Journal of Research Updates in Polymer Science
This journal aims to bring together participants from academia and industry in highlighting the advances in polymer research along with its application to global development. The journal seeks to promote and disseminate knowledge of the various topics and technologies of Polymer research in various sectors like industry, agriculture, health, water, shelter and environmental management. The journal will disseminate the research results among development policymakers, scholars and practitioners with a hope to identify new research directions. It can also have practical implications within interdisciplinary developing fields such as functional / specialty polymers, biomaterials, drug delivery, electronic applications, composites, conducting polymers, liquid crystalline materials; and bring contribution in new fabrication techniques.
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Compositional Study of Polymer Blend PVA, Pectin, Sodium Alginate, and Gelatin Electrospun Nanofiber for Wound Dressing Application
Electrospun nanofibers are a biomaterial effective for wound healing due to their high surface area, tunable properties, and resemblance to the extracellular matrix. Nanofibers from the mixture of polymeric materials like gelatin, sodium alginate, pectin, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were investigated in this study. Pectin, sodium alginate, and gelatin are selected for their nature of being applied as tissue carriers, and they have the properties of being biocompatible and biodegradable while inducing cell proliferation. Unfortunately, these polymers have some drawbacks: most of them have poor mechanical strength or poor processing ability through electrospinning. To enhance these properties, PVA was incorporated. The result showed that an optimal blend ratio of 20% PVA, 40% pectin, 25% sodium alginate, and 15% gelatin yielded a fibrous structure with an average diameter of the fibers equal to 174.82 ± 13 nm, surface tension of 33.29 mN/m, and viscosity at 7,378 cP, which facilitated the uniform fiber formation and a porous structure for enhanced gas exchange and moisture retention, significantly aiding wound healing.
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Synergistic Effect of Zinc Oxide and Magnesium Oxide Co-Cure Activators on Polybutadiene Rubber Vulcanization: Mechanical Properties and Thermal Characteristics
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is widely recognized as an effective cure activator in the sulphur vulcanization of polybutadiene rubber (PBR). However, its high toxicity to aquatic organisms has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for non-toxic alternatives. Despite this, no industrially viable substitute has been identified. This study explores the potential of using a combination of ZnO and magnesium oxide (MgO) to reduce ZnO levels while enhancing vulcanization performance. The crosslinking density and thermal stability of the vulcanized PBR were assessed to evaluate the efficacy of MgO. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of MgO as a co-activator significantly accelerates the vulcanization rate. Specifically, formulations with 60% MgO exhibited a tensile strength of 1.1 MPa, elongation at break of 111%, and hardness of 46 Shore A. When using MgO exclusively, the material achieved a tensile strength of 1.4 MPa, elongation at break of 212%, and hardness of 43 Shore A, with an abrasion loss of 64.82 mm³. Swelling studies revealed that crosslink density was highest in the PBR formulation with 3 phr MgO and 2 phr ZnO, exhibiting the lowest swelling index (3.10). As MgO content increased, the swelling index also rose, indicating reduced crosslink density. The highest swelling index (4.24) was observed in the formulation with 5 phr MgO, confirming weaker crosslink formation. These results highlight that MgO alone lacks the ability to form an effective sulfurating complex, but when combined with ZnO, it enhances crosslinking efficiency and vulcanization performance. The use of MgO, either alone or in combination with ZnO, presents a viable approach for developing environmentally friendly PBR compounds with potential applications in high-performance elastomers such as tires.
Synthesis, Purification and Modification of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Microspheres for Prosthetic Dental Applications
A large number of polymers are used for various applications in prosthodontics. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres are commonly used for prosthetic dental applications, including the fabrication of artiﬁcial teeth, dentures, denture bases, obturators, orthodontic retainers, temporary or provisional crowns, and for the repair of dental prostheses. Obviously, one can find a lot of articles dedicated to PMMA synthesis. On the other hand, the materials used in prosthodontics are subject to very specific requirements. Thus, in this work, influence of all the stages of PMMA microspheres production (including synthesis and, especially, purification) on the polymers characteristics is detected.
