This study focused primarily on the relationship between mesostructure and the final vulcanizate performance of solid natural rubber (NR) derived from three Hevea brasiliensis clones: RRIM600, RRIT251, and PB235. The evaluated mesostructural characteristics included molecular weight (Mw), polydispersity index (PDI), molar mass distribution (MMD), and protein content. The RRIM600 and RRIT251 clones exhibited a bimodal MMD and a broad PDI, which correlated with their higher protein content. Notably, the RRIM600 clone demonstrated superior mechanical properties, including 500% modulus (5.21 MPa), tensile strength (27.19 MPa), tear strength (27.38 N mm−1), and rebound resilience (73.30%). It also showed enhanced thermal–mechanical stability, with a T90 of 213.5°C determined via temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR). Furthermore, the physical relaxation peaks in the TSSR spectrum were found to be strongly related to the protein content of the NR. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) also revealed higher storage and loss modulus for RRIM600, indicating superior elasticity. Conversely, the PB235 clone displayed a unimodal MMD and the highest Mw, signifying longer macromolecular chains that resulted in higher initial plasticity, minimum torque, and elongation at break. Overall, this research provides crucial insights for selecting appropriate NR clones to manufacture high-performance rubber products.
The primary objective of this paper is to comprehend the interrelations among the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of composite polymeric membranes composed of polyvinyl alcohol combined with lithium perchlorate salt, (PVA‐X wt% LiClO 4 ) where X = 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%. The composites were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. Morphology and map sum spectrum were visualized by a coupled SEM–EDS system, the technique identified the PVA′s smooth surface while spherulite particles and chlorine atoms from the ClO 4− ions are presented in higher salt concentrations. From differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry studies, the PVA‐5% LiClO 4 system exhibited the maximum glass transition temperature (T g = 84.2 ° C), decomposition temperature (T D = 298.7 ° C), and crystallinity degree of 14.1%. Dynamical mechanical analysis showed high storage capacity on the order of 400 MPa, whereas strain–stress analysis revealed elastic and plastic behaviors, with samples sustaining stresses between 10 and 20 MPa and strains ranging from 300% to 350%. Therefore, these properties are studied for potential applications of these composite polymeric membranes.
Effective wound dressing materials should have moisture balance, antibacterial activity, and cytocompatibility to allow tissue regeneration. Composite films of polycaprolactone–gelatin (PCL/Ge) with silver ion–exchanged zeolite (Ag-Z) were fabricated using solution casting and glutaraldehyde crosslinking methods. The Ag-Z content ranged from 0.5 to 2 wt%, compared with zeolite-free and zeolite-only materials. The addition of zeolite improved surface roughness and wettability; the water contact angle was increased to 88.42° (Ag-Z) and 101.34° (Z) compared with the zeolite-free film of 74.75°. The swelling ratio was reduced by about 55% for zeolite-containing materials and up to 78% for higher Ag-Z concentrations; water vapor transmission was also reduced by 26–36%. Antibacterial activity was significantly improved; the PCL/Gel/GT/1% Ag-Z film exhibited an inhibition zone of 32 mm for Escherichia coli and 53 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, compared with no zone of inhibition for the blank film. Mechanical studies showed an improvement in Young's modulus of 33% with a decrease in tensile strength from 3.1 to 2.0 MPa after mineral incorporation. Cytotoxicity studies on L929 fibroblasts indicated good biocompatibility; cell viability ranged from 75% to 90% over 1–7 days with improved cell adhesion on Ag-Z–containing materials. Overall, the incorporation of 1 wt% Ag-Z provided an optimal balance of antibacterial performance, moisture regulation, and cytocompatibility. These findings indicate that the developed PCL/Gel/Ag-Z composite film is a promising candidate for advanced wound-dressing applications.
The use of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites as substitutes for synthetic fibre systems has increased due to interest in sustainable engineering materials. Because they are easily accessible, lightweight and renewable. Natural (plant/animal) fibres frequently exhibit the property of eco-friendliness, renewability and biodegradability with polymer matrices. Plant fibres like jute, kenaf, sisal, flax, banana, bagasse and hemp are extensively researched. Silk, wool, human hair, chicken feather and goat hair fibres are examples of protein-rich fibres that offer enhanced flexibility, energy absorption and resistance to thermal deterioration. With an emphasis on material selection, fibre treatment, fabrication techniques and structural arrangement, this review provides an overview of recent research on plant/animal fibre-reinforced polymer composites. To find recurring performance trends, reported mechanical, thermal, morphological and biodegradation results are analysed. There is discussion of potential uses in biomedical products, building materials, automotive parts and environmentally friendly components. All things considered, natural fibres reinforced polymer composites provide a workable path towards sustainable materials with balanced durability and performance.
