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Pyrene‐functionalized silicon hybrid porous polymer (TAPPy‐HPP). The hybrid polymer was successfully prepared via a Schiff base reaction using tetra(4‐aminophenyl)pyrene (TAPPy) and tetra(4‐formylphenyl)silane (TFS) as the building blocks.. This hybrid polymer was characterized using IR, solid‐state 13C and 29Si NMR, and elemental analysis. Its morphology was analyzed by PXRD and SEM. Thermal analysis using Thermal analysis using TGA shows that the synthetic polymer has greater thermal stability than its monomers at a temperature of 5 % weight loss (Td5 %) of 392 °C. Although TAPPy‐HPP has a Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller surface area of 45.4 m2 g−1, it adsorbed dyes with high efficiency, particularly the anionic dye Congo Red (CR), with an adsorption capacity of up to 358 m2 g−1. Moreover, TAPPy‐HPP showed excellent recycling and regenerative properties. This polymer is a promising candidate for a fluorescent chemical sensor for the absorption of dyes due to its exceptional physiochemical stability and intense luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-based dressings deriving from natural biomaterials have advantages such as nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and mechanical stability, which are essential for efficient wound healing and microbial infection diagnostics. Here, we designed a prototype of an intelligent hydrogel dressing on the base of bacterial cellulose (BC) for monitoring wound microbial infection due to the uploaded natural pH dye-sensor, anthocyanins (ANC) of elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra L.). The highest sensor responses to bacterial metabolites for ANC immobilized to BC were observed at pH 5.0 and 6.0. The detection limit of the sensor signals was 3.45 A.U., as it was evaluated with a smartphone-installed application. The FTIR spectral analysis of the hybrid BC/ANC hydrogel films has proved the presence of anthocyanins within the BC matrix. Hybrid films differed from the control ones by thicker microfibrils and larger pores, as detected with scanning electron microscopy. Halochromic BC/ANC films exhibited antimicrobial activities mainly against gram-positive bacteria and yeast. They showed no cytotoxicity for the in vitro human cell lines and mouse fibroblasts within a selected range of anthocyanin concentrations released from the BC/ANC film/dressing prototype. Compared to the control, the in vitro healing test showed overgrowth of primary mouse fibroblasts after applying 0.024–2.4 µg/mL ANC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although direct hepatic stellate cell (HSC) inhibition is considered a promising strategy for alleviating liver fibrosis, traditional therapies struggle with off‐target effects due to limited penetration of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell barriers. This study reports on the development of a "Kupffer cell (KC) teleportation" strategy to treat liver fibrosis by fabricating a hybrid polymer‐bimetallic sequential delivery system, CF@BPPM (baicalin prodrug polymer [BP]/mannose derivative polymer [PM] encapsulated copper [Cu]‐iron [Fe] ultrasmall nanoparticles [CFs]). The nanosystems exhibit KCs targeting and acidic response sequential release properties by a hybrid polymer, which first releases CFs in lysosome after being internalized by KCs through a PM targeting effect. The exposed CFs efficiently scavenge reactive oxygen species in KCs and subsequently degrade Cu2+/ Fe2+ to upregulate the heme oxygenase expression for suppressing interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and platelet‐derived growth factors. Second, baicalin, released from BP in lysosome, further inhibits transforming growth factor beta secretion. These results suggest that CF@BPPM inhibits the inclusive cytokine secretion of KCs, which play a vital conductive role in liver fibrosis progression. Subsequently, CF@BPPM achieves protection against HSCs activation, migration, and collagen production, enriching anti‐liver fibrosis therapeutic methods by exploiting messaging between KCs and HSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging technologies based on polymeric materials are progressively developed in order to preserve and consolidate cultural heritage artifacts. In this study, we aimed to obtain a hybrid polymer reliant on two types of thermosets that undergo irreversible crosslinking via ionizing radiation-induced polymerization, the polymer's structure and characteristics being tailored using specific dose rates, doses, linear energy transfer and monomers ratio, in order to achieve the established performance requirements. Here, we demonstrate a covalently bonded 3D hybrid diepoxy-triacrylic polymer that is chemically and dimensionally stable, intending to use it as a consolidant of highly degraded wooden artifacts in order to mitigate oxygen inhibition from radical chain reactions, to increase chemical and thermal stability, as well as to obtain a stiffer consolidated artifact, therefore more resistant to deformation. Various types of analytical techniques such as Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry or Thermal analysis were performed in order to support our strategy and predictions regarding the synergistic effect given by gamma irradiation-driven crosslinking through simultaneous cationic and radical chain growth polymerization reaction mechanisms. We achieved a homogenous polymeric formulation and wood-polymer composite materials with high modulus of elasticity, therefore providing up to a twofold increase in Young's modulus in the consolidated wood, a good chemical resistance to various solvents and outstanding thermal resistance up to 381°C. Consequently, the consolidation methodology, as well as mechanical testing, analytical and morphological characterization of the resulted composite will be discussed. Apart from consolidating cultural heritage wooden artifacts, this synthetic route and impregnation methodology provide opportunities for wood-polymer composites in a wealth of applications as reinforced wood-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern road construction uses a large number of polymer-based materials. Material composition depends on their roles. Among the most important functions of road body materials is to transfer all loads safely to the subgrade. A thorough understanding of material properties in various climates is crucial for this purpose. In the automotive industry, polymer residues from recycling can be used to make innovative materials, such as STERED, a hybrid polymer composite. Drawing on the porous nature of this material, this paper investigates its mechanical behavior. For road construction, the compressive properties of the material are most important. The paper presents the results of a detailed analysis and experimental research of the STERED material from in-lab tests. Successful research will lead to the inclusion of the material in road body compositions with excellent retention properties, vibration damping, and potential in circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have