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Advancements in the synthesis of sulfur‐rich materials are driving progress across diverse fields owing to the rich and tunable functionalities of those materials. These materials are typically valued for their electrochemical behaviors, high refractive indices, heavy metal affinity, and ability to form dynamic covalent bonding. As a result, their applications span various industries including electronics, catalysis, lithium‐sulfur batteries, water reclamation, and optoelectronics. Moreover, elemental sulfur, a byproduct of the petroleum industry, is produced abundantly, necessitating the exploration of novel valorization routes for polymers made from this feedstock. The unique combination of properties of sulfur‐rich polymers also makes them an ideal platform for the development of high‐performance functional coatings, offering durability and tailored functionalities for protective coatings, thus enhancing materials lifespan and performances in a variety of environmental conditions. The presence of dynamic covalent bonds in many sulfur‐rich polymers enables the creation of self‐healing coatings, while sulfur itself or the comonomers can contribute to antimicrobial, antifouling, and corrosion‐resistant properties. Furthermore, sulfur‐rich polymers have the potential to be used in the design of icephobic and superhydrophobic coatings. This underscores the versatility of sulfur‐rich polymers as a platform for the creation of advanced coatings with superior properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) is a thermo‐sensitive biosynthetic polymer composed of a Val‐Pro‐Gly‐Xaa‐Gly repeating unit possessing a sharp reversible phase transition property at specific temperatures. Here, ELP was fused to human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1) modified with His tag to produce recombinant hSOD1‐Linker‐ELP‐His (hSODLEH) which was expressed in E. coli and purified via inverse thermal cycling (ITC) and Ni‐NTA resin. The results showed that ELP tag did not affect the soluble expression of SOD1. The purification by ITC was superior to Ni‐NTA resin due to its convenient purification process, improved recovery rate and purification fold, thus indicating industrial suitability for large scale protein purification in a cost‐ and time‐efficient manner. Moreover, one round of ITC was sufficient for the recovery of highly purified recombinant SOD. The results further showed that ELP improved the stability of the SOD, and did not affect its secondary structure nor its ability to bind divalent metal ions. Overall, ELP‐protein fusion system could be a promising tool for large scale enzyme purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel polymeric Mn(II) acetate derivatives, identified as {[Mn2.5(OH)(CH3COO)4] ⋅ 0.5CH3OH ⋅ 0.5CH3CN}n (1), {[Mn3(CH3CO O)6] ⋅ 0.5CH3CN}n (2) and {Mn1.5K(CH3COO)4}n (3), have been successfully prepared by systematically adjusting the ratio of reactants and using the 2‐mercapto‐5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (Hmmt) as the template agent. These three complexes can be regarded as the different crystalline forms of Mn(CH3COO)2 under different reaction conditions. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that 1 and 2 feature the unique three‐dimensional (3D) framework. For 3, it displays a 2D structure, which is further assembled to form a 3D extended network via the weak hydrogen bond interactions. Magnetic studies confirmed that 1 and 2 show antiferromagnetic interactions, and 1 displays a long‐range ordering phase below the critical temperature (Tc) of 7.8 K. In addition, magnetisation data collected for 1–2 yield low magnetic entropy changes, which can be attributed to the strong antiferromagnetic interactions among the Mn(II) centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its inherent properties, the use of thermoplastic composites is expanding in a number of industries, including aerospace, rail transportation, and wind power generation. However, the development of 2D and 3D reinforced thermoplastic composite structures is hampered by the high viscosity and poor wetting of thermoplastic matrices, resulting in their application being mainly limited to nonload‐bearing components. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the technology and current applications of thermoplastic composites, covering materials, preform structures, manufacturing methods, process parameters, performance, and applications. It also provides an outlook on their future development. Highlights: Thermoplastic composite has economic and environmental benefits.Summarized the current technology and application of thermoplastic composites.The manufacturing difficulty is the thermoplastic polymers wet fibers.One promising approach to the issue is prepreg technology.Prepreg technology make 3D thermoplastic composites become possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic purpose of this work was to develop environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles of sorafenib that can effectively release the desired drug in a customized and controlled manner for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. The solvent evaporation technique was employed for the synthesis of sorafenib-loaded PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles, followed by various experimental specifications and compatibility studies using poloxamer 407 as the stabilizer. The best nanoparticles thus synthesized were selected to be used for cytotoxicity investigations through in vitro and in vivo assessments. For the in vitro drug release tests, the dialysis bag diffusion technique was used. For both chitosan nanoparticles and PLGA loaded with sorafenib, a biphasic release pattern was found, exhibiting a protracted release lasting 10 days after a 24-h burst release. As experimental animals, rabbits were utilized to evaluate different in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of the selected formulations. Plasma samples were extracted with acetonitrile and analyzed through the developed HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as AUC0-t, Cmax MRT, Vd, and half-life (t1/2) were enhanced significantly (p = 0.001), while clearance was considerably decreased (p = 0.001) for the chosen synthesized nanoparticles in contrast to the commercially accessible sorafenib formulation (Nexavar®). The cytotoxicity of the reference drug and sorafenibloaded PLGA and chitosan nanoparticles was calculated by performing an MTT assay against HepG2 cell lines. The developed polymeric sorafenib nanoformulations possess the appropriate physicochemical properties, better targeting, surface morphology, and prolonged release kinetics. The pharmacokinetic parameters were improved significantly when the results were compared with commercially available sorafenib formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe use of adsorbent materials in powder form presents significant challenges for industrial wastewater treatment due to their poor regeneration after use. Our research described here aimed to prepare a low-cost and eco-friendly film with excellent regeneration capabilities for the efficient removal of Telon Orange dye (TO) from water. The film was fabricated by incorporating a natural clay, DD3, into a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix using the solvent casting method. The prepared film was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The characterization results