Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zuhal Yurtbasi, Mustafa Kuyumcu, Gokce Kurt, Alper Kasgoz
Summary: In this study, aluminum dross powders were incorporated into polyoxymethylene to develop value-added products and create an alternative utilization method for industrial waste. The morphological analyses showed various inorganic components in the aluminum dross and no significant structural incompatibility with polyoxymethylene. The addition of aluminum dross improved the mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of the composite samples.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Laongdaw Techawinyutham, Naruemon Sumrith, Rapeeporn Srisuk, Wiroj Techawinyutham, Suchart Siengchin, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa
Summary: The research explored the possibility of using residual calcium carbonate from the cane sugar production process to replace commercial calcium carbonate in plastic, adding value to the residual calcium carbonate. The residual CaCO3/PP composites showed better mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties compared to commercial CaCO3/PP composites. Tensile modulus, flexural modulus, hardness, thermal stability, and rheological properties of the composites improved with increasing CaCO3 loading.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Claudia Sergi, Jacopo Tirillo, Cinzia Iacovacci, Fabrizio Sarasini
Summary: Hybridization of vegetable fibers with basalt fibers allows for the exploitation of the environmental benefits of vegetable fibers while maintaining the mechanical properties of composites. This study investigates the mechanical recycling of flax/basalt hybrid polypropylene composites and compares the results with flax composites. The results show that the interaction between flax and basalt fibers leads to a faster degradation of flax fibers, resulting in a decrease in hybrid mechanical properties after the second recycling cycle.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Wei Tang, Junjie Xu, Qi Fan, Wenjuan Li, Haiyang Zhou, Tao Liu, Chuigen Guo, Rongxian Ou, Xiaolong Hao, Qingwen Wang
Summary: This study successfully fabricated low-cost and high-strength ultra-high-filled wood fiber/polypropylene composites using recycled polypropylene and wood fiber, showing excellent mechanical properties and creep resistance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kaili Zhu, Xiuxue Guo, Qinglu Zhang, Changheng Liu, Wenjin Li, Penghui Shen, Hongsheng Tan
Summary: This paper describes the preparation of metallocene polypropylene (mPP) composites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a twin-screw extruder. The crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, and rheological behavior of the composites were characterized. The results showed that the addition of CNTs improved the crystallizability of mPP and increased the initial crystallization temperature and crystallization temperature. The yield stress and elastic modulus also increased with increasing CNTs concentration. SEM images revealed better dispersion and adhesion of CNTs in the polymer matrix. Rotational rheometer results indicated increased interactions between CNTs and mPP.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Xiangrui Li, Mengyao Han, Mingli Liu, Lei Le, Lipeng Meng, Yu Lin, Jiaming Yu, Lingyu Meng, Chunfeng Li
Summary: The study investigates the influence of micron-sized diatomite dosage on the physical, mechanical, rheological, and creep properties of poplar wood/polypropylene (PW/PP) composites. The addition of diatomite enhances the density, improves the toughness, impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the composites. The diatomite also improves the processability and creep resistance of the composite system.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ozlem Yagci, Beril Eker Gumus, Munir Tasdemir
Summary: Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene are commonly used thermoplastics for cable insulation. By adding waste urea-formaldehyde, the thermal and structural properties of the materials are improved, enhancing their resistance to aging processes.
Article
Polymer Science
Md Zillur Rahman, Huaizhong Xu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fibre content, fibre orientation, and frequency on the dynamic behaviour of flax fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites (FFPCs) and their potential for vibration damping. It is found that fibre orientation has the most significant impact on damping, with 45 degrees and 60 degrees orientations achieving the highest loss factors. The study also highlights the comparable mechanical properties of flax fibre composites to glass fibre composites, making them suitable for structural applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Kosappllyillom Muraleedharan Praveen, Khadidja Taleb, Isabelle Pillin, Antoine Kervoelen, Yves Grohens, Sabu Thomas, Jozef T. Haponiuk
Summary: To improve the durability of polypropylene, the use of internal melt blending with elastomeric particles is an effective method. In this study, polypropylene and high-molecular-grade ethylene-propylene-diene rubber blends were manufactured using internal melt blending. The impact resistance and dispersion of EPDM rubber particles in the blends were analyzed.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Angela Ries
Summary: Self-reinforced polypropylene composites have a wide range of applications, but maintaining self-reinforcement throughout processing presents challenges. Processing temperatures and pressures influence the orientation of fibers and tapes, impacting the microstructure and properties of the composites.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Haipeng Dong, Minghui Liu, Hongliang Li, Jinhui Wu, Zenan Wu, Baikang Zhu, Lu Zhang, Tao Hengcong
Summary: Few-layer MoS2 nanofiller was successfully prepared by liquid phase exfoliation with in-situ modification and incorporated into polypropylene (PP) matrix. The uniform dispersion of MoS2 and its strong interactions with the PP substrate significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite materials. In addition, the melt flow rate (MFR) of the MoS2/PP composites was more conducive to downstream product processing compared to pure PP.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
E. O. Achukwu, M. M. Owen, A. Danladi, B. M. Dauda, A. Z. Romli, Solehuddin B. Shuib, U. S. Ishiaku, Akil Md Hazizan
