Baroplastic polymers enable low-energy processing at low temperatures under mild pressure preserving polymer integrity and supporting end-of-life pathways that reduce the formation of persistent microplastic residues. Poly(L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA) triblock copolymers demonstrate baroplasticity, enabling ambient temperature processing under moderate pressure. Here, we synthesized and characterized PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA with specific block lengths, showing rapid degradation within 2 months under industrial composting conditions and effective chemical and physical recyclability. Low-temperature baroplastic processing preserves the activity of encapsulated heat-sensitive proteins, expanding its application potential. These findings suggest that PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA combines sustainable processing, compostability, and recyclability, offering a promising platform for environmentally friendly polymer technologies in packaging, agriculture, and beyond.

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are extensively reported as 2D conductive composites for their neural metaplasticity mimicking behavior, crucial for next-generation computing. While 2D networks rely on junction-mediated ballistic transport, 3D AgNW bulk composites exhibit diffuse and percolation driven conduction. Comparing these systems could reveal key dimensional effects, though scaling the intricate 2D networks into the bulk remains challenging. We report a highly reproducible 3D metastable powder composite of anisotropic AgNW with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a supporting matrix, produced via spray drying. With rapid drying kinetics, affinity-driven anisotropic morphologies are observed with ellipsoidal microstructures bent at flexural angles. First-principles electronic percolation characterization of the compressed composite is determined by a four-point probe (4PP), and the percolative regimes are allotted. 2D AgNW networks reach ∼1-500 S/cm at network densities of ∼0.4-11 μm-2. The 3D composites, on the other hand, span a wider range, from ∼10-8 S/cm at 3 wt % to ∼102 S/cm at ∼90 wt % of AgNW loading. These values reflect the dominant conductive pathways within the interaction volume. Complementary electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms pressure-driven extremization in percolation, with conductivity rising by 2 orders of magnitude from ∼10-2 to ∼1 S/cm at applied pressures of 0.3 to 50 MPa even for 10 wt % AgNW, where 4PP measurements show values near 10-5 S/cm. Spray drying was chosen, as scalability was prioritized over nanoscale precision, making it suitable for bulk materials where microstructure control is secondary to throughput. Hence, the morphologically free AgNWs serve as a versatile precursor for industrially relevant down streaming and reprocessing. When the metastable composite was coextruded at high shear with a commercial elastomer, stretching induced alignment of the initially randomly oriented AgNWs was revealed by SEM micrographs.

Understanding heat transport in hierarchical materials is essential for the rational design of next-generation thermal management systems. In this study, we utilize a combination of electrospinning and functionalization techniques to fabricate a series of polystyrene (PS) nonwovens with defined variations in fiber alignment and fusion, as well as functionalization with metals. Using lock-in thermography, we analyze in-plane thermal transport with directional sensitivity and correlate the results with morphological characteristics. We show that increasing fiber alignment enhances thermal anisotropy only up to a certain threshold, beyond which the quality of interfiber contact becomes the dominant factor. The incorporation of nonpercolating silver nanowires is only effective when phonon scattering is minimized. Otherwise, fiber boundaries significantly limit the potential transport enhancement offered by these costly additives. In contrast, copper coatings form percolating networks that markedly enhance thermal transport, yet they remain governed by the global architecture of the fiber network. Altogether, this work experimentally highlights that minimizing phonon scattering and controlling structural features are more critical than maximizing fiber or filler alignment. The insights contribute to a deeper understanding of heat conduction in fibrous systems and offer guidance for designing such materials with targeted performance.

Poly(limonene carbonate) (PLimC) is a promising material in the search for bio-based alternatives to fossil-based plastics, such as poly(styrene) and bisphenol A-based polycarbonates. PLimC is made from orange waste-derived limonene oxide (LimO) and CO2. The brittle behavior of PLimC remains a challenge for industrial applications. A possible solution could be the introduction of low Tg polymer grafts. The terpolymerization of trans-LimO, trans-menth-1-ene oxide (Men1O), and CO2 was shown to yield a terpolymer that can be used as a platform for controlled functionalization and tailored graft copolymerization. To transform the terpolymer into a macroinitiator for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), the PLimC double bonds were post-modified with hydroxyl groups via thiol-ene click reaction of 2-mercaptoethanol and subsequently esterified with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiB). n-Butyl acrylate (nBA) was chosen as a bio-based monomer for grafting-from copolymerization to introduce low Tg side chains that increase the ductility of the otherwise brittle PLimC. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to show the narrow molecular weight distribution of the side chains. Non-wovens made from PMen1C-g-PnBA were produced via electrospinning. PMen1C-g-PnBA was added as a compatibilizer for blends of PLimC and poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) and as a toughening agent for PLimC.Practical Applications: PMen1C-g-PnBA shows tunable mechanical properties by variation of PnBA content and graft density. Poly(limonene carbonate)'s brittle nature could be compensated by addition of PMen1C-g-PnBA, therefore opening up many possible industrial applications for PLimC to replace common fossil-based plastics. Additionally, filter applications of PMen1C-g-PnBA as sustainable electrospun non-wovens are possible.

