Closed-loop recycling of microparticle-based polymers

Abstract

We propose a recycling strategy for tough polymers based on microparticles. The "microparticle-based" concept allows materials recycling without loss of their properties (‘closed-loop’ recycling).

Relationship between π–A isotherms and single microgel/microgel array structures revealed via the direct visualization of microgels at the air/water interface

“…Our findings not only help to further understand the compression behavior of microgels at the interface, but will also lead to applications in materials that utilize interfaces, such as foams and emulsions, and to nano/microstructure construction techniques that tune the two- and three-dimensional structures of soft deformable particles. 63,64…”

Nanoparticle-Based Tough Polymers with Crack-Propagation Resistance

“…In particular, the nanoparticle core has a low-density matrix, while the mixing area between the charged groups, localized at the nanoparticle surface, is characterized by high density. In other words, the delocalization of charged groups, i.e., the diffusion of sulfonate acids occurred upon mixing surface-near polymer chains on the microspheres during film formation. ,, In order to calculate the interfacial thickness according to Ruland’s theory for two-phase materials with diffuse boundaries, the electron-density variation of the pseudo-two-phase system along the normal, η­( z ), is followed by a convolution product of a step function, g ( z ), and a Gaussian smoothing function, h ( z ) as follows: In this study, the background scattering arising from the thermal density fluctuation from the total scattered intensity was subtracted from the SAXS intensity, I ( q ), by assuming that the background scattering is given by a straight line, which is the intensity of the highest observed q values (0.09 Å –1 ). It should be noted here that this is purely an empirical procedure and that there is also a way to subtract a curved background scattering.…”

“…In other words, the delocalization of charged groups, i.e., the diffusion of sulfonate acids occurred upon mixing surface-near polymer chains on the microspheres during film formation. 39,54,55 In order to calculate the interfacial thickness according to Ruland's theory for two-phase materials with diffuse boundaries, 56 the electrondensity variation of the pseudo-two-phase system along the normal, η(z), is followed by a convolution product of a step function, g(z), and a Gaussian smoothing function, h(z) as follows:…”

Multi-layer core/shell microgels with internal complexity and their nanocomposites

“…24 In addition, the assembly of such CS microgels would be beneficial for the production of mechanically robust materials. 25 Therefore, this study represents an important first step toward creating advanced materials composed of functional multi-layer CS microgels and their composites, which will be useful in the fields of biomaterials and sustainable chemistry.…”