Comprehensive Characterization of Raw and Oxalic Acid Treated Ripen Cellulosic Biofiber from Areca Catechu Inflorescence as Substitute for Harmful Synthetic Products
The inherent characteristics of natural fibers include a low density and a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them promising candidates for lightweight applications. The mechanical features of these strands are prejudiced by their chemical compositions and the cross-sectional area being the most variable factor affecting strength. In this research, strands were obtained by processing the ripen inflorescence of Areca tree and subjected to treatment with an oxalic acid (C2H2O4) solution to enhance their properties. The extracted fibers underwent examination for chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological properties. The study findings indicate that fibers treated with a 4 wt.% C2H2O4 solution for 60 min exhibit superior properties. The strands segregated from the ripen inflorescence of areca tree treated with 4 wt.% C2H2O4 solution for 60 min exhibited a rise in cellulose proportion by 26.7%, tensile strength by 13.5%, crystallinity index by 16.6%, thermal endurance by 6.3% and appreciable surface roughness compared to the untreated fibers as viewed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis endorsed the observations of chemical analysis. The characterization of areca inflorescence fibers in this study highlights significant advantages for the advancement of composite materials.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Analysis of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid–Polyester Urethane Blends with Varied Infill and Material Compositions
Multimaterial 3D printing allows for the production of intricate parts with customized mechanical properties, enhancing the versatility of material extrusion additive manufacturing. Typically, 3D printing machines are fed with commercially available filament feedstock, which limits the 3D printing of multiple materials. Hence, this study introduces in-house prepared filaments for creating polymer blend structures with improved properties. In this study, polylactic acid and thermoplastic poly ester urethane (PEU) blends with different composition ratios were processed by varying the infill densities to evaluate their impacts on their thermal, mechanical and morphological properties. The effects of infill percentage on the mechanical, thermal and morphological behaviour were investigated. The results indicate that increasing the infill percentage tends to significantly increase the elastic modulus and tensile strength. The maximum strain increased as the infill percentage increased. Overall, the mechanical results indicated that, without sacrificing any tensile strength, the composite with 25% PEU exhibited better toughness than did the neat PLA and could be printed similarly to that of PLA. Furthermore, scanning electron images revealed that the blends had a homogeneous structure with a fibrillar morphology. These results indicate that 3D printing is an effective technique for creating next generation 4D materials.
Multifunctional Characterization of Fucoidan: Structural Insights and Efficient Removal of Toxic Metal Ions
In this study, commercial fucoidan was subjected to comprehensive physicochemical and structural characterization to evaluate its potential for removing heavy metal ions from aqueous media. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) confirmed the presence of sulfated heterofucans, with distinct signals corresponding to carboxyl, sulfate, and sugar ring functionalities. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed notable thermal stability, with major degradation occurring above 240 °C. Interaction mechanisms have been proposed on the basis of functional groups, particularly sulfates and carboxylates. Finally, the efficacy of fucoidan for Ni(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) removal was validated via inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, which revealed removal rates of up to 99.89% for Cu and 99.84% for Pb. These findings highlight the dual role of fucoidan as both a bioactive polymer and a promising biopolymer for wastewater remediation.
Crosslinking of Hardwood Lignin with Citric Acid for Sustainable Wood Adhesives
The toxicity of petroleum-based crosslinkers raises health and environmental concerns, prompting interest in bio-based alternatives. This study reports the facile crosslinking of hardwood lignin (HWL) with citric acid (CA) as a bio-crosslinker for application as a lignin-based wood adhesive. HWL is characterized by GPC and DSC to determine its molecular weight and glass transition temperature, respectively. The successful crosslinking and esterification reactions of the HWL-CA-based resin are confirmed by the exothermic peaks observed in the DSC thermogram and by FT-IR analysis. The HWL-based adhesives with various proportions of CA meet the Korean standard shear strength requirement of 0.60 MPa, with 12% CA (HWL-CA12) giving the maximum value of 1.07 MPa. The successful surface modification of the veneer pre-treatment with CA is also confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Although the adhesive strength of the HWL-CA12 is decreased on the pre-treated veneer relative to the untreated veneer, it remains above the standard requirement on the veneers that were treated with 10% and 15% of CA. These findings demonstrate the potential of CA-crosslinked lignin as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based wood adhesives.