emphasized that the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the polymer structure with the mini‐emulsion technique is the most ideal technique in terms of controlling their physical (size, shape, etc.) and chemical (surface chemistry, etc.) properties. In this study, MNPs were modified with clay (laponite) and made compatible with polymers. Then, clay‐modified MNPs (laponite/magnetite, LAM) were incorporated into acrylic polymers by semibatch mini‐emulsion polymerization in an oil phase containing monomer, initiator, and hydrophobic substance. The contribution of clay content to the functionality of MNPs and the properties of polymer nanoparticles containing LAM were investigated. The structures of the synthesized nanoparticles and polymeric materials were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. The morphology of the latexes was clarified by atomic force microscope (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) analyses, and the atomic percentage values were determined by FESEM‐EDAX detector analysis. Thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, and strength endurance was determined by a tensile test. The results showed that LAM could be successfully incorporated into the polymer structure without precipitation by mini‐emulsion polymerization, and this technique is suitable for the preparation of nanocapsules. Moreover, it was determined that MNPs increased particle sizes and viscosity of the latexes. Also, increase in surface roughness with enhanced nanoparticle concentration was observed from the AFM images. The composite latex with 2% LAM showed the greatest increase in mechanical characteristics. Highlights: LAM nanoparticle Synthesis was carried out.Stable nanocomposite of LAM nanoparticle in latexes was achieved via mini‐emulsion polymerization.LAM successfully incorporated to the acrylic latexes without precipitation.Properties of the acrylic latexes were improved by incorporation of LAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on developing a novel hybrid gel polymer electrolyte (HGPE) for lithium-ion batteries. The HGPEs comprise a hybrid polymer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polylactic acid (PLA), doped with 20 wt.% lithium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide salt (LiTFSI) and incorporated with various contents of ionic liquid, namely ethyl-dimethyl-propylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EDIMP]TFSI) is successfully prepared, and the lithium-ion batteries performance was investigated. This work aims to investigate the influence of the ionic liquid on the electrical properties, cation transference number (tLi+), electrochemical stability window, and charge-discharge performance of the PMMA-PLA based HGPE systems. Among the different samples tested, the HGPE containing 20 wt.% [EDIMP]TFSI (E-TFSI 20) exhibited the most promising results. It achieved an optimum ionic conductivity of 3.90 × 10−3 S cm−1, an increased tLi+ from 0.63 to 0.79, and an extended electrochemical stability window from 4.3 to 5V. Temperature dependence studies revealed that all the HGPE systems followed the Arrhenius characteristic, and their activation energies were calculated. Dielectric studies revealed ionic behavior and suitable capacitance with varying frequencies of the HGPEs system. The most favorable electrolyte was selected based on the highest ionic conductivity observed in each HGPE systems. It was utilized in a Li metalǀHGPEsǀgraphite cell configuration. The discharge capacity of the cells using LiTFSI 20 and E-TFSI 20 electrolytes were measured as 152.06 mAh g−1 and 71.15 mAh g−1, respectively, at a current density of 3.72 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bioretanning agent was developed as an alternative to conventional synthetic retanning agents to pave the way for sustainability in the leather industry. Solid chromium shaving wastes from leather processing produced a proteinic sub-structure for the constitution building block of the bioretanning agent's backbone. The alkaline hydrolysis method was used to obtain the protein hydrolyzate, and the residual chromium content was determined as <80 ppm. The protein hydrolyzates were acquired in different molecular weights, and the hybrid biopolymers were obtained by grafting the hydrolyzates with acrylic acids (AAc) and acrylamides (AAm). To evaluate the properties imparted by the designed bioretanning agent, it was incorporated into the leather in the retanning processes and compared to the control samples fabricated with conventional procedures. As a result, penetration of hybrid biopolymer into the matrix for retanning was achieved easily, and using low and high molecular weight biopolymers have been recorded by 20% and 23% of improvement in the mechanical performance of the leather samples, respectively. Furthermore, the ratio of the hydrolyzate and AAm/AAc was found to be fitted at 1:2 for both. Furthermore, as per the evaluation of the leathers retanned by novel biopolymer, the results were promising in terms of technical viability and revealed that the biopolymer usage could enhance the mechanical performance of the leather while benefiting from the waste-to-wealth approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to design a stable easy-recoverable nanoadsorbent (Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu(II)) hybrid with rich catalytic sites via wet-chemical method for the catalytic reduction of toxic dyes in wastewater. β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with a hydrophilic character outside and hydrophobic inside cavity play an important role in catalytic reduction process by interacting with organic molecules and also prepared more sites for further surface modifications. Several characterization techniques including FT-IR, TGA analysis, FE-SEM/EDX, TEM, X-Ray diffraction patterns (XRD) measurements were employed to investigate the structural properties of the synthesized material. The catalytic ability of the obtained material was examined in the presence of different dyes including p-nitrophenol, Eosin Y, Rhodamine B, Congo red, and Methyl orange by UV–Vis spectroscopy as a simple and available method. Moreover, the parameters which effect on reduction process, such as dye and reducing agent (NaBH4) concentrations, mass of adsorbent and time were optimized at room temperature. The obtained data demonstrate the considerable catalytic ability of Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu (II) besides a remarkable reduction rate and high yield over a short reaction time, in particular for Methyl orange dye. Recycling experiments revealed that Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu (II) has an excellent stability wherein the catalyst was recycled five times with a slight decrease in the reduction ability without any remarkable change in morphological properties which confirm by FE-SEM analysis. The high catalytic activity, the magnetic recoverability, along with the excellent stability of Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu (II) make it a potential candidate for the reduction of multiple dyes in real wastewater samples.

