This study investigates the incorporation of hafnium (Hf) into polyurethane foams (PUs), an underexplored area in polymer materials research. The synthesis of Hf-containing PU foams was conducted, and their characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results revealed a significant increase in the stiffness of PU foams due to the potential formation of hafnium isocyanate. Quantitative values obtained through DMA tests demonstrated an approximate increase of 95.97% for PU Hf 0.5% and 342.72% for PU Hf 3%, compared to the sample without Hf. These data highlight the influence of hafnium on enhancing the mechanical properties of polyurethane foams. (Hf PUs, PUs , (PUs) research Hfcontaining containing conducted FTIR, FTIR (FTIR) Xray X ray XRD, XRD (XRD) OM, OM (OM) DMA. . (DMA) isocyanate 9597 95 97 95.97 05 0 5 0.5 34272 342 72 342.72 3 3% (PUs (FTIR (XRD (OM (DMA 959 9 95.9 0. 3427 34 7 342.7 95. 342.

Abstract Polyurethanes, versatile polymers extensively explored across industries, can be augmented by incorporating complementary materials like lanthanides. This research presents a novel approach, employing a one-shot synthesis to create polyurethane-lanthanide composites using polyol, isocyanate, samarium, and holmium oxides. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy affirmed successful polyurethane matrix formation, while XRD unveiled distinct phases in lanthanide-loaded matrices versus soft, low-crystallinity polyurethane in control foam. Optical microscopy displayed morphology alterations due to samarium and holmium. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed heightened composite thermal stability compared to control foam. Looking ahead, these outcomes prompt further exploration of polyurethane-lanthanide composites, particularly in harnessing property changes for diverse applications. Polyurethanes industries lanthanides approach oneshot one shot polyurethanelanthanide lanthanide polyol isocyanate oxides formation lanthanideloaded loaded soft lowcrystallinity low crystallinity foam ahead applications

Cellulose is a polymer widely available in nature, however its applications may be restrict due to its hydrophilic character. The creation of hierarchical structures on the surface is one of the required factors to obtain the hydrophobicity of this material. In order to compare the morphological and chemical effects caused by the action of different gases in the creation of nanostructures on the cellulose surface, samples were exposed to oxygen (O2) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasma treatments. The changes in morphology after treatment prove that both the gases were able to create similar nanostructures in the material. The analysis of elemental composition and identification of functional groups on the sample surface showed that chemical modifications occurred differently for each treatment. Contact angle measurements revealed that samples treated by O2 plasma remained hydrophilic, whereas low receptivity to polar (θ > 120º) and non-polar (θ > 100º) liquids was observed for samples exposed to SF6 plasma.

The thermodynamic compensation effect plot derived from Eyring rate process theory was applied to the thermal and UV ageing of LDPE/Carbon Black composites containing commercial carbon black (CB) and carbon black surface oxidized with nitric acid. Correlations were tested among compensation effect, electrical threshold field and volumetric electrical conductivity. Compensation plots from OIT measurements correlate with thermal and UV ageing effect on activation ΔS and ΔH values, giving a good linear correlation for all samples studied. The relative changes in dc conductivity and electrical threshold field are consistent with the OIT compensation plot, demonstrating that this analysis can be used to monitor LDPE/CB composite degradation under thermal or UV ageing. It can also be used to evaluate, quite accurately, the effect of oxidizing the surface of the CB on the electrical properties (dc conductivity and electrical threshold field) of the LDPE/CB composites.