Conference Schedule

Day1: June 5, 2018

Keynote Forum

Biography

Jessica Gould gained her PhD in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry under the supervision of Professor Martin Schröder at The University of Nottingham. She currently works as a Lead Research Scientist at Croda Europe Ltd specializing in the development of acrylic polymers for a wide range of applications from Personal Care to Battery Additives. Since joining Croda in 2013 she has developed a wide range of expertise in synthesis of new products focusing on tailored dispersants and rheology modifiers.


Abstract

Maintaining flow in the production and transportation of crude oil is a critical challenge in both on-shore and off-shore environments. Problems such as wax deposition and flow restriction from gelling can occur with changes in temperature and pressure during production, as well as changes in crude oil composition when oil streams are combined. Traditionally, solvent, thermal and mechanical methods have been used as wax remediation treatments. However, chemical treatments are now increasingly employed to mitigate flow assurance problems caused by the naturally occurring paraffins in crude oil. Due to the unique composition of every crude oil, there is no single product capable of treating all flow assurance problems. An acrylic comb polymer has been developed as a dual Pour Point Depressant (PPD) and Wax Inhibitor (WI). A PPD lowers the temperature at which wax crystals form a network which gels and solidifies the oil and a WI reduces the amount of wax which is deposited on pipe walls and other surfaces. This polymer has a strong PPD and/or WI effect in several crude oils yet its mode of action is not fully determined. Cross Polarized Microscopy (CPM) was used to observe the effect of the polymer on wax crystal morphology in several crude oils and to shed light on the mechanism of Pour Point Depression and Wax Inhibition. Early results suggest that the polymer modifies the structure of the wax crystals, making them less angular and less dispersed throughout the oil. It is possible that this reduces the ability of the wax crystals to form a network and gel the oil, or to deposit on metal surfaces. This material also displays a range of other properties and results which makes it an attractive solution to wax challenges in cold flow applications.

Biography

Vladimir Bershtein (PhD, 1963, DSc 1980) with his group at Ioffe Insti­tute of the Russian Academy of Sciences has performed numerous ex­perimental studies during a few decades within such polymer physics problems as the nature of relaxation transitions; physics of strength and plasticity of polymeric materials; dynamics and properties of polymer nanocomposites including thermostable (polyimide and cyanate es­ter-based) and biocompatible ones, and dynamics of polymer hybrids. He is the co-author of numerous publications, e.g., the first book on “DSC of Polymers: Physics, Chemistry, Analysis, Technology”, reviews on Far-IR spectroscopy (Adv Pol Sci 114,1994), on the original method of Laser-interferometric creep rate spectroscopy of polymers (Adv Pol Sci 230, 2010), on polyimides and polycyanurate dynamics, etc.


Abstract

A series of heterocyclic densely cross-linked hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized from bisphenol A-based bisphthalonitrile (BPh) with 0.5wt.% amino-functionalized montmorillonite (MMT) nanolayers, or amino-or epoxy-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles. Curing was performed at 260-300°C followed by post-curing at 340-430°C. The reactive nanoparticles were covalently embedded into matrix. FTIR indicated attaining 95% polymerization degree at post-curing and the appearance of phthalocyanine, triazine and isoindoline cycles in the network structure. Nanostructure, dynamics and properties of 0.5 mm thickness films were characterized using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), FTIR and far-infrared spectroscopy (FIRS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA, 0.1-10Hz), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA/DMA/ DSC measurements were performed in air or nitrogen mediums. STEM images, EDX spectra and the histograms of Si nanodistribution indicated satisfactory dispersion and uniform distribution of POSS nanoparticles (no nanoclusters) in the matrix. Single MMT nanolayers and 2-3 nanolayers stacks prevailed in the nanocomposites. TGA indicated slight thermal degradation starting from 420-430°C, identically up to 550°C in air and nitrogen mediums. At 550-700°C, TGA curves sharply diverged: thermo-oxidative degradation in air resulted in dropping mass to char residue of 4-7% whereas 72-74% residual was registered in nitrogen. At low mechanical losses (tan≤0.03-0.04), four relaxations were registered for post-cured samples: non- or low-cooperative sub-Tg relaxations at 50-100°(I) and 200-250°C(II), and Tg≈460°(III) and 515-540°C(IV); for cured films, Tg=380- 390°C. Transition IV was displaced to 560°C in nitrogen. DMA/DSC showed some suppression of matrix dynamics by nanoparticles: Tg increased by 20-60°C. Glass transition manifested highly cooperative (“quasi-phase transition”) behavior with effective activation energy Qact>>1000kJ/ mol. Dynamic modulus of the nanocomposites E’≈(2-3)GPa decreased by 20-30% at 500°C. After scanning to 570°C in nitrogen medium, no relaxation spectrum and glass transition were observed, and E’≈3.2GPa was registered at 20-600°C. The studied nanocomposites have a perspective for use in aerospace, microelectronics, etc.

Tracks

  • Polymer Science-The Next Generation | Polymers And The Future Of Industries | Polymer Material Science And Engineering | Polymer Nanotechnology | Polymer Chemistry | Composite Polymeric Materials
Location: Bleriot 1

Lianbin Zhang

Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Chair

Szczepan Zapotoczny

Jagiellonian University, Poland

Co Chair

Biography

Afang Zhang is a Polymer Chemist. His research interest comprises den­dronized polymers, supramolecular polymers, helical polymers, as well as polymers with switchable properties. He began his research work from 1988 at Chemistry Institute of Henan. After three years working at German Plastics Institute and Free University of Berlin, he joined Zhengzhou Univer­sity as Distinguished Professor. From 2005, he started working in ETH Zu­rich as Senior Scientist. By the end of 2009, he returned to China and joined Shanghai University as Distinguished Professor. Thereafter, he became a 1000-plan Scholar affiliated to Shanghai Government. From 2017, he was offered a title of honor professor by the University of Queensland. He has hosted more than 40 projects from Chinese and Swiss Governments and received more than 10 Science And Technology Awards from Chinese Gov­ernments. He has published more than 120 journal papers and is the Inven­tor for more than 20 patents.


Abstract

Dendronized polymers are formed through densely attaching dendrons along a linear polymer main chain, which adopt cylindrical wormlike morphology with tunable thickness. Inspired from the smart properties of biomacromolecules in nature, an intriguing class of stimuli-responsive dendronized polymers were constructed through combination of dendritic oligoethylene glycols (OEG) with various kinds of polymer backbones. Due to the densely covered OEG pendants, these macromolecules show unprecedented thermoresponsiveness and excellent biocompatibility. This presentation will discuss our findings in developing versatile thermoresponsive warm-like dendronized polymethacrylates and polypeptides by decorating with dendritic OEG pendants through covalent linkages, dynamic covalent linkages or supramolecular interactions. Depending mainly on the molecular topology, amphiphilic structure in these dendronized polymers plays different roles on mediating their stimuli-responsive properties. Based on the thickness effects, dendronized polymers undergo heterogeneous dehydration and collapse on individual molecular level. Therefore, guest molecules can be encapsulated and released based on the phase transition temperature, heating rate and thickness of the polymers, resulting in interestingly the formation of molecular containers. This encapsulation property affords these thick polymers tunable shielding ability to protonation and metal coordination in aqueous solutions. In a word, combination of unique thermoresponsive behavior, reversible encapsulation and switchable shielding to guests, protonation as well as metal coordination from these OEGylated dendronized polymers may lead to their promising applications in biomaterials, including drug delivery and targeting, enzyme activity control and transportation.

Biography

Akos Kmetty is working in Research Group for Composite Science and Technology, Hungary. His research interests are development of self-rein­forced petroleum-based and bio-based polymer composites and the anal­ysis of renewable resource-based polymer materials and composites. He works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungry. In 2012 he joined the MTA–BME Research Group for Composite Science and Technology as a Research Fellow. His work focuses on the production and characterization of bio-polyester-based foams pro­duced by extrusion techniques via chemical and physical blowing methods. His research activities include the analysis of the morphological and me­chanical properties of bio-polymer foams and he is examining the relation­ships between the manufacturing parameters and material properties.


Abstract

Nowadays the number of polymers produced from renewable resources are increasing considerably. Global market forecasts predict a fourfold increase until 2019 (7.8 million ton/year). Polymer foams nowadays are mostly produced from petroleum-based petrochemical materials. Foamed products, such as packaging and insulating materials, are made by physical, chemical and bead foaming techniques. A great disadvantage of materials and products made from them is that they are difficult and costly to recycle, cannot be decomposed biologically and are a considerable load on the environment after they lose their function. Renewable resource-based and biodegradable polymers offer an environmentally friendly alternative. Of all biopolymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) receives the most attention nowadays. It is a thermoplastic polyester which can be produced entirely from agricultural sources, e.g. sugarcane, and is biodegradable by composting. PLA in itself is rigid (Young’s modulus: ~2500 MPa), breaks easily (Charpy impact strength: ~4 kJ/m2) and has low strain at break (~3%). Its D-lactide content and functional additives can greatly influence its properties. The comprehensive characterization of its chemical foaming and the bio-foam produced this way is a new direction of research. PLA can be used to develop biopolymer foam products that can be a viable alternative to single-use non-biodegradable foam products, such as food industry trays and padding foams. The lecture presents the effects of various kinds (e.g. exothermic) of chemical foaming agents on the morphological and mechanical properties of PLA foam. We used PLAs with different D-lactide contents. The PLA foams were manufactured with a twin-screw extruder. We produced rod-shaped foam specimens. The chemical foaming agents and the PLA foams made with them were tested morphologically (e.g. Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and mechanically (e.g. foam strength). The cell structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy.