The rapid growth of the global population has increased the consumption of animal-derived products, generating substantial solid waste such as raw trimming waste from leather processing and intensifying environmental concerns. Consequently, the development of sustainable packaging materials has become increasingly important, promoting biodegradable biopolymers as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic plastics. In this study, collagen hydrolysate (CH) and keratin (K) were extracted from tannery raw trimming waste and utilized to produce biodegradable composite films. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed that CH corresponded to Type I collagen, whereas K exhibited molecular weights between 32 and 56 kDa, characteristic of K polypeptides. Initially, nine different CH/K ratios were evaluated, and the CH30/K70 formulation demonstrated the most favorable water barrier performance. Increasing the K content up to 70% increased film thickness and significantly reduced moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability (p < 0.05), whereas higher ratios resulted in deterioration of these properties. In the second stage, nanohydroxyapatite (HA; 0.5%-2 wt%) was incorporated into CH30/K70 films via solvent casting. HA addition significantly improved mechanical strength and barrier properties while enhancing thermal stability. Overall, waste-derived biopolymers demonstrate considerable potential for sustainable packaging applications.
Bacterial cellulose (BC) possesses outstanding properties, but its scalable production and functional customization remain hindered by the reliance on standard media and complex posttreatment processes. To address this gap, this study introduces a synergistic strategy combining an accessible, nutrient-rich apple juice medium (AJPY) with in situ hydrocolloid modification (carboxymethylcellulose—CMC, xanthan gum—XG, and agar) to simultaneously enhance production efficiency and tailor material properties. The results demonstrated that the AJPY medium significantly improved the BC synthesis rate and pH stability compared with the control. The in situ incorporation of CMC and XG further substantially increased both the synthesis rate and water-holding capacity (WHC). In-depth structural and morphological characterizations confirmed that CMC and XG successfully integrated into the BC matrix, maintaining a highly porous nanofiber network with slightly reduced crystallinity, which directly contributed to the enhanced WHC. Conversely, agar addition resulted in a dense, clogged morphology, yielding the lowest synthesis rate and WHC. Ultimately, the integration of the AJPY medium with CMC or XG modification represents a highly efficient approach to producing BC with superior structural and hydration properties, establishing a strong foundation for advanced applications in the biomedical and packaging fields.
Low molecular weight (Mw) beta-glucans have been reported to have better growth promotion and immunostimulant activity in shrimps than that of native beta-glucans. In this study, yeast water-insoluble beta-glucan was degraded by electron beam (EB) irradiation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to prepare water-soluble and low Mw beta-glucans. The Mw determination results showed that the Mw of irradiated samples was decreased by the increase in dose, pH, and H2O2 concentration. The characteristic analysis of Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns suggested that the EB irradiation did not cause any change in the basic structure of the irradiated beta-glucan molecule, except for the reduction of Mw. For mass production of water-soluble beta-glucans with Mw similar to 15 kDa, the production rate using EB facility was calculated to be about 25.03 kg.h(-1), and this rate was about 2.9-fold higher than the production rate using the gamma Co-60 irradiator (8.74 kg.h(-1)). The results from field trial on Penaeus monodon shrimp indicated that EB-irradiated beta-glucan with an Mw of about 15.2 kDa not only significantly enhanced the production yield (26.3%) and survival rate (16.6%) but also reduced the feed conversion ratio (11.98%) of supplemented diet-fed shrimps in the intensive farming trial compared with those of shrimps in the control trial without supplementation of beta-glucan. Therefore, the water-soluble beta-glucan with Mw similar to 15.2 kDa prepared by EB irradiation in the presence of H2O2 is a highly promising natural feed additive for improving the survival rate and production yield of shrimps in intensive farming culture.
Polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF) was investigated as an effective, sludge-free method for removing Ba2+ ions from aqueous solutions, using poly (sodium p-styrene sulfonate) as a water-soluble polymer. The PEUF process involves the interaction of Ba2+ ions with sulfonate functional groups along the polymer backbone, followed by size-based separation using an ultrafiltration membrane under nitrogen pressure. The influence of key operational parameters, including monomer-to-Ba2+ molar ratio, contact time, solution pH, and the presence of competing ions, was systematically examined. Increasing the monomer-to-Ba2+ molar ratio enhanced Ba2+ removal efficiency, reaching 94% at a 5: 1 ratio and approaching a plateau (97%) at higher ratios, indicating effective utilization of sulfonate binding sites. Contact time had a pronounced effect on removal performance, with approximately 96% removal achieved after 45 min. Ba2+ removal was strongly suppressed at pH 1 but remained high and nearly constant (similar to 97%) over the pH range 3-6. The equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer binding of Ba2+ to homogeneous polymer active sites, with a maximum uptake capacity of 268.06 mg/g. Competitive ion experiments showed that monovalent ions (Na+, K+) caused only minor reductions in removal efficiency, whereas divalent ions (Ca2+, Mg2+) significantly decreased Ba2+ removal due to competitive interactions with the polymer functional groups. These results demonstrate that PEUF using a sulfonated, water-soluble polymer is a robust and selective approach for Ba2+ removal from aqueous systems.
Nuclear radiation absorption, according to the data, shows that the United States and the PCT are at the forefront of patent activity regarding advanced polymer composites used for radiation shielding, although this trend is evident worldwide. To improve the shielding performance of polymer-based composites, additive technologies have been developed to incorporate high-density metal and functional fillers. Commonly added metals enhance the polymer matrix's ability to attenuate gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), thereby improving overall shielding performance. Advanced materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and other appropriately sized fillers can be used to improve the shielding properties of composites made from common polymer matrices, such as HDPE, epoxy, and PLA, regardless of radiation energy or EMI frequency. Toxic and nontoxic substances are becoming more popular as part of the green movement. From 2019 to 2026, radiation absorption and shielding have shown increasing interest in patent trends, whereas nuclear shielding remains a niche. When it comes to smart shielding materials, the trend toward lightweight, versatile, and application-specific options is expanding.
This study investigates the correlation between varying concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), incorporating 1-wt% LiOH, and their impact on the structural and electrical properties of polymer blends prepared via the solvent evaporation method. A comprehensive set of experimental techniques, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), was employed for material characterization. XRD analysis revealed a composition-dependent evolution of crystallinity, with a noticeable reduction at intermediate PVA/PVDF ratios, accompanied by the emergence of the beta-phase of PVDF, identified by the characteristic peak at 20.2 degrees. FTIR results further confirmed polymer-salt interactions, indicating significant structural modifications within the blends. In particular, the absorption bands at 1401 and 840 cm-1, associated with CH and CF2 vibrations, respectively, corroborate the presence of the beta-phase, in agreement with the XRD findings.The electrical properties were evaluated using EIS in combination with equivalent circuit modeling. The results demonstrate a strong dependence of electrical resistance on polymer composition, with the lowest resistance (1.8 & times; 103 Omega) and the highest electrical conductivity (7.13 & times; 10-6 S & centerdot; cm-1) observed for the 75-PVA composition. These findings indicate that PVA/PVDF/LiOH blends are promising candidates for technological applications, particularly in energy storage systems.
This study evaluates the long-term durability of two commercial nonwoven geotextiles—polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET)—subjected to natural weathering for up to 36 months. The materials were analyzed using mechanical tests (tensile strength, puncture resistance), thermal methods (TGA, DSC, and DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess degradation in their physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties. Results showed significantly higher degradation in the PP geotextile compared with PET, with up to 84% loss in tensile strength after 36 months. The PET geotextile retained more than 50% of its strength, not reaching the 50% degradation threshold within the study period. Thermal analyses confirmed changes in molecular structure, with PP showing a more pronounced loss of thermal stability. SEM images further supported these findings, revealing greater fiber damage in PP. The findings highlight the superior performance of PET geotextiles under long-term environmental exposure, supporting their selection in applications requiring enhanced durability.
