Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marius Stelian Popa, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the preparation, properties, and application of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) blends with other biodegradable polymers. The focus is on the compatibility of PHB with other polymers and the methods used to improve dispersion and interface. The changes in PHB morphology, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties induced by the second polymer are critically analyzed. The review also summarizes the biodegradability and recyclability strategies of PHB blends, along with the processing techniques adapted to the intended application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiao-Ying Gu, Ling-Min Hu, Zhi-Ang Fu, Heng-Ti Wang, Yong-Jin Li
Summary: This study successfully achieved a remarkable combination of superior mechanical performance, bacterial resistance, and controllable degradability in bio-degradable PLLA/PBSU blends by stabilizing epoxide group modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles at the PLLA-PBSU interface through reactive blending. The nanoparticles acted as interfacial compatibilizer and photodegradation catalyst, enhancing compatibility between polymer phases and improving mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and photodegradation performance of the composite films.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Rong Yang, Chaoyi Cai, Xiaochen Han, Zhifan Chen, Guozhang Gu, Chengpeng Zhang, Guoxiang Zou, Jinchun Li
Summary: In this study, a biodegradable material with super toughness was synthesized and blended with polylactic acid. The presence of fumaric acid facilitated self-vulcanization, resulting in the formation of a hard-soft core-shell rubber phase and significant improvements in degradation rate and mechanical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Han Wu, Chunyu Wang, Zhenbo Ning, Ni Jiang, Zhihua Gan
Summary: By adding flexible hydrophobic poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and multi-epoxy chain extender, the toughness and degradation rate of poly(glycolic acid) were successfully improved. This provides an effective way for the application of poly(glycolic acid) in the fields of medical devices and food packaging.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Bruno de P. Amantes, Renato Jonas B. de Oliveira, Maria de Fatima Marques
Summary: This study investigated blends of polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 (PA6), and biodegradable polymers (BPs) as compatibilizing agents, producing ternary blends with superior mechanical properties due to better dispersion of the phases. Positive results were observed in the biodegradation test for all samples containing BPs, indicating the potential for environmentally friendly polymer blends.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pengwu Xu, Shuai Tan, Deyu Niu, Weijun Yang, Piming Ma
Summary: This study used biodegradable and flexible polycaprolactone (PCL) and multifunctional epoxy polymers (MEPs) to improve the toughness of polyglycolic acid (PGA). By adding MEP to PGA and PCL, the compatibility between PGA and PCL was greatly improved, resulting in significantly increased toughness and tensile strength of PGA/PCL blends.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christopher DelRe, Boyce Chang, Ivan Jayapurna, Aaron Hall, Ariel Wang, Kyle Zolkin, Ting Xu
Summary: Embedding catalysts in plastics can accelerate chemical modifications with programmable latency and pathways. By introducing additives to change the morphology of polymeric materials, it is possible to alter the accessibility of embedded enzymes to achieve near-complete degradation. Understanding how the host polymer's morphologies impact reactions catalyzed by embedded species is crucial for enhancing depolymerization processes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaonan Chen, Zhen Zeng, Yilong Ju, Min Zhou, Hongwei Bai, Qiang Fu
Summary: Super-toughened and high-strength PLA/PBAT blends were successfully prepared by interfacial compatibilization and dynamic vulcanization with small amounts of ESA. The compatibilization was achieved by grafting PLA and PBAT chains onto ESA backbones, generating PLA-graft-PBAT copolymers at the blend interface. The vulcanization led to highly cross-linked PBAT particles with a network-like distribution in the PLA matrix, resulting in improved toughness and strength.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minghui Wu, Qian Ren, Xiuyu Zhu, Wanwan Li, Haibin Luo, Fei Wu, Long Wang, Wenge Zheng, Ping Cui, Xiaosu Yi
