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
Thermodynamics
Daniela F. S. Freitas, Gabriela C. Mattos, Luis C. Mendes
Summary: Biodegradable ternary systems based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)/octadecylamine-containing zirconium phosphate were studied. The synthesis and intercalation of lamellar zirconium phosphate were accomplished. The interaction between PVA and ZrPOct was prominent, and the addition of octadecylamine altered the polymer-polymer interaction acting as a compatibilizing agent. This study provides a potential approach for controlled drug delivery.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lei Liu, Xiaodong Xu, Menghe Zhu, Xihua Cui, Jiabing Feng, Zahra Faraji Rad, Hao Wang, Pingan Song
Summary: Inspired by the hydrogen-bond cross-linking structure of spider silk, strong and tough PVA composites with beta-cyclodextrin as a cross-linker are developed, showing high tensile strength, elastic modulus, and toughness. The addition of beta-cyclodextrin also improves the biodegradability of the PVA composite. Furthermore, the PVA/beta-cyclodextrin composite combined with MXene has great potential as a sensor material for humidity and strain detection.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ning Zhang, Yong Pang, Zhaohui Li, Chuanhui Yang, Lu Zong, Hongsheng Yang, Hao Wu, Yongxin Duan, Jianming Zhang
Summary: In this study, biodegradable PVA-based elastomers with excellent solvent barrier property and high elasticity were fabricated. The water-soluble resin PAE was used as a crosslinker to effectively crosslink carboxyl PVA chains. The collaborative triple networks in the prepared PVA composites contribute to their excellent elastomer behavior. Furthermore, these materials demonstrated highly efficient barrier performance against chemical solvents permeation as chemical protective gloves, and showed a high degradation rate.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Maria Jesus Gonzalez-Pabon, Rene Cardena, Eduardo Corton, German Buitron
Summary: The study evaluated hydrogen production in MEC using a new membrane made of PVA/CS and compared its performance to Nafion. The results showed that MEC with PVA/CS had similar hydrogen production performance to Nafion, with improved acetate removal.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wen Meng, Xu Zhang, Yang Zhang, Xianglu Zhang, Wending Zhu, Handa Huang, Xiaozhao Han, Yahua Liu, Chao Xu
Summary: The study developed eco-friendly and biodegradable PVA/SA membranes as alternative coatings for SRFs. The membranes were successfully fabricated with different PVA/SA weight ratios and crosslinked using glutaraldehyde and CaCl2 solution. The biodegradable membranes exhibited excellent hydrophilicity and degradation properties. The nitrogen release behavior of the PCU granules was accurately predicted using calculated values.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Seong Baek Yang, Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Jungeon Lee, Jeong Hyun Yeum, Sabina Yeasmin
Summary: Novel poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl butyral-vinyl alcohol) films with improved hydrophobicity were prepared by saponification of poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(vinyl butyral) blend films. The saponification process was confirmed by various analysis techniques. The hydrophobicity of the films increased with increasing poly(vinyl butyral) content. The saponified films exhibited improved mechanical properties and unique surface characteristics. These films have potential applications in biomaterials, filters, and medical devices.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lilian Lin, Sarah Mirkin, Heon E. Park
Summary: In this study, brewers' spent grain (BSG) was upcycled into biodegradable composite films to tackle the pressing global challenges of plastic pollution and food waste. By utilizing BSG as a raw material for films, waste is reduced and plastic pollution is decreased. The results showed that films with 20-60 wt% BSG content had a balance between moisture absorption and mechanical strength, demonstrating the potential of BSG-based composites as sustainable materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dawei Xu, Pengju Liu, Qi Wang
Summary: A novel interfacial flame-retardant mode based on surface plasticizing and microwave selective sintering was proposed to reduce the flammability and enhance mechanical properties of PVA/KSi foam beads. The foam reached UL-94 V-0 level and had a LOI value of 33.7%, showing great potential for applications in various fields.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weiyi Su, Zhiwei Yang, Haoyang Wang, Jing Fang, Chunli Li, Gaojin Lyu, Hao Li
Summary: Replacing petrochemical polymers with biomaterials for biodegradable mulch applications has attracted attention due to the potential for improving film performance and reducing costs. In this study, the synergistic effect of sodium alginate and quaternary lignin significantly improved the performance and reduced the cost of poly(vinyl alcohol) films. The composite films exhibited improved water retention, UV resistance, heat collection, and light transmission, as well as enhanced soil consolidation.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Long Mao, Zeqing Bai, Jin Yao, Yuejun Liu
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of biopolymer-based active packaging films to improve food shelf life. This study focuses on improving the active packaging functions of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films through coating technology. The researchers developed multilayer composite films with antibacterial and UV barrier properties by incorporating catechol-functionalized layered clay into chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) coatings. The results showed significant improvements in antibacterial rate, oxygen transmission rate reduction, and UV absorption.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yingxu Song, Sumei Zhang, Jian Kang, Jinyao Chen, Ya Cao
Summary: Annealing PVA films at different temperatures affects the water absorption, leading to changes in the formation of PVA-iodine complexes. The amount of PVA segments with moderate hydration has a significant impact on the complexation process.