Hybrid membranes with three different thicknesses, PMDS_C1, PMDS_C2, and PMDS_C3 (0.21 ± 0.03 mm, 0.31 ± 0.05 mm, and 0.48 ± 0.07 mm), were synthesized by the sol–gel method using polydimethylsiloxane, hydroxy-terminated, and cyanopropyltriethoxysilane. The presence of cyano, methyl, and silicon-methyl groups was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Contact angle analysis revealed the membranes' hydrophilic nature. Solvent resistance tests conducted under vortex and ultrasonic treatments (45 and 60 min) demonstrated a preference order of acetonitrile > methanol > water. Furthermore, the membranes exhibited stability over 48 h when exposed to different pH conditions (1, 3, 6, and 9), with negligible mass losses below 1%. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the material was stable until 400 °C. Finally, the sorption analysis showed its capacity to detect furfural, 2-furylmethylketone, 5-methylfurfural, and 2-methyl 2-furoate. The thicker membrane was able to adsorb and slightly desorb a higher concentration of furanic compounds due to its high polarity provided by the addition of the cyano groups. The results indicated that the membranes may be suitable for sorbent materials in extracting and enriching organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A block spatially cross-linked silicon-oxide copolymer and silicon oxide modified with methyl groups were synthesized catalytically at room temperature using oligomeric methylmethoxysiloxane and zirconium oxychloride (ZOC) octahydrate. The mechanism of curing of siloxane is considered. The thermal stability of compositions containing 5, 10, and 15 wt % of ZOC, which is 450–500°C, was found. Composites reinforced with various fabrics were obtained, and their bending strength was measured. The composition of gaseous products released from the cured composites at 50–700°C was found. The moisture and water resistance of the reinforced composites were tested, and it was shown that there is no change in mass of the samples during soaking in water. The survivability of compositions is considered. Measurements of the oxygen index of the cured polymer showed that spontaneous combustion is not maintained in pure oxygen. There is no improvement in the deformation of binders based on the hybrid polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, the removal of a series of acid dyes by hybrid polymer adsorbent was investigated. Textile industry wastewater is mainly consisted of suspended solid particles and organic compounds with complex and nondecomposable structures. Treatment of such wastewaters has received much attention by researchers because of high water consumption and the presence of various chemical compounds, especially dyes. The use of polymers has recently attracted much attention for the treatment of textile wastewaters. According to the literature, hybrid polymers are highly capable of adsorbing dyes. In this research work, polyacrylamide/iron sulfate (PAM-FeSO4) hybrid polymer was successfully synthesized through solution polymerization of acrylamide with ammonium persulfate and sodium thiosulfate and gradual addition of iron sulfate. The hybrid polymeric adsorbent was then used for removing acidic dyes with different chemical structures. Design/methodology/approach: The effects of various experimental conditions and parameters, such as initial concentrations of dye and adsorbent, on the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent were investigated. The dye concentration was measured by an UV–vis spectrophotometer. The adsorption equilibrium was studied by plotting adsorption isotherms. The experimental data was fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Findings: The adsorption experiments indicated that the PAM-FeSO4 hybrid polymer has a high adsorption capacity (117.64 mg g−1 for the Orange ІІ and 80.64 mg g−1 for the Sunset Yellow [SY]) when 80 mg of adsorbent was immersed in the dye solution (1 g L−1) with a pH of 11 at 25°C. The analysis of the equilibrium isotherms using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms indicated that the Langmuir model fit well to the experimental data. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is original. The removal of acid dyes such as Sunset Yellow and Methyl Orange using PAM-FeSO4 hybrid polymer as flocculant was done for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among modern biomaterials, hybrid tools containing an organic component and a metal cation are recognized as added value, and, for many advanced biomedical applications, synthetic polymers are used as thin protective/functional coatings for medical or prosthetic devices and implants. These materials require specific non-degradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties to address safety aspects concerning their use in medicine. Moreover, bioimaging monitoring of the biomedical device and/or implant through biological tissues is a desirable ability. This article reports a novel hybrid metallopolymer obtained by grafting zinc-coordinated fragments to an organic polymeric matrix. This hybrid polymer, owing to its relevant emission in the deep red to near-infrared (DR/NIR) region, is monitorable; therefore, it represents a potential material for biomedical coating. Furthermore, it shows good biocompatibility and adhesion properties and excellent stability in slightly acidic/basic water solutions. Finally, in contact with the superficial layers of human skin, it shows antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid gel polymer electrolytes (HGPEs) based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-polylactic acid (PLA) doped with LiTFSI and incorporated with 1-butyl-3-methylimidozalium chloride (BmimCl) were successfully prepared. The complexes of the HGPEs with different BmimCl contents were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Based on the impedance spectroscopy analysis, the HGPEs with the composition of 80% PMMA:20% PLA:20 wt.% LiTFSI:15 wt.% BmimCl possessed the highest room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.63 × 10−3 S cm−1. The Arof-Noor (A-N) method was applied to investigate its transport properties, and it was found that the diffusion coefficient, D, ionic mobility, µ, and number density of ions, ɳ, were the main contributors of ionic conductivity improvement. Meanwhile, the highest conducting electrolyte lithium ion transference number was 0.67. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analysis showed that the electrochemical stability window of the HGPE was 3.4 V vs Li/Li+. The findings suggest that the HGPE system incorporated with this ionic liquid could be a promising candidate for use as an electrolyte in flexible lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hybrid polyacrylic acid and Schizochytrium sp. microalgae (PAA/Schizo) microgels were synthesized by inverse emulsion assisted by ultrasound using the cell wall fraction as crosslinker. Physicochemical characterization of PAA/Schizo microgels revealed polymeric spherical particles (288 ± 39 nm) and were deemed stable and negatively charged. The produced microgels are not inherently toxic as cell viability was sustained above 80% when mice splenocytes were exposed to concentrations ranging 10–900 µg/mL. PAA/Schizo microgels were evaluated as antigen delivery nanovehicle by adsorbing bovine serum albumin (BSA); with a loading efficiency of 72% and loading capacity of 362 µg/mg. Overall, intranasally-immunized BALB/c mice showed null IgG or IgA responses against PAA/Schizo microgel-BSA, whereas soluble BSA induced significant humoral responses in systemic and mucosal compartments. Splenocytes proliferation assay upon BSA stimulus revealed positive CD4+ T cells-proliferation response in PAA/Schizo microgels-BSA group. Thus, PAA/Schizo microgels constitute functional antigen delivery vehicles of simple and ecofriendly synthesis. Moreover, the use of cell wall fraction as cross-linker agent provides an alternative use for the generation of high-value products using residual algae biomass from the oil industry. Our data suggests that the PAA/Schizo microgels are potential antigen delivery vehicles for immunotherapy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the flocculation of multi-component coal waste slurry was investigated using an eco-friendly hybrid polymer naturally derived. The three significant operational parameters of the flocculation process, polymer dosage, suspension pH, and mixing time, were varied and the results were evaluated with the Central Composite Rotatable Design. In order to the flocculation process, mathematical model equations were derived by computer simulation programming applying the least-squares method using Minitab 15. Second-order response functions were produced for residual turbidity (RT), settleable solid speed (SSS), and settleable solid volume (SSV). The predictions were found to be in perfect agreement with the observed values (R2 values of between 0.82 and 0.86). The optimum results were obtained for the RT, SSS, and SSV as 3.59 NTU, 10 mm/min, and 143 ml, respectively, at polymer dosage – 350 ppm, suspension pH – 10, and mixing time – 1.0 min). Additionally, the predicted models have been presented as 3D (three-dimensional) response surface graphs to understand the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, structure and some properties of coordination polymers composed of linear zinc bis(diorganophospate)s (ZnDOPs) with a general formula of Zn[O2P(OR)2]2 (where R = CH3, C2H5, n-C4H9, or 2-ethylhexyl group) are described. Hybrid (co)polymers obtained by different procedures were characterized by means of powder XRD, DSC, SEM, TGA coupled with mass spectrometry of the evolved gases and rheological measurements, as well as FTIR and NMR techniques. The morphology, thermal transformations and solubility of ZnDOPs strongly depend on the type of organic substituent in the O2P(OR)2 ligands and the thermal history of the sample. Because of this, one can obtain highly crystalline rods, semicrystalline powders, as well as rubbery materials exhibiting a second-order transition below −50 °C. Polymeric chains formed by ZnDOPs undergo a reversible dissociation in polar organic solvents (e.g., methanol, DMSO), which allows for easy modification of their composition and physicochemical properties via a simple exchange of diorganophosphate anions. Some of the ZnDOPs were investigated as the latent curing agents for epoxides. On the basis of rheological and DSC studies, it is evident that ZnDOPs catalyze very effectively the cross-linking process within the 130–160 °C temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid)-SiO2, p(AM-AA)-SiO2, was made with a template polymerization technique induced by gamma irradiation as an initiator under an irradiation dose of 60.00 kGy. The produced hybrid polymer was investigated using different techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and was applied for the separation of Y(III) and Sr(II) using column chromatography resulting in an acceptable separation. The results exhibited that the percentage of adsorption of Y(III) in the binary system increased with increasing pH value with a slight uptake percentage of Sr(II) ions in the batch technique. The highest removal percentage of Y(III) was about 90.00% with a low amount of Sr(II) and was achieved at pH 4.00 in batch technique with specific values of the distribution coefficient (Kd) and separation factor (SF). The loaded percentages of Y(III) and Sr(II) on the packed column were 95.50 and 40%, respectively, at the best conditions. The results illustrated that the recovery Y(III) and Sr(III) from the packed column were 98.97 and 96.65%, respectively, using 25% ethanol followed by 0.001 M HNO3. The hybrid polymer could be regenerated and achieved, and the results are relevant that there is no change in adsorption ability of p(AM-AA)-SiO2 after three times of use. The results recommended that the p(AM-AA)-SiO2 is effective for the separation and purification of Y(III) from Sr(II) ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hybrid polyacrylic acid and Schizochytrium sp. microalgae (PAA/Schizo) microgels were synthesized by inverse emulsion assisted by ultrasound using the cell wall fraction as crosslinker. Physicochemical characterization of PAA/Schizo microgels revealed polymeric spherical particles (288 ± 39 nm) and were deemed stable and negatively charged. The produced microgels are not inherently toxic as cell viability was sustained above 80% when mice splenocytes were exposed to concentrations ranging 10–900 µg/mL. PAA/Schizo microgels were evaluated as antigen delivery nanovehicle by adsorbing bovine serum albumin (BSA); with a loading efficiency of 72% and loading capacity of 362 µg/mg. Overall, intranasally-immunized BALB/c mice showed null IgG or IgA responses against PAA/Schizo microgel-BSA, whereas soluble BSA induced significant humoral responses in systemic and mucosal compartments. Splenocytes proliferation assay upon BSA stimulus revealed positive CD4+ T cells-proliferation response in PAA/Schizo microgels-BSA group. Thus, PAA/Schizo microgels constitute functional antigen delivery vehicles of simple and ecofriendly synthesis. Moreover, the use of cell wall fraction as cross-linker agent provides an alternative use for the generation of high-value products using residual algae biomass from the oil industry. Our data suggests that the PAA/Schizo microgels are potential antigen delivery vehicles for immunotherapy development.

