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To prevent the transmission of diseases caused by microorganisms, more and more focus was placed on the creation of antibacterial coatings. In this work, we reported a creative synthesis of antibacterial cationic 4-vinylpyridine polymer nanospheres (CvpPMs). The nanospheres of decreasing size were produced by the self-assembly of stiff polymer chains of styrene (St) and cationic 4-vinylpyridine (4vp) polymer. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were employed to describe the CvpPMs' structural morphology and other characteristics. CvpPMs were N+-surfaced cationic nanospheres that had an average diameter of 250 nm. After evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the results showed a significant antibacterial rate of 98% after 72 h and, even more impressive, 95% after 120 h. The synergistic interaction of amphiphilic groups (ethylsulfobetaine methacrylate, SBMA) and quaternary ammonium pyridinium groups was responsible for the exceptional performance of CvpPMs. In addition, it mimicked the N+–π interactions of adhesion, which significantly enhanced its adhesion strength, and the coatings also achieved antibacterial rates of averaging over 95%. In conclusion, the type of antibacterial copolymer nanospheres hopes to offer an avenue for developing antibacterial coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of nanomaterials is crucial to upgrading of modern industry. MXene nanosheets have attracted significant attention due to their superb resistance to permeation, diverse surface chemical properties, impressive mechanical properties, and metal‐like electrical and thermal conductivity, etc., providing unique advantages in various technical fields. When MXene nanosheets are combined with polymers to form functional coatings, their applications span multiple fields, including anticorrosion, wear resistance, flame‐retardancy, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and de‐icing. This review, in conjunction with MXene's barrier property, lubricity, thermal stability, conductivity, and photothermal conversion property, discusses in detail the various applications of MXene‐based polymer coatings. Additionally, it examines the dispersion and interaction of MXene within polymer coatings and the role of functionalized MXene in polymers. Finally, based on the current research status and emerging needs, the development challenges and future research opportunities of MXene‐based polymer coatings in a targeted manner are discussed. This review aims to summarize the existing research results and put forward an objective and fair point of view, providing a constructive reference for upgrading modern nanofunctional polymer coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global commitment to carbon neutrality has propelled a heightened focus on sustainable construction materials, with wood emerging as pivotal due to its environmental benefits. This review explores the development and application of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings to enhance wood's fire resistance, addressing a critical limitation in its widespread adoption. These nanocomposites demonstrate improved thermal stability and char formation properties by integrating nanoparticles, such as nano-clays, graphene oxide, and metal oxides, into biopolymer matrices. This significantly mitigates the flammability of wood substrates, creating a robust barrier against heat and oxygen. The review provides a comprehensive examination of these advanced coatings' synthesis, characterization, and performance. By emphasizing recent innovations and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the potential of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings as next-generation fire retardants. This advancement supports the expanded utilization of wood in sustainable construction practices and aligns with global initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of the work is to analyze the properties of polymer dispersions with different chemical composition to determine the possibility of their further use as part of polymer coatings for the functionalization of fibrous materials. Methodology. Different types of polymer materials have used in the work: Plextol UltraFine PR 3500K (Synthomer, Germany), Vinavil Eva 1612 (Vinavil, Italy), Crilat 4815 (Vinavil, Italy), Impranil DLP-R (Covestro, Germany). The quality of water-emulsion film-forming systems and the possibility of their use in the process of functionalization of the surface for fibrous bases have determined by the content of dry residue and viscosity, pH, film-forming ability and resistance to the action of electrolytes. Findings. A comparative assessment of water-dispersible acrylic, vinyl and urethane polymers have made in order to determine the possibility of their further application for the functionalization of the surface of fibrous bases. It was determined that all polymer dispersions show resistance to the action of ammonium hydroxide. In addition, all polymer dispersions (with the exception of the aqueous dispersion of acrylic copolymer Plextol UltraFine PR 3500K) are resistant to sodium chloride, ammonium sulfate, and acetic acid. Given the close pH value, almost all polymer dispersions can be mixed without the risk of coagulation. In the future, it is of interest to determine the possibility of combining Crilat 4815 and Impranil DLP-R polymer dispersions when creating a hybrid acrylic-urethane coating for fibrous bases, given their similar resistance to electrolytes. Originality. Finely dispersed emulsions of film-forming acrylic-urethane polymers of the new generation are able to modify the surface of the fibrous material through interaction with its functional groups, which makes it possible to create competitive fabrics with improved stable properties, in particular for technical applications. Practical value. New types of water-dispersion systems on acrylic and urethane polymers are proposed for modifying the surface of fabrics in order to give fabrics new functional properties. It is expected that in these hybrid dispersions, the acrylic component will provide resistance to the action of alkalis and to external influences, while the polyurethane will increase the strength, flexibility and homogeneity of the formed film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric pressure plasma deposition (APPD) of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐like antifouling coatings provides an attractive way to reduce biofouling for reliable biosensor operation. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets are designed to operate in open air. This paper demonstrates the impact of open‐air processing on the composition and properties of PEO‐like coatings by APPD with vinyl ether precursors. The open‐air environment inhibits polymerization as indicated by low deposition rates, oxygen incorporation in the coatings, and instability of the coatings in water. The composition and stability of the coatings improve by appropriate nozzle design and by deposition in an environment with lower air content. The resulting PEO‐like coatings are stable and antifouling for an antibody solution and inhibit adhesion of human fibroblast cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of self‐healing properties to repair scratches (or other minor damage) has revolutionized the coating industry by increasing service life, sustainability, and optical appearance. This work addresses challenges with the robustness of self‐healing coatings through the inclusion of surface‐tethered covalently adaptable networks (CANs). Surface‐initiated polymerization is combined with spray‐coating to deposit polymers to produce coatings with reversible crosslinks to the tethered chains. These robust coatings are based on reversible vinylogous urethane bonds using 2‐(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate‐based polymers and tris(2‐aminoethyl) amine (TREN). Here, TREN enables reversible covalent bonding between the spray‐coated and surface‐tethered polymers. Without this polymer brush layer, the physisorbed CAN coatings fail to self‐heal completely, are labile to solvent, and exhibit shear delamination upon scratching. The utility of this tethered coating approach is highlighted through its ability to autonomously self‐heal incisions within seconds at elevated temperatures, or more steadily under ambient conditions. The key to these advancements is the use of polymer brushes as a primer layer to attach the CAN to enhance healing and improve the environmental robustness of the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of nanostructures to polymeric materials allows for a direct interaction between polymeric chains and nanometric structures, resulting in a synergistic process through the physical (electrostatic forces) and chemical properties (bond formation) of constituents for the modification of their properties and potential cutting-edge materials. This study explores a novel in situ synthesis method for PDMS-%SiO2 nanoparticle composites with varying crosslinking degrees (PDMS:TEOS