Polylactide (PLA) has garnered significant attention as a potentially sustainable substitute for conventional petrochemical polymers. This attention is attributed to several factors, including its renewable origin, biodegradability, and its compatibility with conventional polymer processing techniques. However, its inherent fragility restricts its broader utilization as an engineering plastic. In this study, the investigation focused on the thermally activated reactive modification of PLA with two functional polysiloxanes of varying molecular architectures. This modification was explored as a toughening strategy, with the objective of promoting the brittle-to-ductile (BD) transition through the formation of a locally entangled polysiloxane/PLA micro-network within the PLA matrix. Extraction, thermal, spectroscopic, and morphological analyses were conducted to confirm the formation of a crosslinked phase. The micromechanical deformation mechanisms of pristine and toughened PLA under tension, bending, and impact forces are discussed, revealing that the dispersion level, size of dispersed phase, molecular weight, and reactivity of the introduced soft phase strongly influence rheological and mechanical performance, leading to markedly improved mechanical performance. For instance, impact strength reaches ∼37 kJ/m2 at 1 wt% MOD1 and elongation at break increases to 90% at 5 wt% MOD2.

This study investigates the effect of chemical modification of xylite—a fraction derived from Polish lignite—using succinic anhydride (SA) on the morphology and mechanical performance of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites. Xylite was incorporated at loadings of 1, 10, and 25 wt% and in two particle size ranges (40–63 µm and 63–125 µm), with and without SA (0.5 and 2 wt%). The composites were characterized by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and tensile testing to evaluate crystallinity (Xc), β-phase content (kβ), and mechanical properties. Unmodified xylite reduced crystallinity (Xc down to ~37%) and significantly decreased ductility, with elongation at break strongly negatively correlated with filler content (r ≈ −0.68), indicating poor dispersion and weak interfacial adhesion. In contrast, SA addition (0.5–2 wt%) partially restored crystallinity (up to ~48%) and increased stiffness (Young’s modulus up to 2120 MPa), while altering β-phase content. FTIR analysis indicated reduced intermolecular hydrogen bonding between xylite surface hydroxyl groups in the presence of SA, consistent with interfacial chemical interactions, likely via esterification. The β-phase content showed a moderate positive correlation with xylite loading (r = +0.43) and a negative correlation with elongation at break (r = −0.46), suggesting that excessive β-phase formation may reduce toughness. Larger particles (63–125 µm) provided slightly improved elongation at break and stiffness. Overall, SA acts as both a compatibilizer and a morphology-directing agent, enabling precise control of the stiffness–ductility balance and crystalline structure in iPP/xylite composites. These results establish chemically modified lignite-derived fillers as a viable strategy for engineering cost-efficient polyolefin materials with tunable structure–property relationships, offering strong potential for scalable industrial implementation.

Polylactide (PLA) has garnered significant attention as a potentially sustainable substitute for conventional petrochemical polymers. This attention is attributed to several factors, including its renewable origin, biodegradability, and its compatibility with conventional polymer processing techniques. However, its inherent fragility restricts its broader utilization as an engineering plastic. In this study, the investigation focused on the thermally activated reactive modification of PLA with two functional polysiloxanes of varying molecular architectures. This modification was explored as a toughening strategy, with the objective of promoting the brittle-to-ductile (BD) transition through the formation of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) within the PLA matrix. Extraction, thermal, spectroscopic, and morphological analyses were conducted to confirm the formation of semi-IPN structures entangled with PLA. The micromechanical deformation mechanisms of pristine and toughened PLA under tension, bending, and impact forces are discussed, revealing that the dispersion level, size of dispersed phase, molecular weight, and reactivity of the introduced soft phase strongly influence rheological and mechanical performance, leading to markedly improved mechanical performance. For instance, impact strength reaches 37 kJ/m2 at 1 wt.% MOD1 and elongation at break increases to 90% at 5 wt.% MOD2.