confirmed that the DD3 interacts and disperses within the PVA matrix. The influence of film dose and composition, pH, contact time, and initial concentration were studied in batch adsorption. Response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box-Behnken design matrix was then used to find the best conditions for dye adsorption. An ANOVA analysis approved the proposed quadratic model with a high correlation coefficients (R2 = 0.98). The F-value of the model was 46.39, indicating that the model was significant. The PVA/DD3 composite film achieved a 93.45% efficiency in removing TO dye under optimal conditions. The recyclability studies showed a removal efficiency of 90.13% after five uses of the film, making it suitable for large-scale applications and adaptable for use in water purification systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the surface treatment results of titanium, veterinary bone wedges. The functional coating is composed of a porous oxide layer (formed by a plasma electrolytic oxidation process) and a polymer poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSBA) layer loaded with amoxicillin (formed by dip coatings). The coatings were porous and composed of Ca (4.16%-6.54%) and P (7.64%-9.89% determined by scanning electron microscopy with EDX) in the upper part of the implant. The titanium bone wedges were hydrophilic (54° water contact angle) and rough (surface area (Sa):1.16 μm) The surface tension determined using diiodomethane was 68.6 ± 2.0° for the anodized implant and was similar for hybrid coatings: 60.7 ± 2.2°. 12.87 ± 0.91 µg/mL of amoxicillin was released from the implants during the first 30 min after immersion in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. This concentration was enough to inhibit the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC12228 growth. The obtained inhibition zones were between 27.3 ± 2.1 mm–30.7 ± 0.6 mm when implant extract after 1 h or 4 h immersion in PBS was collected. Various implant biocompatibility analyses were performed under in vivo conditions, including pyrogen test (3 rabbits), intracutaneous reactivity (3 rabbits, 5 places by side), acute systemic toxicity (20 house mice), and local lymph node assay (LLNA) (20 house mice). The extracts from implants were collected in polar and non-polar solutions, and the tests were conducted according to ISO 10993 standards. The results from the in vivo tests showed, that the implant's extracts are not toxic (mass body change below 5%), not sensitizing (SI < 1.6), and do not show the pyrogen effect (changes in the temperature 0.15ºC). The biocompatibility tests were performed in a certificated laboratory with a good laboratory practice certificate after all the necessary permissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique method for determining chlorophyll content in microalgae is devised employing a gold interdigitated electrode (G-IDE) with a 10-µm gap, augmented by a nano-molecularly imprinted polymer (nano-MIP) and a titanium dioxide/multiwalled carbon nanotube (TiO2/MWCNT) nanocomposite. The nano-MIP, produced using chlorophyll template voids, successfully trapped chlorophyll, while the TiO2/MWCNT nanocomposite, synthesized by the sol–gel technique, exhibited a consistent distribution and anatase crystalline structure. The rebinding of procured chlorophyll powder, which was used as a template for nano-MIP synthesis, was identified with a high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.9857). By combining the TiO2/MWCNT nanocomposite with nano-MIP, the G-IDE sensing method achieved a slightly better R2 value of 0.9892 for detecting chlorophyll in microalgae. The presented G-IDE sensor showed a significant threefold enhancement in chlorophyll detection compared with commercially available chlorophyll powder. It had a detection limit of 0.917 mL (v/v) and a linear range that spanned from 10-6 to 1 mL. The effectiveness of the sensor in detecting chlorophyll in microalgae was confirmed through validation of its repeatability and reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of composite materials is attributed to the nature of bonding at the nanoscale and the resulting structure-related properties. This study reports on the interaction, electronic, and optical properties of diamond nanothread/polymers (cellulose and epoxy) and boron nitride nanotube/calcium silicate hydrate composites using density functional theory modeling. Our findings indicate that the interaction between the nanothread and polymer is due to van der Waals-type bonding. Minor modifications in the electronic structures and absorption spectra are noticed. Conversely, the boron nitride nanotube–calcium silicate hydrate composite displays an electron-shared type of interaction. The electronic structure and optical absorption spectra of the diamond nanothread and boron nitride nanotube in all configurations studied in the aforementioned composite systems are well maintained. Our findings offer an electronic-level perspective into the bonding characteristics and electronic–optical properties of diamond nanothread/polymer and boron nitride nanotube/calcium silicate hydrate composites for developing next-generation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their low cost, good biocompatibility, and ease of structural modification, organic long-persistent luminescence (LPL) materials have garnered significant attention in organic light-emitting diodes, biological imaging, information encryption, and chemical sensing. Efficient charge separation and carrier migration by the host–guest structure or using polymers and crystal to build rigid environments are effective ways of preparing high-performance materials with long-lasting afterglow. In this study, four types of crystalline materials (MODPA: DDF-O, MODPA: DDF-CHO, MODPA: DDF-Br, and MODPA: DDF-TRC) were prepared by a convenient host–guest doping method at room temperature under ambient conditions, i.e., in the presence of oxygen. The first three types exhibited long-lived charge-separated (CS) states and achieved visible LPL emissions with durations over 7, 4, and 2 s, respectively. More surprisingly, for the DDF-O material prepared with PMMA as the polymer substrate, the afterglow time of DDF-O: PMMA was longer than 10 s. The persistent room-temperature phosphorescence effect caused by different CS state generation efficiencies and rigid environment were the main reason for the difference in LPL duration. The fourth crystalline material was without charge separation and exhibited no LPL because it was not a D-A system. The research results indicate that the CS state generation efficiency and a rigid environment are the key factors affecting the LPL properties. This work provides new understandings in designing organic LPL materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the use of microwaves for physical foaming of polymers has undergone significant advancements. Typically, the preparation of polymer foams during physical foaming relies on heat transfer heating, which results in temperature gradients and consumes significant time and energy. In contrast, microwave-assisted physical foaming offers a simple, convenient, fast, and cost-effective approach for obtaining polymer foams. These features render microwaves an alternative clean energy source that can replace or complement the conventional heating in various foaming processes. This review provides an overview of recent research on the application of microwaves