Microplastics (MPs), though less dense than water, are frequently recovered from sediments in aqueous environments, indicating they can cross the buoyancy barrier. We quantify eco-corona mediated MP-sediment attraction and MP transport from the nanoscale to the macroscale, linking all scales to a coherent mechanism explaining how MP overcome buoyancy and settle in sediments through interaction with suspended sediment. Colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM) detected attractive forces (0.15 - 17 mN/m) enabling heteroaggregation. Microscale tests confirmed aggregation and on larger scales sediment retention more than doubled with an eco-corona. Simulations showed that environmental shear force (4 · 10^-4 mN/m) cannot disrupt aggregates. In sedimentation columns, biofilm-covered MPs settled twice as often as plain MPs in bentonite suspensions. MP retention increased by 32

Our research focuses on verifying the design of efficient composite filtration mats using simulations based on XRM volumetric data. Three filter mats were prepared with different amounts of PET microfibers and electrospun PAN nanofibers, with and without a diblock copolymer. The structure of the PET-PAN mats was characterized by SEM and XRM. Three-dimensional XRM images were used in fluid flow simulations and the filtration properties were evaluated by standard methods. Incorporating 5-µm PET fibers with 1 wt% PAN nanofibers and a diblock copolymer doubled efficiency in single-pass filtration test at a small pressure drop. Raising PAN to 2 wt% increased efficiency to 72 % but also increased the pressure drop. Simulated permeabilities from XRM volumes follow the same order and lie within experimental uncertainties. Streamlines illustrate fluid flow paths within the simulated environment, showing locations where fiber bundles create straight-through pores. XRM simulations showed flow paths, confirmed permeability trends, and can guide the optimization of fiber dispersion. Discrepancies between XRM volumes and bulk tests show that microscale heterogeneity dominates resistance. Larger volumes are needed for accurate prediction. Streamline-guided rules can shorten development cycles by indicating where to adjust fiber orientation, nanofiber amounts and copolymer amounts.

The use of air filters to remove particulate matter (PM) is a crucial strategy for protecting public health. However, designing fiber‐based filters often requires balancing filtration efficiency and pressure drop, which remains a significant challenge. Inspired by the microstructure of penguin feathers, this study presents a scalable and innovative wet‐laid hybrid fibrous network (WHFN) air filter with a biomimetic structure. During the wet‐laid process, an amphiphilic diblock copolymer (DBCP) is used to regulate the surface charge and surface energy of hydrophobic electrospun short fibers, effectively mitigating fiber aggregation in water‐based processing systems. Simultaneously, electrostatic repulsion ensures that the large pores formed between coarse staple fibers are evenly partitioned by electrospun short fibers, resulting in a hybrid fibrous network structure with a uniform pore distribution. The WHFNs demonstrate excellent performance, including high filtration efficiency (91.91% for PM 1 and 100% for PM 2.5 ), low pressure drop (92.6 Pa), and robust mechanical strength (7.5 MPa). This work offers a simple and efficient strategy for fabricating high‐performance wet‐laid filters with promising applications.

Microplastic (MP) particles in the environment are covered by a so-called eco-corona. The eco-corona is made up of natural organic matter (NOM) like biomolecules, humic substances and other natural molecules. NOM substantially changes the surface properties of MP particles and therefore the interaction with other surfaces in the aqueous environment influencing their heteroaggregation behaviour.Using Colloidal Probe-AFM we studied the interactions of eco-corona covered MP particles with model sand particles on the nanoscale. Measurements were performed in different ionic concentrations to mimic changing environmental conditions. We found that the eco-corona is able to *pull* at the model sand colloidal probe by macromolecular bridging. Simulations verified the stability of these heteroaggregates under flow. With heteroaggregation experiments and following Raman-Imaging we verified the presence and stability of these aggregates on the microscale.In conclusion, we present macromolecular bridging as an eco-corona mediated heteroaggregation mechanism. It is present at monovalent salt concentrations > 1 mM and dependent on the eco-corona surface coverage. This mechanism is able to contribute substantially to MP particle heteroaggregation in the aqueous environment and explains how MPs cross the buoyancy barrier.

