Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra D. Easley, Alison Mangano, Brett P. Fors
Summary: Polyurethanes (PUs) are synthesized materials commonly made from isocyanates, diols, and water. Water plays a crucial role in the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) used for self-blowing of the foams. To address safety concerns, researchers have explored alternative chemistries, and cyclic carbonate systems have shown great promise. In a recent study, Bourguignon, Grignard, and Detrembleur demonstrated that a cyclic carbonate and diamine system can generate CO2 for self-blowing through hydrolysis, allowing for a wide range of physical and thermo-mechanical properties. This work represents a significant advancement towards safer and more environmentally friendly PUs.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maxime Bourguignon, Bruno Grignard, Christophe Detrembleur
Summary: This article reports a simple and scalable process for preparing non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams. The process replaces the previous use of toxic isocyanate-based chemistry with a more sustainable variant that forms CO2 through the hydrolysis of a comonomer. The process allows for the production of greener polyurethane foams using readily available low-cost starting materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dallin L. Smith, Danixa Rodriguez-Melendez, Sidney M. Cotton, Yufeng Quan, Qingsheng Wang, Jaime C. Grunlan
Summary: A bio-based non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) with improved thermal stability and flame resistance was developed by adding glutaraldehyde and different carboxylic acids to obtain a foamed structure. Compared to conventional PU foam, this material shows higher heat resistance and flame retardant properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Guilhem Coste, Dimitri Berne, Vincent Ladmiral, Claire Negrell, Sylvain Caillol
Summary: Polyurethane foams, currently dominating the global foam market, face the challenge of using toxic isocyanate reagents. A new tetrafunctional cyclic carbonate, TC6, has been synthesized, leading to the successful production of polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) foams. These PHU foams exhibit interesting properties and have the potential to be used in applications such as seating or insulation mattresses.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nathan S. Purwanto, Yixuan Chen, Tong Wang, John M. Torkelson
Summary: Polyurethanes are commonly produced as crosslinked foams and polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) are considered as alternative materials to isocyanate-based polyurethanes. In this study, we developed a rapid synthesis method for reprocessable self-blowing PHU foams with adjustable properties. We also demonstrated the feasibility of melt-reprocessing the foams into bulk films with full recovery of cross-link density. The study highlights the design and rapid synthesis of highly tunable and dynamic PHU foams with promising sustainability aspects.
Article
Polymer Science
Rodrigo alvarez-Barajas, Antonio A. Cuadri, Francisco J. Navarro, Francisco J. Martinez-Boza, Pedro Partal
Summary: This study explores the use of three native lignin-rich products from industrial bioethanol production and pulping as emulsifiers, finding that emulsification pH strongly affects the stabilization ability of lignins.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zenghe Liu, Zizheng Fang, Ning Zheng, Kexuan Yang, Zhuo Sun, Sujing Li, Wei Li, Jingjun Wu, Tao Xie
Summary: Current strategies for recycling polyurethane thermosets are economically unattractive and/or lead to recycled products with inferior properties. However, a highly efficient chemical strategy has been developed to upcycle thermoset polyurethane foams, producing products of higher economic value.
Article
Polymer Science
Harry Charles Wright, Duncan Drummond Cameron, Anthony John Ryan
Summary: Polyurethane foams are versatile but challenging to formulate. This study demonstrates an experimental design framework combined with a design of experiments approach to reduce the number of experiments required and decrease the reliance on expert knowledge. By exploring the relationship between catalyst and surfactant loadings, the foam physical properties can be modeled and the cell morphology and hydrodynamic behavior of the foam can be investigated.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kim J. Jenkins, Fenella M. Johns
Summary: The paper describes the updates of the South African Technical Guideline (TG2) for BSMs, focusing on structural design methods and discussing revised mix design procedures, updated material classification systems, and pavement investigation and evaluation guidelines. It highlights the strong links between material investigation, classification, mix design, and structural design, presenting two structural design methods for BSMs. The paper also includes a comparison of eight pavement structures utilizing the two methods.