to five different methods for preparing polymeric foams, namely batch foaming, bead foaming, steam foaming, salt immersion foaming, and 3D-printing. The study also highlights key challenges and opportunities for the development of microwave foaming processes and identifies potential areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust strain sensor is demonstrated based on a microfiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) encapsulated by the polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Benefiting from the low Young's modulus of PDMS, both a robust structure and high sensitivity can be realized based on three different encapsulations. In the experiment, the proposed sensors are fabricated and tested with strain sensitivities ranging from −20.95 pm/με to 127.00 pm/με within the wavelength range of 1200–1650 nm. Compared with the bare MMZI sensor, at least one order of magnitude higher sensitivity is reached. To further evaluate the performance of the sensor, the dependences of sensitivity on probing wavelength and the different types and quantities of polymers used in encapsulation are discussed. Results show that the sensitivity of the sensor will increase with the probing wavelength. The type and quantity of polymer used are also very critical to sensitivity. Additionally, a response time of 24.72 ms can be reached. Good recoverability and repeatability of the sensor are also demonstrated by repeated experiments. The strain sensor demonstrated here shows the advantages of simple fabrication, robust structure, high and tunable sensitivity, fast response, good recoverability and repeatability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study employs a comparative Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach to select optimal thermoplastic materials for hybrid vehicle battery packs in the automotive industry, addressing the challenges posed by high-temperature environments. Through a detailed evaluation of materials based on criteria such as thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and environmental impact, the research identifies materials that enhance battery efficiency, longevity, and vehicle performance. Utilizing SWARA-ARAS, SWARA-EDAS, and SWARA-TOPSIS methods, the study systematically assesses and ranks various polymers, providing recommendations that prioritize safety, performance, and sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for manufacturers in making informed material selection decisions, contributing to the advancement of sustainable automotive technologies. This research not only highlights the importance of material selection in the context of hybrid vehicle battery packs but also sets a foundation for future studies to explore emerging materials and decision-making frameworks, aiming to further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of hybrid vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development in hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) that may be used as alternatives to donated blood requires an extensive supply of highly pure hemoglobin (Hb) preparations. Therefore, it is essential to fabricate inexpensive, stable and highly selective absorbents for Hb purification. Molecular imprinting is an attractive technology for preparing such materials for targeted molecular recognition and rapid separations. In this case study, we developed human fetal hemoglobin (HbF)-imprinted polymer beads through the fusion of surface imprinting and Pickering emulsion polymerization. HbF was firstly covalently coupled to silica nanoparticles through its surface-exposed amino groups. The particle-supported HbF molecules were subsequently employed as templates for the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with high selectivity for Hb. After removing the silica support and HbF, the resulting MIPs underwent equilibrium and kinetic binding experiments with both adult Hb (HbA) and HbF. These surface-imprinted MIPs exhibited excellent selectivity for both HbA and HbF, facilitating the one-step isolation of recombinant Hb from crude biological samples. The saturation capacities of HbA and HbF were found to be 15.4 and 17.1 mg/g polymer, respectively. The present study opens new possibilities for designed resins for tailored protein purification, separation and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research concerns the development and implementation of ground-breaking strategies for improving the sorting, separation, and recycling of common flexible laminate packaging materials. Such packaging laminates incorporate different functional materials in order to achieve the desired mechanical performance and barrier properties. Common components include poly(ethylene) (PE), poly(propylene) (PP), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), as well as valuable barrier materials such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) and aluminium (Al) foils. Although widely used for the protection and preservation of food produce, such packaging materials present significant challenges for established recycling infrastructure and, therefore, to our future ambitions for a circular economy. Experience from the field of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has been leveraged to develop novel green solvent systems that delaminate multilayer packaging materials to facilitate the separation and recovery of high-purity commodity plastics and aluminium. This research focuses on the development of a hydrophobic DES and the application of a Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology to investigate the effects of process parameters on the delamination of PE/Al/PET laminate packaging films. Key variables including temperature, time, loading, flake size, and perforations were assessed at laboratory scale using a 1 L filter reactor vessel. The results demonstrate that efficient separation of PE, Al, and PET can be achieved with high yields for material and solvent recovery. Recovered plastic films were subsequently characterised via Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to qualify the quality of plastics for reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, a new aliphatic tertiary poly(amic acid) with linear and cyclic spacers was synthesized via the catalyst-free process. The ring opening of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dianhydride (EDTADA) by piperazine, a bifunctional cyclic secondary diamine, was conducted in a polar solvent (DMF) in a nitrogen atmosphere for 3 h. The characterization was conducted by FTIR and NMR analysis. The morphology and elemental composition were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX). As-synthesized aliphatic tertiary poly(amic acid) could be separated as a white powder with an O/N ratio of 0.93 and morphology of woven fiber. The white powder showed an average molecular weight (M̅w) of ∼12,000 and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.52 ± 0.05. In addition, the poly(amic acid) TGA/DTA analysis showed a high thermal stability with stepwise degradation with the onset of 346 °C. The poly(amic acid) DSC profile displayed a high glass transition at 124 °C. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore volume were determined to be 146.05 m2/g and 0.78 cm3/g. The poly(amic acid) contains the mesopores and macropores based on its pore size distribution curve. Regarding an acidic pH and abundance of functional groups, as-prepared tertiary poly(amic acid) was employed as a heterogeneous catalyst for preparing 3,4,5-trisubstituted furan-2-ones in ethanol. A conversion of 100% and pure products could be isolated in good to excellent yields directly from ethanol. No remarkable loss of catalytic activity was observed in the recycling of the catalytic system even after the 5th recycling. A gram scale of model reaction gave an 82% yield of the respective product. Therefore, 3,4,5-trisubstituted furan-2-one derivatives could be prepared in the laboratory and gram scale by an energy-, cost-, and time-saving strategy with a halogen-free and metal-free heterogeneous catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fouling mitigation provides many challenges in process equipment, especially in heat exchangers. In this work, the fouling behaviors of two polymers are compared to 1.4301 stainless steel (SS) in calcium sulfate solutions. An experimental setup that allows to classify the materials quickly and under varying process conditions is used to determine the fouling behavior. Results are compared to a screening apparatus which can test up to three materials simultaneously. Finally, the cleaning behavior of all three materials is investigated. Results show that polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is superior to SS in mitigating fouling and is easier to clean; however, polyether ether ketone with 30 % talcum (TKT) is not. This is attributed to the surface roughness of the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boronic acids are known for their specific affinity to glycoproteins via cis-diol groups of glycan under alkaline conditions. Here in this work, we have synthesized a boronic acid based porous polymer in a single step in less than 4 h using environmentally safe solvents. The presence of functional boron–oxygen (B–O) of 3-(acrylamido) phenyl boronic acid within the polymer was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of FE-SEM. Under optimized binding buffer conditions (0.2 M phosphate buffer; pH 8 without salt), compared to 6 and 9.6 mg of 3-(acrylamido) phenyl boronic acid per 58 mg of polymer, the polymer with 4 mg of boronic acid has captured maximum amount of the model glycoprotein i.e. transferrin (Trf). The boronate polymer has displayed good adsorption capacities for the three glycoproteins (IgG (50 mg/g), Trf (25 mg/g) and ovalbumin (OVA; 35 mg/g)) as compared to non-glycoprotein (myoglobin; 2 mg/g polymer) within 120 min. Trf was eluted using 100 mM sorbitol (pH 8), whereas IgG required harsh elution buffer i.e. 100 mM ammonium acetate (pH 3). Both IgG and Trf were selectively captured from a model mixture comprising of 10-fold low IgG and Trf as compared to myoglobin and from a complex sample such as human plasma as well. Two widely known egg white glycoproteins (ovotransferrin (OVT) and OVA) and 13 human plasma glycoproteins (identified using QToF-MS) were selectively captured from egg white sample and human plasma respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, micro/nanorobots (MNRs) with self-propulsion have emerged as a promising smart platform for diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic applications. Especially, polymer-based MNRs have attracted huge attention due to their inherent biocompatibility and versatility, making them actively explored for various medical applications. As the translation of MNRs from laboratory to clinical settings is imperative, the use of appropriate polymers for MNRs is a key strategy, which can prompt the advancement of MNRs to the next phase. In this review, we describe the multifunctional versatile polymers in MNRs, and their biodegradability, motion control, cargo loading and release, adhesion, and other characteristics. After that, we review the theranostic applications of polymer-based MNRs to bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Furthermore, we address the challenges that must be overcome to facilitate the translational development of polymeric MNRs with future perspectives. This review would provide valuable insights into the state-of-the-art technologies associated with polymeric MNRs and contribute to their progression for further clinical development. [Display omitted] • Micro/nanorobot (MNR) with self-propulsion is promising for biomedical applications. • Biocompatible and multifunctional MNRs can be designed using polymers. • Polymeric MNRs are used for imaging, sensing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. • Challenges need to be overcome for using these MNRs in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review has focused on the different applications of PVC which makes PVC to be a fundamental component in our daily life. PVC has posted its footsteps in several fields including construction, automotive, health care, electronics, Gardening and agriculture, textiles, packaging and sports equipment. This article deals with a detailed explanation of the necessity of PVC in the above fields. Beginning with the timeline of the birth of plastics eventually leading to the discovery of PVC, this article speaks about the importance of such a substance in each field that could pave the way for the development of human lifestyle. Quoting different slogans and statements of great personalities in between could help the readers to enhance their interest to go through each topic. The advantages and disadvantages of the usage of PVC in each field is also mentioned which could impinge a thought of an alternative modification to compensate for the needs. This article shall prove to be a great tool to understand about the unavoidable necessity of PVC in our daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the influence of the brittleness of glass fibers on the selected performance properties of the fibrous polymer composite. Understanding the fatigue behavior of fiber-reinforced plastics is desirable for exploiting their features in safe, durable, and reliable industrial components. Based on the proposed methodology, it is possible to assess the impact of material reuse on selected mechanical and rheological properties. To verify the methodology by experimental analysis, homopolymer PP reinforced with chemically grafted glass fiber (30 wt%) was selected. The proposed methodology was subsequently verified by experimental analysis and evaluated statistically. The morphology of the fracture surfaces was evaluated, and the fiber-polymer matrix adhesion was monitored at the interface of the fracture surfaces. Based on the measured and evaluated values and fracture surfaces, we can say that the brittleness of the fibers significantly affects the performance properties of the tested polymer composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methacrylation of Pluronics enables 3D printing of irreversible hydrogel constructs, thereby diversifying their potential applications. Current methods rely on organic solvents and time-consuming reactions. Herein, a rapid method for the microwave-assisted methacrylation of Pluronics by methacrylic anhydride (MA) in the absence of organic solvents is presented, which reduced the reaction time from 24 h to ca. 10 min. 1H-NMR analysis showed that this method allows modulating the methacrylation degree (MD) of Pluronics from 45 to 97% by using different MA:Pluronic ratios. 