Philippe Dubois

• PhD sciences
• Full Professor at University of Mons Mons

Cobalt aluminate (CoAl2O4) pigment, synthesized from recycled aluminum obtained from can seals and transformed into the boehmite phase, was combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP422) to produce an efficient flame-retardant material for polylactide (PLA) while simultaneously imparting coloration to the polymer matrix. The chemical structure of th...

Nature's most brilliant hues arise from the interaction of light with multilayered‐ structures of aligned building blocks. Mimicking this hierarchical organization in highly‐ordered thin films of liquid crystalline species has attracted increasing attention for potential applications in sensors and optical switching displays. Due to its intriguing...

In this study, a sustainable cellulose-based flame-retardant additive was developed, characterized, and incorporated into polypropylene (PP). Microcrystalline cellulose (Cel) was chemically modified with P₂O₅ using the solvent-free ball-milling mechanochemistry approach at room temperature. This modification enabled phosphorus grafting onto cellulo...

This paper reports the results of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) composites containing 5 and 10 wt.% dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) synthesized by a hydrothermal process. The objective of this investigation is to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the structure, composition, matrix‐nanofiller interfaces, and t...

To develop novel mineral-filled composites and assess their enhanced properties (stiffness, a good balance between mechanical strength and impact resistance, greater temperature stability), a high-impact polypropylene copolymer (PPc) matrix containing an elastomeric discrete phase was melt mixed with natural CaSO4 β-anhydrite II (AII) produced from...

Negative capacitance (NC), already observed in conducting polymer-based nanocomposites, was recently reported and evidenced at low frequencies (<10 kHz) in non-conducting polymer-based nanocomposites containing conductive particles. In this contribution, we demonstrate that it is possible to produce economic high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocom...

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most versatile polymers widely used in packaging, textiles, automotive, and electrical applications. Melt blending of PP with micro- and/or nano-fillers is a common approach for obtaining specific end-use characteristics and major enhancements of properties. The study aims to develop high-performance composites by f...

The present study investigated the flame-retardant (FR) effect of transparent epoxy coating containing aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) nanoparticles (NPs) on polylactic acid (PLA) sheets used as a typical model of combustible polymeric material. First, AHP NPs (≤60 nm) were prepared by a specific two-stage wet milling process and deeply analyzed (morp...

Nowadays, due to their natural availability, renewability, biodegradability, nontoxicity, light weight and relatively low cost, natural fibers, especially lignocellulosic fibers, present attractive potential to substitute non-eco-friendly synthetic fibers. In this study, Ziziphus jujuba fibers were used, thanks to their low lignin content, as an al...

Biobased and biocompatible polymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), are of great interest for a large range of applications in the spirit of green chemistry and upcoming reuse and recycling strategies. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), as a promising biocompatible polymer belonging to PHAs, is subject to increased research concern regarding the hig...

Concerning new polylactide (PLA) applications, the study investigates the toughening of PLA–CaSO4 β-anhydrite II (AII) composites with bio-sourced tributyl citrate (TBC). The effects of 5–20 wt.% TBC were evaluated in terms of morphology, and mechanical and thermal properties, focusing on the enhancement of PLA crystallization and modification of g...

During the past years, the synthesis of polymer prodrug structures, based on natural phytochemical compounds with a great range of valuable biological properties, has become a promising solution in cancer prevention, imaging, and detection. Curcumin (Curc) remains one of the most studied natural products, due to the impressive palette of biological...

Polylactide (PLA), a biodegradable polyester produced from renewable resources, has a key position in the very promising market for bioplastics. Unfortunately, for utilization in durable/engineering applications, PLA suffers from some shortcomings such as low rate of crystallization, brittleness, and low ductility. The study proposes the use of PLA...

The melt–mixing of polylactide (PLA) with micro- and/or nanofillers is a key method used to obtain specific end-use characteristics and improvements of properties. So-called “insoluble” CaSO4 (CS) β-anhydrite II (AII) is a mineral filler recently considered for the industry of polymer composites. First, the study proves that AII made from natural g...

Supporting information for the paper submitted for publication to European Journal of Materials: “Engineered polylactide (PLA) - polyamide (PA) blends for durable applications: 1. PLA with high crystallization ability to tune up the properties of PLA/PA12 blends” Authors: Marius MURARIU*, Thomas ARZOUMANIAN, Yoann PAINT, Oltea MURARIU, Jean-Marie...