Electrospun nonwovens are highly versatile materials. Significant progress is achieved in terms of materials, methods, and setups, enabling a wide range of applications. However, regio-selective surface modification of electrospun fibers along their longitudinal axes remains an open challenge. This paper addresses this challenge and presents side-by-side electrospinning as a straightforward method for producing functional bead-on-string (BOS) fibers. The functional beads carry tertiary amino groups as a platform for further modifications. The beads are arranged in recurring distances along the fiber, allowing a precise fiber modification on the micron scale. This arrangement has been used for modifications with a fluorescent dye and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in a highly precise and regio-selective manner. AuNP decorated BOS fiber nonwovens show excellent performance as heterogenous catalysts under flow conditions demonstrating low pressure drop, high turnover frequency, and recyclability.

The increasing shortage in fossil resources creates a strong demand for the development of bio-based polymers with tailored properties, not competing with food resources. Polycarbonates, produced by ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides and CO2, are one promising material class to solve this issue. Poly(limonene carbonate) (PLimC) is a bio-based and non-food based polycarbonate made from limonene oxide (LimO) and CO2. It features an exocyclic double bond at each repeating unit, which can be utilized for further functionalization reactions. However, the degree of functionalization is hardly controllable. Here, we demonstrate that random terpolymerization of LimO with its hydrogenated analogue menth-1-ene oxide (Men1O) and CO2 gives access to polycarbonates with a defined number and homogeneous distribution of functional groups within the polymer chain. The reactivity ratios, determined by the Fineman-Ross and non-linear least square (NLLS) methods, are close to 1.0 for both LimO and Men1O, proving the random nature of the terpolymerization. The versatility of this synthetic platform is shown by thiol-ene click functionalization with 2-mercaptoethanol, yielding terpolymers with a defined number of pendant hydroxy groups. These are exemplarily used for fluorescence labelling of solution cast films with 5-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), revealing a high accessibility of the pendant hydroxy groups for further reactions, even in heterogeneous systems.

Developing strong and simultaneously tough polymeric materials with excellent thermal stability and mechanical performance even under extreme temperatures is truly a challenge. In a disruptive progress, continuous polymeric yarns are developed with a combination of high tensile strength of (1145 ± 44) MPa and ultrahigh toughness of (350 ± 24) J g-1 and high thermomechanical properties from -196 to 200 °C. The comprehensive thermomechanical performance of this yarn surpasses that of previously developed polymeric materials and dragline spider silks. The results demonstrate that the molecular structure of polyimide (PI) with the incorporation of flexible-rigid macromolecular, hierarchically spiral-oriented fibers, and high glass transition temperature (248 °C) are keys for the yarn's notable comprehensive performance in thermomechanical properties. The materials are ideal for technical components exposed to high thermomechanical loadings, such as those encountered in spacecraft or automotive engineering for safety-critical applications.

Electrospun nonwoven membranes from bio-based PA 6.9 can serve as efficient filters for the removal of microplastic from water and air as well as for the remediation of oily wastewater.

Research on the plastic contamination of organic fertilizer (compost) has largely concentrated on particles and fragments > 1 mm. Small, submillimeter microplastic particles may be more hazardous to the environment. However, research on their presence in composts has been impeded by the difficulty to univocally identify small plastic particles in such complex matrices. Here a method is proposed for the analysis of particles between 0.01 and 1.0 mm according to number, size, and polymer type in compost. As a first demonstration of its potential, the method is used to determine large and small microplastic in composts from eight municipal compost producing plants: three simple biowaste composters, four plants processing greenery and cuttings and one two-stage biowaste digester-composter. While polyethylene, PE, tends to dominate among fragments > 1 mm, the microplastic fraction contained more polypropylene, PP. Whereas the contamination with PE/PP microplastic was similar over the investigated composts, only composts prepared from biowaste contained microplastic with a signature of biodegradable plastic, namely poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate), PBAT. Moreover, in these composts PBAT microplastic tended to form the largest fraction. When the bulk of residual PBAT in the composts was analyzed by chloroform extraction, an inverse correlation between the number of particles > 0.01 mm and the total extracted amount was seen, arguing for breakdown into smaller particles, but not necessarily a mass reduction. PBAT oligomers and monomers as possible substrates for subsequent biodegradation were not found. Remaining microplastic will enter the environment with the composts, where its subsequent degradability depends on the local conditions and is to date largely uninvestigated.

Electrospun sponges with electrical conductivity are promising materials for electrodes with applications in pressure sensors, flexible wearable sensors, and supercapacitors. However, electrospun sponges display poor electric conductivity, which can be increased by the addition of silver nanowire (AgNW). The resulting electric conductivity may depend strongly on the distribution of the AgNW in and on the sponges. A straightforward assembly method for an elastic conductive sponge, composed of 3D structures and metal nanowires, using a synergistic strategy which involves modified impregnation and deposition processes assisted by polyethyleneimine (PEI) impregnation, is presented. The resulting changes in the material properties are also explored, and it is under specific conditions, that percolation, leading to significantly enhanced electrical conductivity in the sponges, is achieved.