Hybrid functionalized alkoxysilane/PDMS-OH and alkoxysilane/PDMS-OH/PVA polymers were synthesized through acid catalysis sol–gel technique and electrospinning procedure using hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-OH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and different functionalized alkoxysilane coupling agents: 3-cyanopropyl(triethoxy)silane (CPTEOS), 3-aminopropyl(triethoxy)silane (APTEOS) and trimethoxy(2-phenylethyl)silane (TMPS). Kinetic differences between hydrolyses and condensation of the three functionalized alkoxysilane coupling agents required different curing times to achieve the desired viscosity and enhance electrospinnability. The superficial morphology of the hybrid polymers analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the electrospinning solution composed of PDMS-OH and functionalized alkoxysilane coupling agents were deposited as beads. However, when that sol solution was mixed with PVA, a mesh material was obtained. Adding PVA to the functionalized alkoxysilanes sol–gel polymer resulted in improved electrospinnability of functionalized silica-PVA, thereby obtaining a more fiber-like morphology. Besides, sol–gel reactions were confirmed with FTIR, and contact angle test results show that the materials obtained have higher hydrophilicity when they contain PVA. Highlights: Sol-gel solutions from PDMS and alkoxysilane agents were electrospun to get hybrid polymer. Electrospinning of the sol-gel solution with PVA results in more favorable effects to obtain fiber. Fibers with PVA obtained in the electrospinning process show hydrophilic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 nanocrystals (NCs) are considered to be promising materials due to their high photoluminescence efficiency, lack of lead toxicity, and X-ray responsiveness. However, during the crystallization process, NCs are prone to agglomeration and exhibit uneven size distribution, resulting in several light scattering that severely affect their imaging resolution. Herein, we successfully developed a high-resolution scintillator film by growing copper-based perovskite NCs within a hybrid polymer matrix. By leveraging the ingenious integration of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the size and distribution uniformity of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 NCs can be effectively controlled. Consequently, a high spatial resolution of 14.3 lp mm -1 and a low detection limit of 105 nGy s -1 are achieved, and the scintillator film has excellent flexibility and stability. These results highlight the promising application of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 scintillator films in low-cost, flexible, and high-performance medical imaging.

Coming from natural and anthropogenic sources, hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) is a smelly hazardous substance at the sub-ppm level, which can lead to poisoning deaths at higher concentrations. Researchers have been working for decades to design sensors with sufficient/good/robust metrological properties and good stability in order to monitor and control in real time the risk associated with this gas. Among the devices proposed, chemiresistive sensors based on conductive polymer appear as a good alternative to the most common solutions such as electrochemical and optical sensors. They present various advantages in terms of design (easy fabrication, easy tuning of physical and chemical properties, low cost, etc.) and performances (good sensitivity, good reproducibility, room temperature operation, short response time, etc.). In this review, we summarize the progresses made on conductive polymer sensors dedicated to H2S detection, including the performance of the different materials and sensing mechanisms. Finally, we identify the limitations of these sensors and highlight the most promising approaches to enable the use of these technologies in real-world applications.

In the present work, a proton-conducting hybrid solid biopolymer electrolytes (HSBEs) system was successfully prepared via the solution casting approached. The HSBEs comprised of CMC blended with kappa carrageenan and doped with NH 4 NO 3. The HSBEs system was characterized to evaluate the structural and the proton conduction properties using FTIR, XRD and EIS techniques. The FTIR analysis showed that a complexation occurred between the CMC-KC and H+ moiety of the NH 4 NO 3 via the –OH, C–O–C as well as –COO- groups with associated changes observed to their wavenumbers and peak intensities. At the 80:20 ratio of the CMC:KC hybrid system, the optimum value of the ionic conductivity was found to be ~10−7 S/cm. However, the addition of 30 wt % of NH 4 NO 3 to the system markedly increased the ionic conductivity to ~10−4 S/cm due to the increase in the amorphous phase in the HSBEs system as revealed by the XRD analysis. Meanwhile, the IR-deconvolution approach revealed an increase of the protonation (H+) from NH 4 NO 3 towards the co-ordinating site on the hybrid CMC-KC system and this in turn, led to the increment in the ionic mobility and diffusion of ions for transportation. An EDLC was fabricated using the highest conducting HSBEs sample developed in the present study and it exhibited favourable characteristics as a capacitor with a reasonably good stability with regards to its electrochemical properties. • Proton conducting biopolymer electrolytes was prepared based CMC-KC doped NH 4 NO 3. • H+ which originate from H+-NH 3 group of NH 4 NO 3 act as carriers for conducting ions. • The room temperature ionic conductivity achieved the maximum value at ~10−4 S/cm. • The H+ ions contributes toward the enhancement of amorphous phase. • The EDLC fabricated exhibited favourable electrochemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid polymer materials obtained by combining functional polymers with metal oxides are important functional materials having significant technological implications. Herein, we have described surfactant modulated structural manipulation of hybrid poly(p-phenylenediamine)/ TiO2 composites using oleic acid as the surfactant molecule and investigated functional utility of the polymer composites. Hybrid polymer composites were synthesized by an oxidative polymerization technique using H2O2 as the oxidant and chloroglycinato(1,10-phenanthroline) copper(II) monohydrate as the catalyst. Structural characterization was performed by using conventional techniques like Fourier-transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of structural modification on the functional behaviour of the hybrid polymer composites was investigated and important observations were noted. Structural modification of the hybrid polymer composites significantly improved the mechanical and thermal characteristics. Conductivity values obtained from I–V measurement and band gap calculation indicate that there is