Natural fibers are gaining popularity as eco-friendly and biodegradable reinforcements in polymer composites. This project is aimed at extracting and analyzing organic cellulose fibers from the barks of Microcos paniculata plants, employing a 9-day water retting process followed by alkali treatment with 5% (w/w) NaOH. Both alkali-treated and untreated fibers were analyzed using advanced techniques to assess their key properties. The chemical composition of the untreated fibers, determined by the TAPPI method, was found to consist of 55% cellulose, 20% hemicellulose, and 18% lignin, with the cellulose content increasing to 64% after alkali treatment. Surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy revealed a smoother surface for untreated fibers and a rougher surface for alkali-treated fibers. The density and moisture regain of the fibers were measured as 1.28 g/cm(3) and 12.61%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups, which correspond to the cellulosic polymers, and indicated the removal of natural impurities after alkali treatment. The crystallinity index and tenacity of the alkali-treated fibers increased from 63% to 69% and from 34.85 to 38.59 g/tex, respectively, compared to the untreated fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated excellent thermal stability, with the fibers exhibiting temperature resistance up to similar to 240 degrees C and 24.09% char formation at 993 degrees C. These results suggest that the isolated natural cellulose fibers from M. paniculata have significant potential as a durable reinforcement material in polymer composites.
The growing demand for sustainable textiles has prompted consideration of bio-based, biodegradable sources as replacements for conventional elastomeric filaments in the production of composite yarns. In this study, four types of yarns, sustainable and conventional single-core and dual-core spun yarns, were produced using a modified ring-spinning system. Their effects on yarn and fabric properties were systematically investigated. Results showed that conventional yarns exhibited higher tensile strength, extensibility, and dimensional stability. However, sustainable yarns and their corresponding fabrics demonstrated comparable mechanical performance within acceptable limits. Specifically, fabric made from the conventional dual-core yarn (H4) exhibited the highest tensile strength of 1010 N in warp and 373 N in weft, as well as the lowest growth of 5.6% among all samples. Fabric produced by using the sustainable dual-core yarn (H3) showed a lower tensile strength, whereas the yarn showed a lower imperfection (IPI=315) as well as better structural uniformity. Statistical analysis (MANOVA) proved that yarn structure significantly influenced various performance parameters (p<0.05). Additionally, TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) identified H4 as the best performing alternative across all samples. These findings, especially the higher strength and stability of H4 and the improved structural uniformity and reduced imperfections of H3, indicate that although conventional systems currently offer superior mechanical performance, sustainable alternatives based on bio-based elastane and PLA provide reliable functionality while offering environmental benefits.
Sustainable utilization of agricultural waste in advanced polymeric materials offers an effective pathway toward environmentally responsible functional systems. In this study, cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite films reinforced with nitric acid-treated hard carbon (HNO3-HC) derived from rice husk were successfully fabricated and systematically investigated. Hard carbon was obtained via high-temperature pyrolysis and subsequently functionalized using nitric acid to improve interfacial compatibility and bioactivity. Composite films containing 1.0, 1.5, and 2.5-wt% HNO3-HC were prepared by solution casting followed by vapor-phase glutaraldehyde cross-linking. SEM and EDX analyses confirmed homogeneous dispersion of HNO3-HC within the PVA matrix, whereas FT-IR results indicated enhanced hydrogen bonding interactions. Incorporation of HNO3-HC improved thermal stability, increasing the glass transition temperature from 74.9 degrees C (neat PVA) to 84.3 degrees C for the 2.5-wt% composite. Water contact angle values decreased from 43.9 degrees to 34.9 degrees, indicating enhanced surface hydrophilicity. Mechanical testing revealed a transition from stiffness-dominated to ductility-dominated behavior with increasing filler content, with the highest work at break (1426 N & centerdot;mm) observed for PVA-HC-2.5. Antioxidant activity increased with filler loading, reaching 13.7% (DPPH) and 27.1% (ABTS) inhibition at 60 min for the PVA-HC-2.5 sample. Antibacterial assays demonstrated bacterial reduction of up to 72% against Staphylococcus aureus and 65% against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also observed for PVA-HC-2.5. In addition, the lowest water contact angle (34.9 degrees) was recorded for the same formulation. These findings establish rice husk-derived HNO3-HC as a promising multifunctional biofiller for PVA, enabling the fabrication of sustainable composite films with consistent and measurable enhancements in antioxidant and antibacterial performance relative to pristine PVA.