The development of flame retardant polymer materials has two roots, one in materials design, and the other in materials processing. Over recent decades, different types and classes of flame retardant polymer materials have been commercialized to meet safety requirements in the construction, automotive, and coatings industries. In the vast majority...

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is a promising biobased polymer possessing high strength, rigidity and gas barrier performance, but its poor ductility and toughness may limit its practical applications. In order to obtain PEF materials with improved ductility and impact toughness as well as high strength, modulus and excellent gas barri...

The key-objective of this opinion paper is to highlight how and why (enzymatic) reactive extrusion, i.e., REx, is expected to reduce the plastic pollution particularly in oceans. As green (solvent-free) and continuous innovative process, REx represents such an efficient and tunable industrial tool either for producing biodegradable and biosourced p...

The introduction of dynamic covalent chemistry into the field of polymer chemistry has resulted in a new class of network polymer materials named covalent adaptable networks (CANs). These new materials have effectively bridged two antagonistic materials, that is, conventional thermoplastic and thermoset polymers together, thanks to these dynamic ex...

Very recently, China and India as the game changers of the world producing million tons of greenhouse gases have promised to invest up to 35% of their gross domestic product on global climate change before 2030. In line with such green policies, but starting more than 3 decades ago, research centers active in the field of materials sciences and eng...

Increasing energy autonomy and lowering dependence on lithium-based batteries are more and more appealing to meet our current and future needs of energy-demanding applications such as data acquisition, storage, and communication. In this respect, energy harvesting solutions from ambient sources represent a relevant solution by unravelling these cha...

Vulcanized and devulcanized ground tire rubber microparticles have been used as a minor phase in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) for the development of materials with desired functionalities by 3D printing. These polymers have been selected because they (i) present part of the plastic waste genera...

Natural and synthetic rubber is gaining increased interest in various industrial applications and daily life sectors (automotive industry, acoustic and electrical isolators, adhesives, impermeable surfaces, and others) due to its remarkable physicomechanical properties, excellent durability, and abrasive resistance. These great characteristics are...

In the category of biopolymers, polylactide or polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most promising candidates considered for future developments, as it is not only biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, but it is produced from renewable natural resources. The modification of PLA through the addition of nanofillers is considered as a m...

The effect of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) content on the magnetic properties of polylactide (PLA) and polystyrene (PS) matrix has been investigated by means of DC magnetization measurements as a function of temperature (T) and magnetic field (H). Previous to the dispersion by melt-compounding into PLA and PS, the magnetite NPs have been reactivel...

Due to the added value conferred by zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller, e.g., UV protection, antibacterial action, gas-barrier properties, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)–ZnO nanocomposites show increased interest for utilization as films, textile fibers, and injection molding items. The study highlights the beneficial effects of premixing ZnO in PLA under given...

Fire safety has become a major concern due to the ubiquitous use of polymers. The development of flame retardant polymer materials has consequently experienced a huge growth in market size. New strategies and legislation have also been proposed to save lives and property. The science and economics of flame retardancy, fire regulations, and new tech...

This work details the scalable and solventless synthesis of a potential fully biobased monobenzoxazine resin derived from tyrosol and furfurylamine. The structure of the monomer was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The curing of the precursors was characterized by differential scanning...

Conventional crosslinking of rubbers (using sulphur and peroxide vulcanization) usually leads to covalent rubber network junctions. The present article reports about a new unconventional crosslinking of acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (NBR) by zinc chloride (ZnCl2). This crosslinked NBR displayed very interesting relaxation properties below the g...

Self‐healing polymer coatings have gained increased attention as a pathway for regenerating the inherent properties of surface following mechanical, physical or chemical damages. In most cases, the adhesion between the polymer coating layer and the substrate is driven by physical interactions. For some applications, immersing the polymer coating un...

Surface morphology and bulk structure of polylactide (PLA) modified with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) treated with N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS) and untreated, as well as reference materials - PLA, EBS, and a blend of PLA with EBS, were examined. HNT is known to improve PLA properties, including mechanical and barrier properties. The materials w...

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers are interesting materials for biomedical application such as medical packaging, medical devices, and pharmaceutical applications for over 35 years. EVA properties can be tailored and manipulated to develop novel materials with innovative biomedical applications. The addition of a small amount of nanosized par...

Phosphonium‐based polythiophene conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with three different counterions (dodecylsulfate, octylsulfate and perfluorooctane sulfonate) are synthesized to determine how the nature of the counterion affects the thermal properties, the self‐assembly in thin films and the performance as the cathode interfacial layer in polymer...

Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PMMA-co-MAA) copolymer containing ionizable moieties is here investigated as a melt processing additive for PVDF to develop high-quality ferro/piezoelectric polymer films by extrusion-calendering. The PVDF/PMMA-co-MAA miscibility and the β-phase crystallization from the melt state at high cooling rates...

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is a very promising biobased polymer possessing very high mechanical strength, rigidility and gas barrier performance. But its poor ductility and toughness may limit its applications. In this study, PEF-based copolymers with high intrinsic viscosity were successfully synthesized via melt polycondensation...

Fascinating and challenging, the development of repairable materials with long-lasting, sustainable and high-performance properties is a key-parameter to provide new advanced materials. To date, the concept of self-healing includes capsule-based healing systems, vascular healing systems, and intrinsic healing systems. Polyurethanes have emerged as...

Various zeolites (4A, Y, 13X) and related fillers (molecular sieves and coal fly ash) were used to prepare PLA composites and to assess their degrading effect on the polyester matrix under different processing conditions, at various zeolite/filler loadings. In this objective, untreated fillers, as well as washed and thermally activated zeolites, we...

This study proposes new kinds of functionalization procedures able to preserve specific properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and to improve compatibility with the epoxy matrix. Through a covalent approach, for the first time, CNTs are functionalized with the same hardener agent, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), employed to solidify the epoxy ma...

Poly[(3-hydroxybutyrate)-ran-(3-hydroxyvalerate)] (PHBV) is a bacterial polyester with a strong potential as a substitute for oil-based thermoplastics, due to its biodegradability and renewability. However, its inherent slow crystallization rate limits its thermomechanical properties and therefore its applications. In this work, surface-modified ce...

The effect of three different cerium salts (Ce(NO3)3.6H2O, CeCl3.7H2O and Ce(OOCCH3)3.5H2O) on the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of a model diamine-based benzoxazine (4EP-pPDA) was investigated. With the incorporation of the cerium salts, the curing temperature of 4EP-pPDA is reduced substantially, and the glass transition temperatures of the r...

The current challenge in self‐healing materials resides in the design of materials which exhibit improved mechanical properties and self‐healing ability. The design of phase‐separated nanostructures combining hard and soft phases represents an attractive approach to overcome this limitation. Amphiphilic polymer conetworks are nanostructured materia...

Adding nanofillers Cloisite 30B (C30B) and Cloisite 15A (C15A) to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) (70/30, wt/wt) blends via melt blending can improve their phase morphology and change their interface properties. The effects of the different selective localization of clay on the structure and the morphologies are studie...

Chlorophyll a derivatives were integrated in “all solid-state” dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with a mesoporous TiO2 electrode and 2′,2′,7,7′-tetrakis[N,N-di(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]-9,9′-spirobifluorene as the hole-transport material. Despite modest power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) between 0.26% and 0.55% achieved for these chlorin dyes, a s...

In this study, a highly efficient flame-retardant bioplastic poly(lactide) was developed by covalently incorporating flame-retardant DOPO, that is, 9,10-dihydro-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide. To that end, a three-step strategy that combines the catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of L,L-lactide (L,L-LA) in bulk from a pre-synthesized...

Reactive extrusion and magnesium (II) N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst are successfully employed in continuous polylactide synthesis. The possibility of using six-membered N-heterocyclic carbene adducts to act as efficient catalysts towards the sustainable synthesis of poly(l-lactide) through ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide (LA) is first in...

The most recent developments in the field of biobased materials are linked to nanotechnology. In order to enlarge the applications of biopolymers and to increase their performances, a large variety of nanofillers can be effectively used to produce bionanocomposites characterized by specific or multifunctional properties. Polylactide (PLA), a biodeg...

Self-healing polymeric materials that can spontaneously repair in a perpetual manner are highly appealing to address safety and restoration issues in different key-applications. Usually built from reversible moieties that require to be activated using e.g. temperature, light or pH changes, most of these self-healing materials, though, are relied on...

The increased technological progress in materials science fabrication is changing the dynamics of the scientific community with short adaptability deadlines, while framing a new set of competitive challenges and needs. As a result, material design requires a multidisciplinary networking, where natural sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics) mee...

A detailed isothermal crystallization study of biobased and biodegradable isodimorphic poly (butylene succinate-ran-butylene azelate) random copolyesters (PBS-ran-PBAz) with a wide composition range has been carried out to determine nucleation kinetics, spherulitic growth rates and overall crystallization kinetics. Differential Scanning Calorimetry...