3D-printed constructs with lower MD showed larger pores and lower compression modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic materials have found widespread applications but require doping to overcome their intrinsically low carrier concentration. Doping injects free carriers into the polymer, moving the position of the Fermi level, and creates coulombic traps, changing the shape of the electronic density of states (DOS). We develop equations to explicitly map the DOS parameters to the Seebeck vs conductivity relationship. At low carrier concentrations, this relationship is a universal slope - k B / q , while at higher carrier concentrations, the slope becomes dependent on the shape of the DOS. We conclude that, at high doping, a heavy-tailed DOS leads to higher thermoelectric power factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid phase exfoliation of non-van der Waals materials has generated renewed interest in fundamental optical and electronic materials discovery and processing. However, such approaches can limit access to novel two-dimensional materials due to the chemistry of exfoliation and processing conditions employed (e.g., processing temperature, mechanical energy input, volatile organic compounds, and sensitive redox chemistries). Here, we demonstrate the exfoliation of bulk hematite (α-Fe2O3) powder using a mild bath sonication methodology in liquid monomer media to form stable colloidal dispersions with quasi-two-dimensional hematene nanoflakes. These colloidal dispersions were further processed to form hematene poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix composite substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the integrity of tendons, mitigating scar tissue formation by targeting the cellular activities that contribute to fibrosis during healing is crucial. Microparticles are a promising solution by delivering biofactors directly to the injury site. We synthesized poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres with Labrafil oil to control the release profile. The release of biofactors was initially delayed, followed by an increased release rate. Thus, by increasing the hydrophobicity of the polymer, Labrafil oil delays microsphere degradation and ultimately controls the release of an encapsulated factor. Further, the system can be utilized for multi-factorial release to temporally complement tendon healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticle diffusion is a fundamental process that ubiquitously exists in life science and engineering technology. Recent studies demonstrate the potential of harnessing mechanical deformation to program nanoparticle diffusion in hydrogels, offering an expanded spectrum of nanoparticle diffusivities with precise and on-demand control. Here, we develop a mechano-diffusion characterization platform (MDCP) that integrates a mechanical system to apply controlled tension and torsion loads to deformable mediums, and an imaging system to capture spatiotemporal diffusion profiles of nanoparticles. Employing the MDCP, we study the impact of mechanical deformation on nanoparticle diffusion in hydrogels subjected to controlled stress states and loading rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) continue to see increasing interest in science and engineering every year. Polymer science is no different, though implementation of data-driven algorithms in this subfield has unique challenges barring widespread application of these techniques to the study of polymer systems. In this Prospective, we discuss several critical challenges to implementation of ML in polymer science, including polymer structure and representation, high-throughput techniques and limitations, and limited data availability. Promising studies targeting resolution of these issues are explored, and contemporary research demonstrating the potential of ML in polymer science despite existing obstacles are discussed. Finally, we present an outlook for ML in polymer science moving forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aircraft in both the commercial and defense sectors undergo significant disassembly in order to access and inspect critical structures and components. To limit the extent of disassembly needed and thus increase system availability, the concept of mobile robotic inspection has been notionally discussed for over 20 years. Notably this interest in mobile robotic inspection extends beyond aircraft to include civil infrastructure, pipelines, and nuclear plants where some robotic platforms are currently in use. However, the unique challenges associated with complex aircraft systems and structures remain to be addressed. With advancements in the fields of durable polymers, autonomous materials, flexible electronics, tailorable actuation, and others, soft robotics are an increasingly viable solution to the challenge of inspection in access-limited spaces. This perspective article will overview key advancements in pertinent technical areas and highlight scientific barriers to wide-spread use and acceptance of soft robotics for aircraft inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are a potential threat to the marine environment and its associated ecosystem functions. Earlier investigations revealed that the microbiome plays a crucial role in deciding the fate of MPs in the environment. Further studies also highlighted the influences of environment and polymer types on the plastisphere microbiome. Nevertheless, the major factor that determines the plastisphere microbiome remains elusive. Thus, we examined the publicly available marine plastisphere data generated from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), collected from three different locations to identify the importance of environment and/or polymer types in shaping the microbiome. The beta diversity analyses showed a clear distinction between samples collected from different locations. The PERMANOVA results illustrated a significant influence of environment and sample type (control/PE/PP/PS) on the microbial communities. However, the influence of sample type on microbial diversity was not significant (P-value > 0.05) when the control samples were removed from the dataset but the environment remained a significant factor (P-value < 0.05). Further, the differential abundance analyses explicitly showed the abundance of many bacterial taxa to be significantly influenced (adjusted P-value < 0.05) by the locations rather than the polymer types. The validation analysis also supports the findings. Thus, this study suggests that both the surrounding environment and polymer types determine the microbial communities on marine MPs, but the role of the environment in shaping the microbial composition is greater than that of polymer types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, 3D printing of large, structural polymer parts has received increasing interest, especially for the creation of recyclable structural parts and tooling. However, the complexity of large-scale 3D polymeric printing often dictates resource-intensive trial and error processes to achieve acceptable parts. Existing computational models used to assess the impact of fabrication conditions typically treat the 3D-printed part as a continuum, incorporate oversimplified boundary conditions and take hours to days to run, making design space exploration infeasible. The purpose of this study is to create a structural model that is computationally efficient compared with traditional continuum models yet retains sufficient accuracy to enable exploration of the design space and prediction of part residual stresses and deformations. To this end, a beam-based finite element methodology was created where