Summary: A reactive compatibilizer was used to modify a PLA/PBAT blend foam, resulting in PLA blend foams with improved impact strength. The interfacial adhesion and cell size were found to strongly affect the impact strength of the foams. Enhancing interfacial adhesion and reducing cell size resulted in significantly improved impact properties. This study provides a feasible and practical strategy for preparing highly toughened and fully biodegradable PLA materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Meifeng He, Jian Wang, Zhenhua Wang, Jiangyang Mo, Junqing Zhang, Xiao-zhen Fan, Wenyong Dong, Yongjin Li
Summary: The study found that the PMMA side chains have a significant impact on improving the interfacial adhesion of PLLA/ABS. Increasing the number of side chains in the comb-like compatibilizers can linearly enhance the morphology of the blends while also improving their mechanical properties.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qianfeng Wang, Jiayi Li, Jinggang Wang, Han Hu, Yunxiao Dong, Drow Lionel O'Young, Di Hu, Xiaoqin Zhang, Dong-Qing Wei, Jin Zhu
Summary: The demand for sustainable development has led to increasing attention in biobased polyesters due to their adjustable thermal and mechanical properties and biodegradability. In this study, a list of novel aromatic-aliphatic poly(alkylene adipate-co-thiophenedicarboxylate) (PAATh) copolyesters was synthesized using a novel bioderived aromatic diacid. These copolyesters showed high thermal stability, excellent tensile strength, and superior gas barrier performances. The biodegradability of PAAThs was fully evaluated, and the effect of diol components on enzymatic degradation was revealed by computational analysis. This study provides insights into the development of promising substitutes for commercial biodegradable polyesters and sheds light on their complicated degradation mechanisms.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Frantisek Kucera, Josef Petrus, Jan Zidek, Petr Polacek, Michal Simonek
Summary: This study simulated an approach for reactive processing and compatibilization of plastic waste in municipal waste, involving the mixture of various thermoplastics. The results showed that different peroxide initiators had varying effects on melt viscosity and compatibility, while SEBS-g-MAH acted as a universal and effective reactive compatibilizer. The study also explored the impact of different peroxides on the type of radical reaction in individual thermoplastics.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Xipo Zhao, Juncheng Li, Xiaolei Yu, Siyu Yang, Jinchao Liu, Weiyi Zhou, Shaoxian Peng
Summary: The compatibility and material properties of PLA/PA11 blends were improved by using multifunctional epoxy reactive compatibilizer, leading to excellent oxygen and water barrier properties, making them suitable for application as packaging-barrier film materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Idejan P. Gross, Rodrigo H. Saatkamp, Mariele P. Sanches, Alexandre L. Parize, Alfredo T. N. Pires
Summary: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to discussions about increased packaging and reduced reuse. Many countries are promoting the use of biodegradable polymers. This study investigated the properties of blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) with the addition of monobutyl maleate (MBM) as a compatibilizer. The results showed that MBM acted as a plasticizer, improving the flexibility and adhesion of the blend films.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Arjit A. Gadgeel, Shashank T. Mhaske
Summary: The research focuses on the reactive compatibilization of nylon 11 (PA11) and polypropylene (PP) using maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP-g-MA) through an extruder. By utilizing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a dispersion agent, successful dispersion of the PP phase in PA11 was achieved, aiding in controlling the consistent interaction of phases.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
P. Poornima Vijayan, Krzysztof Formela, Mohammad Reza Saeb, P. G. Chithra, Sabu Thomas
Summary: Epoxy resin is a versatile material that has been used to develop non-toxic antifouling coatings by integrating anticorrosion and adhesive functions to tackle biofouling issues. Materials such as nanomaterials, siloxanes, and conducting polymers can help epoxy resin achieve antifouling properties, with significant potential for future development.
JOURNAL OF COATINGS TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Paulina Wisniewska, Lukasz Zedler, Mariusz Marc, Marek Klein, Jozef Haponiuk, Krzysztof Formela
Summary: In this research, low-temperature extrusion was used to modify ground tire rubber for better mechanical properties. The emission profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was investigated, revealing that dicumyl peroxide decomposition by-products were the most emitted compounds. The detection level of the devulcanization marker benzothiazole was low.
