Abstract Chronic wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to prolonged inflammation, infection, and delayed tissue regeneration. This study developed and characterized porous scaffolds based on chitosan, collagen, and ethanolic extract of Jatropha mollissima aimed at wound dressing applications. Scaffolds were prepared by lyophilization using different chitosan/collagen ratios, with and without plant extract incorporation. Physicochemical, morphological, and biological properties were evaluated by FTIR, optical microscopy, SEM, swelling, enzymatic biodegradation, and in vitro cytotoxicity assays. The results demonstrated good interaction between chitosan and collagen, the presence of porous and interconnected structures, swelling indices above 740%, controlled biodegradation, and absence of cytotoxic effects. The incorporation of Jatropha mollissima extract did not compromise scaffold stability or absorbency. These findings suggest that the developed scaffolds possess characteristics of interest for wound dressing applications. However, additional studies involving quantitative porosity measurements, wettability, and mechanical characterization are required to further validate their potential for difficult-to-heal wound treatment.
Abstract Previous studies in this journal reported a two-part investigation on carbon black (CB) dispersions in LDPE films. In PART01, trimodal CB mixtures were evaluated using a Design of Experiments (DOE) to assess colorimetric and rheological properties, containing small (S) and medium (M) particles showed higher Tinting Strength (TS) with lower viscosity due to synergistic interactions. In PART02, dispersion of blend F18 was optimized during twin-screw extrusion by evaluating the Specific Mechanical Energy (SME), and the best performance was obtained at 600 rpm and 10 kg/h (0.29 kWh/kg), defined as F18-P03. In PART03, this formulation was filled with micro- (D50: 2.5 μm) or nano-CaCO3 (D50: 40 nm) at 10 and 20 wt% to reduce cost and modify mechanical properties. Although CaCO3 reduced TS, increased Filter Pressure Value (FPV) and viscosity. Nanoparticle at 10 wt% showed the best balance: Young’s modulus increased 18%, while tensile strength and deformation decreased about 8%.
Abstract The development of sustainable membranes from polymer waste is a promising strategy for wastewater treatment. This study investigated the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) incorporation on recycled polyamide 66 (PA66) membranes prepared by the phase inversion method for oily emulsion separation. Membranes were characterized by atomic force microscopy, porosity, water absorption, pore size, contact angle, and permeation tests. ZnO promoted structural modifications, increasing roughness (140.87 nm), water absorption (76.6%), porosity (60.5%), and mean pore radius (1.85 µm) compared with pure PA66. The membrane containing 3 wt.% ZnO exhibited the highest stabilized water permeate flux (159.82 L.m-2.h-1). All membranes achieved color and turbidity removals of up to 99.88% and oil rejection above 95%, producing permeates that complied with current discharge regulations. These results demonstrate that recycled PA66/ZnO hybrid membranes are promising, sustainable candidates for efficient oily wastewater treatment.
Abstract Superhydrophobic porous membranes are materials that are used for oil-water separation. However, conventional fabrication methods present limited scalability, complex processing, and poor membrane morphology control. In this study, a modular alternative based on 3D printed membrane was investigated. Microporous membranes, composed of polypropylene (PP)/graphene nanocomposites, were fabricated by the fused filament fabrication (FFF) method and subsequently surface-modified via dip-coating, using coatings based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silica nanoparticles, and/or graphene nanosheets. Untreated pure PP membranes exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) of 117.9°, which increased to 123.3° when graphene was incorporated into the PP matrix. Besides, the surface treatment increased the membranes’ WCA up to 132.59°. Filtration tests demonstrated high oil-water separation efficiency, achieving up to 99%. These results highlight the synergism between additive manufacturing and nanostructured surface treatments.
Abstract Hydrophobically modified polyacrylamides (HMPAMs) are synthesized by incorporating styrene, a hydrophobic monomer, to address the limitations of conventional polyacrylamide (PAM) and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM). These limitations, which reduce the effectiveness of polymer flooding for enhanced oil recovery, include poor shear resistance, sensitivity to salinity, chemical degradation such as polymer chain scission, and hydrolysis of acrylamide groups. In this study, the HMPAM samples are characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and oscillatory strain measurements. The results indicate that HMPAM containing a higher concentration of hydrophobic monomer (1.5 mol%) demonstrates improved shear resistance and greater thermal stability.