of 15:1, 10:1, and 5:1); particle concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%); and sol-gel catalysts (acidic and alkaline). This investigation delves into the distinct physical and chemical properties of silicon nanoparticles synthesized under acidic (SiO2-a) and alkaline (SiO2-b) conditions. A characterization through Raman, FT-IR, and XPS analyses confirms particle size and agglomeration differences between both the SiO2-a and SiO2-b particles. Similar chemical environments, with TEOS and ethanol by-products, were detected for both systems. The results on polymer composites elucidate the successful incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles into the PDMS matrix without altering the PDMS's chemical structure. However, the presence of nanoparticles did affect the relative intensities of specific vibrational modes over composites from −35% to 24% (Raman) and from −14% to 59% (FT-IR). The XPS results validate the presence of Si, O, and C in all composites, with significant variations in atomic proportions (C/Si and O/Si) and Si and C component analyses through deconvolution techniques. This study demonstrates the successful in situ synthesis of PDMS-SiO2 composites with tunable properties by controlling the sol-gel and crosslinking synthesis parameters. The findings provide valuable insights into the in situ synthesis methods of polymeric composite materials and their potential integration with polymer nanocomposite processing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylic polymers were extensively used in past restoration practices, usually as consolidants or protecting agents. Their removal is often required because polymer coatings can improve some decay processes of stone substrates and, after ageing, may generate undesirable materials on the surface of artifacts. Therefore, the removal of old polymer coating from the surface of artifacts has become a common operation in the conservation of cultural heritage. As with other cleaning operations, it is a delicate process that may irreversibly damage the artifacts if not correctly carried out. The main aim of this study was to determine the appropriate cleaning procedure for efficiently removing old acrylic polymers (e.g., Paraloid B-72) from the surface of historical buildings. For this purpose, a polymer was applied to two different porous stone substrates (bio-calcarenite and arenaria stone). The hydrogel cleaning approach was used for the present study, as preliminary results suggested that it is the most promising polymer-removing method. The considered hydrogel (based on a semi-interpenetrating polymer network involving poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and polyvinylpyrrolidone) was prepared and characterized using different techniques in order to assess the gel's properties, including the gel content, equilibrium water content, retention capability, hardness, Young's modulus, and morphology. After that, the hydrogel was loaded with appropriate amounts of nano-structured emulsions (NSEs) containing a surfactant (EcoSufTM), organic solvents, and H2O, then applied onto the coated surfaces. Moreover, plain EcoSurfTM in a water emulsion (EcoSurf/H2O) was also used to understand the polymer-removing behavior of the surfactant without any organic solvent. A comparative study was carried out on artificially aged and unaged polymer-coated samples to better understand the cleaning effectiveness of the considered emulsions for removing decayed polymer coatings. The experimental results showed that the NSE-loaded hydrogel cleaning method was more effective than other common cleaning procedures (e.g., cellulose pulp method). In fact, only one cleaning step was enough to remove the polymeric material from the stone surfaces without affecting their original properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) comprising zinc anodes hold intrinsic safety and high energy density ideally for distributed and large‐scale energy storage, thus have generated intriguing properties and increasing research interests. Unlike organic batteries, AZIBs require different, sometimes even opposite design principles and preparation strategies in solvent, electrolyte, and separator. This is especially true for the polymer materials that are widely used as critical components in stabilizing metal anodes and functioning as high‐performance safe cathode materials. This review discusses the explicit compositional and structural requisite of polymeric components in AZIBs, with an emphasis on the exclusive molecular structure–property relationship that governs the stability, reversibility, and capacity of these devices. The usage of polymers is classified into five categories aligning with the primary architecture of AZIBs: separators, additives, hydrogel electrolytes, coatings, and electrode materials. The most recent advances in the structure/property interplay of polymers by novel synthesis and preparation techniques targeting stable AZIBs are summarized and discussed. The challenges and perspectives of multifunctional polymers in developing high‐performance AZIBs are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems of protecting surfaces of marine internal combustion engines from the intense effects of cavitation are considered. Based on the analysis of the literary, issues related to the manifestation of cavitation in liquid media are studied. The influence of various factors, for example, temperature and viscosity of the liquid on the intensity of cavitation processes, is noted, and a set of different hypotheses related to the material destruction from cavitation is considered. Taking into account the analysis of a number of studies, it is concluded that the use of main and distilled water as a working fluid is not recommended, but the use of antifreeze of various grades is recommended. At the end of the article, it is concluded that polyurethane-based polymers, for example, polyurethane rubbers, which can be used to protect surfaces of marine internal combustion engines, have good adhesive properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradable layer-by-layer (LbL) polymeric coatings have distinct advantages over traditional biomedical coatings due to their precision of assembly, versatile inclusion of bioactive molecules, and conformality to the complex architectures of implantable devices. However, controlling the degradation rate while achieving biocompatibility has remained a challenge. This work employs polyphosphazenes as promising candidates for film assembly due to their inherent biocompatibility, tunability of chemical composition, and the buffering capability of degradation products. The degradation of pyrrolidone-functionalized polyphosphazenes was monitored in solution, complexes and LbL coatings (with tannic acid), providing the first to our knowledge comparison of solution-state degradation to solid-state LbL degradation. In all cases, the rate of degradation accelerated in acidic conditions. Importantly, the tunability of the degradation rate of polyphosphazene-based LbL films was achieved by varying film assembly conditions. Specifically, by slightly increasing the ionization of tannic acid (near neutral pH), we introduce electrostatic "defects" to the hydrogen-bonded pairs that accelerate film degradation. Finally, we show that replacing the pyrrolidone side group with a carboxylic acid moiety greatly reduces the degradation rate of the LbL coatings. In practical applications, these coatings have the versatility to serve as biocompatible platforms for various biomedical applications and controlled release systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article evaluates the utilization of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymeric coatings for passive radiative cooling of commercial photovoltaic (PV) modules. The methodology involves the design of film coatings and the analysis of their optical properties. A numerical model is developed to simulate the thermal behavior of the PV system. Parametric analysis explores the influence of atmospheric parameters, such as wind speed, solar radiation, and, relative humidity on passive radiative cooling of PV panels. Adoption of PDMS and PET coatings with 200 μm film thickness increases the transmissivity of glass in the solar band gap, maintains relatively higher thermal emissivity in the first and second atmospheric windows bands, and improves radiative cooling of PV panels. At low values of solar radiation, radiative cooling is shown to be capable of maintaining the cell temperature at values lower than the ambient temperature. A case study conducted to simulate nocturnal and daytime thermal behavior of PV modules shows the potential of radiative cooling integrated into PV modules under the specific hot and humid weather conditions of Jeddah, KSA. Temperature reductions of the PV panel by about 10 °C below the ambient temperature can be accomplished on summer nights using radiative cooling. Adoption of PDMS and PET coatings slightly improves the temperature reductions by up to 1.15 °C in the case of PET and 1.35 °C in the case of PDMS.