Biography

Hazel E Assender graduated from the University of Cambridge, followed with a PhD and two years of Postdoc in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy in Cambridge before moving to an academic post in Oxford University. She has led a research activity in the Department of Materials, University of Oxford, UK since 1996 with a focus in the area of thin films and coatings both of polymer materials or onto polymer substrates. Her research spans fundamental studies of the thin film and near-surface prop­erties of polymers, through to materials engineering of thin films and device structures in large area on polymer substrates. Her particular areas of inter­est include roll-to-roll deposition, gas barriers, photovoltaics, and transistors/ circuits. Her research has a technology-facing approach bringing underpin­ning scientific understanding to development of materials and technologies that integrates research relevant to industrial processing such as scale-up of manufacture with the development of new materials and structures.


Abstract

The breakthrough of flexible electronics depends upon suitable large-scale manufacturing routes, likely requiring very low cost, high-throughput processing techniques. Our approach to development of organic electronics considered high-speed roll-to-roll processing routes already employed industrially. We examined their applicability in creating transistors and circuits. Central to this is the high-throughput deposition of polymeric dielectric using a vacuum deposition route compatible with the preferred processing for molecular semiconductors, metal contacts and ceramic or other semiconducting active components. This paper will discuss the control of dielectric properties as determined by processing parameters during the thin-film deposition and by the surface segregation of one component of a monomer mixture to control interfacial properties of the dielectric. The dielectric performance will be demonstrated in OTFT devices and circuit elements.

Biography

Jasper Michels completed his PhD at the University of Twente (The Neth­erlands) in at the Supramolecular Chemistry and Technology group of Pro­fessor D N Reinhoudt, where he received his PhD Degree in 2001. After his graduation he held a Postdoctoral Research position for two years in the group of Professsor H L Anderson at Oxford University, UK. In 2003 he start­ed working at TNO Science and Industry in Eindhoven, to join Holst Centre in 2006 as a Senior Scientist. In the period 2006-2016 he has been mem­ber and vice-chairman of the advisory board for IOP Self-Healing Materials program in The Netherlands. In September 2014 he joined the Department of Molecular Electronics at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research as a Group Leader. His research activities include modeling and simulation of phase transitions in semiconducting thin films that find applications in organic and hybrid electronics.


Abstract

Many organic and hybrid thin film electronic devices (e.g. solar cells, light emitting diodes and sensors) contain a layer of a functional or responsive material based on a blend of polymeric or small-molecular components. Depending on the desired functionality, phase separation between the blend components during solution processing is desired or not. Predictive models that establish a link between processing dynamics and device performance have been highly desired to avoid trial-and-error experimentation. We study solution-stage spinodal decomposition of such blends under evaporative conditions using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches. We provide an explanation for the decrease in the early stage spinodal wavelength under steady solvent evaporation. Scaling relations are derived that express the dependence of the emerging structure size and demixing time scale on evaporation rate. Besides giving experimental examples and summarizing our linearized theory, this contribution provides discussion on the experimental validation of the latter and in what way the dynamics change if instead of only one, two blend components are non-mass conserved. This scenario arises when water vapor condenses as a non-solvent into an evaporating polymer solution, e.g. during processing of thin-film memory elements based on multifluorinated polyhydrocarbons.

Biography

Jintao Zhu received his PhD (Polymer Chemistry and Physics) in Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China in 2005. Afterwards, he carried out Postdoctoral research in the University of Alberta, Canada and University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. In 2009, he joined as a Professor in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). Since 2016, he is the Dean of the School of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at HUST. His current research concentrated on confined assembly of block copolymers and inorganic nanoparticles, responsive photonic materials, functional polymer particles for drug delivery and imaging. He has published over 100 papers, contributed 3 book chapters and holds 5 patents. He is a Recipient of China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar (2015) and Chinese Chemical Society Youth Awards (2013).


Abstract

Block copolymer assemblies have attracted great attention due to their potential applications in the fields of drug delivery, targeting therapy, medical diagnosing and imaging. Three dimensional (3D) confinement, which can break the symmetry of a structure, has proven to be a powerful route to tailor the morphologies of block copolymer particles. Particle shape and internal structure can thus be tuned by using the supramolecular strategy or tailoring the interfacial interaction of the particles with the dispersion medium. We will introduce the generation of the nano-objects with well tunable shapes by taking advantage of 3D confined assembly and supramolecular chemistry. Particles with various internal structures can be obtained due to the 3D soft confinement in emulsion droplets. Moreover, we will show that selective disassembly of the structured particles will give rise to mesoporous particles or nano-objects with unique shapes, potentially useful for drug delivery, bio-imaging, separation and diagnostics.

Biography

Sabrina Belbekhouche is an Associate Professor (East Paris Institute of Chemistry And Materials Science/ University of Paris, France). Her core expertise is in polymer science, macromolecular assembly and surface modification. This includes the polymer synthesis; the study of the physi­cal chemistry of surfaces/interfaces; and the use of controlled assembly at the sub-micrometer scale (nanoparticle, nanocapsule.) as well as stim­uli-responsive systems. Current applications of her research are mainly for biological application.


Abstract

Recent progress in supramolecular chemistry leads to unparalleled control over the composition and shape factor of colloidal systems. Among them, the design of hollow capsules is a new expanding area of physical-chemical research. Herein, we report on the preparation of ultra-low sized (<100 nm in diameter) biodegradable polymeric capsules for potential applications as nanocontainers in antibiotic therapy. Hollow nanospheres based on the chitosan/ poly (acrylic acid) pair are elaborated via (i) the layer-by-layer technique using gold nanoparticles (20 and 60 nm in size) as sacrificial templates, (ii) loading with amoxicillin, a betalactam antibiotic, and (iii) removal of the gold core via cyanide-assisted hydrolysis. Size, dispersity and concentration of the resulting nanocapsules are easily fixed by the nanoparticle templates, while wall thickness is controlled by the number of polyelectrolyte bilayers. Electrostatic interactions between the protonated amine groups of chitosan and the carboxyl groups of poly(acrylic acid) act as the driving attraction force allowing easy and fast design of robust and well-ordered multilayer films. Successful hydrolysis of the gold core is evidenced by time-dependent monitoring of the gold spectroscopic signature (absorbance at 519 nm and 539 nm for the gold nanoparticles with 20 and 60 nm, respectively). Crosslinked capsules are also prepared through crosslinking of the chitosan chains with gluteraldehyde. Chitosan-based nanocapsules are finally evidenced to be promising drug delivery vehicles of amoxicillin trihydrate with tuneable properties such as entrapment efficiency in the range of 62-75% and 3.5-5.5% concerning the drug loading. The drug-loading content was up to 5%.

Biography

Szczepan Zapotoczny is a Professor at Jagiellonian University in Krakow (Poland) where he also completed his PhD in Chemistry working on synthe­sis and photophysics of polymeric photosensitizers. He joined the group of Professor G J Vancso (University of Twente, The Netherlands) as a Postdoc­toral Researcher (1999-2001) working on force spectroscopy and surface chemistry of self-assembled systems. After coming back to Poland he fo­cused his research on amphiphilic polymers obtained using controlled radi­cal polymerizations and formation of photoactive polyelectrolyte multilayer films. Later on he initiated the studies on surface-grafted polymer brushes cooperating also with Professor Vancso. His current interests focuses on nanostructured polymeric and hybrid materials including films, brushes (conductive, stimuli-responsive), polymer coated nanoparticles, nanocap­sules for photochemical and biomedical applications. He is a coauthor of 100 scientific papers and 6 patents.


Abstract

Recent progress in supramolecular chemistry leads to Surface grafted polymer brushes refer to an assembly of macromolecules attached with one end to a surface and stretched away from it. The stretched conformation of the tethered chains and their conformational freedom leads to unique properties of the brushes and specific applications. Conductive polymer brushes grafted from surfaces, as examples of such structures, are very desirable for e.g. organic photovoltaics and molecular electronics since they would form directional nanoscale pathway for charge transport. However, synthesis of surface-grafted conjugated polymer brushes is still very challenging since there are no controlled polymerization techniques easily applicable for that purpose. We have introduced self-templating surface-initiated polymerization (ST-SIP) leading to synthesis of ladder-like brushes with one chain in a pair being conjugated. Iniferter-based photopolymerization was applied to obtain the macromonomer brushes grafted from gold surface and containing acetylene side groups. The pre-aligned groups subsequently reacted forming conjugated chains. Such obtained brushes after doping exhibited high conductivity in the direction perpendicular to the surface as showed using conductive atomic force microscopy. The general route was later used for synthesis of poly(thiophene)-based brushes and polyelectrolyte conjugated structures and may be easily applied for obtaining other polymer architectures comprising conjugated polymers (mixed brushes, block conductive-nonconductive brushes etc.). Using similar approach, photoactive polymer brushes with ordered phthalocyanine chromophores were also synthesized. Conjugated polymer brushes based on e.g. poly(acetylene) and poly(thiophene) with such ladder-like architecture were also shown to exhibit long term stability in air as compared to polymer films and brushes composed of single chains. The conjugated and photoactive ladder-like brushes are very promising for applications requiring high ordering of the chains and long term stability such as organic photovoltaics, nanoelectronics or fabrication of energy-storage devices.

