Elastomeric nano-particles (ENPs) have been used widely and nano-scale effects have been found when used in polymer modification. For example, ENPs could increase toughness and heat resistance of plastics simultaneously when blending ENPs with plastics. Anomalies have also been found when ENPs were used in rubber modification, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) preparation and assisting dispersion of other nano-particles and ultra-fine additives in polymer matrix. The preparation, nano-scale effect and applications of the ENPs will be reviewed in this feature article.

Bio-plastics have gained tremendous attention, due to the increasing environmental pressure on global warming and plastic pollution. Among them, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is both bio-based and bio-degradable, which has been widely used in many disposable packaging applications. The global market for PLA demand doubles every 3-4 years, as estimated by Jem's law.

Compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics, PLA is more expensive and usually has less mechanical and physical properties. The recent compounding efforts and the commercialization of D(−) lactic acid and its polymer PDLA have the potential to improve the mechanical and thermal characteristics of PLA (e.g. by forming stereocomplex PLA) for applications in high-end markets. However, the usage of PLA in some other applications is still limited.

With a structure similar to PLA, poly (glycolic acid) (PGA) has promising characteristics such as good biodegradability and barrier properties, which is potentially a beneficial supplement to PLA. The modification of PLA with PGA can be achieved via co-polymerization, physical blending and multilayer lamination. PGA and its combination with PLA have been widely studied in bio-medical applications, but not been well developed at large scales due to its relatively high production cost. In this case, the development of novel production technology and the advent of government regulations are the key drivers for the global transition towards bioplastics. Recently, multiple governmental regulations have been released that restrict the use of traditional plastics and facilitate bio-degradable plastic applications. PGA can be derived from industrial waste gases using an innovative production technology, which reduces carbon emissions and its production cost. By developing the production and compounding technology, PGA can be combined with PLA to play an essential role for a sustainable and environmental friendly plastic industry, especially for single-used products requiring fast degradation at room temperature or in the nature environment.

α-1,3-Glucan benzoates (GB) were prepared by homogeneous derivatization of the polysaccharide in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA)/LiCl using either benzoyl chloride as reagent (without and with addition of pyridine) or benzoic acid (using 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) for in situ activation of the carboxyl groups). A maximum degree of substitution (DS) of 1.96 was achieved by adjusting reaction time and molar ratio of reagent to anhydroglucose unit (AGU). The esterification with aromatic benzoate moieties was demonstrated by FTIR- and NMR spectroscopy. Substitution predominately occurred at the primary C-6 position with an order of reactivity of C6 » C2 > C4. The novel GB were soluble in dipolar aprotic solvents starting at DS ≥ 0.5 and melt at temperatures around 190 °C provided the DS is ≥ 1.7.

Amino celluloses are semisynthetic polysaccharide derivatives that are functionalized with amino groups. This class of bio-based polymers has a number of interesting properties for advanced applications such as potential antimicrobial activity and pronounced surface affinity towards various materials. Herein, the synthesis of a novel type of 6-deoxy-6-amino cellulose derivatives with a polar and highly branched substituent (2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol/TRIS) is described for the first time. Fundamental principles for the synthesis by nucleophilic displacement of tosylated intermediates are highlighted, thus, providing access to materials with well-defined molecular structures. TRIS-functionalized cellulose derivatives with degrees of substitution (DS) of up to 0.5 were obtained. The solubility and rheological properties of the products showed a strong dependence on the pH value. Due to the unique structural features of the substituent, TRIS amino cellulose derivatives possess a high application potential.

A scaling relation of the electric conductivity behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites loaded with carbon black (CB) and carbon fibers (CF) was studied. The results demonstrated, the curves of the scaled current density (J_sc) versus the scaled electric field intensity (E_sc) and the curves of a scaled conductivity (σ_sc) versus J_sc and E_sc were linear in a bi-logarithmic coordinate system. There was a scaling relationship between the nonlinear electrical conductivity properties of the HDPE conductive composites; the HDPE/CB conductive composites satisfied an excessive degree relation, while the HDPE conductive composites reinforced with CF did not strictly satisfy a hyperscaling relation due to the CF weakening the nonlinear electric conductivity behavior of these composite. In addition, the introduction of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) into these composites was helpful to disperse the CB in the HDPE matrix, leading to presenting obviously linearity in a bi-logarithmic coordinate system.