Journal of Polymer Engineering

Abstract Polymer-based fiber-reinforced composites are widely used for lightweight automotive structural components due to their distinct functional properties compared to monolithic polymeric matrices. However, conventionally synthesized composites exhibit low fracture toughness and moderate thermal stability due to poor load transfer, limited energy dissipation at higher impact loads, and the s…

Abstract Polyethylene oxide (PEO) exhibits excellent segmental flexibility and solubility for lithium salts, but its high crystallinity at room temperature results in relatively low ionic conductivity. To enhance its performance, this study incorporates highly adsorbent fibrous sepiolite (SEP) and zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) with high specific surface area and tunable pore structure. Th…

Abstract This study simulates the blade coating process of Johnson–Segalman (JS) nanofluid using machine learning, accounting for magnetic field, thermophoresis, and Brownian motion effects. Expressions are simplified by lubrication approximation theory (LAT) and numerically solved by shooting technique. A supervised neural network employing the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation (LMBP-SNN) algo…

Abstract Divinylbenzene (DVB) was grafted onto polybutylene succinate (PBS) to improve its compatibility with distiller’s grains (DG), an abundant industrial by-product from liquor manufacturing. Introducing aromatic DVB units into the PBS backbone is expected to strengthen interfacial interactions with lignocellulosic DG via π–π interactions and hydrogen bonding. PBS/DG and PBS-g-DVB/DG composit…

Abstract Aiming at the technical challenges existing in the current microbubble foaming process of wood–plastic composites, a continuous microporous foaming extrusion platform suitable for this material was built by optimizing the screw geometry and foaming mold. The internal bubble structure characteristics of samples under different processing conditions are observed to reveal the gas bubble de…

Abstract To combat biofouling-induced flux decline in membrane processes, we engineered low-cost, environmentally friendly polyester copolymers functionalized with cationic benzyldimethyl[2-[(2-methyl-1-oxoallyl)oxy]ethyl]ammonium chloride (DMBC) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) via phase inversion. The cationic DMBC induced electrostatic repulsion, yielding ultrafiltration (UF) mem…

Abstract Hydrophobicity is a main cause of tear protein deposition on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogel contact lenses. Surface coating is the simplest approach for hydrophilicity improvement, but its stability is still challenging. This study developed a combined technique based on oxygen plasma treatment and layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (…

Abstract Fiber length and interface properties have significant effects on the mechanical characteristics of fiber-reinforced composites. In this work, effects of screw speed and fiber content on glass fiber (GF) length during the process of twin-screw extruder were investigated. And the influences of GF length on the mechanical characteristics of composites (PET/GF) were also studied. The GF sur…

Abstract The widespread use of CFRP components in the aerospace industry has led to a significant increase in the demand for assembly holes, for which drilling remains the primary machining method. To effectively mitigate drilling-induced damage, this study simplifies the CFRP drilling process as oblique cutting and develops a temperature-dependent, three-dimensional microscale oblique cutting mo…

Abstract The environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has driven the pursuit of sustainable alternatives such as bioplastics derived from renewable resources. Hence, this study explores the development of biodegradable bioplastics using starch extracted from locally available taro ( Alocasia macrorrhizos ) locally known as Borkosu and potatoes in northeastern part of India. The starches w…

Abstract Gas separation is crucial in industries such as natural gas sweetening, CO 2 removal, and oxygen/nitrogen enrichment. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have emerged as a promising solution, and zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC), with high surface area and uniform pore structure, serves as an effective filler to enhance performance. In this study, polysulfone (PSF)/ZTC MMMs with 0.25–0.5 wt% ZTC…

Abstract In today’s increasingly developed Internet of Things, the development of various flexible sensors with different specifications has advanced by leaps and bounds. The number of sensor-related papers and scientific and technological achievements published every now and then is overwhelming. This review summarizes the research progress of flexible sensors in recent years. Firstly, the worki…

Abstract Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) is extensively utilized in 3D printing applications, though its mechanical strength and thermal resistance remain limiting factors. This study developed five distinct ABS/carbon fiber (CF) composite filaments using CF as a modifier. The incorporation of CF significantly enhanced the matrix’s mechanical properties and thermal stability through its sup…

Abstract The reinforcing efficiency of natural zeolite for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is evaluated in terms of calcination and loading level. Calcination was applied to the zeolite powder before the compounding process. The surface area, chemical compositions, particle size distribution, and surface functionalities of pristine zeolite (Z) and calcined zeolite (C-Z) are confirmed via BET ana…

Abstract This study aims to mitigate thermal cracking in mass concrete, a phenomenon resulting from heat release during cement hydration. To this end, a novel hydration heat inhibitor was prepared by modifying dextrin through esterification and polymerization with acrylic acid. The inhibitor, abundant in hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, is slowly released within cement’s weakly alkaline environment.…

Abstract Polymeric gels are a vital class of functional biomaterials for biomedical applications. Cryogels, formed through cryogelation of polymeric or monomeric precursors in aqueous solvents at sub-zero temperatures, provide a cost-effective and straightforward solution for incorporating porosity, mechanical strength, and chemical cues into gels. This review highlights recent advancements in cr…

Abstract Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) have emerged as advanced materials for several crucial applications such as packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals, construction and transportation. This review work explores the integration of various dispersible nanostructures or nanofillers in the polymeric matrix, and the resultant properties of the nanocomposites specially with respect to packaging app…

Abstract This study aims to investigate the synergistic effects of graphene, aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), and silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) nanofillers on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy composites. The objectives were to enhance the performance of epoxy resins by incorporating these nanofillers at varying weight fractions (0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %) using ultrasonication for uniform dispersio…

Abstract The increasing demand for energy systems that are flexible, lightweight, and durable has generated interest in solid polymer electrolytes. Typically, conventional lithium-ion batteries use carbonate-containing liquid electrolytes, which are flammable and pose safety concerns. In contrast, solid electrolytes offer mechanical reliability, environmental sustainability, and enhanced safety. …

Abstract Blade coating is a technique where the fluid is applied to a surface using a fixed blade, providing economic advantages compared to other coating technologies. It is widely used in producing paper, preserving information, manufacturing photographic films and magnetic storage devices. This article examines the blade coating process using hyperbolic tangent model. With the help of mass and…