Biography

Dhiraj Sud is a Professor of Chemistry and currently working in the area of nanophotocatalysis and development of hybrid materials for various appli­cations in particular for environmental remediation. She has expertise in design, synthesis and characterization of nonmaterial as well as polymeric materials. Another area of her interest is in reaction kinetics and mechanism of photo catalytic reactions by tracking the reaction pathway. Besides teach­ing inorganic chemistry to post graduate students, she has also contributed in development of education and research as Dean Academics. She has more than 80 publications in international journal of repute and presented her research in number of national and international conferences. She also had written many chapters and two books. She has worked on sponsored research projects in the area of photo catalysis, adsorption technology and for treatment of industrial effluents. She has guided ten PhD students and many postgraduate student projects.


Abstract

The present investigation reports the greener synthesis and characterization of acrylic acid grafted biopolymer chitosan/ TiO2 based nanocomposites. The nanocomposites formed from metal/metal oxide nanoparticles and polymers showed the improvement in material properties such as electrical, chemical or biochemical properties along with permeability and selectivity. The polymeric and inorganic hybrid materials can be tailored to have the desired applications. The eco-friendly synthesis of amphoteric chitosan was done by grafting of acrylic acid to chitosan in presence of potassium persulfate by free radical polymerization. The grafted chitosan was further employed to synthesize nanocomposite by in situ reaction with semiconductor TiO2 prepared from titanium butoxide using ultrasonication cavitation technique. FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, EDX and thermal analysis techniques were employed to characterize synthesized CA (acrylic acid/chitosan) and CATN (CA/TiO2). The change in surface morphology was evident from appearance of uniform globular particles of synthesized hybrid material instead of cloudy flakes of grafted chitosan. The homogenous distribution of metal oxide nanoparticles in CA/TiO2 hybrid material was achieved from grafted acrylic acid/ chitosan containing weak anionic group (-COOH) which lead to the coiling of the polymeric chains around TiO2. The response of polymeric nanocomposite, CATN was investigated for degradation of dyes often present in the effluents of textile industries. Malachite green was selected as model dye to assess the photocatalytic efficiency using solar light. The degradation kinetics was studied by monitoring the photo catalytic reaction by employing spectrophotometric technique. The rate constant of reaction for degradation of malachite green was found to be 7.13x10-3min-1. The current research work opens vistas for the new dimensions in area of water treatment by solving the issues related to degradation reaction efficiency in visible light and cost effectiveness.

Biography

Isabel Bagudanch is a Researcher at the Product, Process and Production Engineering Research Group (GREP), University of Girona, Spain. Her re­search focuses on advanced manufacturing processes such as incremen­tal sheet forming and additive manufacturing.


Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Commonly, head injuries are produced by a punctual dynamic force. When fractures are produced, they are followed by tensile loads that generate more fractures on other cranium areas. Prostheses have the objective to patch a damaged area and heal the injury. Nowadays, research is focused on customized prostheses and there is no interest to develop a standard product to produce in mass series. Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) is a technology useful to manufacture small batch or one-of-a-kind sheet products. This paper presents the use of ISF with the aim of manufacturing cranial prostheses in biocompatible polymeric sheet.

Methodology: The cranial implant is designed based on computerized tomographies (CT) of the patient, converting them into a 3D model using the software InVesalius. To generate the toolpath for the forming operation Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software is employed. Once the cranial implant is manufactured in a Kondia CNC 3 axis milling machine, a 3D scanning system is used to determine the geometric deviation between the real part and the initial design.

Findings: The spindle speed is one of the most important parameters that affect the results of the final part. It has been shown that using 2000 rpm spindle speed and a negative dye it is possible to achieve an appropriate geometric accuracy of the prosthesis (with discrepancies below 1.5 mm) fulfilling the standardized mechanical requirements.

Conclusions: The use of polymeric implants in cranioplasty is advantageously because of their lightweight, low heat conductivity and mechanical properties similar to bone. The results demonstrated the huge potential of manufacturing polymeric cranial prostheses by ISF, as far as these processes provide high formability with appropriate geometric accuracy. Furthermore, the cost of the implant has been calculated revealing that it is a cheap process with a low lead-time.

Biography

Rosica Mincheva received her PhD degree in polymer chemistry from the Laboratory of Bioactive Polymers, Institute of Polymers-BAS, Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2007 she moved to a postdoctoral stay in the University of Mons where she is now an associate researcher. Her research is mainly focused on biopolymers and biobased polymers covering synthesis and modification, physicochemical and thermomechanical characterization, preparation of micro- and nanostructured materials by different methods including melt processing and electrospinning. A major point is the design of sustainable and industrially applicable methods for polymer materials preparation and modification. Her work is published in 36 peer-reviewed scientific publica­tions (including 4 book chapters), more than 40 personal communications at conferences, and is coinventor in 1 patent.


Abstract

Environmental and economic concerns, associated with commodity petrol-based plastics production and disposal, forced academy and industry to join efforts in the design of easily applicable sustainable technologies. Greatest priorities became methods avoiding the use of polluting and unsafe volatile solvents; and allowing the facile replacement of the petrol-based monomers by monomers issued from annually renewable resources. With this respect, the polycondensation – a step-growth polymerization attracted much attention. Widely used in nature, where it builds the basis for the biosynthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and cellulose. In man-made technology, the process plays an important role in the synthesis of commodity polyesters and polyamides - versatile classes of polymers covering applications from fibers to high-performance polymers, thermoplastics and elastomers. However, despite its “green” aspect, polycondensation is often complicated by slow rate and side reactions, resulting in low molecular weight and yield of the polycondensation polymer. Moreover, the obtained polymers are limited in applications because of the lack of functionalities. For overcoming these problems, we have designed combined polycondensation (to other synthetic procedures as chain-coupling or “click” reactions; and/or have used (functional) comonomers for tailoring the properties of the resulting copolyesters. In other terms, such combined/copolycondensation can be used as “green” method to sustainable plastics with applications from reinforcing agents to dispersants and curable coatings.

Biography

Alaitz Rekondo is currently working in Cidetec Foundation, Spain. She has been developing her research in the field of elastomeric PUU materials since 2003. Before joining Cidetec she worked for 6 years in the R&D Department of an industrial company focused on the field of adhesives and sealants, where she developed and coordinated several research projects. She has been Head of the Laboratory of Sealants and Adhesives for a year in the same company, leading projects aimed to new product development. She is the Head of the Polymers & Composites Unit of CIDETEC, where her main research activities focus on the development of new families of dynamic materials (composites, elastomers, adhesives and coatings) based on re­versible chemical bonds.


Abstract

Thermoset materials are those having a crosslinked network fixed by irreversible covalent bonds. These polymers exhibit excellent mechanical strength, solvent resistance and thermal stability. The above mentioned properties make thermoset materials suitable for numerous applications, such as, biomedical materials, adhesives, coatings and structural applications. Due to their thermosetting nature, one of the major drawbacks of classical thermosets is the impossibility to be melted after their curing step. This makes their reprocessing and recycling impossible limiting their use in some applications. This limitation has been overcome by means of the polymeric networks containing dynamic covalent bonds that have found applications in reprocessable/recyclable thermosets and self-healing polymers. The idea underneath is to introduce exchangeable bonds in a polymer network, which can rearrange thermally (or under another stimulus), while keeping the network integrity. This enables unprecedented functionalities to such polymer networks, such as self-healing capacity, thermoforming, repairing, reprocessing or recycling. Cidetec has developed an interesting range of innovative dynamic thermoset materials by using as a crosslinking agent a commercially available hardener containing reversible aromatic disulfide bonds. The introduction of dynamic aromatic disulfide moieties in different polymer matrixes has enabled the development of i) novel polyurethane elastomers with complete self-healing capacity at room temperature or ii) reprocessable, repairable and recyclable epoxy resin based thermoset composites. Such systems constitutes a step forward towards the implementation of advanced polymeric materials in industrial applications and offers the possibility of obtaining a new generation of fiber-reinforced composite structures with enhanced functional properties.