Objectives. To improve the technology for obtaining polymer spray coatings based on polycarbodiimides (polyureas) by studying changes in the process and operational parameters due to the introduction of aspartic acid derivatives (AADs) into the composition.Methods. The process of the production of sprayed and contact polyureas involves a number of difficulties, not least in terms of the cost of the components and high-pressure equipment. For this reason, mathematical modeling was used to optimize experimental design. The curing time of the composition was measured under conditions simulated to be close to actual. After thermostating and mixing Components A and B in predetermined ratios, the gelation time was measured to represent the curing time of the composition. The hardness of the material was determined by the Shore method according to GOST 24621-91. Tensile strength and relative elongation were determined according to a standard method (GOST 30436-96).Results. The effect of three AADs on the properties of the finished polyurea was studied. It was found that the introduction of two of them (AAD-1 and AAD-2) into polyurea in an amount of up to 40 wt % produces slow-curing (>250 s) polyureas capable of manual application. The finished products have physical properties on par with machine-poured materials (breaking strength >73 MPa; tensile strength >23 MPa; elongation >500%). Compiled regression equations were used to construct graphs of equal levels showing the possible areas of directed modification of the studied compositions.Conclusions. AAD can be used as a modifying component for polyurea systems to obtain slow-curing polyureas with high performance properties, which can be purposefully controlled by mathematical modeling. The resulting products have commercial value due to their combination of valuable physical and mechanical properties.

Purpose: The oral administration of drugs is usually the most convenient, economical, and preferred route for patients. Chitosan is a natural polymer that is biocompatible and possesses good mucoadhesion properties and has been proposed for various biomedical applications such as scaffolds in tissue engineering, wound dressing, and drug release systems. Fluoride is recognized for its ability to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and for its anticariogenic properties. When administered in low doses, it increases bone mass and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis. However, there is a debate about the potential negative effects of fluoride when applied in high doses or chronically. The objective of this study was to investigate the release of fluoride from chitosan microparticles loaded with fluoride and coated with two polymers, aimed at controlling its delivery. Methods: Fluoride-loaded chitosan microparticles were developed using fluidized bed technology. Additionally, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Eudragit® RS were applied to the particles using fluidized bed and dip-coating techniques. The obtained particles were then studied to obtain their release profiles. Infrared spectroscopy studies were conducted to analyze the chemical composition of the particles. Results: The results showed that the coatings had a slight effect on the release of fluoride from the particles when applied using fluidized bed technology. Eudragit RS® 30D coatings by immersion were found to be more effective in sustaining release of fluoride. Conclusion: The study provides useful insights into the use of polymeric coatings in the development of chitosan-based oral delivery systems for the controlled release of a highly soluble API. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global commitment to carbon neutrality has propelled a heightened focus on sustainable construction materials, with wood emerging as pivotal due to its environmental benefits. This review explores the development and application of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings to enhance wood’s fire resistance, addressing a critical limitation in its widespread adoption. These nanocomposites demonstrate improved thermal stability and char formation properties by integrating nanoparticles, such as nano-clays, graphene oxide, and metal oxides, into biopolymer matrices. This significantly mitigates the flammability of wood substrates, creating a robust barrier against heat and oxygen. The review provides a comprehensive examination of these advanced coatings’ synthesis, characterization, and performance. By emphasizing recent innovations and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the potential of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings as next-generation fire retardants. This advancement supports the expanded utilization of wood in sustainable construction practices and aligns with global initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality.

