Ahmad Faldo¹, Labanta Marbun¹, Hezekiah Lemuel Putra Zebua¹, Fateha Fateha², Rossy Choerun Nissa², Yurin Karunia Apsha Albaina Iasya³, Riri Uswatun Annifah³, Amrul Amrul¹, Yeyen Nurhamiyah^2,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 743-755, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.069981 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Conventional bioplastic production from seaweed often relies on extraction processes that are costly, time-consuming, and yield limited product. This study presents a direct fabrication method using Gracilaria sp., a red seaweed rich in polysaccharides, to produce bioplastic films without the need for extraction. Sorbitol was incorporated as a plasticizer at concentrations of 0%–10% (w/w) to modify film characteristics. Thermal analysis revealed improved stability at moderate sorbitol levels (5%–7%), while excessive plasticizer slightly reduced thermal resistance. Mechanical testing showed that sorbitol increased film flexibility and elongation at break, though tensile strength and stiffness declined. Tear strength followed More >

Qiang Sun^1,2,*, Zheng-Song Qiu¹, Tie Geng², Han-Yi Zhong¹, Weili Liu², Yu-Lin Tang², Jin-Cheng Dong²

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 757-772, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.069808 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Addressing the critical challenges of viscosity loss and barite sag in synthetic-based drilling fluids (SBDFs) under high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) conditions, this study innovatively developed a hyperbranched amide polymer (SS-1) through a unique stepwise polycondensation strategy. By integrating dynamic ionic crosslinking for temperature-responsive rheology and rigid aromatic moieties ensuring thermal stability beyond 260°C, SS-1 achieves a molecular-level breakthrough. Performance evaluations demonstrate that adding merely 2.0 wt% SS-1 significantly enhances key properties of 210°C-aged SBDFs: plastic viscosity rises to 45 mPa·s, electrical stability (emulsion voltage) reaches 1426 V, and the sag factor declines to 0.509, outperforming conventional More >

Jeyapaul Angel Ida Chellam¹, Bright Brailson Mansingh², Daniel Stalin Alex³, Joseph Selvi Binoj^4,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 773-794, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.069295 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Machine learning models can predict material properties quickly and accurately at a low computational cost. This study generated novel hybridized nanocomposites with unsaturated polyester resin as the matrix and Areca fruit husk fiber (AFHF), tamarind fruit fiber (TFF), and nano-sized coconut shell powder (NCSP). It is challenging to determine the optimal proportion of raw materials in this composite to achieve maximum mechanical properties. This task was accomplished with the help of ML techniques in this study. The tensile strength of the hybridized nanocomposite was increased by 134.06% compared to the neat unsaturated polyester resin at… More >

Nurrul Asyiqin Shamsuri¹, Zamil Khairuddin², Muhamad Hafiz Hamsan³, Norhana Abdul Halim⁴, Mohd Fakhrul Zamani Kadir^1,5, Muhammad Fadhlullah Shukur^6,7,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 729-742, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.069060 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Polymeric materials have emerged as a promising alternative to electrolytic solutions in energy storage applications. However, high crystallinity and poor ionic conductivity are the main barriers restricting their daily application. In this study, we propose a polymer electrolyte system consisting of methylcellulose-polyvinyl alcohol (MC-PVA) blend as host material and lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF₃SO₃) as dopant, which was prepared using the solution-casting method. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis revealed a maximum conductivity of 5.42 × 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ with 40 wt.% LiCF₃SO₃. The key findings demonstrated that the variation in the dielectric loss (ε_i) and dielectric constant (ε_r) was… More >

Xinyuan Shan^1,2, Yuan Wei¹, Jiayao Chen^1,*, Peng-Fei Cao^1,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 571-586, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.068907 - 30 September 2025

Abstract In recent years, ultrathin polymer-based electrolytes (UPEs) have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the energy density of rechargeable batteries for wearable devices by minimizing electrolyte volume, demonstrating higher ionic conductance and lower internal resistance, and more compact battery stacking compared to conventional thick polymer-based electrolyte. This mini review systematically summarizes recent advances in ultrathin solid-state and gel-state electrolytes, focusing on their preparation strategies, advantages, and disadvantages, where the energy density, interfacial stability, mechanical properties, and ion-transport mechanisms are also analyzed for understanding the UPE application. Moreover, the challenges such as dendrite penetration and More >