Biography

Kamlesh Kumari is a Professor Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Indiaand presently working in the area of biopolymers and de­velopment of new biobased materials for various applications, particularly in environmental remediation. She has expertise in design, synthesis and char­acterization of polymeric biomaterials. Another area of her interest is devel­opment of carrier (beads/films/tablets) for modulated delivery of drugs and fertilizers. She is currently teaching undergraduate and postgraduate stu­dents of Chemical Engineering. She has more than 30 publications in inter­national journal of repute and presented her research in number of national and international conferences. She also had written many book chapters. She has guided two PhD students and many postgraduate student projects.


Abstract

The issue of remediation of heavy metal ions from environmental matrices is one of the biggest challenges owing to their persistence, bioaccumulation and resistance to biodegradation. Crosslinked networks have gained attention in the recent past due to their mechanical strength, sorptive properties and offer the possibility of reusability. The present paper deals with the synthesis of novel chitosan based crosslinked networks and explore its potential for removal of Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution. Microwave radiation induced free radical polymerization is carried out using chitosan (CS) and acrylic acid (AA) monomers in presence of initiator (K2S2O8) and crosslinked with thiourea (CH4N2S). FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope) and thermal analysis techniques (TGA/DTG/DTA) are employed to characterize the synthesized network metrics. The physico-chemical analysis confirmed the formation of crosslinked network. The effect of polymerization variables such as amount of solvent, concentration of initiator, monomer and crosslinker, reaction time are maximized as a function of percentage grafting (Pg). The liquid uptake potential of the synthesized crosslinked network is evaluated in terms of percentage swelling (Ps). The crosslinked network exhibited maximum percentage grafting (3845%) and percentage swelling (311.25%) under maximized conditions. The results obtained for removal of cadmium (II) are analyzed using adsorption isotherm models and better fit is obtained with Freundlich isotherm model. Crosslinked network is found to be an efficient device for facile sequestering of Cd2+ ions from an aqueous solution.

Day2: June 6, 2018

Keynote Forum

Biography

Deanna Prof. Han-Yong Jeon, geosynthetics/technical organic materi­als researcher and he was the 32nd President of Korean Fiber Society (2014~2015). He has published more than 845 proceedings in domestic and international conferences. He wrote 20 texts including ‘GEOSYN­THETICS’ and also published 143 papers in domestic & international journals. He has awards of Marquis Who’sWho - Science and Engineer­ing in 2003~2017 and also, he got the 33rd Academy Award of Korean Fiber Society in 2006 and “Excellent Paper Award of 2012” by The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies.


Abstract

LCP(Liquid Crystal Polymer) is a high strength polymer which shows characteristics that are the rigid main chain and molecule’s arrangement which has directivity. LCP and PET blending is noted in the blend. Because of they have the similar melting temperature and structure. In the LCP and PET blending, the droplet size and dispersion are important point. Therefore understanding of the droplet behavior is very important for the after process. In case of the blended chips supply to make product, once more the chips are extruded from the extruder. So droplet control in the repetitive extrusion is important. But until now, the droplet behavior analysis was not conducted in the repetitive extrusion. Also, droplet behavior change by extrusion number of times was observed that in the process of analysis on blending condition and weight ratio. The droplet behavior change is supposed that relate with flow property, miscibility, surface property of LCP and PET. If nanofiber is manufactured depending on LCP, there is every possibility of utilizing in a higher value-added industry. Although there are some processes to produce nanofiber such as electricity spinning and sea-island type, it still has difficulties that electricity spinning has a low output and sea-island type is restricted to reduce fiber diameter. It will be effective to solve the existing problems as mentioned above that if material of droplet shape is able to become consecutive fiber morphology through stretching process. The research that deal with making continuity through the way to regulate size of droplet has not yet been achieved in existing dissertations of manufacturing of fibers related to droplet stretching method. This study is planned to verify control of droplet via study of its behaviors that are influenced by repetitive extrude LCP and PET blend substance and confirms size changes of droplet while it is extrude repeatedly. These changes show size growth according to increase number of extrusion and changes of droplet’s location are checked as well. Distributions of droplets were observed to LCP and PET blending process for conjugate spinning. Droplets were distributed relatively evenly in the initial extrusion process. But the secondary and third the size of the droplet was increased and the phenomenon was founded that the droplet was gathered in the center. This phenomenon was assumed that the miscibility of LCP/PET and the flow characteristics correlate with the phenomenon, so conducted the analysis. In this study, to analyze distribution and component of droplet was conducted. Also miscibility of LCP/PET was analyzed.

Tracks

  • Polymer Physics | Role Of Polymers In Biology And Biological Systems | Applications Of Polymers | Advanced Polymer Structures | Polymers In Wastes And Their Environmental Impact
  • Young Researcher Forum
  • Poster Presentations
Location: Bleriot 1

AFANG ZHANG

Shanghai University, China

Chair

HAZEL ASSENDER

University of Oxford, UK

Co Chair

Biography

Lianbin Zhang received his BSc Degree in Polymer Material and Engineering in 2005 and PhD Degree in Polymer Chemistry and Physics in 2010, both from Jilin University, China. He then conducted Postdoctoral research stud­ies in Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hongkong in 2010 and at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2012. He is currently a Full Professor at the School of Chemis­try and Chemical Engineering of Huazhong University of Science and Tech­nology, China. He also worked as Research Scientist in King Abdullah Uni­versity of Science and Technology from 2012 to 2016, after which he joined in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology as a Full Professor. His scientific interests are focused on functionalized interfacial materials, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, and their applications in environmental and biological fields.


Abstract

Water evaporation under the solar light irradiation plays a critical role in both the global water cycle and many industrial processes. In some remote and rural areas where access to centralized drinking water supply is unavailable, solar distillation is used to produce freshwater, which uses solar energy to heat and evaporate seawater or brackish water. However, the relatively slow evaporation rate of the conventional solar evaporation limits their performance and applications, as in the conventional solar evaporation bulk water is heated up and thus it would unavoidably result in unnecessary heat/energy loss due to the energy transfer to the non-evaporative portion of the bulk water. Therefore, targeting at enhancing only the local temperature of the interfacial water is more meaningful and energy-efficient for a high evaporation rate. Aiming at enhancing the solar-driven water evaporation rate, we rationally designed and fabricated a photothermal polymer-based interfacial heating membrane, which spontaneously stayed at the water-air interface due to its hydrophobicity, collected and converted solar light into heat with high efficiency, and locally heated only water near the air/water interface. Moreover, given the likelihood of losing its hydrophobicity during application, a self-healing capability was readily introduced to the polymeric membrane due to the relatively large free volume of polymeric materials. The hydrophobicity self-healing capability ensures the long-term stability of the photothermal membrane for practical applications. Furthermore, we also prepare bi-layered photothermal membranes, which effectively prevent the heat loss from the photothermal materials to the bulk water due to the conduction. This kind of bi-layered structures exhibits great potential for the practical applications in solar driven evaporation. This work provides a new concept for next-generation solar-driven water desalination.

 

Biography

Camila Müller is currently a PhD student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemistry of the South. Dr. Mariana Dennehy is Researcher at the Instituto de Química del Sur (INQUISUR-CONICET UNS)). Dr. Andrés Ciolino is Researcher at the Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (PLAPIQUI-CONICET UNS). Dr. Walter Tuckart is a Researcher at the Institu­to de Física del Sur (IFISUR-CONICET UNS).


Abstract

Fluids formulations with good properties were developed by using an environmentally friendly additive. The performance of these formulations was studied at high and low contact pressure conditions on steel/steel and polymer/steel systems. Bismuth (III) sulfide powder (Bi2S3) was obtained by employing solvothermal synthesis procedures. An orthorrombic crystal lattice (DRX) and a high-purity product (FRX) was evidenced for the powder obtained, which was added to a vinyl-terminated silicone fluid to obtain different wt% mixtures. The tribological performance of the formulations prepared was studied from Reichert´s (steel/steel system) and block on ring (polymer/ steel tests), according to standardized methodologies. The results obtained for these formulations were compared with those formulations prepared with commercial Bi2S3, commercial molybdenum (IV) sulfide (MoS2) and graphite. Lubricity properties increased when wt% of solvothermal Bi2S3 increased. The wear area decreased up to 90% according to Reichert´s tests. In addition, it was observed that solvothermal Bi2S3 shows a better tribological behavior when compared to commercial Bi2S3, MoS2, and graphite. These results show the possibility to replace lead (Pb) or molybdenum (Mo) derivatives in lubricants´ formulations by an environmentally friendly additive, suitable for extreme pressure (EP) formulations. Moreover, solvothermal Bi2S3 displayed an excellent performance in silicon oil formulations when compared to commercially used additives that opens a window for its use in lubricant´s formulations at high-temperatures.

