O - moieties and larger FFV. Moreover, coupling MOF and PEG magnified the effects through their mutual interactions. As a result, a high CO 2 permeability of 2580 Barrer is reached, which is 61 % higher than that obtained from the membrane without MOF (crosslinked polymer with PEGDME molecules), while achieving CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of 40.3 and CO 2 /H 2 selectivity of 14.4. This study may open up possibilities for designing membrane materials with high permeability for carbon capture and other applications. [Display omitted] • MOF in PEGDME-embedded membranes enhances CO 2 solubility and diffusivity. • Size-sieving MOF increases selectivity. • Membranes show versatile applications for CO 2 /H 2 and CO 2 /N 2 separations. • The performance for CO 2 /N 2 separation surpasses 2019 Robeson upper bound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a pair of inexpensive and eco-friendly polymers were blended and formulated based on poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). FTIR, XRD, EDX and TEM techniques were used to describe a Phosphated titanium oxide (PO4TiO2) nanotube synthesised using a straightforward impregnation-calcination procedure. For the first time, the produced nanoparticles were inserted as a doping agent into this polymeric matrix at a concentration of (1–3) wt.%. FTIR, TGA, DSC and XRD were used to identify the formed composite membranes. Furthermore, because there are more hydrogen bonds generated between the polymer’s functional groups and oxygen functional groups PO4TiO2, oxidative stability and tensile strength are improved with increasing doping addition and obtain better results than Nafion117. The permeability of methanol reduced as the weight % of PO4TiO2 increased. In addition, the ionic conductivity of the membrane with 3 wt.% PO4-TiO2 is raised to (28 mS cm−1). The optimised membrane (PVA/PEO/PO4TiO2-3) had a higher selectivity (6.66 × 105 S cm−3 s) than Nafion117 (0.24 × 105 S cm−3 s) and can be used as a proton exchange membrane in the development of green and low-cost DMFCs.

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• Thermal transport in PEO-based solid electrolytes is studied for the first time. • Thermal conductivity is significantly improved by aligning polymer chains. • Temperature-induced morphology change can further reduce thermal conductivity. • Useful insights into the mechanisms of thermal transport in polymers are provided. Solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SSLIBs) become the new generation of devices for energy storage due to better performance and safety. Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) based material is an alternative promising candidate for solid electrolytes, while its thermal conductivity is crucial to heat dissipation inside batteries. In this work, we study the thermal conductivity of PEO by molecular dynamics simulation. Interestingly, by enhancing the structure order, thermal conductivity of crystalline PEO is obtained as high as 60 Wm−1 K−1 at room temperature, which is two orders higher than the value (0.37 Wm−1 K−1) of amorphous PEO. Moreover, thermal conductivity of crystalline PEO shows a significant stepped negative temperature dependence, which is attributed to the temperature-induced morphology change. Our study offers useful insights into the fundamental mechanisms that govern the thermal conductivity of PEO but not hinder the ionic transport, which can be used for the thermal management and further optimization of high-performance SSLIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the structure evolution of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) samples sheared at different temperatures above the equilibrium melting temperature followed by cooling to an isothermal temperature of 50 °C. We found that the higher shear temperature tended to decrease the number of entanglements to generate a larger network deformation, which was characterized by the deviation angle. It improved the orientation of chains and noticeably accelerated the crystallization process, however the final values of the long period, lamellae thickness and amorphous thickness remained almost similar. Based on the statistical theory of rubber elasticity, we proved that numerous entanglements, which were characterized by the longest relaxation time or the zero shear viscosity, indeed prevented the extension of chains when the concentration of the long chains was much higher than the long chain overlap concentration. PEO structure evolution induced by the shear temperature-controlled entanglement network deformation. Image 100118 • Shear temperature above T m 0 influenced the PEO structure evolution at the same isothermal crystallization temperature. • Higher shear temperature preferred a larger network deformation characterized by deviation angle. • The entropy of shear temperature controlled-entanglement network depended on the number of entanglements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined mechanical properties of clay/polyethylene oxide (PEO) hydrogels as functions of the molecular mass of PEO and the composition. The hydrogels using ultra-high molecular mass PEOs higher than a few millions possessed very high extension (1000~2000%) and higher fracture stress in comparison with the gels using lower molecular mass PEOs. The mechanical strength was significantly affected by the composition, e.g., the moduli increased with increasing clay concentrations, whereas they decreased with the increase of the PEO concentration. The tensile properties between the clay/PEO gel and the clay/sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) gel with almost the same molecular masses were compared, so that their moduli had almost the same values, whereas the tensile strength for the former was much lower than that for the latter. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and quartz crystal microbalance analyses have revealed that the tensile behavior is attributed to weaker interactions between clay and PEO in comparison with those between clay and PAAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass electrospinning is the key way to promote the industrial application of nanofibrous membrane, in which the multi-parameter controlling is the challenge for the multi-needle electrospinning. A constant temperature and humidity environment was introduced to studied the effect of process parameters on the ejection process of multi-needle electrospinning process. This article focused on the nanofiber deposition behaviors of multi-needle electrospinning from two different polymer solution of aqueous solution of poly (ethylene oxide) and the non-aqueous solution of polyvinylidene fluoride. We found that the same humidity has opposite effects on the deposition morphology of the water-soluble material PEO and the non-water-soluble material PVDF electrospun fiber. At the same time, we explored the effects of solution conductivity, solvent volatility, temperature and viscosity on electrospinning on water-insoluble and water-soluble materials. What this paper aim is to provide a process debugging reference for the batch preparation of nanofibers of different materials by multi-needle electrospinning.