Both researchers and industry sectors have been actively searching for new emulsifiers to ensure the proper stability of water-oil systems. Emulsifying agents play a pivotal role in reducing interfacial tension between two immiscible phases, facilitating droplet formation, and preventing coalescence all of which are essential for maintaining the emulsion unchanged over time. In this study, octaspherosilicates modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hydroxybenzophenone were obtained and tested as emulsifiers for the preparation of stable colloidal system through one-step emulsification. The research not only focuses on the synthesis and characterization of functionalized organosilicon compounds but also on their application in emulsion formation. Comprehensive stability studies were conducted using centrifugation tests, multiple light scattering, and laser diffraction techniques. The findings suggest that both the proportion of polyethylene glycol to hydroxybenzophenone groups attached to the organosilicon core and the water-to-oil ratio within the colloidal system significantly impact the emulsion formation. The results indicate that octaspherosilicate modified with a predominant polyethylene glycol to hydroxybenzophenone groups (6:2) contributes to forming the most stable emulsion, with average droplet size of 2.6 μm. This emulsion remained unchanged after 30 days of storage, demonstrating high stability. These findings underscore the potential of the modified organosilicon compounds as effective emulsifiers in topical formulations.

This study investigates the influence of internal infill geometry and density on the mechanical and rheological behavior of 3D-printed silicone structures fabricated using direct ink writing. Test samples with three different infill patterns (linear, triangular, and honeycomb) and four infill densities (55%, 70%, 85%, and 100%) were manufactured and evaluated through rheological creep-recovery analysis, static tensile and compression tests, and cyclic compression loading. The results demonstrate that both geometry and infill degree significantly affect the rheological and mechanical properties, such as static and cyclic compressive tests of the printed structures. Linear infill exhibited the highest compressive strength at 85% density and maintained favorable short-term stability during initial cyclic loading. Triangular patterns displayed significant sensitivity to infill density, with distinct stiffness characteristics, while honeycomb structures offered a balanced trade-off between density and mechanical response. Microscopic observations confirmed that print path quality and structural continuity correlate with the mechanical properties. The findings underscore the importance of tailored infill design in optimizing the functional performance of silicone-based components for applications such as orthotic insoles, soft robotics, and cushioning systems.

Emulsifiers are essential components in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations, enabling the stabilization of immiscible phases. Among these, silicone-based surfactants offer unique advantages, including thermal stability, biocompatibility, and tunable surface activity. However, current silicone emulsifiers are predominantly linear structures, which limits precise control over interfacial organization and structure-property relationships. Cyclosiloxanes, with their well-defined cyclic architecture and potential for modification, represent an unexplored opportunity to develop emulsifiers with predictable behaviour and enhanced interfacial control. This study investigated cyclotetrasiloxanes functionalized with hydroxybenzophenone and polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups as novel emulsifying agents. Mono- and bifunctionalized derivatives were synthesized via hydrosilylation using Karstedt's catalyst and characterized by NMR, FT-IR, and contact angle measurements. Emulsions with varying water-to-oil ratios and emulsifier concentrations were evaluated for stability using centrifugation, multiple light scattering, optical microscopy, and laser diffraction over a 60 day-period. Bifunctionalized cyclosiloxanes demonstrated markedly superior emulsifying performance compared to monosubstituted analogs. Optimal stability was achieved with a 30:70 water-to-oil composition and a PEG-to-hydroxybenzophenone ratio of 3:1, resulting in emulsions with monomodal droplet distributions (mean diameter 2.2 ± 0.1 μm). The system exhibited a strongly negative zeta potential (-42.2 mV) and remained stable throughout the storage period. These findings establish functionalized cyclosiloxanes as promising emulsifiers for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and technical applications, offering a new platform for rational formulation design.

This experimental review discusses evolutionarily approved, naturally pre-designed skeletal architectures of marine keratosan sponges in the form of 3D scaffolds, which have garnered increasing interest in the fields of structural and functional biomimetics as well as in tissue engineering. It has been demonstrated that these renewable, ready-to-use natural scaffolds can undergo further modifications through specialized treatments such as metallization and carbonization, enabling the creation of functional biomaterials while maintaining the species-specific hierarchical 3D structure. The study presented remarkable findings, including the demonstration of the unique shape-memory behavior of these scaffolds even after two months of exposure to high mechanical pressure at temperatures exceeding 100 °C. Additionally, the cytocompatibility and biological performance of natural and carbonized (1200 °C) spongin scaffolds, derived from selected bath sponges, were comparatively investigated with respect to growth and proliferation of human MG-63 osteoblastic cells. Understanding whether carbonization universally enhances osteogenic capabilities or selectively amplifies the inherent architectural advantages remains to be critical for the rational design of sponge-derived scaffolds in bone and structural tissue engineering applications.