This study aims to enhance the practical performance of PVDF/ZnO and PVDF/TiO2 composite coatings known for their distinctive properties. The coatings, applied through spray coating with PVDF and ZnO or TiO2 nanoparticles on glass, steel, and aluminum substrates, underwent a comprehensive evaluation. Surface wetting properties and morphology were respectively evaluated using a technique involving liquid droplets and an imaging method using high-energy electrons. Potentiodynamic polarization was used to compare corrosion resistance between coated and bare substrates. Nanoindentation was used to assess coating hardness, and bonding strength was subsequently quantified. The results revealed that PVDF/ZnO composite coatings had higher water contact angles (161 ± 5° to 138 ± 2°) and lower contact angle hysteresis (7 ± 2° to 2 ± 1°) compared to PVDF/TiO2 and PVDF coatings. Moreover, corrosion tests demonstrated superior protection for steel and aluminum surfaces coated with superhydrophobic PVDF/ZnO. Nanoindentation indicated enhanced mechanical properties with TiO2 nanoparticles, with adhesion results favoring TiO2 over ZnO nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical cells that utilize metals (e.g., lithium, sodium, zinc) as anodes are under intense investigation as they are projected to replace the current lithium‐ion batteries to serve as a more energy‐dense option for commercial applications. In addition, metal electrodes provide opportunities for fundamental research of different phenomena, such as ion transport and electrochemical kinetics, in the complex environment of reactive metal‐electrodeposition. In this work, computationally and experimentally the competing effects related to transport and kinetics during the metal electrodeposition process are examined. Using Brownian dynamics simulations, it is shown that slower deposition kinetics results in a more compact and uniform Li morphology. This finding is experimentally implemented by designing ion‐containing polymeric coatings on the electrodes that simultaneously provide pathways for lithium‐ion transport, while impeding the charge transfer (Li+ + e− → Li) at heterogeneous surfaces. It is further shown that these ionic polymer interfaces can significantly extend the cell‐lifetime of a lithium metal battery in both ether‐based and carbonate‐based electrolytes. Through theoretical and experimental investigations, it is found that a low kinetic to transport rate ratio is a major factor in influencing the Li plating morphology. The plating morphology can be further fine‐tuned by increasing ionic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of nanostructures to polymeric materials allows for a direct interaction between polymeric chains and nanometric structures, resulting in a synergistic process through the physical (electrostatic forces) and chemical properties (bond formation) of constituents for the modification of their properties and potential cutting-edge materials. This study explores a novel in situ synthesis method for PDMS-%SiO2 nanoparticle composites with varying crosslinking degrees (PDMS:TEOS of 15:1, 10:1, and 5:1); particle concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%); and sol-gel catalysts (acidic and alkaline). This investigation delves into the distinct physical and chemical properties of silicon nanoparticles synthesized under acidic (SiO2-a) and alkaline (SiO2-b) conditions. A characterization through Raman, FT-IR, and XPS analyses confirms particle size and agglomeration differences between both the SiO2-a and SiO2-b particles. Similar chemical environments, with TEOS and ethanol by-products, were detected for both systems. The results on polymer composites elucidate the successful incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles into the PDMS matrix without altering the PDMS’s chemical structure. However, the presence of nanoparticles did affect the relative intensities of specific vibrational modes over composites from −35% to 24% (Raman) and from −14% to 59% (FT-IR). The XPS results validate the presence of Si, O, and C in all composites, with significant variations in atomic proportions (C/Si and O/Si) and Si and C component analyses through deconvolution techniques. This study demonstrates the successful in situ synthesis of PDMS-SiO2 composites with tunable properties by controlling the sol-gel and crosslinking synthesis parameters. The findings provide valuable insights into the in situ synthesis methods of polymeric composite materials and their potential integration with polymer nanocomposite processing techniques.

This article discusses various types of protective anti-corrosion coatings for machine parts and load-bearing structures that exist today. A comparative analysis of coatings based on polymeric materials is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as reinforcements in polymeric coatings allows for direct interaction with the polymeric chains of the matrix, resulting in a synergistic process through physical (electrostatic forces) and chemical interactions (bond formation) for the improvement of the mechanical properties with relatively low weight concentrations of the NPs. In this investigation, different nanocomposite polymers were synthesized from the crosslinking reaction of the hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. Different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8, and 10 wt%) of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method were added as reinforcing structures. The crystalline and morphological properties of the nanoparticles were determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The molecular structure of coatings was through infrared spectroscopy (IR). The crosslinking, efficiency, hydrophobicity, and adhesion degree of the study groups were evaluated with gravimetric crosslinking tests, contact angle, and adhesion tests. It was observed that the crosslinking efficiency and surface adhesion properties of the different nanocomposites obtained were maintained. A slight increase in the contact angle was observed for the nanocomposites with 8 wt% compared to the polymer without reinforcements. The mechanical tests of indentation hardness and tensile strength following the ASTM E-384 and ISO 527 standards, respectively, were performed. As the nanoparticle concentration increased, a maximum increase of 157% in Vickers hardness, 71.4% in elastic modulus, and 80% in tensile strength was observed. However, the maximum elongation remained between 60 and 75%, ensuring that the composites did not become brittle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the osteogenic differentiation of umbilical-cord-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) on biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds derived from cuttlefish bone doped with metal ions and coated with polymers. First, the in vitro cytocompatibility of the undoped and ion-doped (Sr2+, Mg2+ and/or Zn2+) BCP scaffolds was evaluated for 72 h using Live/Dead staining and viability assays. From these tests, the most promising composition was found to be the BCP scaffold doped with strontium (Sr2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) (BCP-6Sr2Mg2Zn). Then, samples from the BCP-6Sr2Mg2Zn were coated with poly(ԑ-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(ester urea) (PEU). The results showed that hUC-MSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, and hUC-MSCs seeded on the PEU-coated scaffolds proliferated well, adhered to the scaffold surfaces, and enhanced their differentiation capabilities without negative effects on cell proliferation under in vitro conditions. Overall, these results suggest that PEU-coated scaffolds are an alternative to PCL for use in bone regeneration, providing a suitable environment to maximally induce osteogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaning is one of the most important, essential, and delicate operation which has to be handled by conservators before applying new materials to any substrates. In past decades, nanotechnology introduced new concepts and materials in the conservation field, which have been providing many advantageous performances, especially higher than older materials. As a result, the conservators have already started to use nanomaterials in the cleaning processes of artifacts. Taking into consideration this new approach, our study has focused on using nano-structured emulsions (NSE) as smart cleaning materials for removing polymer coatings (e.g., acrylic polymers). For this purpose, Paraloid B-72 was applied on three different substrates (glass, Lecce stone, and Arenaria stone) and cleaning was performed by a specific nano-structured emulsion (NSE) based on an eco-friendly surfactant (EcoSurf) and two organic solvents in different proportions. In order to better understand the interaction of surfactant and organic solvents with polymer coating, plain EcoSurf in water was also used for comparison. In this study, the decay process of the considered polymer was also deeply studied, because it directly affects the cleaning effectiveness. Coated specimens of the different substrates were artificially aged and examined by different techniques: chromatic variations and contact angle measurements, optical microscopy, FTIR, and SEM-EDS. This material characterization process is important to understand the colour, morphology, and micro-structural difference, and the changes of hydrophobic behaviour as well as chemical composition of Paraloid B-72 polymer due to different ageing processes. After that, substrates coated with both unaged and aged polymer