A new class of freestanding cross-linked hybrid polymer electrolytes (HPEs) with POSS as the cross-linker was prepared by a one-step free radical polymerization reaction. Octavinyl octasilsesquioxane (OV-POSS) with eight functional corner groups was used to provide cross-linking sites for the connection of polymer segments and the required mechanical strength to separate the cathode and anode. The unique cross-linked structure offers additional free volume for the motion of EO chains and provides fast and continuously interconnected ion-conducting channels along the nanoparticles/polymer matrix interface. The HPE exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of 1.39 × 10−3 S cm−1, as well as excellent interfacial compatibility with the Li electrode at 80°C. In particular, LiFePO4/Li cells based on the HPE deliver good rate capability and long-term cycling performance with an initial discharge capacity of 152.1 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention ratio of 88% after 150 cycles with a current density of 0.5 C at 80°C, demonstrating great potential application in high-performance LIBs at elevated temperatures.

Abstract Although membrane technology for CO 2 capture is promising for environmental and energy remediation, the membrane performance should be improved greatly for realizing the practical applications. Herein, a new dual-incentive strategy by utilizing the synergistic effect of nanoporous framework and low molecular weight poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) impregnation has been designed to construct a high-efficiency forced impregnated hybrid membranes (FIHMs) for CO 2 capture. Amino functional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS-NH 2) served as nanoporous "reservoir" for the significantly enhanced impregnation of low-molecular-weight PEG in the cross-linked membrane. The incorporated nanoporous POSS-NH 2 particles in membranes can not only promote gas transportation but increase the loading of low-molecular-weight PEG. The basic physicochemical and gas transport properties of various FIHMs were examined. Remarkably, optimal CO 2 permeability of FIHM with 180 wt% poly (ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME-500) loading can reach as high as 1566.8 Barrer, which demonstrates unprecedented 983% increment as compared with that of original cross-linked Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) membrane. At the same time, CO 2 /N 2 selectivity was kept the similar level and CO 2 /H 2 selectivity was improved. The outstanding CO 2 capture performance of our FIHM membranes have been verified by comparing with the 2008 Robeson's "Upper Bound" Line. The dual-incentive strategy proposed in this study can stimulate the advanced membrane research by rationally structural design and push forward the CO 2 capture membrane to industrial applications. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • POSS framework "reservoir" can enhance PEG impregnation in membranes. • The new dual-incentive strategy greatly promoted gas separation performance. • The physicochemical properties of various membranes were examined in detail. • Novel FIHM membranes demonstrate the outstanding CO 2 capture ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Controlling the crystallization behavior of semicrystalline polymers is of paramount importance since it largely determines their final properties. A way to affect crystallinity is via the addition of (nanosized) additives to the polymer matrix, commonly utilized to improve polymer properties. In the present article, we demonstrate that one can control the degree of polymer crystallinity in poly(ethylene oxide)/silica, PEO/SiO 2 , nanohybrids by utilizing nanoparticles of different sizes, thus, by introducing a varying degree of chain confinement and of chain adsorption capability. More importantly, tuning of the degree of crystallinity is achieved when mixtures of silica nanoparticles of different sizes are introduced in order to take advantage of both the enhanced chain confinement and the different adsorption capacity of the nanoparticles. Polymer crystallinity can, indeed, be controlled by modifying the ratio of large to small nanoparticles for constant polymer concentration. Moreover, for specific ternary systems, even systems with zero crystallinity can be obtained. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Polymer crystallinity decreases below a certain additive content in nanocomposites. • The composition the reduction begins decreases with increasing nanoparticle size. • Both confinement and adsorption capability influence the degree of crystallinity. • Tuning of the crystallinity in ternary mixtures with small and large nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the biopolymers heating in alkaline and acidic solutions in the formation of nanofibers using protein concentrate from Spirulina sp. LEB 18 for potential application in food packaging field. With the highest protein concentration, the mean diameter of nanofibers was approximately 450 nm. For nanofibers developed with 5% (w.w −1 ) of protein concentrate, the peaks in FTIR spectra were observed at 1641 cm −1 (amide I) and 1533 cm −1 (amide II). Moreover, the increasing of protein concentration of 5–10% (w.w −1 ) enhanced the initial temperature of degradation of the nanofibers at 34 °C, when the poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) was added after solution heating. The possibility of formation of uniforms nanofibers using the acidic solution with a low concentration of