Abstract Polymeric degradation is an irreversible chemical process influenced by various physical and chemical agents. This study investigates the effects of different solvents on the degradation of a polychloroprene (PCP) and natural rubber (NR) blend in a toluene solution, catalyzed by FeCl3·6H2O. Efflux time was measured using an Ubbelohde viscometer to monitor the degradation process. The results demonstrate that the dielectric constant and dipole moment of solvents play a significant role in determining the rate and extent of polymer degradation. Kinetic analysis revealed that the degradation process does not adhere to a first-order model throughout the reaction period. However, it aligns with a first-order kinetic model during the initial phase (0-200 minutes). With a longer reaction time of 510 minutes, only THF and toluene solvents exhibited a linear relationship consistent with a second-order kinetic model. This study underscores the critical influence of solvent characteristics on controlling polymer degradation.
Abstract This work reports high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites reinforced with geopolymers derived from ladle-furnace slag for aerospace insulation. Composites containing 10–30 wt% geopolymer were melt-processed with in-situ compatibilization, and their thermal and acoustic properties were systematically evaluated. Compared with neat HDPE, the best formulation (20 wt% geopolymer with compatibilization) increased the onset degradation temperature to 412 °C (≈ +52 °C), reduced thermal diffusivity to 0.24 mm2 s−1 (≈ −20%), and raised the noise-reduction coefficient to 0.27 (≈ +35%). Microstructural analysis indicated uniform particle dispersion and improved polymer–filler adhesion, which underpin the simultaneous gains in thermal stability and sound absorption. These results demonstrate a lightweight, sustainable route to multifunctional insulation materials based on industrial by-products, with clear potential for aircraft interior applications.
Abstract Biodegradable food packaging comprises plastic materials that decompose in the appropriate environment (e.g., moisture and temperature). It could represent a solution for micro- and macroplastic generation. This paper is the first to evaluate the addition of oat oil (OO) to PLA for use as a food packaging material. Samples were evaluated by FTIR, SEM, XRD, Raman, texture and degradation tests. The PLA crystallites and the porosity of the samples increased with increasing oat oil content, while strength decreased (0.14MPa). Regarding degradation, oat oil in the samples facilitated it. Samples with the same composition degraded more in soil (15 weeks) than in seawater (25 weeks). After degradation, the PLA-OO samples were porous, facilitating the entry of fluids and the adhesion of microorganisms. PLA matrix degradation in soil begins with hydrolysis, followed by aerobic microorganisms’ degradation. The highest biodegradation occurred in the PLA-1500 sample in soil, suggesting the potential to achieve biodegradability/compostability.
Abstract Growing demand for lightweight, durable, and sustainable materials has increased interest in hybrid natural-synthetic fiber composites for structural and wear-critical applications. Research and industrial adoption are strong in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region, with Europe leading automotive and construction sectors due to sustainability-driven policies. This study examined the effect of stacking sequence on the mechanical, tribological, and hygroscopic performance of banana-aramid hybrid epoxy laminates fabricated by compression moulding. Four configurations were evaluated: all-banana (A), aramid-skinned banana core (B), alternating banana-aramid layers (C), and aramid-dominated laminates (D). Tensile, compressive, impact, hardness, water absorption, and wear properties were assessed. Sample C showed the highest tensile strength (36.80 MPa), while Sample D exhibited superior compressive strength (45.56 MPa), hardness (77 Shore D), impact resistance (13.89 kJ/m2), lowest water absorption (0.0712%), and best wear resistance (0.0006 mm). These results confirm that optimized stacking sequences enable high-performance, sustainable hybrid composites.
Abstract Active packaging often contains essential oils and plant extracts, which are predominantly hydrophobic. Surfactants are added to stabilize the matrix, improve the dispersion, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of the active compounds. In the present study evaluate how different surfactants affect Bergamot essential oil incorporated into chitosan and sodium alginate-based packaging film. The incorporation of surfactants leads to enhancement in film thickness and elongation at break, and tensile strength was reduced, which is attributed to altered intermolecular hydrogen bonding and increased chain mobility. XRD and FTIR analyses revealed chemical interactions between additives and polymeric chains that reduced crystallinity and peak intensities. Furthermore, optical, color, and functional properties including water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), swelling index, water contact angle, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Overall, the results demonstrated that the strategic selection of surfactant enables the development of high-performance material for sustainable active packaging applications.