were cleaned by NSE according to the direct-contact procedure and cellulose pulp method. Preliminary analyses suggested that the direct-contact cleaning performed by nano-emulsion (i.e., NSE) induced a complete removal of the acrylic polymer, despite that this method is not recommended for the artifacts and can be hardly applicable in real cases. On the other hand, experimental results showed that satisfactory cleaning of stone substrates can be obtained by using NSE/the cellulose pulp system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the preparation of a lotus-leaf-like coating with robust super-hydrophobicity and anti-ultraviolet ability. As theoretically decoded from quantum mechanics, the combination of ceria-modified roughness with a substrate layer with low surface energy may help narrow the water-"hit" moiety on the surface and accordingly enhance the super-hydrophobicity, along with the intrinsic ultraviolet-resistant ability of ceria. To the end, this coating was fabricated by spraying a ceria emulsion and a perfluorosilane emulsion of the substrate layer onto a glass slide that helped form the lotus-leaf-like rough surface. Depending on the content of ceria, the prepared coating demonstrated the desired and excellent superhydrophobic properties in which the contact angle can be up to 155.7° and the rolling angle can be up to 4.8°. The presence of ceria in the prepared lotus-leaf-like coating not only enhanced the super-hydrophobicity but also dictated the anti-ultraviolet ability. In conjunction with the sturdy wear resistance, the successful preparation of this coating suggests a promising prospect for practical applications and particularly outdoor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradable layer-by-layer (LbL) polymeric coatings have distinct advantages over traditional biomedical coatings due to their precision of assembly, versatile inclusion of bioactive molecules, and conformality to the complex architectures of implantable devices. However, controlling the degradation rate while achieving biocompatibility has remained a challenge. This work employs polyphosphazenes as promising candidates for film assembly due to their inherent biocompatibility, tunability of chemical composition, and the buffering capability of degradation products. The degradation of pyrrolidone-functionalized polyphosphazenes was monitored in solution, complexes and LbL coatings (with tannic acid), providing the first to our knowledge comparison of solution-state degradation to solid-state LbL degradation. In all cases, the rate of degradation accelerated in acidic conditions. Importantly, the tunability of the degradation rate of polyphosphazene-based LbL films was achieved by varying film assembly conditions. Specifically, by slightly increasing the ionization of tannic acid (near neutral pH), we introduce electrostatic “defects” to the hydrogen-bonded pairs that accelerate film degradation. Finally, we show that replacing the pyrrolidone side group with a carboxylic acid moiety greatly reduces the degradation rate of the LbL coatings. In practical applications, these coatings have the versatility to serve as biocompatible platforms for various biomedical applications and controlled release systems.

Objectives. Scale formation and corrosion are serious problems for heat and power equipment. These processes, when intense, can completely block the operation of the system, accelerating corrosion and leading to clogging, local overheating, and burnouts and ruptures of boilers and pipes, which in turn can lead to major environmental problems. Therefore, protecting surfaces from scale formation and corrosion is an important task. Promising methods for preventing the development of undesirable consequences include changing the composition of polymer coatings, e.g., by introducing microencapsulated corrosion inhibitors, as well as surface modification approaches, such as hydrophobization of the polymer coating surface. The purpose of the present work is to analyze methods for reducing scale formation and the rate of corrosion processes, as well as to study the efficiency of modification of paints and coatings by introducing microencapsulated corrosion inhibitors.Methods. The study was based on the use of accelerated corrosion tests.Results. Existing methods for reducing scale formation and corrosion rate on the surfaces of heat and power equipment were analyzed. The efficiency of modifying protective polymer materials by introducing microcapsules containing an active phosphonate additive was compared with approaches involving the surface modification of such protective materials.Conclusions. It was determined that the modification of paints and coatings by introducing microencapsulated active additives can significantly reduce the rates of both scale formation and corrosion. By implementing stateof-the-art methods for modifying polymer coatings, a new generation of agents for efficiently preventing scale formation and corrosion processes can be developed for maintaining the high performance of heat-exchange equipment.

Abstract—A promising direction for improving protective polymer coatings for highly aggressive environments is the implementation of the mechanism of self-adaptation and increase of the protective properties of the coating, as well as self-healing. In multilayer composite coatings, in addition to primer layers, this approach is relevant for insulating upper layers based on thermosets. Such modern materials, as a rule, contain active functional groups and oligomeric additives. This paper presents the results of a study of the electrochemical characteristics (EIS and potentiometry) of polymeric epoxy protective coatings on an inert platinum substrate during long-term exposure to NaCl solution. It is shown that, when active organic additives are used in a polymer coating, it is fundamentally possible to find the effect of self-adaptation and an increase in the protective properties (impedance modulus, active resistance, angle of loss of the polymer film, and an increase in the potential of the substrate under it) when exposed to a chloride-containing aggressive environment. At the stage of the beginning of coating destruction at a certain time intervals for a model epoxy–phenol–furan coating, a behavior was registered that allows us to speak about the manifestation of the self-healing effect, namely, the restoration (up to 100%) of the full coating impedance combined with the restoration of a high (up to 89 degrees) dielectric loss angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global agricultural production is suffering substantial losses due to climate change-related weather events such as drought and salinity, leading to tissue damage and, ultimately, major yield losses. The development of sustainable, ‘green’ technologies is therefore becoming of utmost important, also due to the need for reduced agrochemical use. Close examination of plant-to-plant communication in nature has revealed the development of unique strategies from plants for responding to abiotic stress, with one of the most interesting being through priming for improved defense responses. The process of priming involves prior exposure to a biotic or abiotic stress factor making a plant more tolerant to future exposure. Priming can also be achieved by applying natural or synthetic compounds which act as signaling transducers, ‘activating’ the plant’s defense system. The current presentation gives an up-todate description of main research activities carried out at the Cyprus University of Technology with the employment of chemical compounds, microorganisms and advanced nanomaterials and polymers applied as priming agents for stress protection and improved growth, focusing at seed level. This technology offers an attractive alternative to established approaches such as conventional breeding and genetic modification with key advantages, representing a characteristic example of integrative plant physiology where multiple disciplines such as materials science, agriculture and analytical chemistry join forces to develop exciting new tools in modern agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Crosslinking is a ubiquitous strategy in polymer engineering to increase the thermomechanical robustness of solid polymers but has been relatively unexplored in the context of π‐conjugated (semiconducting) polymers. Notwithstanding, mechanical stability is key to many envisioned applications of organic electronic devices. For example, the wide‐scale distribution of photovoltaic devices incorporating conjugated polymers may depend on integration with substrates subject to mechanical insult—for example, road surfaces, flooring tiles, and vehicle paint. Here, a four‐armed azide‐based crosslinker (“4Bx”) is used to modify the mechanical properties of a library of semiconducting polymers. Three polymers used in bulk heterojunction solar cells (donors J51 and PTB7‐Th, and acceptor N2200) are selected for detailed investigation. In doing so, it is shown that low loadings of 4Bx can be used to increase the strength (up to 30%), toughness (up to 75%), hardness (up to 25%), and cohesion of crosslinked films. Likewise, crosslinked films show greater physical stability in comparison to non‐crosslinked counterparts (20% vs 90% volume lost after sonication). Finally, the locked‐in morphologies and increased mechanical robustness enable crosslinked solar cells to have greater survivability to four degradation tests: abrasion (using a sponge), direct exposure to chloroform, thermal aging, and accelerated degradation (heat, moisture, and oxygen).