The addition of agri-food waste to the biodegradable polymer matrix supports the circular economy. In this paper, lignocellulosic residues of beetroot pulp (BP) are modified using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). Moreover, the influence of an epoxy-based chain extender (Joncryl® ADR 4468 (ADR)) on the properties of the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites was investigated. BP as a PLA filler, as well as the co-equal roles of silanisation and ADR addiction, have not been widely tested. The chemical composition of the BP filler was determined. The success of chemical modification was confirmed by FTIR and SEM-EDS analyses. DSC, DMA and TGA were applied for the characterisation of thermal properties of the manufactured biocomposites. The influence of APTES modification and ADR on the biocomposite on the molecular weight of PLA, water resistance, rheological and mechanical properties was tested. Results showed that adhesion between filler and matrix is enhanced after APTES modification according to SEM observation. APTES modification of the BP and ADR addition has a slight influence on reducing water absorption; however, the combination of both methods significantly increases water resistance. It can be justified by the possible reaction between the amino group of APTES and the epoxy group of ADR. Rheological and molecular weight studies showed that ADR counteracts the effects of PLA hydrolysis at elevated temperatures thanks to the PLA branching process. The tensile strength increased after the silane modification by 28

Polymer aging over time, induced by environmental factors and the evolution of time-dependent properties, poses a significant challenge for maintaining the long-term performance of polymeric materials, especially of biobased origin. This study describes the synthesis of octaspherosilicates (OSS) with mixed methacrylate (MA) and hexyl (HEX) as functional groups and their application to enhance the impact toughness and ductility of polylactide (PLA). The PLA/OSS composites exhibited a notable improvement in impact strength (up to similar to 50 kJ/m(2)) and elongation at break (above 150%) due to plasticization of the PLA matrix, confirmed by rheological data. Furthermore, to evaluate how the aging factors affect initial PLA and PLA/OSS performance, a complex comparative study of bulk and surface properties was conducted. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy supported by XRD and DSC analyses provide structural insight into the recrystallization mechanisms responsible for the observed alteration in mechanical properties and changes in barrier properties over aging exposition. Moreover, surface analysis revealed a complex relationship between changes in roughness and surface layers' chemical recomposition (XPS) on their wettability (WCA) due to degradation.

Featured Application Mean apparent separation force, read together with a slip-stick peak count, gives a complementary screen for choosing butyl sealant/release-liner pairs in a specific application. The peak count is a relative warning indicator for unstable separation. It is not proposed as a validated process acceptance threshold.Abstract This study evaluated how silicone release liners come away from butyl hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive (HMPSA) sealants. An application-specific integration peel test was conducted based on FINAT FTM 10 geometry. It kept the 180 degrees geometry, the 300 mm/min crosshead speed, and the cN/25 mm reporting convention, but used 90 mm butyl-sealant strips in place of a standard reference adhesive tape. The reported values are therefore apparent/effective separation forces for the tested liner-butyl constructions, not standard FINAT datasheet release-force values. Three double-sided silicone-coated PET liners (Rossella, Dolpap, Crosil 42) and seven commercial butyl sealants (C1E, U2E, C1EN, T1E, T2E, T1EN, T2EN) were tested on both liner sides. Two descriptors summarized each force-displacement trace: the mean apparent separation force and an operational slip-stick peak count based on positive residual-force excursions. Most combinations stayed below about 18 cN/25 mm. An increase was observed for T1EN, and a much larger one for Rossella/U2E. In both cases, high, diffuse stress was accompanied by volumetric deformations, fibrillation, and unstable detachment, rather than clean detachment at the phase boundary. Dolpap was the most stable and the most symmetric. Crosil 42 stayed in the low-force range but showed a few material-specific side differences. Taken together, the mean force and the peak count form a reproducible relative screen for selecting actual liner-butyl pairs, one that complements rather than replaces standard release-liner datasheet testing.