The current global warming is driving the use of clean and renewable energy. Intermittence is a drawback of clean energy. Energy storage is the answer to intermittence. Flow batteries, batteries, capacitors, and supercapacitors are among the most used energy storage devices in the world. In this paper, capacitors made from graphite and commercial graphene were fabricated. The obtained specific capacitances reached 851 F g-1, indicating that the devices meet the performance standard for supercapacitors. The devices were fabricated using cellulose nanocrystals as binding material in the electrode, thus using an environmentally friendly binding material. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a quasi-rectangular process. Charge-discharge cycles revealed a storage mechanism of electrical double layer. The Warburg impedance indicates the diffusive impedance of electrolyte ions in the devices.
Hen's egg yolk (HEY) is rich in proteins, lipids, and vitamins, making it highly biocompatible for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. Its inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties further enhance its utility in developing therapeutic agents and medical devices. This study investigates the effects of vacuum oxygen (O-2) plasma treatment at varying power levels (96, 144, 192, and 240 W) on the properties of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/amoxicillin hydrochloride trihydrate (Amox)/HEY nanofibers. Plasma treatment effectively improved the antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of the nanofibers, suggesting their promising applications in biomedicine. Electrospun nanofibers, subjected to varying power levels 96 (0.4 A), 144 (0.6 A), 192 (0.8 A), and 240 W (1.0 A), at a constant input voltage of 240 V, exhibited notable improvements in wettability, tensile strength, and change in elongation at break. Within the power range of 96-240 W, these nanofibers also exhibited a significant increase in the release rate of Amox. However, plasma treatment beyond 144 W resulted in only marginal enhancements in the drug release rate. Additionally, the plasma-treated nanofibers demonstrated good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus. Both untreated and plasma-treated PVA/Amox/HEY electrospun nanofibers maintained high cell viability (> 97%) and minimal hemolysis activity (< 5%) across the tested power supply (96-240 W). Notably, nanofibers treated at 144 W demonstrated superior antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, highlighting their potential for wound dressing applications. Vacuum O-2 plasma treatment effectively modifies the surface of PVA/Amox/HEY nanofiber mats. Tensile strength and wettability improve significantly with plasma power increasing up to 144 W. Amoxicillin release rate and antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus are enhanced. Haemolytic activity remains low (<0.7%) and high cytocompatibility (>97%) for treatments up to 144 W. Optimized biocompatibility and drug release kinetics support potential wound dressing applications.
The primary objective of this paper is to comprehend the interrelations among the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of composite polymeric membranes composed of polyvinyl alcohol combined with lithium perchlorate salt, (PVA-X wt% LiClO4) where X = 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%. The composites were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. Morphology and map sum spectrum were visualized by a coupled SEM-EDS system, the technique identified the PVA ' s smooth surface while spherulite particles and chlorine atoms from the ClO4- ions are presented in higher salt concentrations. From differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry studies, the PVA-5% LiClO4 system exhibited the maximum glass transition temperature (Tg = 84.2 degrees C), decomposition temperature (TD = 298.7 degrees C), and crystallinity degree of 14.1%. Dynamical mechanical analysis showed high storage capacity on the order of 400 MPa, whereas strain-stress analysis revealed elastic and plastic behaviors, with samples sustaining stresses between 10 and 20 MPa and strains ranging from 300% to 350%. Therefore, these properties are studied for potential applications of these composite polymeric membranes.