scope for using such materials as wide band gap semiconductor materials and also as insulator materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The structure of CHP resembles the structure of nacre at nanoscale. • Vinyl terminated PDMS was employed to reinforce CHP. • Simultaneous improvement in both toughness and strength. • 'Molecular stitching' is responsible for simultaneous improvement. Abstract Cyclosiloxane hybrid polymer (CHP) was identified as a nacre-like structure, and was reinforced in a bio-inspired way through the incorporation of soft PDMS segment. Simultaneous improvement in both toughness and strength was observed, and the corresponding reinforcing mechanism was proposed to explain this phenomenon. It is believed that PDMS exited as two phases in the CHP. The homogeneously dispersed PDMS chains contribute positively to both the toughness and the strength via 'molecular stitching', the phase separated PDMS particles improve the toughness but deteriorate the strength. Other types of siloxane-based additives were incorporated to prove the mechanism proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Hybrid polymer containing CuO was used for As(III) removal from water. • As(III) adsorption capacity calculated from Langmuir model was 6.61 mg/g. • As(III) was oxidized and subsequently bound by functional groups of hybrid polymer. • Adsorption was conducted efficiently in fixed-bed in various operational conditions. Abstract The aim of this study was investigate of arsenite adsorption on a hybrid polymer based on a polystyrene/divinylbenzene macroporous anion exchanger containing cupric oxide deposited within its porous structure. The study included batch kinetic and equilibrium experiments, and investigation of influence of the pH, regeneration of spent adsorbent and the column process on arsenic(III) adsorption. The experimental data were evaluated using kinetic, isotherm and fixed-bed column models. The adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir model was 6.61 mg As(III) g−1. The adsorption rate was controlled by both chemisorption of arsenic on the adsorbent surface and external diffusion, and at a higher initial As(III) concentration also by intraparticle diffusion. The spent adsorbent was easily regenerated with 1.0 M NaOH solution. Based on batch adsorption studies and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses a mechanism of As(III) adsorption was proposed. Arsenite removal proceeded in two stages: oxidation to arsenate on the CuO surface, followed by an ion exchange reaction. The studied hybrid polymer also showed very good adsorption characteristics under the dynamic regime. The S-shape of breakthrough curves and insignificant influence of bed height, initial concentration and flow rate on the adsorption capacity confirmed its applicability in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Native tissues possess unparalleled physiochemical and biological functions, which can be attributed to their hybrid polymer composition and intrinsic bioactivity. However, there are also various concerns or limitations over the use of natural materials derived from animals or cadavers, including the potential immunogenicity, pathogen transmission, batch to batch consistence and mismatch in properties for various applications. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in developing degradable hybrid polymer biomaterials with controlled properties for highly efficient biomedical applications. There have been efforts to mimic the extracellular protein structure such as nanofibrous and composite scaffolds, to functionalize scaffold surface for improved cellular interaction, to incorporate controlled biomolecule release capacity to impart biological signaling, and to vary physical properties of scaffolds to regulate cellular behavior. In this review, we highlight the design and synthesis of degradable hybrid polymer biomaterials and focus on recent developments in osteoconductive, elastomeric, photoluminescent and electroactive hybrid polymers. The review further exemplifies their applications for bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polimer hibrid merupakan gabungan antara polimer organik dan anorganik. Penggabungan tersebut diharapkan akan menghasilkan sifat unggul dari bahan organik dan anorganik yang dapat dimanfaatkan untuk aplikasi. Polimer hibrid dapat digunakan untuk membuat pola dalam aplikasi mikro optik seperti pandu gelombang. Dalam penelitian ini dibuat variasi film tipis polimer hibrid dengan variasi konsentrasi berat fotoinisiator dan termoinisiator, selain itu dibuat pola pandu gelombang dengan proses fotopolimerisasi. Pembuatan polimer hibrid dilakukan dengan metode sol-gel dan fotopolimerisasi. Proses sol-gel menghasilkan rantai polimer anorganik, sedangkan proses fotopolimerisasi menghasilkan rantai polimer organik. Setelah proses fotopolimerisasi, rantai organik dan anorganik akan berikatan silang (cross-linking). Spektrum reflektansi dari film tipis polimer hibrid sebelum, sesudah fotopolimerisasi dan setelah post-bake terdapat perbedaan fasa gelombang yang menunjukkan perbedaan ketebalan film. Sampel dengan variasi konsentrasi berat Irgacure 819 sebesar 0,3%wt dan 2%wt mengalami penyusutan volume film masing-masing 2,44% dan 4,93%. Sampel dengan penambahan variasi konsentrasi berat Dicumyl peroxide sebesar 1%wt dan 10%wt mengalami penyusutan volume film masing-masing 8,34% dan 5,83%. Pola pandu gelombang dihasilkan dengan proses fotopolimerisasi yang diikuti dengan proses etching, menghasilkan pandu gelombang dengan bentuk struktur kanal persegi yang baik dan tidak terputus-putus. Hal tersebut mengindikasikan proses polimerisasi rantai organik telah berjalan dengan baik dan dapat bertahan setelah dilakukan etching. Hybrid polymer is composite between organic and inorganic polymer. This composite could make good properties from organic and inorganic which can be used for applications. Hybrid polymer can be used as photo-patternable material to produce micro-optical components like waveguide. In this work, weight concentration of photoinitiator and thermoinitiator in hybrid polymer thin film was varied. Else, waveguide pattern was fabricated using photolithographic etching process. Sol-gel method and photo-polymerization were used to synthesis hybrid polymer. Sol-gel process will make propagation inorganic chain of polymer, although photo-polymerization will make propagation organic chain of polymer. After photo-polymerization, organic and inorganic parts are cross-linked. Reflectance spectrum of hybrid polymer thin film before photo-polymerization, after photo-polymerization and after post-bake show different of wave phase indicating different thickness of the thin films. Waveguide pattern is smooth and unbroken, indicates that polymerization of organic chain running well and stand after etching process.