This study investigates the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and emulsifying performance of multifunctional polysiloxane modified with trimethoxysilane, eugenol and octane in varying molar ratios. The functionalized organosilicon compounds were synthesized by hydrosilylation and characterized using NMR, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle measurements. Their emulsifying properties were evaluated in oil-water emulsions, with stability assessed through centrifugation tests, multiple light scattering, and optical microscopy. The polysiloxane modified with trimethoxysilane: eugenol: octane with a 1:4:3 molar ratio exhibited the highest thermal stability. Emulsions formulated with this compound demonstrated superior physical stability, with backscattering destabilization rates as low as − 0.29%/day, attributed to enhanced interfacial interactions and hydrogen bonding. Emulsion containing polysiloxane modified only with eugenol and octane exhibited the lowest stability, with early phase separation observed after 1.5 h and backscattering rates reaching − 1.06%/day. These results highlight the critical role of silane functionalities in interfacial stabilization. These findings demonstrate the potential of structurally tailored polysiloxanes as advanced emulsifiers for applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.

This work presents the influence of spherosilicate derivatives with fluoroalkyl groups on the properties of composite materials used in 3D printing. New derivatives obtained in the hydrosilylation process were introduced into the polylactide matrix, and the resulting composites were used to produce fibers intended for fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. The tests showed that the modified samples’ surface is hydrophobic compared to the hydrophilic reference sample of neat PLA. The highest water contact angle was observed for OSS-4OFP:2HEX:2AGE/PLA (WCA = 95.6°), a 36

The use of incremental technologies in various biomedical fields requires the development of new materials that can meet the needs of new applications. This article delves into the impact of modifying PETG with multifunctional polysiloxanes (0.10 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%) on the properties of composite materials produced for 3D printing in bioengineering applications. The article covers the effects on strength (tensile, flexural), rheological (MFR), thermal (DSC), and surface (WCA) properties. The results obtained in this study indicate that polysiloxane additives have a positive effect on the material’s elasticity and bending strength. Moreover, the results presented are a great example of interdisciplinary research combining chemical knowledge to develop specialized material applications.

The present study investigates the manufacturing and characterization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based composites with raw and treated Poaceae, with loadings of 5, 10, and 20% wt. Before composite fabrication, the lignocellulosic fillers were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and microscopy to assess their chemical composition, thermal stability, and morphological features. Composites were prepared by melting PLA in a molten state with fillers, followed by injection molding. Comprehensive characterization of the obtained composites included microscopic analysis, melt flow index (MFI) testing, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as mechanical tests (tensile and bending tests, impact test). The addition of Poaceae fibers to the PLA matrix significantly affected the mechanical and rheological properties of the composites. Incorporating 5% of cooked or alkalized fibers increased the flexural strength by 57% and 54%, respectively, compared to neat PLA. The modulus of elasticity for the composite with 20% alkalized fibers increased by as much as 35%. The fibers acted as nucleating agents, reducing the cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) by up to 15.6 °C, while alkaline residues contributed to an increased melt flow index (MFI). The conducted research provides a valuable basis and insights into the design of sustainable bio-based composites.

The problem of icing is evident in many industry sectors. One of the most affected is aviation. Icing not only causes loss of aerodynamic properties and economic losses but also threatens safety. In the present study, an attempt was made to increase the hydrophobic and icephobic properties of polyurethane coatings in the aviation industry. Modification with in-lab synthesised organosilicon compounds in the form of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) was carried out. The modifiers that contained different functional groups were especially designed to tailor and increase hydro- and icephobic properties. The coatings were deposited by air spraying and evaluated using contact angle measurements at room and subzero temperatures, analysis of ice adhesion strength, freezing delay time, surface roughness via optical profilometry, and microstructure observed through scanning electron microscopy. Reduction of contact angle hysteresis (up to 50%) and roll-off angle (up to 45%) in comparison to a reference sample were observed. The investigation revealed that organosilicon-modified coatings significantly reduce ice adhesion (by up to 56%) and triple the freezing delay time relative to non-modified references, while also enhancing surface hydrophobicity. These findings confirm the effectiveness of targeted molecular modifications in advancing anti-icing surface design for aerospace applications.