Article
Polymer Science
Pampayil Sasikumar Sarath, David Pahovnik, Petra Utrosa, Ozgun Can Onder, Sabu Thomas, Jozef T. Haponiuk, Soney C. George
Summary: This study investigates the influence of hybrid nanofillers on the properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites. The results show that better dispersion of graphene oxide improves the mechanical properties and reduces the friction coefficient of the material. Additionally, graphene oxide can form a lubricant layer, leading to a smoother material surface. The study also explores the solvent transport and the factors affecting it, such as solvent structure and filler concentration.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Hanna J. Mariya, Jozef T. Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas, Amin Esmaeili, S. Mohammad Sajadi
Summary: The rapid growth of communication electrical equipment has brought about unwanted interference of electromagnetic waves, causing concerns for human health and system performance. To combat these consequences, incorporating materials such as carbon nanotubes can enhance the noise sensitivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of devices.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Anoop Kallingal, Aravind Ayyolath, Varun Thachan Kundil, Akshay Maniyeri Suresh, Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Jozef Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas, Anu Augustine
Summary: This study focuses on screening endophytic fungi for the production of active acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Three isolates were found to inhibit AChE inhibitory activity and were identified as 9-hexadecen-1-ol and erucamide. Computational studies revealed that these compounds have significant activity in inhibiting AD.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mateusz Cieslik, Agata Rodak, Agnieszka Susik, Natalia Wojcik, Michal Szocinski, Jacek Ryl, Krzysztof Formela
Summary: This study investigated the multiple reprocessing of a commercially available PLA conductive composite with carbon black filler for 3D printing. The effects of extrusion temperature and reprocessing steps on the rheology, morphology, thermal, and electrochemical properties of the conductive PLA 3D-printing filament were evaluated. The results showed deterioration in thermal stability and material strength, as well as an increase in melting point after initial melting. The conduction mechanism and reversibility of the redox process were also affected by the multiple processing. Furthermore, the material fluidity was too high after multiple reprocessing, which should be considered for proper application as a 3D-printed electrode material.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Akshay Maniyeri Suresh, Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Jozef Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas
Summary: In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the environment has quickly turned to proven specialist task forces to develop public health policies and measures to mitigate the impact of emerging coronaviruses. Recent studies have indicated that daily intake of 10 μg of 25-hydroxy vitamin D is recommended for keeping safe. This study investigates the role of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in preventing COVID-19 infection through in-silico experiments and suggests that it may be more effective than Lopinavir.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Amin Esmaeili, Lukasz Piszczyk, Mohamed S. Hasanin, Mashhoor Kattali, Jozef Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas
Summary: The nature of human curiosity, wonder, and ingenuity has existed since ancient times. Alongside the development of human civilization, there has been a growing interest in the scientific understanding of natural phenomena. In recent years, there has been significant progress in the use of nanotechnology in medicine and drug delivery. Nanomaterials have emerged as essential tools in modern medicine, with applications ranging from imaging to tumor-targeted drug delivery. However, the use of nanoparticles also presents environmental and societal challenges, particularly regarding toxicity. This review highlights the contributions of nanoparticles to medicine and pharmaceuticals and discusses the future impact of nanotechnology in these fields.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Agata Rodak, Agnieszka Susik, Daria Kowalkowska-Zedler, Lukasz Zedler, Krzysztof Formela
Summary: In this study, ground tire rubber and styrene-butadiene block copolymer (GTR/SBS) blends were prepared with different SBS copolymer grades and cross-linking agents. The rheological and cross-linking behavior, physico-mechanical properties, thermal stability, and morphology of the blends were characterized. It was found that the selected SBS copolymers improved the processability of the blends and the type of cross-linking agent influenced the cross-linking behavior. The sulfur system cross-linked blends exhibited better tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance compared to those cross-linked by dicumyl peroxide. Moreover, the SBS copolymers improved the thermal stability and interfacial adhesion between GTR and SBS copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Agnieszka Susik, Agata Rodak, Javier Canavate, Xavier Colom, Shifeng Wang, Krzysztof Formela
Summary: Ground tire rubber (GTR) was modified by thermo-mechanical treatment with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers. The effects of different SBS copolymer grades and content, as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the modified GTR, were investigated. It was found that linear SBS copolymer showed the most promising modifying effect on GTR in terms of processing behavior. Additionally, the presence of SBS also improved the thermal stability of the modified GTR.