Over the last few years, Nitinol (NiTi) has become one of the most attractive alloy materials for industrial applications. However, its implementation is still problematic due to its surface nickel content, making it sensitive to pitting corrosion. In applications, it is often necessary to modify NiTi surfaces by using organic coatings, which provi...

We have used atomistic simulations to study the network topology and the thermomechanical properties of the methyl-4,4-bis-[6-(3-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazine)]pentanoate based system (MDP-a), in comparison to commercially available bisphenol-A based benzoxazine (Ba-a). In the first part of the work, we focus on the role of the transesterif...

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is an emerging biobased polyester well-known for high gas barrier properties as well as high tensile modulus and strength, but PEF modification is still desired to improve its crystallization rate, toughness and even strength. In this study, PEF/Montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were in-situ synthesize...

Considering the appealing need for an industrially viable approach, this works aims at demonstrating the rapid and easy melt processing of Polylactide (PLA) bio-composites reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). For this purpose and against to their high propensity to self-aggregate on processing, an aqueous CNF-based suspension in the presenc...

In this study, we evaluated the interest of combining magnesium hydroxide (MDH) and lignin for developing complementary flame retardant actions in poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA). Lignin was selected owing to its char forming ability thatwas supposed to reinforce the endothermic effect provided by MDH. The effect of lignin chemical modificati...

The purpose of this work was to investigate the feasibility to manufacture enteric capsules, which could be used in compounding pharmacies, by fused-deposition modeling. It is well-known that conventional enteric dip coating of capsules in community pharmacies or hospitals is a time-consuming process which is characterized by an erratic efficacy. F...

In this paper, we describe the synthetic routes for preparing a novel switchable BNC˗based chromophore, composed of a borazine core peripherally functionalized with azobenzene moieties. Capitalizing on the Pd˗catalyzed Suzuki cross˗coupling reaction between a tris˗triflate borazine and an organoboron azobenzene derivative, a photoswticheable azo˗bo...

In this paper, a 4-ethylphenol-para-phenylenediamine (4EP-pPDA) benzoxazine has been applied and cured on previously anodized AA2024-T3 substrates. The porous surface oxide layers obtained from sulfo-tartaric anodizing appeared to be highly impregnated by the benzoxazine resin, sealing the anodic films. Through rheological, morphological and chemic...

A poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-perfluoropolyether-block-poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT-b-PFPE-b-P3HT) triblock copolymer was synthesized by copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) in 95% yield. The copolymer was unequivocally characterized by size exclusion chromatography reaching 27 000 g mol(-1) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)....

Inspired by nature, we herein demonstrate a family of multi-responsive hydrogel-based actuators that are encoded with anisotropic swelling behavior to provide rapid and controllable motion. Fabrication of the proposed anisotropy-encoded hydrogel actuators relies on the high resolution stereolithography 3D printing of functionally graded structures...

Despite offering robust mechanical properties, polymer networks suffer from a lack of recyclability, reshaping and healability. Designing stiff and remendable polymer networks that can repair under mild conditions remains a challenge to extend their field of applications. Herein, we describe a simple approach to design a non-isocyanate-based polyur...

As dynamic crosslinking networks are intrinsically weaker than permanent covalent networks, it is a big challenge to obtain a stiff self-healing polymer using reversible networks. Inspired by the self-healable and mechanically adaptive nature of sea cucumber, we design a water-responsive self-healing polymer system with reversible and permanent cov...

End-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA) were synthesized using controlled polymerization techniques and linked together to lead to a diblock copolymer structure via click cycloaddition. These diblock copolymers were further blended with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to be used...

From the category of biopolymers, polylactide or polylactic acid (PLA), is one of the most promising candidates considered for future developments, it is not only biodegradable under special composting conditions, but it is produced from renewable natural resources. PLA is currently receiving considerable attention for conventional use as packaging...

Phenol‐paraphenylenediamine (P‐pPDA) benzoxazines exhibit excellent barrier properties, adequate to protect aluminum alloys from corrosion, and constitute interesting candidates to replace chromate‐containing coatings in the aeronautical industry. For the successful application of P‐pPDA coatings, it is necessary to decrease the curing temperature...

