Article
Polymer Science
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Maria A. M. Reis, Fernando Silva, Mariana Matos, Luis Cabedo, Jose Maria Lagaron
Summary: A new P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolyester synthesized using fruit pulp as feedstock was melt-mixed with commercial PHBV to create miscible films for food packaging. As the content of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) increased, the mechanical response of the films transitioned from brittle to ductile, with increased permeabilities to gases.
Article
Polymer Science
Yamin Shi, Wei Huang, Yi Li, Wenling Wang, Miao Sui, Qiu Yang, Yi Tong, Kai Yang, Peng Chen
Summary: Blending high content of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polylactide (PLA) significantly improves the heat resistance of PLA fibers, but maintaining good spinnability remains a challenge. This study successfully fabricates PLLA/P34HB blend fibers with low P34HB content and excellent spinnability. The incorporation of P34HB greatly improves the heat resistance of the blend fibers by increasing the crystallinity of PLLA.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Tao Zhang, Yunjae Jang, Eunhye Lee, Sooan Shin, Ho-Jong Kang
Summary: This study investigates the supercritical carbon dioxide foaming characteristics of the biodegradable polymer P(3HB-co-4HB) for environmentally friendly packaging materials. The effect of the 4HB composition on the foaming conditions, such as pressure and temperature, is studied, and the resulting foam density and expansion ratio are evaluated. Increasing the 4HB content reduces the crystallinity and tan delta value required for foam cell growth. Lower foaming temperatures are needed to maintain a suitable tan delta value. However, foaming is not possible when the 4HB content exceeds 50% due to a high tan delta value. Crystalline P(3HB-co-4HB) with low 4HB content results in lower foam density and higher expansion ratio compared to non-crystalline P(3HB-co-4HB) with high 4HB content. The addition of a chain extender slightly increases the expansion ratio by reducing crystallinity and tan delta, most effectively with a 4HB content of 16%.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nazan Koca, Clizia Aversa, Massimiliano Barletta
Summary: In this study, the toughness and brittleness issues of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were improved by introducing highly amorphous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)(4HB)). Anti-blocking agent (silica) and anti-slipping agent (ethylene bisstearamide) were added to enhance the processability of the blends. The results show that P(3HB)(4HB) increased the ductility of PLA films without altering their transparency, and the processing additives improved film blowing stability and prevented tackiness during winding.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Taku Omura, Tatsuya Goto, Akira Maehara, Satoshi Kimura, Hideki Abe, Tadahisa Iwata
Summary: The thermal degradation behavior of P(3HB-co-16 mol%-4HB) was investigated using spectroscopic analysis and kinetic modeling. Results showed the generation of various degradation products during thermal degradation, with the process occurring in at least two steps. Unzipping degradation of 3HB units was observed, which may cease or evaporate an oligomer when reaching a randomly present 4HB unit.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Minki Jo, Yunjae Jang, Eunhye Lee, Sooan Shin, Ho-Jong Kang
Summary: Crystalline and noncrystalline mixtures of poly(3-hyroxybutylate-co-4-hyroxybutylate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)) were obtained by melt blending with different 4HB contents. The study found that the mixtures had better crystalline properties and melt processing properties compared to the copolymers. The mechanical properties of the mixtures also changed with increasing 4HB content.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Hyeok Choi, Jeong Jin Park, Eun Jung Sim, Eunhye Lee, Ki Chull Yoon, Won Ho Park
Summary: In the past, plastic microbeads were used in personal healthcare products for their cleaning and exfoliating effects, but they were withdrawn due to their non-degradability and contribution to marine pollution. Natural alternatives have been developed, but usually lack sufficient performance. This study utilized a biodegradable aliphatic polyester to prepare microbeads that exhibited lower adsorption of contaminants and were effective in cleansing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiang Yang, Jing Guo, Yuanfa Liu, Fucheng Guan, Fanchen Sun, Xueyong Gong
Summary: This study proposes a simple and convenient method for preparing P(3,4HB)/GEL composite nanofibrous (P/G-CNF) to improve the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. The P/G-CNF was prepared using alkyl polyglycoside (APG) as an emulsifier. The results show that the P/G-CNF exhibits excellent micromorphology, enhanced crystallization and mechanical properties, improved hydrophilicity, and non-cytotoxicity.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Chris Vanheusden, Pieter Samyn, Bart Goderis, Mouna Hamid, Naveen Reddy, Anitha Ethirajan, Roos Peeters, Mieke Buntinx
Summary: The influence of melt processing conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) was studied, showing that strict control over processing temperature led to significantly increased elongation at break values. Optimization of the processing of this biopolymer can improve the material's applicability and expand its scope in the realm of flexible packaging applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Yousof Farrag, Luis Barral, Oreste Gualillo, Danny Moncada, Belen Montero, Maite Rico, Rebeca Bouza
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) films were prepared using a cast film technique with the addition of plasticizers. The study showed that the plasticizers decreased the glass transition temperature and crystallinity of PHBH, while increasing the crystallite size and water vapor and oxygen transmission rates. Isosorbide and low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were found to be effective plasticizers for PHBH.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Claudia Amabile, Teresa Abate, Simeone Chianese, Dino Musmarra, Raul Munoz