A solvent-free route of initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) was used to synthesize a bio-renewable poly(α-Methylene-γ-butyrolactone) (PMBL) polymer. α-MBL, also known as tulipalin A, is a bio-based monomer that can be a sustainable alternative to produce polymer coatings with interesting material properties. The produced polymers were deposited as thin films on three different types of substrates—polycarbonate (PC) sheets, microscopic glass, and silicon wafers—and characterized via an array of characterization techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Optically transparent thin films and coatings of PMBL were found to have high thermal stability up to 310 °C. The resulting PMBL films also displayed good optical characteristics, and a high glass transition temperature (Tg~164 °C), higher than the Tg of its structurally resembling fossil-based linear analogue-poly(methyl methacrylate). The effect of monomer partial pressure to monomer saturation vapor pressure (Pm/Psat) on the deposition rate was investigated in this study. Both the deposition rate and molar masses increased linearly with Pm/Psat following the normal iCVD mechanism and kinetics that have been reported in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm formation can be slowed down by restricting protein adhesion on a surface, or by antimicrobial/biocidal activity of the material (among other methods). In this progress report, the recent work on alternatives to single component antimicrobial or protein‐repellent polymer materials is presented. These are microstructured bifunctional polymer surfaces and self‐regenerating polymer multilayer stacks. The microstructured polymer surfaces consist of antimicrobial, protein‐adhesive polymer patches, and nonfouling, protein repellent‐polymer patches. By carefully balancing the size and architecture of the adhesive and repellent patches, materials with simultaneous antimicrobial activity and strong protein repellency are obtained. At similar polymer patch sizes, protein adhesion is lower on hydrogels with a low elastic modulus than on polymer monolayers attached to stiff substrates. Surface‐regenerating polymer multilayer stacks are constructed from alternating layers of antimicrobial polymer hydrogels and degradable, soluble, or depolymerizable sacrificial layers. Top layer shedding, which imitates reptiles shedding their skin, rejuvenates the surface, and regenerates the antimicrobial function of the material. Layer shedding form such materials in solution is a competition between two thermodynamic minima, top layer reattachment and top layer removal. The outcome of each shedding event depends on the kinetics of the sacrificial layer disintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) coatings offer avenues for the fabrication of devices with smart surfaces incorporating responsive topography, reflectivity, or polarization from their unique anisotropic optical and mechanical properties. LCPs have most commonly been made by photopolymerization of reactive mesogens within confined cells. Here, an alternative method of preparing LCP coatings using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is described. LCP‐iCVD copolymer coatings comprised of an acrylic cyanobiphenyl mesogenic monomer copolymerized with vinyl ether crosslinkers are prepared. Systematic experiments examine the relationship between the monomer properties, reactor conditions, and polymer deposition rate. The alignment of the mesogenic phase in the as‐synthesized coatings is also demonstrated to be controlled by the surface energy of the underlying substrate. Interestingly, the surface properties of LCP coatings measured by atomic force microscopy are shown to depend on the director orientation. The data presented in this work introduce mesogenic monomers into the library of vapor‐deposited polymer coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops a theoretical analysis of the coating permeability necessary for use as internal coatings of transmission pipelines to prevent hydrogen embrittlement. Internal coating materials suitable to be applied in situ on existing steel pipelines are also evaluated. Twelve different commercially available coatings; crosslinked poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly (vinyl chloride) and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA)/polyetheramine (D-400) epoxy coatings prepared in-house were tested. Films fabricated from two commercial epoxies had hydrogen permeability of 0.40 Barrer and 0.35 Barrer respectively, which show potential as coating materials. A hydrogen permeability of 0.0084 Barrer was achieved with a crosslinked poly (vinyl alcohol) coating, indicating that this material shows the highest potential of all coatings tested. Unsteady-state hydrogen diffusion through coated steel was then modeled to evaluate the effect of the coating film in reducing hydrogen embrittlement. The result shows that with a 2 mm PVA coating, hydrogen permeation inside the coating will take seven years to reach equilibrium and the final hydrogen concentration on the steel surface will be 44% lower than that without a coating. Greater protection can be provided if coatings can be developed with lower hydrogen permeability. • Hydrogen permeability, solubility and diffusivity of 16 potential pipeline coatings were tested. • All commercial coatings were too permeable to prevent hydrogen ingress. • Crosslinked PVA films offered significantly lower hydrogen permeability. • A 2 mm PVA coating could reduce the equilibrium hydrogen concentration on the steel surface by 44% after seven years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenging issues of metal materials corrosion in industries, which has caused huge economic losses and security threats to many facilities in marine environments, functional polymer coatings have been widely used and regarded as one of the simplest and most effective methods to prevent such an undesirable event. In this study, a new type of coating filler consisting of graphene oxide/polyaniline/polydopamine (GO-PANI-PDA) nanocomposites has been successfully synthesized. The morphology, structure, composition, and corrosion resistance performance of the GO-PANI-PDA (GPP) nanocomposites were investigated via a series of characterization methods. The results from our electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization curve and salt spray experiment showed that the best corrosion resistance performance of the coating is from GPP 21 with the epoxy/GO-PANI:PDA ratio of 2:1, which exhibited a positive corrosion potential (−0.51 V) shift from epoxy/GO-PANI coating (−0.64 V). The corrosion current density (3.83 × 10−8 A/cm2) of GPP 21 is nearly an order of magnitude lower than that of epoxy/GO-PANI (7.05 × 10−7 A/cm2). The good anti-corrosion performance was fascinatingly observed in salt spray tests even without obvious corrosion phenomenon after 30 days of testing. Due to these remarkable properties, GPP nanocomposites can be an outstanding candidate for the rapid development of broadband shielding and anticorrosive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomedical-device-associated infection (BAI) is undoubtedly a major concern and a serious challenge in modern medicine. Therefore, the development of biomedical materials that are capable of resisting or killing bacteria is of great importance. In this work, a croconaine-functionalized polymer with antifouling and near-infrared (NIR) photothermal bactericidal properties was prepared and facilely modified on polypropylene (PP) to combat medical device infections. Croconaine dye is elaborately modified as a "living" initiator, termed CR-4EBiB, for preparing amphiphilic block polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In the formed polymer coating, the hydrophobic block can strongly adhere to the surface of the PP substrate, whereas the hydrophilic block is located on the outer layer by solvent-induced resistance to bacterial adhesion. Under the irradiation of an NIR laser (808 nm), the croconaine dye in the coating achieved maximum conversion of light to heat to effectively kill E. coli , S. aureus , and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This work provides a facile and promising strategy for the development of implantable antibacterial biomedical materials.

Recently, advances in enhancing corrosion properties through various techniques, and the clinical application of biodegradable cardiovascular stents made from magnesium (Mg) alloys face challenges to corrosion resistance, blood compatibility, and biocompatibility. Drug-eluting stents (DES) offer a solution to enhance the corrosion resistance of Mg alloys while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of restenosis. In this study, WE43 Mg alloy was pretreated using electropolishing technology, and different polymers (PEG and PLLA) were used as drug-polymer coatings for the Mg alloy. At the same time, PTX, an anticoagulant, was incorporated to achieve drug coating of different polymers on WE43 Mg alloy. The corrosion resistance of different polymer-drug coatings was assessed using a plasma solution. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo tests were used to evaluate the blood biocompatibility of these coatings. The results indicated the PTX-PEG-coated WE43 Mg alloy exhibited the highest corrosion resistance and the most stable drug release profile among the tested coatings. Its hemolysis rate of 0.6 % was within the clinical requirements (<5 %). The incorporation of PEG prevents non-specific protein adsorption and nanoparticle aggregation, enhancing the surface hemocompatibility of WE43 Mg alloy. Therefore, the PTX-PEG coating shows promising potential for application in the development of drug-coated Mg alloy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as reinforcements in polymeric coatings allows for direct interaction with the polymeric chains of the matrix, resulting in a synergistic process through physical (electrostatic forces) and chemical interactions (bond formation) for the improvement of the mechanical properties with relatively low weight concentrations of the NPs. In this investigation, different nanocomposite polymers were synthesized from the crosslinking reaction of the hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. Different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8, and 10 wt%) of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method were added as reinforcing structures. The crystalline and morphological properties of the nanoparticles were determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The molecular structure of coatings was through infrared spectroscopy (IR). The crosslinking, efficiency, hydrophobicity, and adhesion degree of the study groups were evaluated with gravimetric crosslinking tests, contact angle, and adhesion tests. It was observed that the crosslinking efficiency and surface adhesion properties of the different nanocomposites obtained were maintained. A slight increase in the contact angle was observed for the nanocomposites with 8 wt% compared to the polymer without reinforcements. The mechanical tests of indentation hardness and tensile strength following the ASTM E-384 and ISO 527 standards, respectively, were performed. As the nanoparticle concentration increased, a maximum increase of 157% in Vickers hardness, 71.4% in elastic modulus, and 80% in tensile strength was observed. However, the maximum elongation remained between 60 and 75%, ensuring that the composites did not become brittle.

This study investigates the osteogenic differentiation of umbilical-cord-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) on biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds derived from cuttlefish bone doped with metal ions and coated with polymers. First, the in vitro cytocompatibility of the undoped and ion-doped (Sr2+, Mg2+ and/or Zn2+) BCP scaffolds was evaluated for 72 h using Live/Dead staining and viability assays. From these tests, the most promising composition was found to be the BCP scaffold doped with strontium (Sr2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) (BCP-6Sr2Mg2Zn). Then, samples from the BCP-6Sr2Mg2Zn were coated with poly(ԑ-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(ester urea) (PEU). The results showed that hUC-MSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, and hUC-MSCs seeded on the PEU-coated scaffolds proliferated well, adhered to the scaffold surfaces, and enhanced their differentiation capabilities without negative effects on cell proliferation under in vitro conditions. Overall, these results suggest that PEU-coated scaffolds are an alternative to PCL for use in bone regeneration, providing a suitable environment to maximally induce osteogenesis.