Polymer Nanocomposite Coatings for CO2 Pipeline Corrosion Control: A Comprehensive Review
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for 77% of global warming and is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels in industries. Carbon capture, storage and utilization (CCUS) is a possible pathway in achieving the emission reduction target set by the Canadian government in 2050. The transportation of the captured CO2 to storage is a critical factor in the CCUS process, which is frequently hindered by corrosion. The impurities in CO2 lead to corrosion risks, which are generally addressed using inhibitors, corrosion-resistant alloys, and polymer coatings in the oil and gas sector. However, CO2 corrosion is more complex than CO2 sweet corrosion. It is difficult to obtain a single inhibitor capable of mitigating CO2 corrosion in pipelines, and corrosion-resistant alloys are too expensive to be used throughout all sections of the pipeline. Polymers are employed as coatings. For gaseous and supercritical CO2, which leads to defects in the coatings, such as blisters and porosity. As a result, researchers have focused on using nanocomposite coatings to control CO2 corrosion. This review paper focused on the interactions of CO2 with impurities on polymer and polymer nanocomposites. In particular, the most commonly used clay and graphene polymer nanocomposites coatings and their interactions with CO2 were discussed. Further, the transport properties of CO2 through polymers and polymer nanocomposites and the interaction mechanism were analyzed. The paper concludes with the processing methods used for the polymer and polymer nanocomposite coatings.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline Emeraldine Salt: Tunable Photoluminescence and Optoelectronic Properties for Advanced Applications
Polyaniline emeraldine salt (PANI-ES) is a conductive polymer with promising optoelectronic properties, synthesized via chemical oxidative polymerization and confirmed in its emeraldine salt form through structural analysis. Optical characterization revealed distinct absorption bands linked to key electronic transitions, indicating semiconducting behavior. Under UV excitation, photoluminescence studies showed two main emission features corresponding to dimer and excimer states, both exhibiting large Stokes shifts and a quantum yield of 0.27. These long Stokes shifts suggest efficient energy relaxation, while the moderate quantum efficiency highlights the material’s capability for light-emitting applications. The combination of tunable emission, stable optical response, and electrical conductivity positions PANI-ES as a versatile material for photonic technologies. Potential applications include organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), photodetectors, and optically pumped organic lasers. Overall, the study demonstrates that PANI-ES offers a favorable balance of structural stability, optical performance, and electronic properties, making it a strong candidate for integration into advanced optoelectronic and photonic devices.
Impact of Corona Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Hemp Fiber Reinforced in Epoxy Matrix Composite
Corona treatment was applied to enhance the interfacial adhesion between hemp woven fibers and epoxy resin in fiber-reinforced composites. Using a cold pressing method with equal parts of resin and fiber (50 g each), samples were treated for 1–4 min. SEM analysis revealed that increased treatment time led to greater fiber surface roughness and reduced voids at the fiber–matrix interface, improving bonding. Tensile strength increased with treatment time, peaking at 48.68 MPa at 3 min before slightly decreasing at 4 min. The elastic modulus remained stable (304.67–312.52 MPa) up to 3 min, then dropped slightly to 302.86 MPa. Overall, corona-treated composites exhibited a 55% increase in tensile strength compared to untreated ones, confirming the treatment’s effectiveness in enhancing mechanical performance.
Structural, Magnetic, and Optical Properties of Iron-Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films for Electromagnetic Shielding and Sensor Applications
Pure PVA and Fe-doped composite films were synthesized using the solution casting method in the present work. Doping with iron (Fe) microparticles at weight percentages of 2% and 6%. The morphological, structural, magnetic, and optical properties of the films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed that the crystallite size of the iron microparticles, calculated using the Scherrer equation, was approximately 65.5 nm. Magnetic measurements showed a significant enhancement in saturation magnetization (Ms) from 1.6 x10-2 emu/g (2 wt% Fe) to 8.1x 10-2 emu/g (6 wt% Fe), along with increases in coercivity magnetization. The findings indicate that incorporating iron (Fe) particles into the PVA matrix created a new composite material with typical magnetic behavior. The observations demonstrate the material's potentiality towards sophisticated functional uses, such as sensors, electromagnetic shielding, and specialized electronic devices.
Tensile Modulus Prediction of Glass Fiber/Stainless Steel Wire Mesh-Reinforced Hybrid Composites via Rule of Hybrid Mixtures
Hybrid composites have been considered emerging materials that have garnered the attention of researchers around the globe. Combining two kinds of reinforcement may balance their merits and demerits in hybrid composites. In this work, glass fiber/wire mesh-reinforced epoxy composites were prepared via vacuum infusion to minimize void formation. Non-hybrid wire mesh and glass fiber-reinforced composites were also fabricated for comparison purposes. The thicknesses of all the composite laminates were fixed at 4 mm. Tensile tests were performed at a cross-head displacement rate of 2 mm/min with reference to ASTM D3039 to obtain the modulus of composite laminates. Subsequently, the tensile modulus of each composite laminate was predicted using the Rule of Hybrid Mixtures (RoHM). A comparison was made between the modulus of the composite laminates obtained from the tensile tests and prediction using RoHM. In accordance with the results obtained, it was found that the incorporation of glass fiber increased the modulus of the hybrid composites but did not significantly improve their tensile strength. The highest modulus (22.6 GPa) was obtained in non-hybrid glass fiber-reinforced composites, which is 107.71 % greater than non-hybrid wire mesh-reinforced composites. When comparing the experimental and predicted tensile modulus of the glass fiber/wire mesh composite laminates, both results matched well, demonstrating a linear increase in the tensile modulus with an increase in glass fiber content. Overall, the percentage error of the prediction was in the range of 3 – 6 %, indicating a high accuracy of the RoHM.