With the aim to reinforce polylactide (PLA) mechanical properties, poly(acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene) (ABS) is considered as a polymer of choice. However, PLA and ABS are immiscible, leading to blends with weak properties. Cardanol is a lipid phenolic known to compatibilize these two polymers thanks to its reaction with ABS, but does not react wi...

Biodegradable and renewable UV-shielding films are highly demanded to meet the increasing sustainable requirement for the environment. Lignin as a natural broad UV blocker has gained considerable attention; however, the poor dispersibility within synthetic polymers limited its applications. Thus, a bioinspired melanin-like polydopamine thin layer w...

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) were successfully synthesized by acid hydrolysis of waxy barley starch and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Nanocomposites based on ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) and SNCs were produced by melt-processing using a microextruder. Interesting is to note that SNCs do not...

Polysilsesquioxanes (RSiO 1.5 ) n are organic–inorganic hybrid materials that have an array of properties and synergistic features and are considered to be robust materials in the family of siliceous compounds.

A novel layered double hydroxide modified by octa-substituted carboxy-terminated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane was prepared via a one-step method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis...

This paper reports the preparation, characterization, and performance of three low viscosity fully bio‐based benzoxazine resins synthesized from bio‐based furfurylamine, paraformaldehyde, and three new enzymatic originated diphenols obtained through a sustainable and highly selective lipase‐catalyzed enzymatic process from p‐coumaric acid, and thre...

This work aims at identifying defects called deformation heterogeneities developing in polylactide (PLA)‐based materials upon drawing at room temperature. The influence of the initial crystallinity and of the plasticization methodology (physical blending vs. reactive blending) on the type of defect is also investigated. Defects are characterized in...

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is a bio-based polyester characterized by high gas barrier properties as well as high tensile modulus and strength, but poor toughness. Toughening PEF without sacrificing its modulus, strength and gas barrier performance is a great challenge for PEF modification. In this study, high molecular weight rando...

The influence of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) grafts on the rheology and crystallization behavior of nanocomposites based on PCL and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) both under quiescent and shear conditions is investigated. Under quiescent conditions, the grafted nanocrystals have high nucleation efficiencies. Under the influence of shear, the non-graft...

Shape memory materials are able to change their shape upon application of an external stimulus such as temperature, humidity, light, electric or magnetic fields, etc. Due to their scientific and technological relevance, this book chapter reviews the main shape memory materials, briefly introducing metals, ceramics and polymers. In particular, shape...

Shape memory materials are able to change their shape upon application of an external stimulus such as temperature, humidity, light, electric or magnetic fields, etc. This chapter focuses on nanocomposite systems with shape memory response due to their high scientific and technological relevance.. In particular, three different nanocomposites based...

In this work, the thermal degradation and the disintegrability under composting conditions of melt-processed blends based on ethylene-vinyl acetate and thermoplastic starch, EVA/TPS, as well as their nanocomposites, reinforced with natural bentonite, were studied. A special emphasis was first put on the influence of starch on the morphology, thermo...

Due to their antioxidant properties, natural phenolic compounds like phloretic acid promote both the thermal stability and the compatibility of immiscible blends of polylactide and poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) prepared by reactive extrusion. These immiscible polymer blends pave the way to sustainable valorization of natural phenolic...

In this paper, laboratory synthesized Phenol-paraPhenyleneDiAmine (P-pPDA) benzoxazine containing different amounts of B-trimesityl-N-triphenylborazine was applied by spin coating on aluminum and thermally cured. The addition of the borazine derivative (borazine 1) does not appear to modify the curing characteristics of the P-pPDA matrix itself as...

In this study, tannic acid (TA) was investigated as flame retardant agent for PLA. Different strategies to modify its thermal degradation pathway have been explored in order to improve its charring effect. The first one consists in combining TA with organomodified montmorillonite (oMMT), and enables limiting the thermo-oxidative degradation of TA a...

Poly(ethylene-co-hexamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEHF) copolyesters with high intrinsic viscosity were synthesized from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), ethylene glycol (EG) and 1.6-hexanediol (HDO) through two-step melting polycondensation, characterized with 1H NMR, DSC, WAXD and TGA, and assessed by tensile and impact tests. The molar f...

Cet article présente des pistes d’optimisation des propriétés thermo-mécaniques de compositions polymères biosourcées à base d’acide polylactique (PLA) pour des applications automobiles. L’influence de différents additifs, dont des nanotubes d’argile, est étudiée. Une autre piste s’intéresse aux mélanges ternaires PLA-PMMA-nodules élastomères. Aprè...