beads are represented as beams, vertical springs represent inter-bead transverse force transfer and multi-point, linear constraints enforce strain compatibility between adjacent beads. To test this framework, the fabrication of a large Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) wall was simulated. The PETG was modeled as linearly elastic with an experimentally derived temperature-dependent coefficient of thermal expansion and elastic modulus using temperature history imported from an ABAQUS thermal model. The results of the simulation were compared to those from a continuum model with an identical material definition, showing reasonable agreement of stresses and displacements. Further, the beam-based model required an order of magnitude less run time. Subsequently, the beam-based model was extended to allow separation of the part from the printing bed and the inclusion of part self-weight during fabrication to assess the significance of these effects that pose challenges for existing continuum models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the properties and waste management potential of cellulose acetate waste, commonly used in cigarette filter production. The goal of the research is to address gaps in the state of the art by assessing compostability and phytotoxicity of acetate waste from cigarettes production, which significantly complement the current research focused on cigarette filters in the form of post-consumer buts. Under investigation was acetate in the form of homogenic, dye-free and non-contaminated tow from the beginning phase of the cigarette's filters production process. The experimental framework adheres to the PN-EN 14045:2005 standard for controlled composting environments. Acute phytotoxicity assessment follows the PHYTOTESTKIT method based on PN-EN 11269-1:2013-06. Results indicate that under controlled conditions, acetate waste achieves a decomposition rate of 75.3% after 84 days. Phytotoxicity testing reveals varying germination rates for different plant species. Across substrates, only 81 out of 210 seeds germinated (39%). Specifically, green cucumber seeds showed no germination, oat seeds had a 29% germination rate (20% for compost with acetate), and cress seeds had a high 90% germination rate for each substrate. Overall, understanding these properties informs sustainable waste management practices, including potential applications in industries like geotextiles, crop mulching mats etc. The results led to the conclusion that additional testing should be perform according to the requirements specific for each industrial usage and to increase the compostability level under laboratory and natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer‐based afterglow materials with persistent room temperature phosphorescence (pRTP) have attracted ever‐increasing attention due to their excellent mechanical property, suitability for large‐area production, and diverse processing methods. However, most pRTP polymers were solution‐processed into the films via casting. Herein, a simple processing method of melt‐pressing was proposed, which can improve the phosphorescence of various emitters when doped into polyamide‐12 (PA12) or its copolymer PA4 matrix. Notably, for Be@PA4 and Ch@PA4 (benzo[c]phenanthrene, Be and chrysene, Ch), their casted films did not show any afterglow, while the melt‐pressed ones exhibited bright afterglow of over 4.0 s, even if there were no hydrogen or ionic interaction between the emitters and the matrix. Detailed investigations demonstrate the melt‐pressing procedure can increase the non‐covalent interaction among the matrix as well as offer a rigid and dense environment. The melt‐pressed RTP improvement strategy was also applied to other polar polymers. Additionally, the melt‐pressing method would be of great potential in high‐level anti‐counterfeiting like preparing colorful camouflage patterns. Therefore, we offered a feasible method of melt‐pressing to improve the phosphorescence of polymeric materials without a change in chemical composition or feeding ratio. This work also gained a deeper understanding of the luminescence of polymer‐based systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to expand the application range of polymer reinforced concrete (PRC) and explore the effect of polymer on the impact resistance of concrete, the dynamic compression test on PRC with polymer content (by volume) of 0, 4%, 8% and 12% was carried out. The effects of polymer content and strain rate on the mechanical properties of PRC were studied, and relevant micro-mechanism was analyzed by SEM and MIP tests. The results show that the polymer can improve the dynamic mechanical properties of concrete, and the dynamic mechanical properties of PRC with polymer content of 4% is the best. With the increase of polymer content, the peak strain of PRC increases, the dynamic compressive strength of PRC first increases and then decreases, and the fractal dimension of fragments of PRC first decreases and then increases. The impact toughness of PRC is larger than that of plain concrete, and the impact toughness of PRC with polymer content of 4% is the maximum. Polymer can improve the interfacial transition zone of concrete through filling and bridging, and optimize the pore structure of concrete, thus improving the mechanical properties of concrete at high strain rate. Polymer can be used to improve the impact resistance of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, cellulose derivatives were extracted from the plant Astragalus gombo. This research sought to create a new cellulose acetate source derived from Astragalus gombo. Preliminary treatment, acetylation, hydrolysis, and precipitation, followed by purification, comprised the five processes involved in producing cellulose acetate. This arrives after several steps of cellulose extraction carried out earlier with an extremely high purity level. Scanner electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to study and find out more about cellulose acetate. Its Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum showed that acetate groups replaced practically all hydroxyl (O–H) groups; also, the analysis showed the carbonyl (C = O) group at 1738 cm−1 and the (C-O) group at 1217 cm−1 region. The morphology of the obtained cellulose acetate consisted of cylindrical fibers and a perforated layer. The thermal analysis showed that cellulose acetate from Astragalus gombo possessed thermal properties compared to other studies. These findings demonstrated that Astragalus gombo could be successfully exploited in extracting cellulose acetate and substantiated its status as an innovative, environmentally friendly source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

AbstractIn order to improve the mechanical properties of polymer composites, natural fibers are being employed more and more as reinforcements. However, incorporating natural fibers can be difficult in rotational molding, a process used to make hollow plastic objects like kayaks and fuel tanks. Bi-axial rotation is a procedure that can result in fiber aggregation and is challenging to regulate. The optimal combination of NaOH-treated peanut shell powder (TPSP) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) for rotational molding was examined in our research reported in the manuscript. Processability was assessed using a variety of testing techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size distribution, bulk density, melt flow index (MFI), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Significant peaks with TPSP concentrations in LLDPE ranging from 10 to 22% were shown by the FTIR. Blends of TPSP with LLDPE containing more than 18% TPSP were not acceptable for rotational molding due to poor flowability, as shown by particle size and bulk density investigations and supported by MFI data. According to our study, a 16% TPSP blend was the best formulation for rotational molding since it improved the thermal stability and increased the crystallinity by around 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