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a potential candidate to substitute state-of-the-art friction-reducing coatings due to its excellent properties in terms of temperature resistance and friction reduction. Conventionally, microparticulate PEEK is applied to a component and melted in an oven-based process where the entire component is heated above the melting temperature of PEEK (T melt = 340°C) for minutes to hours. Due to the high thermal load on the component, temperature-sensitive materials cannot be processed without a significant reduction in the hardness of the component. One approach to overcome this drawback is to melt the microparticulate PEEK layer with laser radiation. Due to the achievable high heating and cooling rates, laser treatment offers the possibility to obtain the necessary melting temperature within the coating while reducing the thermal load on the substrate material. Still, a pre-heating of the substrate surface is necessary to achieve a high PEEK layer adhesion to the substrate surface. In this study, a laser-based dual-beam approach is presented in which both the preheating of the substrate and the melting of the PEEK layer are implemented with laser radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electropolymerization and deposition of poly(salicylic acid-co-N-methylaniline) copolymer, poly(SA-co-NMA) onto platinum electrode was studied using cyclic voltammetry in an acidic medium under inert conditions at various reaction factors. The mechanism of the electropolymerizaion reaction was proposed and the apparent activation energy (Eapp) was determined. The deposited polymer film was characterized using different spectral tools such as UV spectroscopy, IR, 1HNMR, X-ray, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, the spectral data for poly(salicylic acid) PSA and poly(N-methylaniline) PNMA were also given for comparison. The electropolymerized co-polymer was collected from the Pt-surface then it has been investigated as a corrosion inhibitor. An open circuit potential method (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and polarization techniques were used to study the application and the efficiency of the deposited copolymer film as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in an acidic environment pH = 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Improvement of the technology for obtaining polymer-sprayed coatings based on polycarbodiimides (polyureas) with high chemical, hydrolytic, and abrasive resistance and improved physical and mechanical properties, as well as obtainment of polyurea compositions with a lifetime of at least 5 min without loss performance characteristics (i.e., “hand-applied” polyureas) suitable for repair of coatings already in use.Methods. The reaction rate between isocyanate and amino groups is almost a hundred times higher than that between isocyanate and hydroxyl groups, necessitating the use of special highperformance and high-pressure installations equipped with self-cleaning mixing chambers and heating of components. The following are determined from the obtained materials: strength, elongation at break according to the standard method, Taber abrasion, and Shore hardness.Results. Three methods of slowing down the reaction are investigated: 1) the synthesis of prepolymers with the content of NCO groups from 10.5% to 18%; 2) the addition of a plasticizer into the prepolymer in the amount of 1–10 mass parts; and 3) the introduction of polyesters into the composition and radiation of the so-called “hybrid” systems. When using 14% polyesters with a molecular weight of 2000 Da, only “hybrid” systems make it possible to obtain compositions with a lifetime of more than 5 min. At the same time, the tensile strength decreases by 20%, and the abrasion increases by 40%; however, such “hybrid” systems have a higher adhesion force and are cheaper than pure polyureas, allowing them to be used as “repair” systems.Conclusions. The developed composition and technology of applying “hybrid” systems allow for the repair of existing coatings without using specialized devices. “Manual” polyurea is easy to use and does not require special training.

This paper describes research on the effect of UV radiation on the surface of a GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) laminate in the context of increasing the adhesion between the laminate and polymer resin coatings. GFRP composite samples were prepared using the hand lay-up method. The samples were then exposed to various types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA, UVB, UVC) for 1000 h, with surface roughness measurements every 100 h. The flexural strength of laminates after photoaging was tested, which showed an increase in the strength of aged laminates compared to the reference sample by approximately 5–10 %. Coatings of various thicknesses were applied to the surface of the aged laminates and their adhesion to the substrate material was tested using the mandrel bending method alongside the cross-cut technique. The greatest change in surface roughness was observed on the sample exposed to UVC radiation, where the roughness increased approximately twice in relation to the reference sample. Coating adhesion tests have additionally shown that degradation under the influence of UVC has a positive effect on the adhesion of coatings to the laminate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface boronizing treatment, which forms lattice defects between the boronized layer and the metal substrate, is an effective anti-corrosion strategy. We explored the bonding mode between boron-oxygen ligands and Fe substrate. [BO3] is bonded to Fe with Fe-B bonds, while [BO4] tends to form Fe-O bonds. The larger coordination number of B and O is beneficial to resist Cl- attack. Furthermore, carbon steels were amino-functionalized through a silanol condensation reaction. The electronic localization shifted toward Fe, which was conducive to the formation of hydrogen bonds between amidogen and boron-oxygen complex anions, which increased the boronizing efficiency by tenfold. [Display omitted] • The boronizing mechanism of different configurations of borates was determined. • Chemical adsorption was enhanced by amino modification to intensify boronizing. • The boronizing layer of carbon steel exhibited an exogenous self-healing effect. • After 3 days of self-diffusion boronizing, the anti-corrosion rate reached 93.9 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When using HCl to remove oxidation from metal surfaces, there is a risk of significant corrosion to the metal substrate. As a common industrial practice, organic or polymer coatings in corrosive environments protect metals from corrosion by providing a barrier on the metal surface within the corrosive medium. However, the limited solubility of polymers in aqueous corrosive mediums restricts their effectiveness. Herein, a highly water-soluble polyfluorene derivative, Poly(9,9-bis{3′-[(N , N -dimethyl)- N -ethylammonium}-propyl]-2,7-fluorene dibromide) (PFDN-Br), was synthesized as a HCl corrosion inhibitor to solve the corrosion problem of Q235 steel. The protective performance of the synthesized coatings was evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves. The results of electrochemical testing demonstrate that the addition of PFDN-Br significantly reduces the corrosion rate of mild steel compared to the results without PFDN-Br. The average inhibition efficiency is 92.7 %. Additionally, the results of PDP indicate that PFDN-Br acts as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor, with its adsorption on the surface of carbon steel following the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Quantum chemistry calculations (QC) and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) were employed to investigate the interaction mechanism between PFDN-Br and the surface. The excellent inhibitory performance of PFDN-Br may be attributed to its high-density side chains. This study provides insights into the development of polymer coatings with high water solubility and superior corrosion resistance. • Synthesized a highly water-soluble cationic Polyfluorene PFDN-Br. • PFDN-Br coating protects metals from acid corrosion. • After 10 h of immersion, PFDN-Br maintains a corrosion inhibition rate of 93 %. • The adsorption mechanism of PFDN-Br was elucidated through theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]