Abstract We demonstrate the fabrication of microoptical elements made from hybrid polymers using two-photon polymerization. To overcome the throughput limitations of two-photon polymerization we use galvanometric mirrors and propose a hatching strategy for rotationally symmetric objects which allows a significant process acceleration to tolerable fabrication times while preserving the surface accuracy of the fabricated elements. Using this strategy and optimized processing parameters we demonstrate the fabrication of an aspheric microlens for diffraction limited focusing which could be fabricated in less than 1.5 min. Thorough topographic characterization with atomic force microscopy and laser scanning microscopy reveal excellent agreement of the fabricated surfaces with the theoretical design with a surface accuracy below 100 nm. Our approach enables the generation of arrays of custom shaped lenses and large arrangements of freeform microoptical elements in a few hours. Highlgihts • Two-Photon Polymerization for arbitrarily shaped microoptical elements • Surface deviations below 200 nm with additive manufacturing of optical components • Custom-shaped arrays and arrangements of refractive microoptical elements • Fast and accurate fabrication strategy for additive manufacturing of optical components [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on cellular adhesion of human primary fibroblasts on scaffolds fabricated by laser-induced two-photon polymerization using 515 nm femtosecond pulses. The scaffolds are large scaled with a dimension in the range of several millimeters and consist of a periodic reproducible structure. A minimum process duration of 6.3 min is achieved by an implemented nonstop single-line single-pass fabrication process and allows to write several identical specimens with different pore sizes from 10 µm up to 90 µm suitable for cell adhesion studies in a reasonable amount of time. OrmoComp®, an organic-inorganic hybrid polymer, is chosen as base material for the structures. Human dermal fibroblasts are directly seeded on scaffolds after several post-processing steps to ensure the extraction of toxic residues. Cell adhesion, proliferation, and survival are examined after three, six, and nine days of culture, respectively. Cell growth is compared depending on the different pore sizes of the scaffolds. Due to the horizontal and vertical cell growth observed on and inside the structures, we demonstrate that large scaffolds prepared from OrmoComp® qualify for three-dimensional cell adhesion and growth without support of an additional protein coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Controlled synthesis of high‐molecular weight (MW) organic–inorganic hybrid polymers based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) monomers has previously proved difficult to achieve by reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization methods. Here, this problem is tackled by employing a rarely used combination of Cu(0) catalysis and nonpolar solvents to polymerize a POSS‐methacrylate monomer, i BuPOSSMA. It is revealed that chain transfer to solvent plays a dominant role in this system as only benzene and not toluene allows for synthesis of low dispersity, ultrahigh MW products (up to 3 500 000). Importantly, the process is characterized by very low amounts (units of ppm) of copper released into the polymerization mixture, leading to products with no discoloration. Finally, benzene use is also shown to be beneficial for copper bromide–catalyzed polymerization of i BuPOSSMA, affording polymers with moderate MWs and extremely low dispersities (down to 1.06). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The present work provides an ideal model for intra‐chain energy transfer study in conjugated polymer through shielding the polymer backbone by using bulky polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). POSS provides a circumference shielding of the polymer backbone to prevent closed packing of the polymer chains, allowing the intra‐chain energy transfer dominating in large concentration range. Bi‐functional POSS (B‐POSS) is specially designed to separate donor (fluorene) and acceptor (benzothiadiazole) within the polymer chain. The dynamics of energy transfer in poly(fluorene‐POSS‐alt‐POSS‐benzothiodiazole) (PTBtTbOFl3) is studied by steady state as well as time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy at different donor/acceptor ratios. Results reveal that POSS can effectively shield inter‐chains energy transfer of the polymers, suggesting it is an effective model for energy transfer study with less inter‐chains effects. PTBtTbOFl3 works as a chemosensors is also reported in the detection of explosive derivatives. These results provide insights for optimizing nanostructured materials for use in optoelectronic devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1225–1233 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of heavy metal ions such as Cu 2 + and Pb 2 + poses a severe threat to public health and the environment owing to their extreme toxicity and bioaccumulation through food chains. Herein, we report a novel organic–inorganic hybrid adsorbent, Al(OH) 3 -poly(acrylamide-dimethyldiallylammonium chloride)-graft-dithiocarbamate (APD), for rapid and effective removal of Cu 2 + and Pb 2 + . In this adsorbent, the “star-like” structure of Al(OH) 3 -poly(acrylamide-dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) served as the support of dithiocarbamate (DTC) functional groups for easy access of heavy metal ions and assisted development of large and compact floccules. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). APD was demonstrated to have rapid adsorption kinetics with an initial rate of 267.379 and 2569.373 mg/(g·min) as well as superior adsorption capacities of 317.777 and 586.699 mg/g for Cu 2 + and Pb 2 + respectively. The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic, involving intraparticle diffusion and chemical interaction between heavy metal ions and the functional groups of APD. To assess its versatility and wide applicability, APD was also used in turbid heavy metal wastewater, and performed well in removing suspended particles and heavy metal ions simultaneously through flocculation and chelation. The rapid, convenient and effective adsorption of Cu 2 + and Pb 2 + gives APD great potential for heavy metal decontamination in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of the tetrahedral diphosphorus complex [Cp2Cr2(CO)4(η2‐P2)] (Cp = C5H5) (2) with Ag[Al{OC(CF3)3}4] (AgTEF) (3) leads to the formation of the AgI dimer [Ag2(η2‐2) (η1‐2)(η1:η1‐2)2][TEF]2 (5). This dimer can be used as a suitable precursor for the synthesis of the unprecedented 1D organometallic‐organic hybrid polymer [Ag2(η1‐2)2(η1:η1‐2)2{µ,η1:η1‐(C8H4N2)}]n[TEF]2n (8) upon its reaction with 1,4‐dicyanobenzene (7). The driving force for this supramolecular assembly reaction is supported by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gel type polystyrene/divinylbenzene anion exchanger containing quaternary ammonium groups was used as the macromolecular support for copper(II) compounds deposition, whereby novel hybrid anion exchangers were obtained. The anion exchanger in the OH − form was subjected to two-step transformation. In the first step, after reaction of supporting material with 0.1 mol dm − 3 CuSO 4 solution load of Cu 4 (OH) 6 SO 4 was introduced into the skeleton of the polymeric beads amounting to 60.0 mg Cu g − 1 . In the second step, brochantite was converted into CuO using 0.1 mol dm − 3 NaOH solution. The final product contained about 29.0 mg Cu g − 1 . Relatively high degree of transformation of brochantite into tenorite was achieved when the wet semi-finished product was introduced into the NaOH solution at ambient temperature. The presence of brochantite and tenorite was confirmed by FTIR and XRD