From Petrochemical to Photosynthetic: Algae-Derived Polymers for Sustainable Industrial Applications
The demand for biopolymers made from photosynthetic organisms like algae is growing. This rise is driven by the global shift toward sustainable and renewable resources. This study examines the switch from conventional polymers based on petrochemicals to those derived from algae, emphasizing the potential of the latter for a variety of industrial uses. Algae, including both microalgae and macroalgae, are excellent feedstocks. They can produce various biopolymers such as alginate, carrageenan, agar, ulvan, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Algae grow quickly and do not compete with food crops, making them highly sustainable. Algae-derived biopolymers are useful in many applications, which include food packaging, biomedical devices, pharmaceuticals, and energy storage. Their key properties biodegradability, biocompatibility, film-forming ability, and gelling behaviormake them attractive alternatives. The study also discusses challenges such as scalability, processing methods, and market integration. It reviews the types of algae-based biopolymers, their production techniques, and performance characteristics. Overall, algae-derived polymers ultimately offer a viable route to more environmentally friendly industrial solutions, assisting in the development of a carbon-neutral and circular economy.
FTIR Analysis of Nanoparticle-Doped Polymer Dispersed Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
This study investigates the structural and chemical interactions in nanoparticle-doped polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystals using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cholesteric liquid crystals known for their helical structure and optical selectivity, were embedded in a polymer matrix, and doped with silver metal nanoparticles. Samples were fabricated using polymerization-induced phase separation and analyzed through FTIR to examine the addition of nanoparticles and their influence on functional group behavior. Shifts in characteristic absorption bands (C=O, O–H, and metal–oxygen) and appearance of new peaks in the fingerprint region suggested significant interfacial interactions among the nanoparticles and the composite matrix. The findings reveal the effectiveness of FTIR in elucidating the molecular-level effects of nanoparticle doping in liquid crystal-based hybrid systems. Such improvements underscore the significance of nanoparticle–polymer interactions in designing thermally robust functional composites, thereby expanding their potential for advanced structural, optical, and sensing applications.
Biomedical Applications of Polycaprolactone (PCL) Composites: Structure, Properties, and Future Prospects
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a semi-crystalline, biodegradable aliphatic polyester that has emerged as a versatile biomaterial for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine applications due to its exceptional biocompatibility, controlled degradation kinetics (2-4 years in vivo), and FDA approval status for multiple medical devices. Despite these advantages, pure PCL exhibits significant limitations including low mechanical strength (16-24 MPa tensile strength), hydrophobic surface properties (water contact angle 80-90°), and minimal bioactivity, which restrict its clinical utility in load-bearing and cell-interactive applications. To address these shortcomings, researchers have developed PCL-based composite systems by incorporating bioactive ceramics (hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate), natural polymers (collagen, chitosan, gelatin), synthetic polymers (PLA, PLGA), and nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide) to create multifunctional biomaterials with enhanced properties. This comprehensive review analyzes PCL composite development over the past two decades, emphasizing fabrication techniques including electrospinning, 3D printing, solvent casting, and melt blending, which enable precise control over scaffold architecture and functionality. Comparative analysis with other biodegradable polymers (PGA, PLGA) reveals PCL's unique advantages in long-term applications, with studies demonstrating >90% cell viability, ~65% bone regeneration in animal models, and sustained drug release profiles extending 6-8 weeks. Recent innovations include smart, stimuli-responsive PCL systems for targeted therapy, gene delivery platforms, and bioprinting applications that have advanced from laboratory research to clinical trials, with several PCL-based products (Neurolac®, Osteoplug®) receiving regulatory approval. Current challenges include manufacturing scalability, long-term biocompatibility assessment, and complex regulatory pathways for multi-component systems. Future developments focus on integrating artificial intelligence for scaffold design, 4D printing technologies for dynamic structures, and multidisciplinary approaches combining materials science with precision medicine. This review demonstrates that PCL-based composites represent a transformative class of biomaterials with customizable properties that bridge fundamental research and clinical translation, positioning them at the forefront of next-generation biomedical technologies.