Sewage water is extensively used for irrigation, serving as a valuable resource for plant growth to enhance agricultural productivity. However, this practice also results in a significant accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, posing potential environmental and health risks. A study was designed to evaluate the combined effect of amendments on heavy metal immobilization in soil and improved growth and yield in pea plants. For this, the soil for each treatment was mixed with biochar (BC) (1% w/w), polyacrylamide (PAM) (0.5% w/w), and also applied in combination. Pea plants were irrigated with tap water (TW), sewage water (SW), and tap + sewage water (TW + SW). A factorial design was applied to analyze data statistically. The combined application of the biochar and polymer showed a positive response by significantly enhancing the plant growth parameters (39%-84%), physiological attributes (67%-69%), and reducing Cd (56%) and Cr (65%) concentration in soil applied with SW and TW + SW. Moreover, treatment with a combined application of BC and PAM significantly reduced Cd concentrations by 43% in roots, 50% in shoots, and 91% in grains. Similarly, Cr concentrations were reduced by 51% in roots, 51% in shoots, and 94% in grains compared to the control. Overall, the study results indicate reduced bioaccumulation and health risks associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), supporting the application of the polymer and biochar for irrigating pea plants with TW + SW. Leveraging the combined benefits of polymer and biochar amendments appears to be an effective strategy to remediate PTE-contaminated soil, thereby increasing plant growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymer composites are commonly present in flexible electrodes for neural interfaces, implantable sensors, and aerospace applications. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a widely used additive manufacturing technology, where conductive filaments frequently contain carbon-based fillers. In this study, the static and dynamic mechanical properties and the electrical properties (resistance, signal transmission, resistance measurements during cyclic tensile, bending and temperature tests) were investigated for polylactic acid (PLA)-based, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based, and polyamide (PA)-based conductive filaments with carbon-based additives. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was implemented to evaluate the results. Cytotoxicity measurements were performed. The conductive ABS specimens have a high gauge factor between 0.2% and 1.0% strain. All tested materials, except the PA-based conductive composite, are suitable for low-voltage applications such as 3D-printed EEG and EMG sensors. ABS-based and TPU-based conductive composites are promising raw materials suitable for temperature measuring and medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable and biocompatible copolymer in drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this article, we highlight the critical physicochemical properties of PLGA, including its molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, monomer ratio, blockiness, and end caps, that significantly influence drug release profiles and degradation times. This review also covers the extensive literature on the application of PLGA in delivering small-molecule drugs, proteins, peptides, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of PLGA-based DDSs in the treating various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, pain, and inflammation. The incorporation of drugs into PLGA nanoparticles and microspheres has been shown to enhance their therapeutic efficacy, reduce toxicity, and improve patient compliance. Overall, PLGA-based DDSs holds great promise for the advancement of the treatment and management of multiple chronic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer grouting materials are increasingly used in the filling of mine fissures. Unlike conventional inorganic grouting materials, the self-expansion of polymers adds complexity to their diffusion process within the crack. The objective of this research was to examine how polymer grouting material spreads in cracks at ambient temperatures and pressure. The investigation involved conducting grouting tests and performing numerical fluid simulation calculations using the finite-volume method in the computational fluid dynamics software, ANSYS FLUENT 2022 R1. The fluid volume approach was employed to determine the boundary between fluid and air and to ascertain the variation patterns of density in the slurry and the fracture system. This study applied the principles of fluid mechanics to investigate the patterns of variation in the physical characteristics of polymer grouting materials, including their density, pressure, flow velocity, and movement distance, during the diffusion process. The results indicated that the density of the polymer grouting material decreased exponentially over time throughout the diffusion process. With the increase in the grouting's volume, the grout's pressure and the permeable distance of the grout increased. The slurry's pressure near the grouting hole exceeded the other points' pressure. The physical parameters of the slurry were numerically simulated by ANSYS FLUENT 2022 R1 software, and the results were compared with the experimental data. After comparing the numerical simulation results with the test data, it was clear that the numerical simulation method was superior in accurately predicting the distribution pattern of each parameter of the polymer slurry during diffusion. The grouting volume, pressure distribution, and real-time change in the position of the flow of slurry could be efficiently determined through numerical calculation and simulated grouting tests. This work can offer valuable information for designing polymer grouting materials used in underground mine fissures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanofiber materials of three-dimensional spatial structure synthesized by electrospun have the characteristics of high porosity, high specific surface area, and high similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the human body. These are beneficial for absorbing wound exudate, effectively blocking the invasion of external bacteria, and promoting cell respiration and proliferation, which provides an ideal microenvironment for wound healing. Moreover, electrospun nanofiber dressings can flexibly load drugs according to the condition of the wound, further promoting wound healing. Recently, electrospun nanofiber materials have shown promising application prospects as medical dressings in clinical. Based on current research, this article reviewed the development history of wound dressings and the principles of electrospun technology. Subsequently, based on the types of base material, polymer-based electrospun nanofiber dressing and electrospun nanofiber dressing containing drug-releasing factors were discussed. Furthermore, the application of electrospun nanofiber dressing on skin tissue is highlighted. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the current research on electrospun nanomaterials for wound healing, addressing challenges and suggesting future research directions to advance the field of electrospun dressings in wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has been widely used in various applications due to its flexibility, lightness, and low production cost. However, its massive use in disposable products has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for more sustainable alternatives. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties achievable in a composite material utilizing low-density polyethylene (LDPE), potato starch (PS), and cellulose microfibrils (MFCA) at loadings of 0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.30%. Initially, the cellulose acetate microfibrils (MFCA) were produced via an electrospinning process. Subsequently, a dispersive mixture of the aforementioned materials was created through the extrusion and pelletizing process to form pellets. These pellets were then molded by injection molding to produce test specimens in accordance with ASTM D 638, the standard for tensile strength testing. The evaluation of the properties was conducted through mechanical tensile tests (ASTM D638), hardness tests (ASTM D 2240), melt flow index (ASTM D1238), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study determined the influence of cellulose acetate microfibril loadings below 0.3% as reinforcement within a thermoplastic LDPE matrix. It was demonstrated that these microfibrils, due to their length-to-diameter ratio, contribute to an enhancement in the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native mucus is heterogeneous, displays high inter-individual variation and is prone to changes during harvesting and storage. To overcome the lack of reproducibility and availability of native mucus, commercially available purified mucins, porcine gastric mucin (PGM) and mucin from bovine submaxillary gland (BSM), have been widely used. However, the question is to which extent the choice of mucin matters in studies of their interaction with polymers as their composition, structure and hence physicochemical properties differ. Accordingly, the interactions between PGM or BSM with two widely used polymers in drug delivery, polyethylene oxide and chitosan, was studied with orthogonal methods: turbidity, dynamic light scattering, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Polymer binding and adsorption to the two commercially available and purified mucins, PGM and BSM, is different depending on the mucin type. PEO, known to interact weakly with mucin, only displayed limited interaction with both mucins as confirmed by all employed methods. In contrast, chitosan was able to bind to both PGM and BSM. Interestingly, the results suggest that chitosan interacts with BSM to a greater extent than with PGM indicating that the choice of mucin, PGM or BSM, can affect the outcome of studies of mucin interactions with polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acids have a crucial role in the field of asymmetric organocatalysis for the production of chiral compounds with high added value and specific biological activity. In particular, proline offers high activity and stereoselectivity for catalyzing aldol reactions in organic solvents. However, proline‐based catalysts often lack water‐solubility, accessibility, catalytic performance, or recovery in aqueous media. This work reports the design of proline‐functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles with a magnetic core that offer high availability of chiral units in water and high recyclability. A proline‐based copolymerizable surfactant is designed and integrated onto the surface of PMMA nanoparticles through a miniemulsion polymerization process without using additional surfactants. The miniemulsion technique allows the incorporation of magnetite to the system to create a magnetically separable catalyst. The chiral nanocatalyst presents a high diastereoselective catalytic activity for the intermolecular aldol reaction between p‐nitrobenzaldehyde and cyclohexanone in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aims to study the influence of various environments, such as groundwater, seawater, mineral water and sub‐zero, on reinforced polyester/S‐glass/sisal composites with nano clay (NC). Composites with a configuration of S‐glass/sisal/sisal/S‐glass (GSSG) with different wt% of NC, such as 0, 2, 4, and 6, were manufactured using the hand lay‐up method. For 6 days, the composites were conditioned in different environments like seawater, mineral water, groundwater at room temperature, and sub‐zero environments at −17°C. The influence of these environments on the tensile and flexural properties of manufactured composites was studied. Composites with 4% NC displayed higher tensile strength, while composites with 2% NC exhibited maximum flexural strength for all the environments. It was perceived that the weight gain was maximum in seawater (0.1857 g) and minimum in mineral water (0.06 g) and sub‐zero (0.101 g) conditions for 6% NC condition. Tensile and flexural strengths were reduced by 27% and 24% when samples were submerged in seawater compared to other environments. TEM images for 4 wt% of NC and 6 wt% of NC were studied for dispersions of NC in Polyester, and the effect of NC mixing with polyester was understood for the hybrid polymer composites. Highlights: A novel hybrid composites were fabricated using a double stirring process.The ultra‐sonication led to uniform distribution of nanoparticles.The mechanical properties and the effect of environments on these properties are studied.SEM images revealed the aging due to various environments.The hybrid composites can store mineral water and the sub‐zero environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mode‐division multiplexing (MDM) technology, as a new way to increase the communication capacity of a single wavelength carrier, has attracted increasing attention. As a fundamental building block for MDM communication systems, multimode optical switch is playing an important role for routing the increasingly complex network. However, it is still very challenging to achieve a multimode optical switch with high flexibility and low power‐consumption in a large bandwidth. Here, a 1 × 2 dual‐mode optical switch is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, where the E11 and E21 modes can be switched output from either of the two output ports simultaneously or individually with low power‐consumption. For the proposed dual‐mode optical switch, three asymmetric Y‐junctions are used as mode (de)multiplexers, two Mach–Zehnder interferometers form a single‐mode switch matrix, and a 2 × 2 multimode interferometer is used as the waveguide crossing. The device is fabricated with simple photolithography and wet‐etching methods. The measurement results show that the driving powers of the device are lower than 8.4 mW, and the crosstalks are less than −12.4 dB in the wavelength range of 1500–1600 nm. By implementing the dynamic control of resources between the guided modes, the proposed device can greatly improve the flexibility and efficiency of reconfigurable MDM networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]