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Lignin-derived compatibilizing agents were developed for polypropylene-based carbon fiber-reinforced prastics. Introduction of acyl groups to alkali lignin improved compatibility of the lignin to both carbon fiber and polypropylene while underivatized alkali lignin did not show compatibility. The interfacial shear strength between carbon fiber and polypropylene was significantly improved by addition of the lignin derivatives as compatibilizing agents.
A versatile method for stabilizing an excess-handed helical polyisocyanide induced and memorized in the polymer backbone has been developed using divalent and trivalent metal ions that can coordinate to the pendant carboxylate residues in the polyisocyanide, thereby forming a noncovalently cross-linked network through intra- and/or intermolecular coordination. Among the metal ions investigated, the lanthanide ions were proved to be the most efficient and remarkably improved the thermal stability of the helical polyisocyanide in solution as well as in a gel.
Scattering function of semi-rigid cyclic polymers analyzed in terms of worm-like rings: cyclic amylose tris(phenylcarbamate) and cyclic amylose tris(n-butylcarbamate).
The development of polymer blends is a simple method with the potential to provide materials with extended useful properties. Here, the SF and Pellethane were observed to be highly miscible with each other even though SF maintained the strong β-sheet crystal structure. This result suggests that SF/Pellethane-blended sheets possess strength that is derived from SF and elasticity that is derived from Pellethane. Therefore, this blended sheet should be a good medical material for soft tissue engineering.
The influence of polymer formation in liquid crystals (LCs) was investigated using several analytical techniques. The monomers 4,4′-dimethacryloyloxy-biphenyl (4,4′-DMOB) and 3,3′-dimethacryloyloxy-biphenyl (3,3′-DMOB) were used. The results indicated that the orientation of the LC affects the rate constant of polymerization. Moreover, the structures of the monomers affected the orientation of the LC.