ROAD MATERIALS AND PAVEMENT DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ping-Lin Yang, Sung-Han Tsai, Kan-Nan Chen, David Shan-Hill Wong
Summary: The efficiency of synthesizing NIPU using conventional heating is low, while microwave radiation can achieve continuous synthesis and recirculation of NIPU. By using a flow tube reactor for continuous microwave radiation synthesis, the energy efficiency is greatly improved, making it a reliable and energy-saving green method.
Article
Polymer Science
Clara Amezua-Arranz, Mercedes Santiago-Calvo, Miguel-Angel Rodriguez-Perez
Summary: This study synthesizes isocyanate-free polyurethane foams from cyclic carbonates and diamines using sodium bicarbonate as the foaming agent, and achieves densities as low as 142 kg/m3.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jian Ouyang, Ji Zhou, Peng Cao, Yan Meng
Summary: The influence of cement content, cement type, and emulsion type on the drying and film formation of bitumen emulsion paste was studied. The drying and film formation process of bitumen emulsion paste can be divided into three stages. Higher values of phi(2) and phi(m) indicate a denser particle packing state and lower residual water content of the final stage, which are beneficial to the drying and film formation quality of bitumen emulsion paste.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hao Fu, Chaohui Wang, GongXin Yu, Qian Chen, Luqing Liu
Summary: This study aimed to optimize the structure and construction method of ultrathin OGFC to improve its durability and service quality, including recommended asphalt aggregate ratio and the optimal timing for spraying WEA bonding material.
ADVANCES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yiqi Chen, Yujie Duan, Han Zhao, Kelan Liu, Yiqing Liu, Min Wu, Peng Lu
Summary: In this study, a bio-based porous foam was prepared using a Pickering emulsion as a template. The stability of the emulsion was improved by physical modification of TOCNC and using composite particles as stabilizers. The resulting foam had uniformly distributed pores and significantly lower thermal conductivity compared to TOCNC foam.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alberto De Iseppi, Matteo Marangon, Giovanna Lomolino, Antonella Crapisi, Andrea Curioni
Summary: Wine lees, a sludge-like material mainly consisting of yeast cells, can be processed to yield mannoprotein-rich extracts with emulsifying and foaming functionalities for application in the food industry. Real wine lees extracts containing grape-derived polyphenols performed equally or better than extracts from laboratory-grown yeast cultures, making them a promising alternative source of emulsifiers and foaming agents.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Claudia Roman, Miguel A. Delgado, Moises Garcia-Morales
Summary: Mobile learning is an emerging educational methodology that can improve students' grades, promote learning, increase interest in learning, and create a better learning environment.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Rodrigo alvarez-Barajas, Antonio A. Cuadri, Francisco J. Navarro, Francisco J. Martinez-Boza, Pedro Partal
Summary: This study explores the use of three native lignin-rich products from industrial bioethanol production and pulping as emulsifiers, finding that emulsification pH strongly affects the stabilization ability of lignins.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Claudia Roman, Moises Garcia-Morales, Maria E. Eugenio, David Ibarra, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Miguel A. Delgado
Summary: A method aimed at developing sustainable oleogels for lubrication applications was reported, utilizing cellulose nanofibrils from elm pulps in castor oil. The study highlighted the high thickening power of cellulose nanofibers and their potential as a material for lubrication applications.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Antonio A. Cuadri, Rocio Gallego, Maria J. Martin-Alfonso, Clara Delgado-Sanchez, Esperanza Cortes-Trivino, Adrian Tenorio-Alfonso, Antonio M. Borrero-Lopez, Francisco J. Ortega
Summary: This study integrates the software Mathcad into an educational experience by resolving real case studies, aiming to minimize students' mathematical difficulties in solving engineering problems, particularly ordinary differential equations.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Juan Cubero-Cardoso, Antonio A. Cuadri, Fernando G. Fermoso, Jose Enrique Martin-Alfonso, Juan Urbano
Summary: Inverse vulcanization is a reaction used to produce hybrid inorganic-organic polymeric materials by utilizing sulfur from refining crude oil. In this study, copolymers were synthesized using a quantitative atom economy and characterized using various techniques. Two types of copolymers showed great potential in different applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Francisco Jose Ortega, Antonio Abad Cuadri, Pedro Partal, Francisco Javier Navarro
Summary: This paper proposes a successful approach of using Dodecenyl Succinic Anhydride (DSA) to soften aged bitumen and inhibit aging in road recycling. The experimental results show that DSA has a greater potential to soften bitumen compared to diluent oil, and it improves the wettability and compaction of asphalt.