Abstract Polymeric fluids are widely applied in workover operations because of their ability to control well pressure, regulate filtrate loss, and preserve reservoir productivity. However, their performance is highly dependent on polymer stability, since degradation under thermal, mechanical, or chemical stresses can compromise rheology, weaken filtration control, and increase the risk of formation damage. Research since the 1970s has advanced toward developing improved formulations, aiming to enhance efficiency while reducing reservoir impairment. Laboratory characterization techniques have been essential in evaluating polymer degradation and fluid–rock interactions, generating insights for polymer selection and fluid design. Within this context, this study proposes a literature review on polymeric fluids in workover operations, with emphasis on the role of polymers in fluid formulation and performance. The review also addresses operational fundamentals and technical challenges, focusing on thermal stability, degradation mechanisms, and strategies to minimize formation damage through adequate formulation and characterization approaches.
Abstract This study produces and characterizes immiscible blend systems made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and post-industrial polyamide 11 (PA11) obtained from offshore. Blends were prepared at an 80/20 (wt.%) HDPE/PA11 ratio. To enhance phase compatibility, high-density polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (HDPE-g-MA) was employed as a conventional compatibilizer at 1.5 wt.% content. In addition, the effect of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nSiO2) incorporated at 2 and 4 wt.% contents was evaluated. The compositions were analyzed in the presence and absence of the compatibilizer. Mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological analyses showed that HDPE-g-MA led to a slight improvement in the interfacial interaction between the immiscible polymer phases. Moreover, the addition of nSiO2, in the presence of the traditional compatibilizer, led to the most favorable balance of thermal and mechanical performance, suggesting that nSiO2 nanoparticles may act as effective co-compatibilizers in HDPE/HDPE-g-MA/PA11 systems.
Abstract Bacterial cellulose is a biopolymer valued for its purity, biocompatibility, and versatility, but its production typically depends on synthetic media, limiting sustainability and hindering the incorporation of functional compounds during biosynthesis. The effects of plant-derived extracts on the physicochemical and biological properties of bacterial cellulose remain poorly understood. This study evaluates the use of an aqueous extract of Erythrina mulungu as an alternative culture medium capable of producing and functionalizing bacterial cellulose simultaneously. Over 20 days, hydrated membranes were obtained with an average productivity of 186.41 g/L. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed characteristic cellulose functional groups, while X‑ray diffraction revealed reduced crystallinity in mulungu‑derived membranes (46%) compared to saline‑derived membranes (72%). Antimicrobial assays showed inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant activity reached 14.70% for the extract, 10.14% for mulungu‑derived cellulose, and 1.50% for saline‑derived cellulose. The extract enhanced functional properties, supporting applications requiring antimicrobial and antioxidant performance.
Abstract We developed a new type of nano-modified two-component waterborne polyurethane(2K WPU)coating using a regular structure of nano-silica: methyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) as a modified material. The POSS regular cage structure is used to improve the hardness and wear resistance that waterborne polyurethane lacks, maintain its good water resistance and heat resistance, and does not contain a benzene ring structure in the coating, eliminating the hidden danger of yellowing of the original benzene ring-containing 2K WPU hardening coating. The coating was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurement, UV-visible spectroscopy, water absorption test, hardness test, and anti-graffiti test. The evaluation results show that the modified coating has improved water resistance, hardness and contact angle, has excellent UV resistance, and has excellent anti-graffiti performance.
Abstract This study examines Agave vilmoriniana leaf fibers after consecutive alkali, silane, and starch treatments for polymer composites. The treatments reduces hemicellulose, moisture absorption and improving fiber stability. X-ray diffraction Analysis showed intensified (002) peaks that confirming improved crystalline ordering, while Fourier Transform Infrared spectra showed the reduction of hemicellulose and lignin and after alkali and silane treatments by the peaks around 1730cm−1 band and the peak 750cm−1 confirms the emergence of siloxane linkages. Subsequently, thermal analysis using Thermogravimetry showed improved thermal stability with onset and maximum degradation temperatures were rising from ~285 to 305 °C and ~340 to 355 °C respectively. Mechanical testing shows starch coating increases stiffness to 23.42 GPa. Scanning Electron Microscopic image observations confirmed the gradual surface modifications. The result makes that the fibers were more suitable for high-performance, moisture-resistant and polymer composites.
