Polypropylene in the Nanotech Era: A Review on Carbon Nanotube-Driven Property Enhancements in Polymer Nanocomposites

per ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332025-12103519articlePolypropylene in the Nanotech Era: A Review on Carbon Nanotube-Driven Property Enhancements in Polymer NanocompositesMohadeseh sarlaksrlkmhdthh358@gmail.com1shaghayegh Dabagh alinasabshaghayegh.alns@gmail.com2Pedram Manafipmanafi1987@gmail.com3Mahshahr Campus, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 63517-13178, Mahshahr, IranMahshahr Campus, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 63517-13178, Mahshahr, IranMahshahr Campus, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 63517-13178, Mahshahr, IranPolypropylene (PP), as one of the most widely used thermoplastic polymers, has found extensive applications in various industries such as packaging, household appliances, medical devices, automotive components, and textiles due to its low density, cost-effectiveness, chemical stability, moisture resistance, ease of processing, and acceptable mechanical properties. However, certain limitations—such as relatively low mechanical strength, high flammability, and poor thermal and electrical conductivity—pose challenges for its use in advanced engineering applications. To address these deficiencies, the incorporation of nanotechnology, particularly the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), into the PP matrix has emerged as an effective approach. Owing to their cylindrical structure, high aspect ratio, large specific surface area, and unique physical characteristics, CNTs can significantly enhance the physical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the polymer. This review article aims to investigate the influence of various parameters—including CNT type (single-walled or multi-walled), optimal weight fraction, surface modification methods, dispersion techniques, and processing methods—on the final properties of PP/CNT nanocomposites. Moreover, the effects of these factors on microstructure, crystallization behavior, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, dimensional stability, conductivity, impact resistance, and rheological performance are discussed. The findings of numerous studies indicate that, through proper optimization of processing conditions and composite formulation, PP/CNT nanocomposites can become highly promising candidates for advanced applications in aerospace, electronics, medical technology, and the automotive industry.http://irdpt.ir/Article/50826Polypropylene carbon nanotubes mechanical properties electrical properties nano particle dispertion melt mixing processper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332025-121031328articleA review of bioactive ceramic fillers in polymersMehdi GhaffariGhaffari.mehdi@gmail.com1Maryam Shokrollahimaryamshokrollahi25@gmail.com2Saeed GilakHakimabadisaeidgilak.3@gmail.com3Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, Gorgan, Golestan Province, IranDepartment of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, Gorgan, Golestan Province, IranDue to their ease of adaptability in terms of size, shape, composition, and high surface-to-volume ratio, nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely utilized in biomedical applications. In recent years, various types of nanoparticles have been specifically investigated to determine how they can be employed in osteogenesis, tissue engineering, drug delivery, bio-imaging agents, and diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The facile synthesis of these nanoparticles, along with enhanced stability, reduced toxicity, and the ability to conjugate with a wide range of biomolecules such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, and aptamers to improve biocompatibility and bio-targeting, highlights their importance as key components in the development of effective and innovative therapies. Among these, the use of bioceramics has brought fundamental changes to the biomedical field, particularly through their application in the fabrication of implants compatible with the human body. Many bioceramics have been employed as implant materials over the past three decades, and extensive efforts have been devoted to improving their biocompatibility and mechanical strength through combination with polymers. Consequently, special attention has been directed toward the production of polymer/ceramic composites. These hybrid biomaterials have been validated after rigorous in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these materials, their modification and property enhancement strategies, clinical applications, and future research directions in this promising area of biomaterials science.http://irdpt.ir/Article/51373Bioactive filler polymer nanocomposite bio-ceramic nanoparticles implantper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332025-121032940articleA review of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge fabrication methods and an introduction to its key propertiesNavid Alipournavid.alipour78@gmail.com1Ali Reza Kiasatakiasat@scu.ac.ir2roya mirzAJANIrmirzajani@scu.ac.ir3Department of Chemistry, Shahid Chamran universityDepartment of Chemistry, Shahid Chamran universityPorous Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponges have emerged as key materials in industrial and medical fields due to their unparalleled and unique combination of outstanding physical and chemical properties. These materials, owing to their distinctive capabilities, have garnered significant attention in innovative applications such as tissue engineering, microfluidic systems, sensors, absorbents, and biocompatible medical devices. This article delves into the review and analysis of various methods for fabricating porous PDMS sponges. The techniques discussed encompass hard templating, emulsion methods, gas foaming, evaporation-induced phase separation (EIPS), and 3D printing. For each methodology, the pore formation mechanisms and their effects on the sponge's morphology, pore size, and final properties are explained in detail. Furthermore, the inherent and prominent characteristics of PDMS sponges, including hydrophobicity, very low density, exceptional flexibility, high chemical and thermal stability, favorable biocompatibility, optical transparency, and low light absorption, are introduced. The scientific and fundamental reasons behind each of these properties are elucidated, referencing the molecular structure and chemical nature of PDMS. This article clearly demonstrates that the judicious selection of fabrication methods, alongside the optimal utilization of PDMS's unique intrinsic properties, plays a decisive role in achieving the optimal and specific performance of these sponges for their intended applications, thereby paving the way for the development of more advanced materials.http://irdpt.ir/Article/51539Sponge Polydimethylsiloxane Porous PDMS spongesper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332025-121034153articleMechanisms of Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizers: Influence on the Rheology and Hydration of Cement – A ReviewAtefeh Nejadebrahimatefe.nejadebrahim@gmail.com1Mohsen Najafinajafi.m@qut.ac.ir2Mohammad hosein Bagherimhb.polymer1@gmail.com3olymer Engineering Department, Qom University of Technology, P.O. Box: 1519-37195, Qom, IranPolymer Engineering Department, Qom University of Technology, P.O. Box: 1519-37195, Qom, IranPolymer Engineering Department, Qom University of Technology, P.O. Box: 1519-37195, Qom, Iranpolycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizers, as the advanced generation of chemical admixtures for concrete, play a crucial role in improving rheological properties, enhancing fluidity, reducing the water-to-cement ratio, and ultimately increasing the mechanical strength and durability of concrete. In recent years, the use of these compounds has grown significantly due to the ability to precisely control their molecular structure and tailor their functional properties. Numerous studies have shown that the performance of PCE superplasticizers depends on factors such as the type and ratio of monomers used, final molecular weight, length and density of side chains, and reaction conditions. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of recent advances in the design and synthesis of PCE polymers, their influence on the physical, chemical, and rheological characteristics of cementitious systems, and their role in the hydration process. The main mechanisms involved include electrostatic repulsion, steric hindrance, pressure release, enhanced wetting, and uniform dispersion of cement particles. The presence of functional groups such as carboxylates and polyether side chains in the polymer structure establishes an optimal balance between surface adsorption and dispersion stability. Moreover, modification of side-chain length and density, adjustment of molecular weight distribution, increased negative charge density, and improved compatibility with various types of cement are among the key strategies for enhancing their performance. Overall, understanding the relationship between chemical structure and rheological behavior paves the way for the development of more efficient and sustainable admixtures for next-generation concrete systems.http://irdpt.ir/Article/51991polycarboxylate Ether superplasticizer Water Reduction Cement Rheology Slump Retaining chemical Structureper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332025-121035565articleReview on Vitrimers: Structure, Properties, Applications, and Future PerspectivesMohammad Javad Fotrosmohamadjavadfotros@yahoo.com1jafar Khademzadeh Yeganehjkh.yeganeh@gmail.com2Tehran, Amirkabir University of Technology, Department of Polymer EngineeringVitrimers, as a new generation of dynamic covalent networks, integrate unique advantages of both thermosets and thermoplastics. Unlike conventional thermosets, which become irreversibly crosslinked after curing and therefore lack recyclability or reprocessability, vitrimers are capable of undergoing bond-exchange reactions at elevated temperatures while preserving their mechanical stability. This property has positioned vitrimers as highly valuable candidates for achieving a polymer circular economy, enabling mechanical and chemical recycling, reprocessing, self-healing, and the fabrication of advanced composites. In the past decade, vitrimer chemistry has expanded beyond epoxy-based systems to include polyester-, polyurethane-, and bio-based networks. Such structural diversity has opened new opportunities for applications in adhesives, coatings, flexible electronics, and biomedical engineering. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain before widespread commercialization can be realized. These include reliance on metal-based catalysts, high topology-freezing transition temperatures (Tv), limitations in mechanical properties and creep resistance, and issues related to industrial scalability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical fundamentals and bond-exchange mechanisms underlying vitrimer behavior, alongside their structural types and characteristic properties. Furthermore, recent advances and emerging applications are discussed, with emphasis on both the technological promise and the practical challenges that must be addressed. Finally, the future outlook highlights the development of catalyst-free systems, the design of bio-based monomers, and the incorporation of nanofillers to enhance mechanical robustness and environmental sustainability. These pathways point toward a new era in which vitrimers can serve as key materials for advanced and sustainable polymer-based technologies.http://irdpt.ir/Article/51995vitrimers dynamic covalent networks self-healing polymer recycling bio-based materialsper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332025-121036777articleA Review of Polymer-Based Adsorbents for Electromagnetic Wave AbsorptionMahmoud Heydarimahmoud_i87@yahoo.com1The primary mechanisms of electromagnetic wave absorption are dielectric loss (including dipole polarization, interfacial polarization, and conductive loss), magnetic loss (encompassing natural/exchange resonance and eddy current loss), and structural loss (such as scattering, internal reflections, and cavity effects). The efficiency of these mechanisms is governed by the material's composition, morphology, and molecular architecture. <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="background: white; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: #3b82f680; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 12pt 0in;"><span style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: #3b82f680; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;">Polymers have emerged as a highly effective platform for constructing electromagnetic wave absorbers, owing to their low density, excellent processability, chemical stability, and versatile structural engineering potential. However, the inherent insulating and non-magnetic nature of most pristine polymers requires the incorporation of conductive and magnetic fillers to induce the necessary dielectric and magnetic loss. Conventional polymers serve as exceptional substrates and binders, offering environmental resistance, strong interfacial adhesion, the capacity to form porous or foamy structures, and the ability to distribute fillers uniformly. <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="background: white; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: #3b82f680; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 12pt 0in;"><span style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: #3b82f680; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;">Conductive polymers, such as polyaniline and polypyrrole, play an active role by providing tunable conductive pathways that significantly enhance dielectric loss. A survey of recent advances demonstrates that polymer-based composites can achieve superior absorption performance, with reflection losses as deep as –70 dB and effective absorption bandwidths exceeding 10 GHz, even at minimal thicknesses. Consequently, these polymer composites are considered ideal candidates for advanced applications in telecommunications and aerospace.http://irdpt.ir/Article/52062Electromagnetic wave absorber polymer composites dielectric loss magnetic loss conductive polymers