Silk proteins of Bombyx mori are important biological polymers widely used in textiles, biomaterials, and nanotechnologies due to their unique mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. However, region-specific variations in environmental and feeding conditions may significantly influence the biochemical composition and functional properties of cocoon proteins. Therefore, the present study is aimed at providing a comprehensive biochemical and physicochemical characterization of the protein and mineral composition of B. mori cocoons grown in the Fergana Valley, addressing the lack of detailed regional data in the literature. The amino acid profile revealed the presence of 17 amino acids with a total content of 633.065 mg/g: nonessential amino acids, 396.868 mg/g (62.7%); semiessential amino acids, 133.765 mg/g (21.1%); and essential amino acids, 102.432 mg/g (16.2%). The highest concentrations were observed for serine (187.988 mg/g), aspartic acid (100.034 mg/g), cysteine (86.525 mg/g), and glycine (49.377 mg/g). The repeated fibroin motif (Gly-Ala-Gly-Ala-Gly-Ser)n correlates with the dominance of glycine and serine, explaining the dense packing and smooth morphology of silk fibers, while elevated cysteine content indicates the role of disulfide bonds in mechanical strength. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy confirmed the proteinaceous nature of the sample, with a broad Amide A band at 3261.49 cm(-1) indicating an extensive hydrogen-bonding network and characteristic amide bands at 1642.95, 1522.16, and 1240.34 cm(-1) confirming the presence of beta-sheet-rich secondary structures. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed multiple protein fractions (similar to 40, 55, 85, and 200 kDa), demonstrating the complex and heterogeneous composition of the cocoon protein system, including fibroin, sericin, and possible proteolytic fragments. Mineral analysis showed an increasing trend in total elemental content in the following sequence: mulberry leaves < silkworm < cocoon, with the cocoon containing 4.7 times higher mineral content than leaves. The dominant macroelements were Ca, K, and Mg, while high levels of Ca and S were characteristic of the cocoon. Among trace elements, Fe and Zn were predominant in the silkworm body, whereas Al and Si were enriched in the cocoon. The obtained results provide a scientific basis for understanding the structure-composition-property relationships of silk proteins and demonstrate that regional environmental conditions significantly influence their biochemical characteristics. From a practical perspective, these findings justify the potential use of B. mori cocoon proteins as a promising raw material for advanced biomedical applications, environmentally friendly functional materials, and value-added silk processing technologies.
The spinning industries negatively impact the environment by generating substantial process waste. Unlike previous studies that primarily focus on recycling textile waste, this study explores a sustainable practice by incorporating process waste (soft waste) into manufacturing techniques to produce composite yarn with different components, including virgin cotton, elastane (Lycra(R)), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), using the modified spinning technique (ring). The article investigates the characteristics of yarns made from six various percentages of process waste (0% to 50%) and 100% cotton (virgin). The research examines the influence of process waste on composite yarn characteristics, and results demonstrate that increasing soft waste content from 0% to 50% leads to a significant increase in unevenness (from 12.05 to 14.03), IPI (from 47 to 163/km), and hairiness (from 7.02 to 7.89), while tensile strength decreases from 16.01 to 12.01 cN/tex and elongation decreases from 13.2% to 11.01%. At the same time, yarn production cost is reduced by approximately 21.4% when 50% soft waste is incorporated, confirming the economic feasibility of the proposed approach. Pearson correlation (statistical analysis) confirms an important relationship (correlation) between process waste percentage and yarn properties. Moreover, the study utilizes the MOORA (Multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis) method as a judgment tool to find the perfect yarn based on properties, cost, and waste generation. The study establishes a validated, industry-compatible, and scalable route for valorizing spinning soft waste into high-value composite yarns, contributing to circular textile manufacturing and supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production.
The formation of potato peel (PPeel)-based films is likely attributed to gelatinization of starch and denaturation of protein, which can rearrange by forming new intermolecular interactions and eventually coherent cast films. Thus, the film-forming ability and properties are highly dependent on the concentration, temperature, and time, as well as the resulting degree of denaturation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of PPeel concentration (2%-7% w/w) on the film-forming properties as well as the structure and physicochemical properties of the resulting cast films. Therefore, microscopic imaging of microtome sections, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurements were performed to reveal differences in film structure that were related to differences observed in the physicochemical properties of the films, including barrier and tensile measurements. Microscopic and FTIR measurements revealed remarkable structural differences between 2%-3% (w/w) and 4%-7% (w/w) PPeel-based films, resulting in significant (p <= 0.05) differences in oxygen permeability (3.0-9.1 cm3 m-2 day-1 bar-1), water vapor transmission rate (66.8-111.9 g m-2 day-1), and tensile properties. Tensile strength of PPeel-based films containing 2%-7% varied between 2.1 and 6.0 MPa and elongation at break between 13.7% and 28.1%. Therefore, different mechanisms for the formation of PPeel-based films containing 2%-3% (w/w) or 4%-7% (w/w) PPeel are proposed, reflecting a dependence between PPeel concentration and film formation. As a result, this study provides a fundamental understanding of the formation of PPeel-based films, which have the potential to be used as edible or antimicrobial films/coatings or as oxygen barriers in bi- or multilayer packaging.