Summary: In this study, recycled polypropylene-E-glass fiber composites were investigated to evaluate the effect of recycling on bending properties. The results showed a gradual decrease in flexural properties with increasing reprocessing cycles. XRD analysis revealed reduced crystallinity and glass fiber length, while melt flow index increased, indicating damage to molecular weight and complex viscosity. The major functional groups of polypropylene remained unchanged. It was concluded that the composite properties and molecular weight can only be maintained through limited recycling or by incorporating virgin parts.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ana Carolina Prataviera Sarturato, Erick Gabriel Ribeiro Dos Anjos, Juliano Marini, Guilherme Ferreira De Melo Morgado, Mauricio Ribeiro Baldan, Fabio Roberto Passador
Summary: Polypropylene (PP)/talc composites are widely used in various industries, but the demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly materials is increasing, leading to the exploration of new reinforcements. Graphene nanoplates (GNP) offer a good alternative due to their ability to enhance properties and optimize processes. This study investigated the effects of adding different weight percentages of GNP to PP/talc composites and found that it led to improvements in various properties such as flow behavior, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhenhua Wang, Weili Feng, Jiachen Ban, Zheng Yang, Xiaomin Fang, Tao Ding, Baoying Liu, Junwei Zhao
Summary: In this study, sisal-fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP/SF) flame-retardant composites were prepared using the two-step melt blending method. An intumescent flame retardant (IFR) composed of silane-coated ammonium polyphosphate (Si-APP) and pentaerythritol (PER) was used. The PP/SF composite prepared by PP/SF secondary blending with IFR showed excellent flame-retardant performance, with a limited oxygen index of about 28.3% and passing the UL-94 V-0 rating (3.2 mm) in the vertical combustion test. The mechanical properties of the composites prepared using three different mixing processes were similar.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Emese Pregi, David Kun, Gabor Faludi, Janos Moczo, Bela Pukanszky
Summary: Flax and lignin were used to prepare hybrid polypropylene composites. The mechanical properties and structures of the composites were characterized using tests and microscopy. Quantitative analysis and modeling were used to study the effects of different components on the properties of the composites.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Carmen-Mihaela Popescu, Magdalena Broda
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the chemical interactions between waterlogged archaeological wood and organosilicon compounds for conservation, showing that alkoxysilanes have stronger interactions with wood compared to siloxane, suggesting different mechanisms for wood stabilization. Through analyzing the structural changes and reactivity of the applied chemicals, it was found that alkoxysilanes bulk the cell wall and modify wood chemistry, while siloxane fills the cell lumina in the stabilization of waterlogged wood.
Article
Forestry
Petteri Torniainen, Carmen-Mihaela Popescu, Dennis Jones, Alexander Scharf, Dick Sandberg
Summary: This study investigated the color, mechanical properties, and structural characterization of Norway spruce and Scots pine commercially modified by the ThermoWood(R) S and D processes. It found changes in color, hardness values, and mechanical properties after thermal modification, and demonstrated the potential to differentiate between different modification processes and untreated wood using color measurements, mechanical properties, and principal component analysis.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Elena Butnaru, Daniela Pamfil, Elena Stoleru, Mihai Brebu
Summary: This study thoroughly characterizes the bark, needles, and cones of silver fir of different ages to determine their potential use as valuable compounds for biomass valorization. The analysis shows that these materials have promising properties for torrefaction and pyrolysis. The fir samples contain significant amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and the extractive fractions are rich in valuable compounds such as terpenes, paraffins, phenols, acids, and derivatives of abietic acid. The antioxidant activity of the extractive fractions is also observed. Furthermore, the study reveals differences in composition and properties based on the source and age of the samples.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elena Butnaru, Mihai Brebu
Summary: Forestry residues, such as needles, cones, and bark from silver fir, can be thermally processed through torrefaction and pyrolysis. These processes result in high energy yield and condensable products with uniformly distributed compounds.
Article
Polymer Science
Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Maria Rapa, Stanislaw Frackowiak
Summary: This article presents various medical applications of polyester-based materials, including tissue engineering, wound dressings, and implants. The review summarizes key features of processing methods and suitable combinations of polyester-based materials to meet specific medical field requirements. The article also discusses the use of polyester materials in preventing multidrug-resistant infections, as well as environmental concerns, current risks and limitations, and potential future directions.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Elena Butnaru, Elena Stoleru, Mihai Brebu
Summary: Thermal treatments are widely used for biomass valorization. This study investigated the thermal degradation of silver fir bark by torrefaction and pyrolysis. The results showed that the severity of the thermal treatment had a significant impact on the compositional and structural changes of the material and the properties of the final products.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Rapa, Bogdan Norocel Spurcaciu, Rodica-Mariana Ion, Ramona Marina Grigorescu, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Lorena Iancu, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Ecaterina Matei, Cristian Predescu
Summary: Innovative composites were obtained by melt blending polypropylene waste impurified cu HDPE (PPW) with two thermoplastic block-copolymers and up to 10 wt% nano-clay. The addition of nano-clay and block-copolymers increased the interphase surface and improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the material.
