Polymer Complex Fiber: Property, Functionality, and Applications

Abstract

Polymer complex fibers (PCFs) are a novel kind of fiber material processed from polymer complexes that are assembled through noncovalent interactions. These can realize the synergy of functional components and miscibility on the molecular level. The dynamic character of noncovalent interactions endows PCFs with remarkable properties, such as reversibility, stimuli responsiveness, self-healing, and recyclability, enabling them to be applied in multidisciplinary fields. The objective of this article is to provide a review of recent progress in the field of PCFs. The classification based on chain interactions will be first introduced followed by highlights of the fabrication technologies and properties of PCFs. The effects of composition and preparation method on fiber properties are also discussed, with some emphasis on utilizing these for rational design. Finally, we carefully summarize recent advanced applications of PCFs in the fields of energy storage and sensors, water treatment, biomedical materials, artificial actuators, and biomimetic platforms. This review is expected to deepen the comprehension of PCF materials and open new avenues for developing PCFs with tailor-made properties for advanced application.

Porous Conductive Textiles for Wearable Electronics

“…Actuating devices have garnered widespread attention with the development of flexible electronic devices. , They can convert external stimuli like electricity, temperature, and moisture into physical changes in shape and size, which are valuable for various applications such as physical therapy, artificial muscle, and human–machine interaction . PCTs are an ideal platform for manufacturing actuating devices due to their good flexibility, permeability, and conductivity .…”

Structural design underpinning self-healing materials for electromagnetic interference shielding: coupling of dynamic polymer chemistry and electrical conductivity

“…In recent years, this research has gradually expanded to the eld of functional materials applied in so electronics and robotics, EMI shielding, and so on, making functional restoration particularly important. [51][52][53][54] In principle, functionality can be incorporated into self-healing materials by doping with functional llers. Excitingly, functional materials with self-healing ability could not only restore their original mechanical properties but also the functionality of the damaged crack or wound.…”

Microporous Polyelectrolyte Complexes by Hydroplastic Foaming

“…The incorporation of water into PECs has been known to soften/fluidize them as water can not only disrupt chain interactions but also create free volume available for the motion of chain segments . As a consequence, hydrated PECs can manifest as benign plasticity and thus be able to be processed into a variety of different shapes and morphologies, such as fibers, rods, and sheets. − In addition, the hydroplasticity of PECs can also endow them with some dynamic functionalities like water-enabled self-healing and shape memory, which highly rely on reversible regulation of chain mobility within PECs. , In this study, the intrinsic hydroplasticity of PECs is explored to allow the rapid formation of porous structures with the aid of gas foaming. A series of foamable PEC films are fabricated by simply mixing positively charged polyethylenimine (PEI), negatively charged poly­(acrylic acid) (PAA), and a UV-initiated chemical foaming agent in an aqueous solution, followed by molding into thin sheets.…”