Article
Microbiology
Amr H. Hashem, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Jozef Haponiuk, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Mohamed S. Hasanin
Summary: In this study, trimetallic copper-selenium-zinc oxide nanoparticles (Tri-CSZ NPs) were successfully mycosynthesized using Aspergillus niger for the first time. The physiochemical and topographical analysis confirmed the biosynthesis of Tri-CSZ NPs and their promising antifungal activity against mucormycosis-causing fungi.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Paulina Wisniewska, Jozef Haponiuk, Mohammad Reza Saeb, Navid Rabiee, Sidi A. Bencherif
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of crystalline porous materials comprising metal ions and organic linkers. They have high porosity and large surface area, making them attractive for various applications. However, assessing and optimizing their properties in biological systems is crucial for their clinical translation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohamed S. Hasanin, Amr H. Hashem, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Jozef Haponiuk, Ebrahim Saied
Summary: In this study, a novel nanocomposite based on mycosynthesized bimetallic zinc-copper oxides nanoparticles, nanocellulose, and chitosan was prepared through an ecofriendly method. The nanocomposite exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as potential antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis and photocatalytic activity. The results suggest that this nanocomposite has important application potential.
ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Aparna Beena Unni, K. S. Joshy, Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Jozef Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas
Summary: With the increasing global demand for green chemicals, the bio-based polymer market is expected to expand significantly in the future. The synthesis of functional polymers has been a growing area of research for many years. The development of bio-based polymers has been primarily driven by their compostability and biodegradability, which are important due to concerns about waste. Advancements in refining biomass raw materials have led to the creation of bio-based construction materials and products, while limitations in polymer control and stability hinder the development of biocompatible and versatile polymers. The article comprehensively discusses the current strategies, market dynamics, and research trends of emerging bio-based polymers, as well as recent scientific breakthroughs.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Akhila Nair, Kanagaraj Kuppusamy, Senthilkumar Nangan, Thirumalaivasan Natesan, Jozef T. Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas, Ramasamy Ramasubburayan, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Manickam Selvaraj, Sreeraj Gopi
Summary: Natural carbon dots are significant in various fields due to their easy synthesis and unique properties. In this study, three types of NCQDs were prepared and optimized from Withania somnifera plant. The introduction of nitrogen through ammonia and ethylenediamine improved the fluorescence quantum yield of NCQDs and showed potential in inhibiting Covid-19.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tetsu Sato, Mariko Takahashi, Takeshi Saito, Masahito Toyonaga, Itsuo Tanuma, Rie Yamada, Satoru Hosoda
Summary: An automatic evaluation system for photooxidation has been developed and successfully applied to assess the photo-OIT of LDPE samples containing photooxidation stabilizers. The system allows independent setting of various measurement conditions and provides detailed information on the photooxidation process.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zongzheng Zuo, Shuxue Zhou
Summary: In this study, three fluoroalkyl trimethoxysilane (FATMS) additives with different chain lengths were incorporated into a two-component polyurethane clearcoat to improve its hydrophobic durability. The coatings modified with FATMS maintained their surface hydrophobicity under various conditions, but quickly lost it when exposed to both UV irradiation and/or high temperature with water. The results suggest that the FATMS route is more suitable for indoor applications at room temperature.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Song Li, Feng Zhao, Xueya Wang, Zhihua Liu, Jingze Guo, Yutong Li, Shuangmei Tan, Zhenxiang Xin, Shuai Zhao, Lin Li
Summary: Green flame retardants have garnered attention for their environmental friendliness, but current options fall short in achieving high flame retardancy for flammable polymers and maintaining environmental protection. This study takes a two-pronged approach to address flame retardants and the flame-retardant process. An eco-friendly bio-based synergistic flame retardant (PAU), synthesized using phytic acid (PA) and urea (U), is used to create a flame retardant coating that can be directly applied to any surface shape using polydopamine as an adhesive. The resulting EPS-PAU exhibits excellent flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and light weight while only slightly increasing the density.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