Abstract Biomaterials engineering has evolved rapidly, with a particular emphasis on biofunctionalized hydrogels for tissue repair. This systematic review, based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzed 75 studies from the SCOPUS database, evaluating biopolymers combined with bioextracts for wound healing. Bibliometric analysis revealed a significant increase in publications from 2022 onward, with a focus on Biomaterials Engineering and Biotechnology. The most productive centers were the departments of Medical Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering. Among the central authors, Li, Doostan, and Karamanlioglu stood out. The most cited articles focused on antimicrobial and regenerative strategies. China leads in scientific production, followed by India and the USA. The most frequent keywords included “wound healing,” “hydrogel,” and “biocompatibility.” In vitro studies (53%) and combined in vitro/in vivo studies (43%) predominated. It is concluded that biofunctionalized hydrogels hold high therapeutic potential but require methodological standardization and clinical validation for safe application in regenerative medicine.
Abstract Natural fibers have attracted growing attention due to their sustainability, low cost, and low density, yet their hydrophilic nature limits compatibility with polymer matrices and constrains broader applications. To overcome this challenge, diverse surface modification techniques-including chemical, enzymatic, and physical treatments- have been developed to improve fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. These modifications are crucial for significantly enhancing the mechanical performance and environmental robustness of the resulting composite materials.This review critically evaluates established and emerging strategies, highlighting their effectiveness, advantages, and limitations. Among the various approaches, alkali treatment remains the most widely adopted, demonstrating consistent improvements in composite performance through impurity removal, enhanced surface roughness, improved fiber–matrix adhesion, and superior load transfer capabilities.
Abstract This study presents a novel glycerol-based polymeric material doped with 0.12% (w/w) copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate for high-dose gamma dosimetry. Upon irradiation with doses ranging from 10 to 250 kGy using a Cobalt-60 source, the initially greenish material exhibited a progressive color change from yellow to dark red. Two analytical approaches were employed to evaluate the dosimetric potential: UV-Vis spectrophotometry, which demonstrated an exponential increase in absorbance at 456 nm up to 70 kGy, and digital image analysis using ImageJ, which extended the useful dose range to 250 kGy through measurements of green channel optical measurements. Both methods yielded reproducible calibration curves, highlighting the material’s potential as a low-cost, easy-to-handle dosimeter. This short communication reports preliminary findings that support further investigation into the material’s dosimetric mechanisms and optimization.
Abstract In this work the effect of pultrusion process variables i.e. pultrusion die temperature, speed of pulling, and % of a hybrid bio filler (calcium carbonate (CaCO3), bagasse fiber, and carbon black (CB)) on the characteristics of pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites is discussed. The response parameters, namely ultimate tensile and flexural strength, hardness, and % shrinkage were analyzed to realize the effect of pultrusion process parameters. A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was used for single response optimization, and gray relational analysis for multi-response optimization. Results show that pultruded GFRP properties are significantly influenced and improved by optimizing the selected process parameters. An improvement of 31%, 6.5%, and 14.6% is achieved in ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness respectively in comparison to result reported in earlier work by the authors. Results show that process optimization effectively enhances the performance, making them suitable for lightweight forearm protection applications.
Abstract In this study, different polymer systems, including polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) formulations, were exposed to gamma radiation. Spectroscopic analysis using FTIR revealed that these polymers retained their functional groups even after high doses of radiation. However, UV-Vis analysis indicated that gamma irradiation caused a significant increase in the yellowing and darkening index of standard PC, attributed to the formation of radiolytic species. The presence of radiostabilizing compounds reduced these effects on optical properties by 45%. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to determine parameters for thermal degradation and the activation energy of PC and EVA, showing that gamma irradiation could impact the kinetics of pyrolysis reactions in polymer systems.