Processability Assessment of HDPE/UHMWPE Blends for Fused Deposition Modeling Applications
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is highly regarded for its superior mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. However, its extremely high melt viscosity inhibits direct use in extrusion-based additive manufacturing techniques like fused deposition modeling (FDM). This study explores enhancing the processability and FDM compatibility of UHMWPE by blending it with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Three formulations were assessed: neat HDPE, a 70:30 (w/w) binary HDPE/UHMWPE blend, and a ternary blend of HDPE/UHMWPE/PEG at 60:30:10 (w/w/w). Consistent with prior literature, pure HDPE displayed stable extrusion and excellent filament quality facilitating high-fidelity prints. The binary blend allowed filament formation but showed rough surface morphology and compromised print quality due to poor miscibility, echoing similar challenges reported in polymer blend studies. The ternary blend, intended to improve melt flow via PEG plasticization, resulted in erratic filament diameter and unreliable extrusion, highlighting the delicate balance needed in additive incorporation. These outcomes confirm that HDPE incorporation improves UHMWPE extrusion capabilities; however, advanced compatibilization techniques and refined processing, such as twin-screw extrusion, remain essential for achieving dependable FDM performance. The findings offer critical insights for designing UHMWPE-based filaments tailored for biomedical and industrial additive manufacturing applications.
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Effect of MAX Phase Mo2TiAlC2 on the PVDF Ultrafiltration Membrane Properties and Performance
Ultrafiltration membranes are widely used in wastewater filtration due to their efficiency relative to conventional water treatment technologies. To improve the antifouling property of the PVDF membrane, a composite ultrafiltration membrane was fabricated employing the in-situ embedment approach throughout the phase inversion process and utilizing a new 2D material, MAX phase Molybdenum Titanium Aluminium Carbide (Mo2TiAlC2). The membranes were described using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and porosity measurements. Rejection tests were applied to study the produced membranes. Adding Mo2TiAlC2 increased the hydrophilicity of the composite membrane compared to the pristine membrane. Porosity and membrane pore size increased with the addition up to 0.6% wt. The most hydrophilic membrane (M3) recorded the highest protein rejection of 84.9%, which was much higher than that of the pristine membrane. These findings highlight the potential of Mo2TiAlC2 as a promising PVDF membrane additive.
Advances in Fire Retardancy of Polymeric Nanocomposites and Applications
Emerging advancement in nanotechnology have facilitated the embedment of nanomaterials (NMs) such as graphene and derivatives, carbon nanotubes and derivatives, nanowires, and so on, within polymeric matrices to attain enhanced properties, especially fire retardancy, in polymeric nanoarchitectures (PNC) for multifarious applications. In thermal interface materials (TIM) for electronic gadgets, notable fire hazards are often ignored, whereas PNC exhibiting electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding are frequently subjected to accidental fires. Furthermore, fire warning sensors with capability of rapidly exposing fire dangers in combustible materials plays a key role in mitigating or entirely eliminating fire disasters in most scenarios. Moreover, the escalating evolution of electronic gadgets in the fifth-generation (5G) era has made superlative fire safety, thermal stability and high-performance of PNC highly imperative. Nanowires are one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures possessing a high length to diameter aspect ratios, unique flame retardant (FR), mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties. The inclusion of different forms of nanowires within polymeric matrices has tremendously enhanced the flame retardancy (F-R) of nanowire@polymeric nanoarchitectures (N-PNC) thereby enlarging their scope of applications. Therefore, this paper presents advances in flame retardancy of nanowire polymeric nanoarchitectures.
Safety-Oriented Optimization of Polymer Components in FDM Using MCDM
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) has become a widely adopted additive manufacturing method for producing functional polymer components across industrial and biomedical domains. However, ensuring both mechanical performance and safety reliability remains challenging due to the sensitivity of FDM outcomes to process parameters. This study proposes a decision-making framework integrating Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to optimize FDM process parameters—layer thickness, infill density, print speed, and extrusion temperature—based on mechanical and safety performance indicators. Experimental and decision analyses identified an optimal configuration of 0.2 mm layer thickness, 80% infill density, 60 mm/s print speed, and 220 °C extrusion temperature, resulting in a 17.6% improvement in tensile strength and a 14.3% increase in safety factor, calculated as the ratio of maximum tensile stress to yield stress, compared to baseline settings. The proposed framework provides a systematic pathway for balancing mechanical integrity and safety reliability in polymer additive manufacturing, offering practical value for industrial optimization and sustainable design.