Biography


Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of polymers and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted a great interest for potential application in the field of gas/liquid separations. One of the main challenges to overcome in this field is the fabrication of uniform and defect-free MMMs. Therefore, understanding what makes a MOF/polymer pair compatible is essential to advance the development and utility of these composites. To this end, the microscopic origins of the MOF/polymer compatibility must be investigated. Recently, the interfacial properties of PIM-1 (Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity)/UiO-66 (MOF) nanocomposite were investigated by means of a joint experimental-theoretical exploration. Compared to the use of other flexible polymers, e.g. PVDF and PEG, this nanocomposite presents a rather poor compatibility, with the presence of substantial microvoids at the interface. The functionalization of PIM-1 would be a feasible way to circumvent this problem. Hence, a theoretical exploration consisting of investigating three functionalized forms of PIM-1 was proposed in order to anticipate a better compatibility of the corresponding MMMs.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A hybrid methodology integrating quantum- and force field-based simulations was used to construct and characterize the different PIM-1/UiO- 66(Zr) models.

Findings: The three investigated functionalization forms led to the improvement of the overlap length between the polymer and the UiO-66, thus leading to a better compatibility compared to the PIM-1/UiO-66 nanocomposite. We evidenced that a strong hydrogen bonding between the polymer and the MOF surface favors this compatibility enhancement. Furthermore, the aliphatic chains are able to penetrate the MOF pockets (Figure 1), increasing even more the interactions between. the composite components.

Conclusion & Significance: The simulations of the three polymer modifications clearly indicated that a better compatibility can be achieved by the presence of strong hydrogen bonds with the terminal hydroxyls of the MOF surface and by long aliphatic chains, being able to interpenetrate the surface pockets.

Biography

Prof Hazel Assender has led a research activity at the Department of Mate­rials, University of Oxford, since 1996, with a focus in the area of thin films and coatings both of polymer materials or onto polymer substrates. She graduated from the University of Cambridge, following this with a PhD, and two years of postdoc in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy in Cambridge before moving to an academic post in Oxford. Her research spans fundamental studies of the thin film and near-surface properties of polymers, through to materials engineering of thin films and device struc­tures in large area on polymer substrates. Particular areas of interest include roll-to-roll deposition, gas barriers, photovoltaics, and transistors/circuits. Her research has a technology-facing approach bringing underpinning sci­entific understanding to development of materials and technologies that integrates research relevant to industrial processing such as scale-up of manufacture with the development of new materials and structures.


Abstract

The near-surface properties of thermoplastic polymers are of interest, particularly where thin film coatings or other structures are to be subsequently applied. Previous work by AFM and ellipsometry has established that the glass-transition temperature in the near-surface region is depressed by up to tens of Kelvin, leaving the surface vulnerable to deformation and penetration during coating processes such as metallization. We have also shown that the near-surface region of PET shows enhanced crystallinity. This paper will report our AFM studies of PET, PEN and copolymers thereof and the near-surface crystallization that can be induced by annealing at temperatures at which the surface molecular segments are mobile, but those in the bulk underneath are not. We demonstrate the characteristic morphologies associated with the surface crystallization and changes in the crystal orientation as growth proceeds. Comparison is made with other polymer systems we have studied including near-surface phase separation and unique crystal morphologies at the surface in polyurethanes.

Biography

Yonggui Liao is a Full Professor of Polymer Physics and Chemistry at School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. His current research activities focuses on multi-phase and multi-component polymers/supramolecules, ordered functional polymeric/supramolecular composites, physical behaviors of polymers/su­pramolecules under specific conditions, etc


Abstract

It has been paid much attention to improve the helical twisting power (β) of dopants in chiral nematic liquid crystal (CLC). However, the correlations between the β value and the molecular structures as well as the interaction with nematic LCs are far from clear. In this work, a series of reversibly photo-switchable axially chiral dopants with different lengths of alkyl or alkoxyl have been successfully synthesized through nucleophilic substituent and the thiol-ene click reaction. Then, the effect of miscibility between these dopants and nematic LCs on the β values, as well as the time-dependent decay/growth of the β value upon irradiation, has been investigated. The theoretical Teas solubility parameter shows that the miscibility between dopants and nematic LCs decreases with increasing of the length of substituent groups from dopant 1 to dopant 4. The β value of chiral dopants in nematic LCs decreases from dopant 1 to dopant 4 both at the visible light photostationary state (PSS) and at the UV PSS after UV irradiation. With increasing of the length of substituent groups, the photoisomerization rate constant of dopants increases for trans-cis transformation upon UV irradiation and decrease for the reverse process upon visible light irradiation either in isotropic ethyl acetate or in anisotropic LCs, although the constant in ethyl is several times larger than the corresponding value in LCs. Also, the color of the CLCs could be tuned upon light irradiations. These results enable the precise tuning of the pitch and selective reflection wavelength/color of CLCs, which paves the way to the applications in electro-optic devices, information storage, high-tech anti-counterfeit, and so forth

Location: Bleriot 1

Biography

Gaiser Jochen is a PhD student at the University of Applied Sciences Karl­sruhe, Germany. He is currently conducting research on measuring and sim­ulation methods for the determination of the thermal conductivity of highly filled polymers. The aim of his work is to ensure the reliable design of ther­mally stressed injection-molded components.


Abstract

Advanced polymer composites are increasingly used in the development of efficient and resource-conserving applications which require a high thermal conductivity. To optimize the thermal properties of the composites, fillers are added into the matrix material. To predict the effective thermal conductivity of the composites, several theoretical and empirical models have been presented. To enhance the prediction of the influence of various fillers on the effective thermal conductivity a 3D finite element based material model is presented. Thereby, different properties of the filler such as filler geometries, filler proportions, filler size distributions and filler orientations can be considered. To evaluate the model, specimens of polyphenylensulfid (PPS) with cuboid aluminum silicate (AlSi) fillers are injection-molded. The filler fraction is gradually increased up to the processing limit. The filler-dependent thermal conductivity is determined by different measuring methods and compared with the prediction from the material model. The results show that the prediction with the material model matches the measurements very well. Therefore, it is assumed that the developed material model can be used for the reliable virtual development of new highly filled thermally conductive polymer composites. Using the model first studies have been conducted to establish guidelines for the development of advanced polymer composites.

Biography

Sara Naderizadeh is a second year PhD student in Smart Materials Group at the Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy with a background in Poly­mer chemistry. She is an expert in fabrication of polymer nanocomposites and is continuing her work in the field of polymer science and mainly the application of polymers in different aspects. She is currently researching on superhydrophobic coating based on different materials mainly polymers via different methods, which can be used in various areas.


Abstract

Superhydrophobic coatings have attracted a lot of attention due to their wide applications in different aspects of the life. However, the practical applications of the artificial superhydrophobic coatings are restricted by issues related to durability and environmental concerns due to chemicals used. Herein, an organic solvent-free superhydrophobic coating based on natural wax- beeswax- was developed through oil-in-water emulsion process. An aqueous perfluorinated acrylic copolymer (PFAC; Capstone ST-100) is used as an internal surfactant to make stable beeswax emulsion. Ultrasonication of the wax emulsion is useful to decrease the emulsified particle size and better dispersion of beeswax in water. The coatings were prepared by spray coating method along with thermal annealing at 170°C. The contact angle and roll-off angle of this coating were measured about 116.18° and 90° (sticky water droplet), respectively. To reach superhydrophobicity level and to create rough structures on the surface, silica nanoparticles (Aerosil-300) were added to the emulsion. By adding proper amount of hydrophilic silica nanoparticles, the contact angle of the resulted nanocomposite improved to higher value and roll-off value reached less than 10°°. The wetting properties of the obtained coatings revealed self-cleaning property. The particle size distribution and structure of the particles inside the emulsion were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Both of these measurements proved the core-shell structure of the emulsified particles. The coating’s surface morphology and average roughness value were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is obvious that by utilization of silica nanoparticles, the average roughness value increased, which agrees with the results of the wetting properties. Due to the simple fabrication method and biodegradability of the materials, it can be used as a coating in different applications, such as; textile, water-based paint, oil phase separation and biomedical applications.

Biography

Daniel Hennen studied Chemistry at the University of Bonn (Germany) and obtained his Master´s Degree in the field of Macromolecular Chemistry in the working group of Professor Doctor S Höger. He is currently a PhD candi­date at the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Functional and Polymer Based Ink-Jet Inks at the University of Leoben (Austria) in the working group of Professor Doctor T Griesser. He is working in the field of biocompatible pho­topolymers and investigates novel compounds for thiol/yne and thiol/ene formulations which are used for rapid prototyping. Additionally, he works on the synthesis of novel water-soluble photoinitiators for UV curable wa­ter-based inkjet inks.


