Rabiatul Akashah Rusli¹, Siti Zafirah Zainal Abidin^1,2,*, Nur Farisha Sulthan Hussain¹, Siti Rudhziah Che Balian³

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077915 - 30 June 2026

Abstract The urgent demand for sustainable energy materials aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 has intensified interest in biopolymer electrolytes (BPEs). Many non-polysaccharide biopolymers exhibit low ionic conductivity and weak salt dissociation at room temperature, limiting their performance in sodium-ion energy storage devices. Polysaccharides such as guar gum provide abundant coordination sites that can enhance Na⁺ transport. This study investigates the electrical, structural, and electronic behaviour of guar gum–sodium perchlorate (guar gum–NaClO₄) BPEs to establish structure–transport relationships. Biopolymer electrolyte films were prepared via solution casting using guar gum (0.5 g) with NaClO₄ at six salt… More >

Biao Liu¹, Xin Wei¹, Zexin Lin¹, Peiyu Cui¹, Junlong Yao¹, Xiaobo Ye², Bin Fang², Yani Guo^1,*, Yimin Sun^1,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077831 - 30 June 2026

Abstract This study reports a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-assisted surface functionalization strategy to achieve colloidal stabilization of rod-shaped ZnO nanorods and their uniform integration into Lyocell fibers via dry-jet wet spinning. ZnO nanorods are prone to aggregation due to high surface energy, limiting their antibacterial efficacy. We demonstrate that PEG molecules adsorb onto ZnO surfaces through hydrogen bonding and coordination, providing steric stabilization that prevents agglomeration and ensures homogeneous dispersion in the spinning dope. The optimized composite fiber with 3 wt% ZnO exhibits balanced performance, delivering inhibition rates above 95% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while retaining over… More >

Edith O. Diovu¹, Calister E. Ugwu^2,*, Eunice N. Anaele^3,*, Samuel WisdomofGod Uzondu⁴, Ogochukwu N. Umeh², Iheanacho O. Enyum², Kingsley C. Eze², Godswill C. Onunkwo², Anthony A. Attama⁵

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077511 - 30 June 2026

Abstract Polymer-lipid hybrid-based solidified reverse micellar suspensions (SRMs) have gained increasing interest for topical drug delivery due to their ability to enhance solubility, stabilize bioactive compounds, and achieve sustained skin permeation. In this study, PEGylated SRMs were developed using a beeswax: Phospholipon 90H lipid matrix to enhance the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and wound-healing properties of a lipophilic extract of Calopogonium mucunoides (CM). PEG: lipid matrix ratios (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3) were formulated and designated as CM1–CM5, with an unloaded matrix (CM6) as control. Physicochemical characterization included encapsulation efficiency (EE%), spreadability, pH, viscosity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy… More >

Qing Yang¹, Yi Yang^2,*, Jia Yang^3,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077474 - 30 June 2026

Abstract The pathological progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is closely associated with synovial inflammation and a microenvironment characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Celecoxib (CEL), a commonly used cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor suffers from poor targeting and systemic side effects when administered systemically. To achieve precise drug delivery and synergistic therapy at the joint lesion site, this study designed and synthesized an amphiphilic poly (2-oxazoline) block copolymer (POxSP) with a thioketal-based ROS-responsive linker. This polymer was used to construct intelligent nanoparticles (POxSP-CEL) loaded with CEL. These nanoparticles self-assembled in aqueous solution to form spherical structures with an… More >

Peishuai Xing¹, Xiaodong Guo², Yang Wang^1,*, Sixi Zha¹, Zeting Chen³, Shicheng Shen¹, Bin He², Tianyun Li², Yuning Zhao²

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077304 - 30 June 2026

Abstract In the fabrication of microelectronic devices, polyimide (PI) is often patterned through plasma etching. However, the relationship between its etching behavior and the precursor processing technology has not been systematically revealed. In this paper, PMDA-ODA type PI was selected as the research object. For the first time, the effects of two film-forming processes, freeze drying (FD) and thermal drying (TD), on the microstructure of PI films and their O₂ plasma etching behavior were systematically compared. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and water contact angle testing,… More >