PEO (0.8%, w.w −1 ) shows the potential of the protein concentrate from Spirulina sp. LEB for the production of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited ionic conduction and poor solid/solid interfacial stability are crucial characteristics that impede the practical application of solid polymeric electrolytes. Herein, a star-shaped solid composite electrolyte (SCE) containing multifunctional components, including anion-trapping boron moieties (B-PEGMA), poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEM) and octavinyl octasilsesquioxane (OV-POSS) nanofiller, was developed via a simple free radical polymerization method. The unique star-shaped structure induced by OV-POSS is beneficial to increasing the movement of polymer chains and forming continuously interconnected ion-conducting channels and the boron moieties can promote lithium salt dissociation and increase the effective transmission of Li + in the electrolyte. This SCE exhibits an extremely high ionic conductivity of 3.44 × 10 −4 S cm −1 and a high Li ion transference number of 0.58 at 25 °C, as well as excellent interfacial compatibility with the Li electrode leading to excellent rate performance and good cyclic stability in all-solid-state Li batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a complex process that often requires intervention to accelerate tissue regeneration and prevent complications. The goal of this research was to assess the potential of bioactive chitosan@poly (ethylene oxide)@CuFe 2 O 4 (CS@PEO@CF) nanofibers for wound healing applications by evaluating their morphology, mechanical properties, and magnetic behavior. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to investigate their effectiveness in promoting wound healing treatment. The nanoparticles exhibited remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In the nanofibrous mats, the optimal concentration of CuFe 2 O 4 was determined to be 0.1% Wt/V. Importantly, this concentration did not adversely affect the viability of fibroblast cells, which also identified the ideal concentration. The scaffold's hemocompatibility revealed nonhemolytic properties. Additionally, a wound-healing experiment demonstrated significant migration and growth of fibroblast cells at the edge of the wound. These nanofibrous mats are applied to treat rats with full-thickness excisional wounds. Histopathological analysis of these wounds showed enhanced wound healing ability, as well as regeneration of sebaceous glands and hair follicles within the skin. Overall, the developed wound dressing comprises CuFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles incorporated into CS/PEO nanofibrous mats demonstrating its potential for successful application in wound treatment. [Display omitted] • CuFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles was hemocompatible. • Wound healing accelerates with addition of CuFe 2 O 4 into chitosan PEO nanofibers. • CS@PEO@CF nanofibers shown proper antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-linked polymer membrane formed by poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), N -methoxyethyl- N -methylpyrrolidium (fluorosulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr 12O1 FTFSI) ionic liquid and LiFTFSI salt is proposed as the electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries. The ternary membrane has a PEO:Pyr 12O1 FTFSI:LiFTFSI composition of 20:6:4 by mole, which ensures thermal stability up to 220 °C, overall ionic conductivity of 10 − 3 S cm − 1 at 40 °C and suitable Li + transport properties. Combined with the LiFePO 4 composite electrode, whose pores are filled with the Pyr 12O1 FTFSI:LiFTFSI electrolyte, and Li-metal anode, it yields Li/LiFePO 4 cells delivering at 40 °C stable capacity (150 mAh g − 1 or 0.7 mAh cm − 2 ) with coulombic efficiency higher than 99.5%. Impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal low resistance of the electrode/electrolyte interface at both the anode and the cathode. Preliminary results at 20 °C indicates a capacity of 130 mAh g − 1 at C/10 rate (17 mA g − 1 ) with coulombic efficiency higher than 99.5%, thereby suggesting PEO:Pyr 12O1 FTFSI:LiFTFSI as suitable electrolyte for lithium-metal polymer batteries for stationary storage applications, coupled for example with PV and wind generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To prepare a novel dexpanthenol (DEX)-loaded nanofiber mats for wound healing. Methods: A novel bioactive wound dressing formulation with dexpanthenol was developed by electrospinning method. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), poly (ethylene oxide) and poly (caprolactone) were used as polymers. Morphological features, swelling properties, in-vitro release behavior, and cell viability properties of the formulations were evaluated. Results: Morphological examination of mats confirmed successful formation of the fibers. Swelling of nanofiber mats results was 34.44 ± 1.05, 18.59 ± 2.11, 86.06 ± 3.25 and 44.62 ± 1.75 % for polycaprolactone (PCL), PCL + DEX, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and PLGA + DEX, respectively, and occurred in a controlled manner. PLGA + DEX formulation has advantage over PCL + DEX and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) + DEX due to controlled in-vitro release of DEX. The highest cell viability was afforded by PLGA+DEX formulation. Conclusion: DEX-loaded PLGA nanofiber formulation may be useful as an alternative wound dressing due its suitable mechanical and biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]