Article
Polymer Science
Avido Yuliestyan, Pedro Partal, Francisco J. Navarro, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, David Ibarra, Maria E. Eugenio
Summary: Oil-in-water bitumen emulsions stabilized by biobased surfactants, specifically lignin derived from the kraft pulping and bioethanol industries, were investigated in this study. A comprehensive chemical characterization of the lignin samples was conducted, revealing differences in lignin concentration, molecular weight, and presence of carbohydrate residues and ashes. The emulsification ability of lignin-based cationic surfactants was evaluated on prototype silicone oil-in-water emulsions, with cationic kraft lignin showing the best performance. It successfully stabilized bitumen emulsions with a high bitumen content using small surfactant concentrations.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
S. D. - Fernandez-Silva, M. A. Delgado, M. V. Ruiz-Mendez, I. Giraldez, M. Garcia-Morales
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using waste cooking oils as eco-lubricants and separates them into lighter and heavier fractions through molecular distillation. A comprehensive chemical characterization is conducted, revealing high viscosity index values in waste cooking oils with low polar compounds and acidity levels. It is also found that the lighter fractions composed of free fatty acids demonstrate improved oxidative resistance, while the heavier fractions exhibit better thermal stability. Furthermore, both fractions show enhanced friction-reducing capability compared to their parent waste cooking oils.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Clara Delgado-Sanchez, Pedro Partal, Maria Jose Martin-Alfonso, Francisco Javier Navarro
Summary: Non-aqueous phase change emulsions are promising multifunctional fluids composed of phase change materials dispersed in carrier fluids. This paper presents the development of stable emulsions using stearic acid and silicone oil, and evaluates their properties and stability. The results demonstrate that these emulsions have the potential to be used for both latent heat storage and transport under extreme conditions.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
R. Alvarez-Barajas, A. A. Cuadri, C. Delgado-Sanchez, F. J. Navarro, P. Partal
Summary: Non-bituminous binders have been developed as sustainable roofing materials using bio-based rosin esters, waste cooking oil, and recycled polyethylene. The compatibility of binder compounds was studied through comprehensive characterization. Thermal conductivity and solar radiation tests revealed the enhanced energy efficiency of the non-bituminous binder compared to a reference polymer modified bitumen. The developed binders are expected to act as reflective building materials to reduce heat island effects and save energy.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
C. Gutierrez-Blandon, A. A. Cuadri, A. Tenorio-Alfonso, P. Partal, F. J. Navarro
Summary: This paper analyzes the thermomechanical properties, heat storage characteristics and compatibility of bitumen blends with a paraffin wax as phase change material. The results show partial compatibility between the blends, and the development of a multiphasic microstructure. Despite the partial compatibility, the blends exhibit a high degree of crystallinity, which makes them suitable for applications requiring thermal energy storage.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Claudia Roman, Miguel A. Delgado, Samuel D. Fernandez-Silva, Moises Garcia-Morales
Summary: Sustainable lubricating oleogels were obtained by utilizing the high thickening capacity of cellulose nanofibers in castor oil. The effect of pulp bleaching on the thermo-rheological behavior of the oleogels was analyzed, and it was found that oleogels prepared with nanofibers from unbleached pulp performed better under shear deformations and temperature changes, demonstrating a strong capacity for structure recovery.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Samuel D. Fernandez-Silva, Moises Garcia-Morales, Charlene Ruffel, Miguel A. Delgado
Summary: This study demonstrates that fiber-like nanoclay Pangel B20 acts as a good anti-wear and load-carrying additive in eco-friendly lubricants, while Cloisite 15A has friction reducing properties. These anti-wear and friction reducing properties are influenced by both nanoclay concentration and oil viscosity.