Article
Polymer Science
Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Anamaria Irimia, Vasile Cristian Grigoras, Fanica Mustata, Nita Tudorachi, Maria Rapa, Joanna Ludwiczak, Andrzej Iwanczuk
Summary: Bio-based plasticizers derived from renewable resources can be a sustainable replacement for petrochemical-based plasticizers. Adding natural and modified oils in PLA can significantly improve processability, surface wettability and flexibility, while enhancing thermal stability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Anamaria Irimia, Florica Doroftei, Laura Mihaela Stefan, Andrzej Iwanczuk, Agnieszka Trusz
Summary: This study focuses on the preparation and evaluation of bioactive composites using melt processing of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) loaded with sage, coconut oil, and organomodified montmorillonite nanoclay. The resulting biocomposites showed flexibility, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as cytocompatibility, demonstrating potential for medical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Maria Rapa, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Ecaterina Matei, Andra-Mihaela Predescu, Andrei-Constantin Berbecaru, Cristian Predescu
Summary: Anthropogenic microplastics and nanoplastics are widespread pollutants found in various environments. This review focuses on the release of these plastic pollutants in drinking water sources, such as tap water and bottled water, and examines their potential effects on human health. The study also evaluates emerging technologies for removing microplastics and nanoplastics from drinking water sources. The findings show that microplastics larger than 10μm can be completely removed from drinking water treatment plants, and the smallest identified nanoplastic had a diameter of 58 nm. The study highlights the importance of a unified approach to detect and regulate these pollutants in drinking water for human consumption.
Article
Polymer Science
Irina Elena Raschip, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Nicusor Fifere, Gabriela-Elena Hitruc, Maria Valentina Dinu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of synthesis parameters and natural polyphenolic extract on the mechanical and morphological properties of XG/PVA composite hydrogels. The results showed that the compression and rheological properties were correlated with the swelling behavior, contact angle values, and morphological features. Increasing the number of cryogenic cycles enhanced the network rigidity, while a weight ratio of 1:1 for XG and PVA and a polyphenol content of 10 v/v% resulted in tough and flexible composite films. All composite hydrogels exhibited gel behavior, with the elastic modulus being greater than the viscous modulus.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Diana Elena Ciolacu, Raluca Nicu, Dana Mihaela Suflet, Daniela Rusu, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Natalia Simionescu, Georgeta Cazacu, Florin Ciolacu
Summary: Considering the complex process of wound healing, an ideal wound dressing should possess multiple functionalities, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, moisture retention, antibacterial properties, wound protection, and wound healing promotion. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel was designed using cellulose and chemically modified lignin, showing promising structural and morphological characteristics. The results demonstrate that the hydrogel has improved drug encapsulation and release, antibacterial properties, and mucoadhesion compared to cellulose-based hydrogels.
Article
Polymer Science
Petruta Preda, Ana-Maria Enciu, Cristiana Tanase, Maria Dudau, Lucian Albulescu, Monica-Elisabeta Maxim, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Oana Brincoveanu, Marioara Avram
Summary: This study aimed to investigate and develop amorphous and crosslinked hydrogels based on natural compounds, such as sodium alginate, aloe vera gel powder, and chitosan, for tumor spheroid formation. The results showed that adding chitosan allowed the formation of spheroids at pH 5, while low viscosity and pH 12 aloe vera gels also promoted spheroid formation. Crosslinked hydrogel variants enhanced spheroid formation efficiency.
Article
Polymer Science
Onur Yilmaz, Mehmet Kucuk, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Catalina Natalia Cheaburu-Yilmaz
Summary: Wildfires are causing increasing damage to habitations and ecosystems. This study focuses on the development of fire-retardant coatings for fabrics, using boron/bentonite-based polymeric composites. The coated fabrics showed improved flame retardancy and reduced flame spread rates compared to uncoated fabrics. The use of a specific boron derivative resulted in even better flame retardancy and emerged as a promising candidate for halogen-free fire-retardant coatings.
Article
Polymer Science
Diana Elena Ciolacu, Daniela Rusu, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Daniel Timpu, Florin Ciolacu
Summary: Novel hydrogels were prepared from different cellulose allomorphs and their properties were investigated. The type of cellulose allomorph was found to have a complex influence on the swelling degree and morphological characteristics of the hydrogels. The cross-linking of cellulose allomorphs led to hydrogels with different performances.