Abstract

In recent years UV-based 3D printing technologies such as stereolithography have become a growing field of research in biomedical engineering. The fabrication of drilling guides for dental implants or ear-shaped hearing aids is already considered as standard. More novel applications such as bone scaffolds are yet to be mastered. With the advance of this novel technique production cost and time are expected to drastically decrease. For these applications, including bone screws and stents, a variety of materials, reaching from metals, ceramics to polymers can be considered. Polymers represent the most adaptable class of materials due to the great freedom of design in their molecular structure. Commonly used resins for lithographic 3D printing are multifunctional (meth-)acrylates, which polymerize via chain-growth mechanism. This results in a heterogeneous network structure with a high internal stress and a monomer conversion ranging from 60-90%. The remaining (meth-)acrylates, which are known to act as Michael acceptors can migrate and interact with physiological thiols and amines, e.g. proteins or DNA molecules. Thiol-yne systems have been explored as biocompatible photoreactive resins. The polymerization of these monomers proceeds via step-growth mechanism, causing a delayed gelation point, which results in a significantly lower internal stress and a higher overall conversion of >98%. In our work we present the direct modification of commercially used bifunctional acrylate to obtain multifunctional alkynes which can be used for thiol/yne formulations. We report on the synthesis, the photochemical characterization, the mechanical properties of the cured monomers, the biocompatibility and the 3D printing behavior. The increased monomer conversion, and the resulting improved biocompatibility make the proposed thiol/ yne systems interesting candidates for photoreactive resins for the 3D printing of biocompatible structures for hard tissue engineering.

Biography

A Braendle holds a MSc in Interdisciplinary Sciences from ETH Zürich with a focus on polymer chemistry and materials sciences. He is currently a PhD candidate in Walter Caseri’s research team at ETH Zürich. His research in­terests include synthesis of hydrocarbon polymers and their optical proper­ties. More specifically, his work examines the synthesis of poly(phenylene methylene)s by Friedel-Crafts-type catalysts and the analysis of its peculiar materials properties with advanced spectroscopic methods.


Abstract

Poly(phenylene methylene) (PPM) lies structurally between linear polyethylene and poly(p-phenylene). It can readily be synthesized in large quantities on laboratory scale (>150 g) and in absence of solvents by catalytic polymerization of benzyl chloride with SnCl4. Molar masses up to 61,000 g/ mol were achieved, which are an order of magnitude above previously reported values. The polymer can be processed easily into fibres, films and foams. TGA analysis revealed an exceptionally high onset of the decomposition temperature around 470°C. Remarkably, PPM exhibits photoluminescence between 400-600 nm. This phenomenon cannot be caused by π-electron delocalization of alternating double and single bonds. Instead, the results of extended investigations are in line with homoconjugation as the origin of the photoluminescence. Homoconjugation only arises in special chemical structures for which conjugation across individual π-electron systems can occur by overlap of p-orbitals although those systems are separated by an electronically insulating group, e.g. a methylene group. Notably, π-stacking, aggregation/crystallization and impurities were excluded as the origins of fluorescence. PPM also shows a remarkably long photoluminescence lifetime of 8.55 ns (thin film) and a quantum efficiency of 69% (solution). We believe that poly(phenylene methylene) will serve as an example of a new class of fluorescent polymers characterized by homoconjugation along the main chain.

Biography

Chung Hao Chen is a Master-Degree student in the Department of Chemical Engineering from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. He is currently conducting experiments under supervision of Professor Eamor M Woo in Polymer Physics Laboratory. He had an oral presentation in the Polymer Processing Society (PPS) Europe Africa Conference 2017 held in Dresden, Germany. from June 26th - June 29th, 2017. In addition, he had a poster presentation in the 8th Taiwan-Japan Bilateral Workshop on Nano-Science (2017TJBW) held from September 4th - September 5th, 2017 in National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. He was awarded for the excellent student poster presentation. He is currently working on the project about ring-band­ed spherulites packed with discontinuous positive- and negative-birefrin­gence lamellae constructed by crystallization temperature and wants to discover the growth mechanism of ring-banded spherulites by using biode­gradable polymer PHBV.


Abstract

In 2012 Woo et al. first explored the interior lamellar assembly of banded spherulites leading to optically repetitive rings in poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA). In-depth view and mechanistic correlations between top surface and interior lamellae arrangement in banded PEA were built through accurate 3D interior analyses. Ring-banded spherulites upon crystallization are common in some semicrystalline polymers including poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV). This study focuses on interior structure of PHBV double ring-banded spherulites. The lamellar assembly of PHBV spherulites in the blend with amorphous poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) has been examined to elaborate the formation mechanisms of banded PHBV spherulites in non-isothermal and isothermal crystallization process. The behavior of PHBV spherulite crystals by continuous heating/cooling crystallization temperatures (Tcs) was recorded and analyzed by using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under POM observation, PHBV/ PVME (75/25) 4 wt% exhibits double-ring banded morphology with both orange and blue color bands alternatingly arranged along radial direction at a wide temperature range (60 to 100°C). However, the band spacing and irregularity of the ring patterns on spherulites vary accordingly with Tc from wider-irregular rings at high Tc into slimmer-regular rings at low Tc. SEM (scanning electron microscope) was used to observe the interior lamellae arrangement of PHBV spherulites. Correlations between crystallization temperatures(Tcs) and interior lamellar ring-banded patterns were collected and analyzed for possible formation mechanisms.

Biography

Deepa Suhag is the Asst. Professor at Amity University, India. She has her expertise in material sciences, electrochemistry and biomimetics. Her major efforts are focused towards exploring the biocompatibility properties of the as-synthesized materials. Furthermore, she aims to establish the materials synthesized by her for their prospective biomedical applications such as bi­osensing, bio-imaging and theranostics. She aims to contribute towards the wellbeing and uplifting of human life standards by making theranostics as non-invasive as possible while maintaining their affordability.


Abstract

A latticework of hydrophilic macromolecular structures results in the formation of hydrogels. These hydrogels are usually synthesized by chemical or physical crosslinking strategies. Owing to their striking attributes such as hydrophilic nature, high biocompatibility and flexible morphology, they are rendered as promising candidates for potential biomedical applications. In this current study, we present the mechanism of formation of stable, smart, pH-responsive hydrogels via one-step, facile, free radical aqueous copolymerization. The stability of the hydrogels along with their predisposed macroporous structure are attributed to the phenomenon of phase separation along with monomer feed ratio and water content. Molecular level evaluation further divulge the interrelation between hydrogen bonding and strong electrolytic complexation amongst the monomers. Furthermore, we successfully established the remarkable biocompatibility of pAcD (poly(AAc-co-DEAEMA)). More importantly, oral administration of the hydrogels to the rat model did not produce any significant change in the vital organs, namely, hippocampus (CA1 section) of the brain, myofibrillar and myocytes nuclei of heart, hepatocytes and central vein of liver and parenchyma, tubules and glomeruli of kidney. Owing to their remarkable biocompatibility, stimulus (pH) responsiveness, and cost-effective production, pAcD hydrogels can be used for the targeted delivery and sustained release of various pharmaceutical formulations. As a future directive, we have also looked at the wound healing properties of this hydrogel with herbal formulations and it resulted in exceptionally speedy wound healing process.

Location: Foyer

Biography

Qin Hu has her expertise in preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers, nano carbon dots and quantum dots,and their application to the detection of micro materials in life system.


Abstract

A novel molecularly imprinted stir bar (MI-SB) for sorptive extraction of semicarbazide (SEM) was fabricated in present paper. The coating of the stir bar was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic adsorption and static adsorption tests. In order to optimize the MI-SB extraction operating conditions for the analysis of SEM, extraction and desorption solvents affecting the extraction performance of MI-SB, the extraction and desorption time of MI-SB for SEM were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the saturated adsorption of MI-SB was about 4 times over that of non-imprinted stir bar (NI-SB). Urea, DMAC, cysteine and NFZ were used to verify the selectivity of MI-SB. The recoveries of the MI-SB for SEM kept almost no changed, and all above 95% when urea, DMAC, cysteine and NFZ were added into SEM solution. The result showed that these analogues of SEM did not affect the adsorption of MI-SB to SEM. The different batches of MI-SBs to adsorb SEM had no significance difference. Moreover, after three extractions for a single MI-SB, the recovery of SEM was 86% with RSD of 4.78% (n=3). The results of experiment revealed that the MI-SB was reproducible and could be used for three times at least. A method to determine SEM was established by coupling MI-SB sorptive extraction with HPLC-UV. The liner range was 1-100 ng/mL for SEM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9985. The limit of detection was about 0.59 ng/mL, which was below the minimum required performance limit of SEM in meat products regulated by European Union. The method was applied to the determination of SEM in fish sample with satisfactory results.

Biography

Shuhu Du is working as a professor at Nanjing Medical University, china. On July, 1987–November, 2004, He was doing as research fellow in Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences. His work was for the Drug development research.


Abstract

In this work, we report a strategy of a single dual-emissive ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe (QDs@SiO2-CDs) with the controllable ratio of emissive intensities to realize the consecutive color variations from blue to red for the quantification of blood glucose. The red quantum dots (rQDs) were embedded into silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) as an stable internal standard emission, and blue carbon dots (bCDs) were further covalently linked onto the surface of SiO2 NPs, in which the ratiometric fluorescence intensity of blue to red is controlled at 5: 1(from QDs@SiO2-CDs) was thus quenched by the electron transfer from CDs to Fe3+. Meanwhile, the fluorescent intensity (at 630 nm) of rQDs (from Q D s @ SiO2-CDs) keeps almost unchanged. It has been demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity ratio I445/I630 is linearly related to the glucose concentration in the range of 0−75 μM (R2 = 0.989). The calculated detection limit is about 3 μM in terms of the 3σ rule. Consecutive color variations from blue to red with the dosage of glucose can be seen under a 365 nm UV lamp. That is to say, the ratiometric fluorescent probe can be used for the detection of glucose in human serum. The test result show that the spontaneous blood glucose determined by the probe wasalmost in accordance with that measured by a standard glucometer. The method reported here opens a window to the wide applications of the ratiometric fluorescent probe in biological assays.