analyses. In the present studies we have shown that gel type matrix of polymeric beads was crucial to the pathway of cupric compounds deposition. Evaluation of sorptive, photocatalytic and biocidic properties of these novel materials will be presented and discussed in separate works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates the development of pH and thermosresponsive nanoparticles (NPs) composed via cholic acid, PCPP-PLA hybrid polymer integrated with indocyanine green (ICG) for site specific delivery hydrophobic drug (paclitaxel). Drug and ICG were physically encapsulated by poly (bis(carboxyphenoxy)phosphazene) (PCPP)-poly lactic acid hybrid polymer. The hybrid polymer solution showed reversible gelation behaviour at the temperature between 37 °C and 20 °C and also it showed pH dependent drug release capability at acidic pH due to the pH responsive quenching effects of PCPP-PLA. The size (150–200 nm) and morphology of drug-loaded polymeric NPs were characterized using SEM and HR-TEM. Further, the release of loaded paclitaxel (PTX) from polymer was significantly sustained over 12 days. Drug release from the nanoparticles was effectively controlled by the mechanical strength of the polymer. All of these results demonstrate that pH triggered hybrid polymeric NPs are potential carriers for tumor-targeted drug delivery and also it exhibits great strength at 37 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amberlite IRA402 OH, a gel-type, polystyrene/divinylbenzene, strongly basic anion exchanger containing quaternary ammonium groups, was used as the macromolecular support for copper(II) compounds. The inorganic deposit was introduced into the anion exchanger structure in two steps conducted batchwise at ambient temperature. First, the functional groups in the OH − or Cl − form were transformed into the CuC l 4 2 − form, using 0.5 mol dm −3 CuCl 2 in 5 mol dm −3 HCl or 0.5 mol dm −3 CuCl 2 in 5 mol dm −3 NaCl. Then, the intermediate product was alkalized with 1 mol dm −3 NaOH to precipitate CuO or Cu 2 (OH) 3 Cl into the beads. Using the anion exchanger in the OH − form and NaCl solution as the reaction medium, a product with the highest CuO content, over 15%, was obtained. The accumulation of such a large amount of inorganic deposit in the gel-type anion exchanger produced very interesting phenomena on its surface. Hybrid ion exchangers with an atypical distribution of the deposit, concentrated close to the surface of the beads, were obtained. The complex investigations using, in the first step, an anion exchanger in different ionic form (OH − or Cl − ) and also different reaction media (NaCl or HCl solutions), and then, in the second step, different amounts of NaOH solution (neutralization to pH = 7-8 or alkalization to pH > 12) allowed to get to know the chemistry of the copper(II) compounds deposition within the matrix of the gel-type strongly basic anion exchanger. The sorption, photocatalytic and biocidic properties of these novel materials will be presented and discussed in the separate works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embedded channel waveguide Bragg gratings are fabricated in the Ormocer® hybrid polymers OrmoComp®, OrmoCore, and OrmoClad by employing a single writing step technique based on phase mask technology and KrF excimer laser irradiation. All waveguide Bragg gratings exhibit well-defined reflection peaks within the telecom wavelengths range with peak heights of up to 35 dB and -3 dB-bandwidths of down to 95 pm. Furthermore, the dependency of the fabricated embedded channel waveguide Bragg gratings on changes of the temperature and relative humidity are investigated. Here, we found that the Bragg grating in OrmoComp® is significantly influenced by humidity variations, while the Bragg gratings in OrmoCore and OrmoClad exhibit linear and considerably high temperature sensitivities of up to -250pm/°C and a linear dependency on the relative humidity in the range of -9 pm/%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated sol-gel monoliths using a fast sol-gel (FSG) technique with either UV-curing or thermal-curing, producing highly dense, stable monoliths in a short time. This paper focuses on the preparation and the characterization of different FSG compositions as a function of the inorganic-organic molar-ratio and curing-mechanism. The fabrication of the monoliths was based on three precursors, tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS), and methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS). Three series of FSG monoliths with different material compositions were synthesized. The organic content in the final monoliths varied from 17 to 52 weight percent (wt%). We established the range of precursor's molar-ratios that permit formation of stable low-organic content optical monoliths by UV-curing. The physical properties of the monoliths formed under different curing conditions were examined. The refractive-index increased with increased thermal-curing temperature and for combined thermal and UV-curing. On the other hand, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) increases with the organic content for thermally-cured samples and decreases for UV-cured samples, due to full crosslinking. Additional important physical properties for sol-gel applications such as weight-loss, porosity and adhesive strength are also presented. The results obtained give guidelines for fabricating useful optical monoliths with lower CTE using a UV-curing process for applications such as optical bonding and encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid polymeric coating (PDMS-CNPrTEOS) with sorbent properties was prepared by the sol-gel method from hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (OH-PDMS), and cyanopropyltriethoxysilane (CNPrTEOS) as an inorganic precursor, using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a catalyst. A coating with the sol-gel solution was prepared on glass plates using the dip-coating method and subsequently characterized. Characterization by FTIR shows that cyano groups are present on the surface coating and contact angle tests show that the coating presents hydrophilic characteristics. The organic-inorganic polymer was stable up to 400 °C with a weight loss of 8 wt % and showed good stability after immersion for 60 min in vortex and 45 min in ultrasonic bath, in various solvents: water, methanol (MeOH), acetone, isooctane, ethyl acetate (AcOEt) and acetonitrile (ACN), and solutions at different pH (1-12) for 48 h (h). The PDMS-CNPrTEOS hybrid polymer was evaluated and was found to have the ability to extract simultaneously furanic compounds in aqueous solution when it is employed as a sorbent for stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce optically clear and resilient free-form micro-optical components of pure (non-photosensitized) organic-inorganic SZ2080 material made by femtosecond 3D laser lithography (3DLL). This is advantageous for rapid printing of 3D micro-/nano-optics, including their integration directly onto optical fibers. A systematic study of the fabrication peculiarities and quality of resultant structures is performed. Comparison of microlens resiliency to continuous wave (CW) and femtosecond pulsed exposure is determined. Experimental results prove that pure SZ2080 is ~20 fold more resistant to high irradiance as compared with standard lithographic material (SU8) and can sustain up to 1.91 GW/cm2 intensity. 3DLL is a promising manufacturing approach for high-intensity micro-optics for emerging fields in astro-photonics and atto-second pulse generation. Additionally, pyrolysis is employed to homogeneously shrink structures up to 40% by removing organic SZ2080 constituents. This opens a promising route towards downscaling photonic lattices and the creation of mechanically robust glass-ceramic microstructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]