Izzat bin Mat Samudin¹, Muhammad Adam Johan bin Muhammad Affindy¹, Quanjin Ma², Nabilah Afiqah binti Mohd Radzuan^1,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077219 - 30 June 2026

Abstract Lattice structures fabricated through additive manufacturing (AM) offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, as their geometries allow them to carry high loads with far less material than solid components. When paired with polylactic acid (PLA), they combine biodegradability with ease of processing, allowing the structures to be produced efficiently while also offering an environmentally friendly material option. However, comparative studies across different lattice types under uniform conditions remain limited, as many existing studies only focus on a single geometry type. Therefore, this study investigates the compressive performance of PLA lattice structures, which include body-centered cubic (BCC), honeycomb… More > Graphic Abstract

Esam Bashir Yahya^*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075913 - 30 June 2026

Abstract Biopolymer–microbe interactions have emerged as a central theme in the development of sustainable materials and next-generation therapeutic strategies. This work provides a critical and integrative analysis of recent advances in biopolymer-based systems designed to modulate microbial behavior, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial activity, biofilm regulation, and host–microbe compatibility. Unlike conventional reviews that primarily catalogue existing studies, this manuscript systematically evaluates the mechanistic foundations governing polymer–microbe interactions, highlighting how physicochemical properties such as surface chemistry, porosity, charge distribution, and biodegradability influence microbial adhesion, virulence, and resistance patterns. Recent experimental evidence demonstrates that rationally engineered biopolymers especially More >

Gaziza Zhussipnazarova¹, Reshmy Rajasekharan², Sachin Kalumkumvathukkal Sajeev³, Jijo Thomas Koshy³, Dhanaraj Sangeetha³, Rekha Unni⁴, Raveendran Sindhu⁵, Akmaral Darmenbayeva¹, Mohammed Kuddus^6,7,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075396 - 30 June 2026

Abstract It takes centuries for chemically reinforced, short-term designed plastics to decompose naturally. Despite this, there has been a significant surge in plastics production recently, accounting for a considerable part of the total historical output. Forecasts indicate that plastics production could reach unprecedented levels if this trend continues. However, increasing environmental concerns and stricter waste regulations have intensified research into biodegradable alternatives. As a result, there is a growing shift toward sustainable polymeric systems capable of replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics. One such class of promising and renewable materials is cellulose-chitosan bioplastic. This review provides an in-depth… More > Graphic Abstract

Shahidul Islam¹, Md. Abdul Jalil^2,*, Marija Kodric³, Zorica Erakovic⁴, Md. Byzed Hasan⁵

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075107 - 30 June 2026

Abstract This systematic review critically evaluates the mechanical performance, durability, processing routes, and industrial applicability of sisal fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in relation to their readiness for wider engineering and industrial implementation. The review analyzes and summarizes science articles published 2020, 2025 to identify the performance trends, technical limitations, and techno, economic constraints influencing the application of these composites. A PRISMA, based approach was implemented, which included systematic searches of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar by using pre, set keywords, inclusion criteria, and clear screening procedures, to ensure reproducibility and quality control.… More > Graphic Abstract

Mazaher Salamat-Talab^1,*, Hossein Kazemi^1,2, Mehdi Safari¹

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.074982 - 30 June 2026

Abstract Polymeric composite laminate materials have gained a prominent position in advanced industries because of their outstanding mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. However, the lack of through-thickness reinforcement and the stress inconsistencies at the fiber-matrix interface result in weak out-of-plane properties and increase the delamination likelihood. Delamination is often a concealed form of damage that significantly diminishes the mechanical properties and long-term durability of laminated composites. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that, due to the significant shear stresses encountered in practical applications, a thorough understanding of delamination behavior under mode II loading is necessary. Also,… More >