The demands of the green economy necessitate modern polymer materials that are not only environmentally friendly but also durable and capable of long service life. Bio-based polylactide (PLA) polyesters have gained significant traction in various industrial markets; however, their application in specialized sectors is hindered by high brittleness. This study extensively examines the effects of 1-5% of synthetically obtained tetracyclosiloxane (CS) and octaspherosilicate (OSS) derivatives with methacrylate (MA) and trimethoxysilyl (TMOS) groups as functional modifiers for PLA. The research provides a detailed characterization of PLA/CS and PLA/OSS materials, including a comparative analysis of mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and dynamic resistance. Notably, incorporating 5% CS-2MA-2TMOS into PLA resulted in a remarkable 104% increase in impact resistance. The study further evaluates the influence of these modifications on thermal properties (DSC, TGA), heat deflection temperature (HDT), and surface character (WCA). The miscibility between the organosilicon additives and PLA was assessed using oscillatory rheometry and SEM-EDS analysis. The melt-rheology analysis explained the mechanisms behind the interaction between the CS and OSS additives with the PLA matrix, highlighting their lubricating effects on the melt flow behavior. The study was complemented by XRD structural analysis and verification of the structure of PLA-based materials by optical microscopy and SEM analysis, demonstrating a plasticizing effect and uniform distribution of the modifiers. The findings strongly suggest that, even at low concentrations, organosilicon additives serve as effective impact modifiers for PLA.

A guarantee of safe and efficient power production by the means of green energy sources is an extremely important task, necessary to the popularize environmental-friendly solutions. Ice accumulation and water droplet erosion are some serious obstacles to increasing the power output of the wind energy sector. A proposed solution to minimize the effects of severe weathering on composite wind turbine blades is the use of anti-icing hybrid coatings. One of the strategies is to utilize protective polyurethane coatings, none of which exhibit icephobic properties. In this paper waterborne polyurethane coatings modified with nanocompounds from the group of spherosilicates were investigated in terms of water repellent and anti-icing behavior. The roughness of the surface was measured as it significantly influences the aforementioned characteristics of the material. The hydrophobicity was evaluated by means of water contact angle (WCA) at room temperature, roll-off angle (RoA) and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) measurements. All of the modifiers increased the contact angle, modifying the reference material from hydrophilic to slightly hydrophobic. The ice adhesion strength (IA), which was used to characterize the icephobic behavior was decreased even by 45% in comparison to the unmodified reference material.

The applications of 3D printing in art are a fascinating topic, but they have their controversies and limitations often overlooked in the literature. The artistic area is often presented as a niche for applications for 3D printing, but it is this direction that is one of the first to open up its wide application. The relationship between the world of science and engineering work is very often distant and there is no transfer of the challenges facing printed art to the scientific field. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the role of 3D printing in art, focusing on its applications, material-specific considerations, and technological limitations. By categorizing commonly used materials—such as thermoplastics, ceramics, clay, cement, and concrete—this work evaluates their practical and aesthetic potential for sculptural practices. The analysis addresses critical challenges, including material properties, print resolution, scalability, and layer adhesion, which often constrain artistic freedom. Additionally, the study presents a diagram of the process from modeling and digital scanning to printing and post-processing stages. Despite these challenges, the transformative impact of 3D printing on sculptural practices is undeniable, emphasizing the need for advancements in printer design and material science to bridge the gap between artistic goals and technological capabilities. By exploring these intersections, this work contributes to the ongoing discourse on integrating digital tools into the creative process.

Biometric authentication systems, including fingerprint readers, are widely used in mobile devices but remain vulnerable to spoofing attacks. This paper evaluates the properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified silicone fingerprint replicas for use in security testing. Microscopic analyses, roughness measurements, and electrical conductivity measurements showed that the effectiveness of the replicas depends on the type of silicone matrix and the concentration of CNTs. Replicas made with Double 32 at 3% CNT exceeded the percolation threshold, achieving significantly higher conductivity. In practical tests, capacitive scanners proved susceptible to recording artificial prints, while ultrasonic readers were more resistant. The results indicate that although CNTs improve the properties of replicas, their ability to reproduce higher-order features remains limited.