Caixia Chen¹, Pengyu Liu¹, Changhua Wang¹, Yanyan Xie¹, Wei Wang^1,*, Xiaomin Kang^2,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 621-660, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.068852 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Due to their high water content, stimulus responsiveness, and biocompatibility, hydrogels, which are functional materials with a three-dimensional network structure, are widely applied in fields such as biomedicine, environmental monitoring, and flexible electronics. This paper provides a systematic review of hydrogel characterization methods and their applications, focusing on primary evaluation techniques for physical properties (e.g., mechanical strength, swelling behavior, and pore structure), chemical properties (e.g., composition, crosslink density, and degradation behavior), biocompatibility, and functional properties (e.g., drug release, environmental stimulus response, and conductivity). It analyzes the challenges currently faced by characterization methods, such as a More >

Md. Tanvir Raihan¹, Md. Himel Mahmud², Badhon Chandra Mazumder², Md. Nazif Hasan Chowdhury³, Mohammad Tajul Islam^1,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 677-711, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.068356 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Electrospinning has gained significant importance across various fields, including biomedicine, filtration, and packaging due to the control it provides over the properties of the resulting materials, such as fiber diameter and membrane thickness. Chitosan is a biopolymer that can be utilized with both natural and synthetic copolymers, owing to its therapeutic potential, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, producing electrospun chitosan is challenging due to its high solution viscosity, which often results in the formation of beads instead of uniform fibers. To address this issue, the spinnability of chitosan is significantly enhanced, and the production of continuous More >

Xiangyang Zhou¹, Yashi Wang¹, Min Xiao^1,*, Jiajun Liu^1,2, Jiahao Wen¹, Haodong Shen³, Hucan Hong¹

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 795-810, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.068200 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is a promising natural fiber for bio-based composites, but its high moisture absorption and poor interfacial adhesion with polymer matrices limit mechanical performance. While chemical treatments have been extensively explored, limited research has addressed how thermal treatment alone alters the surface properties and reinforcing behavior of SCB fibers. This study aims to fill that gap by investigating the effects of heat treatment on SCB fiber structure and its performance in starch/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites. Characterization techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning… More >

Yinglai Tang, Jiale Xie, Yujie Chen, Xingxu Liu, Xiaomin Kang^*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 587-619, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.067647 - 30 September 2025

Abstract With the rapid development of flexible and wearable electronic devices, the demand for flexible power sources with high energy density and long service life is imminent. Zinc-air batteries have long been regarded as an important development direction in the future due to their high safety, environmental efficiency, abundant reserves and low cost. However, problems such as zinc dendrite growth, corrosion, by-product generation, hydrogen evolution and leakage, and evaporation of electrolyte affect the commercialization of zinc-air batteries. In addition, currently widely used aqueous electrolytes lead to larger batteries, which is not conducive to the development of… More >

Nanpu Cao¹, Huan Luo¹, Song Yue¹, Yong Chen¹, Mao Xu¹, Pu Cao¹, Tao Xin¹, Hongying Luo¹, Fa Zhang^2,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 661-675, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.067313 - 30 September 2025

Abstract This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in the design of antibacterial hydrogels and the surface-related factors influencing microbial adhesion to polymeric materials. Hydrogels, characterized by their three-dimensional porous architecture and ultra-high water content, serve as ideal platforms for incorporating antibacterial agents (e.g., metal ions, natural polymers) through physical/chemical interactions, enabling sustained release and enhanced antibacterial efficacy. For traditional polymers, surface properties (e.g., roughness, charge, superhydrophobicity, free energy, nanoforce gradients) play critical roles in microbial adhesion. Modifying the surface properties of polymers through surface treatment can regulate antibacterial performance. In particular, by referencing the micro/nanostructures found More >