Biography

Xuemin Zhou is a Professor in the School of Pharmacy at Nanjing Medical University, China. Her current research interests include the design and the development of separation method, nanomaterials and electrochemical sensor for the analysis of target molecules in complex matrix.


Abstract

As a fluorescent bio-molecule functionalized nanomaterial, DNA-silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) has attracted substantial research interest. Whereas, the application of this material is still focused on detecting nucleic acids and developing aptamer-based sensors, where we believe that the application scope of DNA-AgNCs can be further expanded. Transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators in gene expression, and their dysregulation are involved in numerous diseases. Thus, they are therapeutic targets and potential diagnostic markers. However, present methods for TFs detection are either cumbersome or costly. Herein, we firstly applied DNA-silver nanoclusters molecular beacons (AgMBs) in TFs analysis and designed an assay based on the switchable fluorescence of AgMBs. In the absence of TFs, a single-stranded DNA functioned as a reporter is released from a double-stranded DNA probe (referred as dsTFs probe) under exonuclease III (Exo III) digestion. Then, the reporter triggers downstream Exo III-assisted signal amplification by continuously consuming the guanine-rich enhancer sequences in AgMBs, resulting in significant fluorescent decrease eventually. Conversely, the presence of TFs protects the dsTFs probe from digestion and blocks the downstream reaction to keep a highly fluorescent state. To testify this rationale, we utilized nuclear factor-kappa B p50 (NF-κB p50) as a model TFs. Owing to the amplification strategy, this method exhibited high sensitivity towards NF-κB p50 with a limit of detection of 10 pM, and a broad linear range from 30 pM to 1.5 nM. Furthermore, this method could detect multiple TFs in human colon cancer DLD-1 cells and reflect the variation in their cellular levels after stimulation. Finally, by conducting an inhibition assay we revealed the potential of this method for screening TFs-targeted drugs and calculating the IC50 of corresponding inhibitors.

Biography

Monika Paúrová obtained her PhD at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. She has gained experiences in synthesis of bifunctional ligands for selective metal binding and low-molecular functionalized chelating compounds. She is currently investigating design, synthesis and characterization of composite polymer based on inorganic/polymer nano- and microparticles and their consequent surface modifications/ functionalization for bioapplication ( at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Science, Czech Republic).


Abstract

Conducting polymers with extended -conjugated structures have received great attention as multifunctional materials due to their wide range of potential applications in various technological and biological areas such as polymeric rechargeable batteries, corrosion protection, coating layers, electrochromic displays, chemical and biological sensors, functional membranes, drug delivery systems and contrast agents. Among conducting polymers/organic polymer based nanoparticles, polypyrrole (PPy)/polypyrrole nano- and microparticles (PPy-NPs) have attracted a great interest owing to their high conductivity, relatively high stability in different chemical conditions, inert character for biological systems, biocompatible behavior and simplicity of preparation. Development of methods for controlling the size and surface properties of PPy-NPs has been made. PPy-NPs were synthesized via water based redox nanoprecipitation polymerization initiated by an oxidant in the presence of surfactants or soluble polymer stabilizers. To ensure the required size of synthetizing particles and good stability of colloidal dispersion, the reaction mixtures were controlled by the various concentration of organic stabilizers (e.g. polyvinylpyrrolidone (Mw=40000), poly(ethylene glycol) (Mn=4000), sodium dodecyl sulfate, docusate sodium) and specific type of oxidizing agents (e.g. H2O2, (NH4)2S2O8, FeCl3•6H2O, MnO2). Morphological studies of prepared materials were investigated by using transmission and scanning electron microscope (TEM and SEM, Figure 1). Hydrodynamic properties, size distribution and zeta potential of the studied particles were measured and determined by dynamic light scattering on Zetasizer (Malvern device). Primary photoabsorption studies were done on UV-Vis spectrometer (Analytic Jena device) as well.

Biography

Dae Su Kim received his BS Degree (Seoul National University, Republic of South Korea), MS and PhD Degree from KAIST, Republic of South Korea all in Chemical Engineering and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Minnesota at Twin cities. He is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Chungbuk National University, Republic of South Korea. He worked as a Senior Researcher in the Laboratory of Polymer Composites at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technologies before joining Chungbuk National University in 1994. He was a Visiting Professor at the University of California at Davis, Queensland University and Hokkaido University. His research interests include processing and physical properties of polymer composites and nanocomposites, polymer-filler interfacial interactions, modification of fillers and green polymer composites and nanocomposites with biomass based fillers.


Abstract

Polymer/cellulose composites have attracted lots of interest because they can have high strength to weight ratios, low thermal expansion coefficients, cost competitiveness, and eco-friendliness. To prepare a high performance polymer/ cellulose composite the chemical modification of cellulose would be essentially carried out via the hydroxyl groups of cellulose to make the hydrophilic cellulose more compatible to the generally hydrophobic polymer. However, manufacturing a high performance polymer/cellulose composite is still a challenge because of the poor dispersion and distribution of cellulose fillers in a hydrophobic polymer matrix and poor interfacial adhesion between cellulose and the polymer matrix. Most of the published studies on polymer/cellulose composites used natural cellulose fillers (fibers or particles) with native molecular structure. However, nanoporous cellulose gels (NCGs) with regenerated molecular structure can be prepared by dissolution and coagulation of native cellulose molecules and used as fillers to reinforce polymers. Therefore, in this study, film-shape NCGs were prepared first using microcrystalline cellulose powder via (1) dissolution of cellulose chains in an aqueous alkali hydroxide/urea solution and (2) crosslinking of cellulose chains by adding epichlorohydrin to (1). Then, poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/ NCG composite films were prepared by in-situ polymerization of each styrene/butyl acrylate (St/BA=3/7~7/3) monomer mixture with benzoyl peroxide 1% as an initiator in the NCGs. A monomer mixture was imbedded in the cavities of an NCG first then in-situ polymerized at 50°C for 12 h. The NCG contents in the composite films were controlled from 16 vol.% to 44 vol.% by controlling the dewatering level of the pristine nanoporous cellulose hydrogel using different compression forces. The composite film prepared with St/BA=3/7 monomer mixture was highly transparent (~82%) in the visible region and showed excellent tensile and dynamic mechanical properties.

Biography

Ommeaymen Sheikhnejad obtained her PhD in the field of Chemical Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology, China and holds BS and MS degrees in Pure Chemistry and Physical Chemistry respectively. She has experience in both experimental and numerical parts. In her current capacity, she works as a Researcher at the Institute of Polymer Product Engineering (IPPE) at Johannes Kepler University, Austria where she is working on the EU-funded project. She held this position from 2015 until now. At present she is actively participating in both national and international projects. Her main activities include the molecular dynamic simulation and micromechanics simulation of the composites. She is also supporting Bachelor’s and Master’s student in mechanical testing and simulation of crosslinked hydrogels.


Abstract

Molecular dynamic (MD) model involving a graphene platelet in polymer nanocomposite (GP) was developed in order to investigate the effect of the interface interaction on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites when subjected to the uniaxial loading. All simulations were done using JOCTA software under COGNAC solver with full atomistic model. Nanocomposites are constructed by embedding graphene platelet into acrylate based polymer under the periodic boundary condition with different interface interaction. Nanocomposites systems underwent NPT (constant number of atoms, pressure and temperature) and NVT (constant number of atoms, volume and temperature) ensemble with applied uniform strain during the MD simulations. In terms of studying the effect of interfacial effect, the van der Waals interaction energy potential between the acrylate polymer and the graphene was changed and the tensile strength and the ultimate stress were investigated. It can be concluded that, increasing the interfacial interaction caused a significant enhancement in mechanical properties of the simulated nanocomposites as a result of the better load transfer between matrix and the filler. It’s noteworthy to mention that tensile strength and the ultimate stress also followed similar tendencies. The simulation results demonstrated that the graphene platelet caused an increase in the stiffness relative to the polymer which implied the reinforcement effect of the filler.

Biography

Ji Eun Jang is currently a graduate student in Chungang University and a researcher in Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) at the same time. Her major is integrative engineering and she is consistently learning how to do experiments and manage novel materials. She is currently researching biocompatible materials applied for 3D printing. In KITECH, she held experiments regarding superabsorbent polymers and 3D printing resins. This study aimed for innovative experimental results such as biocompatibility and high elasticity for the application of 3D printing materials.