Summary: Synthetic co-cultures of Methylocystis hirsuta and Methylocystis parvus with Rhodococcus opacus and Pseudomonas putida were assessed for poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) production. The co-cultures showed faster metabolic activation and higher methane and oxygen consumption rates compared to single strain cultures. Coupling M. hirsuta with R. opacus or with both R. opacus and P. putida resulted in higher PHB yields, while the combination of R. opacus and P. putida with M. parvus led to reduced PHB accumulation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Slawomir Ciesielski, Elizabeth Obeyaa Adu, Justyna Mozejko-Ciesielska, Tomasz Pokoj, Andreas Wilke
Summary: Wood juice, a harmful waste from wood processing, was investigated for synthesizing bioplastics. Using Bacillus sp. G8_19, it was found that wood juice from spruce/fir trees resulted in higher PHA content compared to that from Douglas fir trees. This concept could potentially lead to the valorization of wood waste through the production of biodegradable materials.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adriana Kovalcik, Jiri Smilek, Michal Machovsky, Michal Kalina, Vojtech Enev, Hana Dugova, Nicole Cernekova, Maria Kovacova, Zdenko Spitalsky
Summary: Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing process that allows for the creation of highly precise complex three-dimensional objects, with potential applications in pharmaceutical and medical fields. This study investigated the potential of using poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)) filaments for FDM, focusing on their thermal stability and modification of rheological and mechanical properties through plasticizers or blending with poly(lactic acid). Overall, the plasticized P(3HB-co-4HB) showed promise as a biodegradable polymer candidate for FDM processes, especially when blended with poly(lactic acid).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Jisuk Lee, Yuta Hikima, Takafumi Sekiguchi, Masahiro Ohshima
Summary: The rheological and thermal properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) and chemically modified cellulose nanofiber nanocomposites (PHBH/CNF) were studied. The composite material showed improved crystallization rate, viscosity, and mechanical properties compared to pure PHBH. The injection molding process was successfully used to enhance the processability of PHBH.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Atsuhiko Murayama, Hidemasa Yoneda, Akira Maehara, Noriyuki Shiomi, Hitoshi Hirata
Summary: In order to meet the demand for more elastic and knot-loosening free sutures, we developed an absorbable monofilament suture made from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) and conducted physical property characterization and performance evaluation tests (in vitro and in vivo degradability tests and a porcine abdominal wall suture test). This flexible, highly stretchable, and difficult-to-untie suture demonstrated advantages such as small knot size and medium to long-term bioabsorbability, making it a safe alternative to existing monofilament sutures with wide-ranging potential applications.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bartlomiej Jagodzinski, Piotr Rytlewski, Krzysztof Moraczewski
Summary: This study compares Cu(acac)(2) and {[Cu(mu-O, O'-NO3)(L-arg)(2,2'-bpy)]center dot NO3}(n) as potential precursors for the electroless metallization of laser activated polymer materials. The results show that a coating containing Cu(acac)(2) and Sb2O3 can successfully deposit a copper layer after laser irradiation, while the {[Cu(mu-O, O'-NO3)(L-arg)(2,2'-bpy)]center dot NO3}(n) complex is not suitable for this metallization process.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Piotr Augustyn, Piotr Rytlewski, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Adam Mazurkiewicz
Summary: This review focuses on the possibilities of electroplating polymer materials, with an emphasis on electrical conductivity and metal electrodeposition efficiency. It highlights issues such as discontinuity, roughness, and uneven layer thickness of electroplated metal layers on conductive polymer materials, as well as the effective metallization using metal nanoparticles as fillers. The review suggests the need for further research and development in the field of electroplating of polymer materials and modification of their electrical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piotr Rytlewski, Bartlomiej Jagodzinski, Rafal Malinowski, Boguslaw Budner, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Agnieszka Wojciechowska, Piotr Augustyn
Summary: Research on the activation and metallization of polyurethane coatings using laser irradiation and glass microspheres showed that the presence of glass microspheres improved the metallization process of the material.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Laczny, Marek Macko, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Zbigniew Szczepanski, Andrzej Trafarski
Summary: This study investigates the impact of filler size, specifically corn stalk fibers, on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of polylactide matrix composites. Results indicate that larger filler fiber diameters result in significant degradation of mechanical and thermomechanical properties, while the 1 mm diameter filler fibers exhibit the best performance in the composites.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Krzysztof Moraczewski, Tomasz Karasiewicz, Bartlomiej Jagodzinski, Andrzej Trafarski, Alona Pawlowska, Magdalena Stepczynska, Piotr Rytlewski
Summary: The research demonstrates that coffee, cocoa, and cinnamon extracts have a better impact on multiple processing of polylactide compared to synthetic anti-aging compounds, enabling the materials to retain proper properties for everyday applications.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Krzysztof Moraczewski, Rafal Malinowski, Daniel Laczny, Marek Macko
Summary: The research focused on modifying maize stems by depositing polydopamine or tannic acid coatings on the surface. The use of an oxidant, potassium permanganate, was effective in increasing the deposition rate of polydopamine coatings. The modified maize stems showed potential as fillers for biodegradable polymers to improve mechanical properties.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Laczny, Marek Macko, Krzysztof Moraczewski
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of using long rotation maize stalk fibers as filler on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of an injection molded biocomposite with a polylactide matrix using different fiber percentages. The results showed that the best fiber content was 15%, which had the least impact on the mechanical properties of the biocomposite.
ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karolina Szacherska, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Piotr Rytlewski, Sylwester Czaplicki, Slawomir Ciesielski, Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel, Justyna Mozejko-Ciesielska
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a CAs-rich stream derived from acidogenic mixed culture fermentation of acid whey on PHAs synthesis by Paracoccus homiensis and compare it with individual synthetic CAs. The results showed that the CAs-rich stream promoted the growth of Paracoccus homiensis and increased the production of PHAs. These findings are important for the development of a microbial PHAs production as part of an integrated valorization process.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Karolina Szacherska, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Sylwester Czaplicki, Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel, Justyna Mozejko-Ciesielska
Summary: The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by Aeromonas sp. AC_01 using short and medium chain fatty acids (SMCFAs) was investigated. The results showed that the bacterial strain was able to grow and synthesize PHAs using SMCFAs. The highest PHA productivity was observed when a mixture of acetic acid and butyric acid was used as a supplement. Additionally, the strain was capable of synthesizing novel copolymers with high fractions of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV), which exhibited high thermal resistance. These findings suggest that Aeromonas sp. AC_01 is a promising candidate for the biotechnological production of PHAs from SMCFAs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bartlomiej Jagodzinski, Piotr Rytlewski, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Andrzej Trafarski, Tomasz Karasiewicz
Summary: The potential use of organometallic compounds with antimony (III) oxide as a coating additive for electroless metallization was studied. Surface irradiation with a 193 nm wavelength laser and different laser pulse numbers resulted in the formation of a conical structure with a higher content of metallic copper nuclei.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karolina Szacherska, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Sylwester Czaplicki, Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel, Justyna Mozejko-Ciesielska
Summary: This study evaluated the use of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFAs) derived from acid whey fermentation for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. Pseudomonas sp. GL06 showed the highest tolerance to SMCFAs and produced PHAs with the highest productivity. Further research revealed that PHA monomeric composition varied with bacterial strain and growth medium. The copolymer made of 3-hydroxybutyric, -hexanoic, -octanoic, -decanoic, and -dodecanoic exhibited promising properties.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Piotr Rytlewski, Uwe Gohs, Magdalena Stepczynska, Rafal Malinowski, Tomasz Karasiewicz, Krzysztof Moraczewski
Summary: This paper investigates the effect of electron treatment on the properties of flax fibers reinforced PLA/PCL composites. Electron treatment is found to enhance the cross-linking reactions in the composites, resulting in improved mechanical properties. The study also examines the structural changes of the composites and their degradation behavior.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Krzysztof Moraczewski, Tomasz Karasiewicz, Alicja Suwala, Bartosz Bolewski, Krzysztof Szablinski, Magdalena Zaborowska
Summary: This paper presents the research results on the potential utilization of waste from the printing process as fillers for polymeric materials. The prepared filler, composed mainly of cellulose with glue and polymer label residue, was added to polypropylene in different volume ratios and weight percentages. The results showed that even with the highest amount of filler, there were no disqualifying changes in the material properties. The obtained materials can be used in various applications, reducing costs due to the high content of inexpensive filler.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Piotr Augustyn, Piotr Rytlewski, Krzysztof Moraczewski, Andrzej Skibicki, Adam Mazurkiewicz
Summary: This study compared the laser ablation characteristics of commonly used thermoplastic materials and analyzed the impact of surface layer modification on surface free energy, wettability, and adhesive strength. The results showed that ABS, PS, PET, and PC had higher laser ablation dynamics than PLA and PA6. Surface modification significantly increased the adhesive strength, and near-infrared laser radiation was effective for surface layer modification and marking of ABS and PS materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Krzysztof Moraczewski, Andrzej Trafarski, Tomasz Karasiewicz, Marcin Mazurkiewicz, Krzysztof Szabli, Piotr Augustyn, Piotr Rytlewski
Summary: The paper presents the effects of electroless copper plating on poly(lactide acid) elements obtained by 3D printing. A novel method of surface activation using tannin and polydopamine coatings was applied. The activation and metallization effects were assessed by multiple characterization techniques.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhongming Yuan, Hiroko Yamamoto, Shinji Kanehashi, Takeshi Shimomura
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a flexible light-emitting polymer film using a solution blending method. The selective positioning of MEH-PPV molecules in the PS phase of the film was confirmed. The film exhibited a nanometer-scale luminescent domain with low aggregation quenching and showed good elastomeric characteristics.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2024)