Emission of microplastics (MP) to the atmosphere, airborne transport, and subsequent deposition are now recognized. However, the temporal and spatial resolution of data on MP pollution and knowledge of their atmospheric behaviour and fate is still very limited. Hence, we investigated MP wet and dry deposition in Central Germany and examined the role of weather conditions on MP contamination levels. Monthly samples of dry and wet deposition were taken over an eight-month period (05/2019-12/2019) and analysed by micro-Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR) down to 11 μm particle size and one dry deposition sample was subjected to Raman analysis to determine plastic particles down to a size of 0.5 μm. MP in a size range from 11 μm to 130 μm were detected in all wet deposition samples and in 4 out of 8 dry deposition samples by µFTIR. Polypropylene particles were found most frequently and accounted for 62

As highly efficient biocatalysts, enzymes could be used in technical applications for the degradation of polymers, for chemical recycling of polymers, and for the removal of microplastic debris. The formulation of enzymes with preservation of their enzymatic activity is a major challenge for applications with polymers.

This work reports on the synthesis of statistical copolymers of bio-based PA 6.19 and PA 6.6 together with the production of melt-spun monofilaments for the production of sustainable textile fibers. The plant oil-based 1.19-nonadecanedioic acid is synthesized from bio-derived oleic acid via isomerizing methoxycarbonylation. The homopolymer PA 6.19 with a carbon-based bio-content of 72% shows a good elongation at break of 166%, but lower tensile strength than commercial PA 6 (43 MPa versus 82 MPa). Addition of adipic acid to form statistical PA 6.6/6.19 copolymers improves toughness while maintaining the high elongation at break. Two PA 6.6/6.19 copolymers with a carbon-based bio-content of 26% and 33% are successfully synthesized and exhibited comparable toughness (94 +/- 6 MPa and 92 +/- 2 MPa) to the commercial PA 6 (92 +/- 15 MPa). The bio-based copolymers also exhibit a much lower water uptake than PA 6 and PA 6.6, resulting in a higher dimensional stability. Melt spinning of the oleic acid-based polyamides is successfully carried out to produce monofilaments with sufficient properties for further processing in a knitting process, demonstrating the capabilities of the bio-based PA 6.6/6.19 copolymers for use in the textile industry.

Flexible electronics have attracted considerable attention in the past two decades due to their distinctive features and numerous potential applications in electronic skins, human–machine interfaces, flexible displays, wearable sensors, portable energy devices, and implantable devices. Electrospun fibers offer excellent mechanical properties and tailored physicochemical properties, which are highly promising for the fabrication of emerging flexible electronics. This article provides a comprehensive review of the electrospun fiber-based flexible electronics, ranging from the introduction of electrospinning technology, diversity of electrospun fibers, and integration strategy of electrospun fiber electronics to various sensing platforms, including an electrode, resistive, capacitive, piezo/triboelectric, electrochemical, and transistor types. These electrospun fiber-based sensing devices can be integrated within multiple sensing modalities, wireless communication, self-power, and heat management function, and benefit from the advantages of electrospun fibers, such as flexibility, robustness, high porosity, diverse fiber morphology and assembly, lightweight, and low-cost, these electrospun fiber-based flexible electronics play an increasingly significant role in daily life for the monitoring of individual healthcare, including biophysical signal detection, biochemical signal detection, electrophysiological signal detection, and promoting cell and tissue regeneration serving as implantable devices. At the end of the review, several future ways to go with electrospun fiber-based flexible electronics are proposed.

Materials with an extremely low thermal and high electrical conductivity that are easy to process, foldable, and nonflammable are required for sustainable applications, notably in energy converters, miniaturized electronics, and high-temperature fuel cells. Given the inherent correlation between high thermal and high electrical conductivity, innovative design concepts that decouple phonon and electron transport are necessary. We achieved this unique combination of thermal conductivity 19.8 ± 7.8 mW/m/K (cross-plane) and 31.8 ± 11.8 mW/m/K (in-plane); electrical conductivity 4.2 S/cm in-plane in electrospun nonwovens comprising carbon as the matrix and silicon-based ceramics as nano-sized inclusions with a sea-island nanostructure. The carbon phase modulates electronic transport for high electrical conductivity, and the ceramic phase induces phonon scattering for low thermal conductivity by excessive boundary scattering. Our strategy can be used to fabricate the unique nonwoven materials for real-world applications and will inspire the design of materials made from carbon and ceramic.