Abstract

 

The biocompatible photo-curable elastic materials were synthesized with urethane acrylate oligomer, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) using 2-Hydroxy-4′-(2-hydroxyethoxy)- 2-methylpropiophenone (Irgacure 2959) as an initiator. We could obtain elastic materials with different properties such as softness, tensile strength, and elasticity by changing the input molar ratio of HEMA, urethane acrylate with PEGDA. Generally, urethane oligomer with a higher PEGDA ratio has higher elasticity and higher viscosity properties. On the other hand, as the content ratio of HEMA increases in urethane oligomer, the viscosity and physical properties decrease. We studied various properties such as tensile properties, hardness, biocompatible properties, and viscosity to find the critical point of higher elasticity and lower viscosity according to HEMA/PEGDA ratio. Also, the chemical structures of the synthesized polymers were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

Biography

Yoo Jin Kim graduated from Myongji University, Republic of South Korea. She is currently pursuing Master’s course at Hanyang University, Republic of South Korea. She majored in Chemistry at bachelor’s level and in Bio-Nano Science at the master’s level. She is also currently working in Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) as a Student Researcher. She is researching on superabsorbent polymer (SAP) using bio-degradable materials that aims to reduce wastes and enhance their absorption properties.


Abstract

Super absorbent polymer (SAP) is a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer. It can absorb, swell, and retain aqueous solutions up to hundred times of its own dry weight. We synthesized copolymers consisting of carboxylated vinyl monomer and vinyl sulfonic acid using various crosslinking agent. Crosslinking agent is needed to synthesize SAP and it has a direct effect on the crosslinking density of the SAPs. As the amount of added crosslinking agent increases, the cross-linking density of the SAPs increases. This is related to absorbency. We synthesized the SAPs using four types of acrylate based crosslinking agents to compare absorption properties. As a result, only two of them succeeded in synthesis and the rest did not proceed. Each monomer was neutralized with sodium hydroxide to prepare carboxylate ions. Polymerization was initiated by ammonium persulfate added after the crosslinking agent addition. The structures of the prepared polymers were confirmed by FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). We have measured SAP’s properties such as centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) and absorbency under load (AUL) in 0.9 wt.% saline solution depending on the reaction time, reaction temperature or the amount of the crosslinking agent. We studied the effect of each crosslinking agent on the SAP absorption properties.

Biography

He has a passion for developing new materials using polymer synthesis. He is focusing on developing various materials with a sense of purpose in creating high value-added products through the development of new materials. He is currently working for the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) in the Republic of Korea and is in master’s course in Hanyang University.


Abstract

To disperse silica in SBR matrix, a need for adequate dispersant is long-standing. Proper interactions between SBR and silica are important for improving silica dispersibility between SBR and silica in medium. We prepared poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-styrene) copolymer as a reactive dispersant by emulsion copolymerization using the sodium persulfate/ iron sulfate redox system. The structure of poly (GMA-co-styrene) is an amphipathic copolymer composed of phenyl group and epoxy group. The glycidyl group of GMA and silanol one of Si formed a covalent bond resulting in improving the dispersion of silica in Si-SBR composites. We suggested a possible reaction mechanism for our system. We confirmed the structure of poly(GMA-co-styrene) copolymer using FT-IR spectroscopy. Also, we investigated dispersion effects in Si- SBR composites according to the input molar ratio of monomer in copolymer and content of initiator.

Biography

Min Seong Kim is currently pursuing Master’s course in Materials and Chemical Engineering at Hanyang University, Republic of South Korea. He studied synthesis of silica dispersant for the tire tread rubber at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Republic of South Korea. He is mainly interested in researching new knowledge through the fusion of inorganic and organic materials.


Abstract

The agglomeration of silica-silica in Si-SBR composites deteriorate the many properties of the tire tread rubber. We prepared various dispersants to improve the dispersibility of silica in Si-SBR composites: poly (itaconic acid-co-acrylamide), poly(styrene-co-allyl alcohol), poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate), and poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-styrene). We confirmed the structure and molecular weight of the dispersants using FT-IR and GPC, respectively. The silica loading content in SBR/silica composites was determined using thermal gravimetric analysis. We also investigated curing characteristics, morphology, Payne effect of the Si-SBR composites according to the types of dispersant. As a result, we were able to compare the effect of silica dispersion in the composites

Biography

Seokju Hong earned a bachelor’s degree from Yonsei University. He is in the master’s course from Hanyang University. His bachelor’s major was packaging and the master’s major is a chemical engineering. He wants to be an expert in the polymer field. He is currently working at Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH). He is studying SAP and using various methods to perform synthesis and analysis to improve the absorbency of SAP


Abstract

Biography

Wooseung Shin majored in Chemistry from Incheon National University in the Republic of South Korea. During his college years, he worked as an Intern Researcher at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) and conducted research on tire tread rubber. He is a graduate student in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering of Hanyang University, Republic of South Korea and also a Researcher in KITECH. He is currently studying SAP’s surface cross-linking processes to improve the absorption properties and permeability of the SAPs.


Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are special polymeric materials that can absorb large amounts of water, saline solutions or physiological fluids as high as 10-1000 times their own weight due to a considerable number of hydrophilic groups in their structure. Recently, a major research trends of SAPs are the relaxation of the gel-blocking phenomenon. Surface cross-linking reduces gel-blocking and improves absorbency under load (AUL). In this study, surface cross-linking was achieved through thermal ring-opening reaction with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) as a cross-linking agent. We prepared carboxylated vinyl monomer based SAPs with comonomer. However, the SAPs have low absorption capacity under load (AUL) and low permeability. When EGDGE is used for surface cross-linking agent, the SAPs formed core-shell structure with different cross-linking densities between the exterior and interior. As a result, AUL and permeability of surface cross-linked SAPs were improved. We measured the absorption properties of the surface cross-linked SAPs according to the EGDGE input content, ratio of co-medium, reaction temperature and reaction time

Biography

Byeongkwan Kang is currently pursuing Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at Hanyang University, Republic of South Korea. He is also working at Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH). Our company research Institute of Industrial Technology Convergence leads Industry Convergence Technology and explores future growth engines to drive the economy by developing and commercializing intelligent robots, high-tech medical fibers, ultra-precision nanotechnology, wellness systems, and packaging technology. He is mainly interested in polymer chemistry such as hydrogel.


Abstract

The higher silica content in the tire-tread rubber can maximize the efficiency of the vehicle. However, silica does not mix well with other mixtures, including the tire-tread rubber. This phenomenon deteriorates the various properties of the tire-tread rubber. Therefore, we have tried to improve the dispersity of silica in tire-tread rubber by using dispersant. The dispersion of silica in tire-tread styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is one of important factors in the mechanical properties of it. We prepared dispersants to enhance silica content and dispersity in SBR using wet master batch (WMB) system. The dispersants were prepared by copolymerization of styrene with allyl alcohol or methyl methacrylate. The synthetic conditions of dispersants were changed to improve the silica loading content and dispersity in WMB system for the preparation of silica-SBR composites. The WMB system was consisted of the steps involving dispersants synthesis, silica modification, dispersion of modified silica in SBR emulsion latex, and coagulation of silica-SBR composites. We confirmed the structure of the dispersants using FT-IR. The content of silica in the composites was measured by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) according to the types of dispersants. We also studied the payne effect with rubber process analyzer (RPA) instrument and dynamic viscoelasticity with Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) instrument. We measured the mechanical properties of them such as tensile strength and modulus of M300. We found the optimal types and content of dispersants for silica-SBR composites.

Biography

Dr. Bowen Tan is working as a marketing manager at Pujing Chemical
Industry Co., Ltd. She obtained her first degree from Sichuan University,
China and a Ph.D. in the barrier property of bio-based polymer membrane
from Loughborough University. Bowen’s research interests lie in the field
of bio-based and bio-degradable polymer. She has been investigating
polyglycolic acids (PGA) for many years and has expertise on the
processing and characterization of PGA products. She is Lead/co-author
of papers published in well-regarded industrial and professional journals
and presenter at international research conferences.


Abstract

Polyglycolic aicd (PGA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic that has been widely used in biomedical application since 1964. The polymer chain is the simplest aliphatic polyester, giving rise to high stereo-regularity and hence results in high crystallinity for PGA. Because of this molecular structure, PGA possesses superior properties in both mechanical and gas barrier performances. The tensile strength of high molecular weight PGA is much higher than that of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate PET. O2 barrier property of PGA was extremely better than that PLA, PET and other commercialized packaging polymers. As a biodegradable polymer, PGA can be fully degraded into water and CO2 via hydrolytic decomposition. The degradation rate of PGA can be within 20-50 days depending on the environment, such as pH, humidity, and temperature. In the present study, the high molecular weight PGA sample was synthesized from ring-opening polymerization of glycolide with SnCl2 catalyst. The weight average molecular weight of the sample was measured to be 187150 and the crystallinity was 481%. Mechanical property of the PGA sample was tested and compared with PLA, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and PET. O2 permeability of the PGA sample was measured from compression moulding sheets (thickness 0.61mm). The O2 permeability of the PGA sheets was found 100 times lower than that of PLA. The degradation of PGA in water at different temperatures was measured and the effects of pH and temperature on the rate of degradation were investigated.