Article
Polymer Science
Hamid Reza Hedayati, Manounchehr Khorasani, Mostafa Ahmadi, Nicholas Ballard
Summary: In this study, well-defined and linear PVAc was synthesized using RAFT polymerization method, overcoming the difficulties in controlling molecular weight distribution during the hydrolysis of PVAc. This offers a potential route to the production of PVAc and PVA products with uniform properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alvaro Javier Patino-Agudelo, Mylene Lourdes Barbosa, Luis Henrique Mendes da Silva, Guilherme Max Dias Ferreira
Summary: This study examined the formation of aggregates between carboxylated or neutral hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) and hexadecylpyridinium chloride. The results showed that the neutral polymer exhibited a critical aggregation concentration, while the carboxylated polymer formed macroscopic aggregates through electrostatic attraction. The formation of aggregates was enthalpically favored, and hydrophobic interactions drove the process at low surfactant concentration.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Nadia Guajardo
Summary: Lipases are versatile enzymes that can catalyze various hydrolysis and synthesis reactions with selectivity. Immobilization techniques, such as using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a support material, can recover and stabilize the enzymes for their application in different types of bioreactors. This review analyzes the potential of PVA in immobilizing lipases by combining it with alginate, chitosan, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), resulting in the formation of magnetic fibers and microspheres. The review includes 42 articles published between 1999 and 2023, selected from the Scopus database. Expanding knowledge in this area is crucial due to the versatility and scalability of PVA as a support material for lipase immobilization in various bioreactor configurations.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Federico Olivieri, Gennaro Rollo, Francesca De Falco, Roberto Avolio, Irene Bonadies, Rachele Castaldo, Mariacristina Cocca, Maria Emanuela Errico, Marino Lavorgna, Gennaro Gentile
Summary: Graphene-based functional coatings were applied to cotton textiles through a simple dip-coating process. The coatings consisted of a layer of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) followed by a thin layer of polyurethane (PU) to protect the cotton fabric without compromising its flexibility and feel. The rGO coating provided electrical conductivity to the fabric, while the PU layer enhanced the durability of the coatings, resulting in stable surface resistivity even after multiple wash cycles. Additionally, the rGO/PU coated fabrics showed improved comfort, thermal conductivity, and breathability compared to regular cotton, making them suitable for applications such as thermal therapy and human motion monitoring.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Jize Liu, Giuseppe Cesare Lama, Federica Recupido, Chiara Santillo, Gennaro Gentile, Giovanna Giuliana Buonocore, Letizia Verdolotti, Xinxing Zhang, Marino Lavorgna
Summary: Intelligent composite materials and devices are of great interest for future life applications. However, the development of a single multifunctional wearable sensing material is still a challenge. In this study, a wearable intelligent fabric with piezoresistivity and mechanoluminescence ability was developed using graphene-based conductive cotton fabric and SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+/polyurethane foamed coating. The multifunctional layered composite sensor provides multiple output signals, opening up new opportunities for advanced wearable devices based on commercial fabrics.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Noemi Faggio, Angela Marotta, Veronica Ambrogi, Pierfrancesco Cerruti, Gennaro Gentile
Summary: Epoxy resins are widely used in various applications due to their mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and adhesion properties. However, the use of bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives in epoxy resins raises health concerns. This study explores furan-based epoxies as promising bio-based alternatives. By replacing methyl nadic anhydride (MNA) with maleic anhydride (MA) derived from vegetable feedstocks, a fully bio-based epoxy resin was developed. The resin showed higher reactivity towards MA and exhibited superior adhesive strength on carbon fiber-reinforced thermosetting plastics (CFRP) joints compared to traditional epoxy resins. This research demonstrates the potential of BOMF-based epoxy resins as sustainable alternatives to DGEBA-containing systems.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roberta Capuano, Roberto Avolio, Rachele Castaldo, Mariacristina Cocca, Giovanni Dal Poggetto, Gennaro Gentile, Maria Emanuela Errico
Summary: Plasticized nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) were prepared using a two-step approach, adding two different oligomeric esters of lactic acid (OLAs) as plasticizers and fumed silica nanoparticles. The nanocomposites maintained remarkable elongation at break in the presence of the nanoparticles, with minimal effects on modulus and strength. However, thermo-mechanical properties deteriorated over time due to phase separation, and the nature of the plasticizer played a crucial role. Materials with hydroxyl-terminated OLAs showed higher stability upon aging, while acid-terminated plasticizer combined with silica nanoparticles accelerated the hydrolytic degradation of PLA, leading to brittleness and a significant decrease in molecular weight after 16 weeks of aging.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Serena Santonicola, Michela Volgare, Mariacristina Cocca, Giulia Dorigato, Valerio Giaccone, Giampaolo Colavita
Summary: Microfiber pollution poses a widespread threat to marine fauna, as they can be ingested by marine organisms, including edible species, potentially leading to human exposure. However, research on microfiber and chemical exposure in fish and humans is still limited. Further research is needed to better understand the negative impacts of microfibers on aquatic habitats, marine biota, and humans.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
V. Lino, R. Castaldo, G. Gentile, P. Manini
Summary: An innovative water filtering device was designed and fabricated, using a synthetic melanin polymer coating on a nylon membrane. The coated membrane showed high stability and efficient adsorption performance, making it effective in removing azo dyes from industrial wastewater.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Serena Santonicola, Michela Volgare, Emilia Di Pace, Raffaelina Mercogliano, Mariacristina Cocca, Gennaro Raimo, Giampaolo Colavita
Summary: This study assessed the ingestion of synthetic and natural fibers in two commercially important fish species in the Mediterranean Sea. Microfibers were found in both species, with black, blue, and transparent being the most common colors. Visual and spectroscopic techniques were used to differentiate the types of fibers. The findings highlight the widespread distribution of fibrous microplastics and their potential impact on marine food webs.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Annachiara Pirozzi, Federico Olivieri, Rachele Castaldo, Gennaro Gentile, Francesco Donsi
Summary: The study successfully extracts cellulose pulp with tailored morphological properties from tomato pomace through a combination of different chemical and physical processes, offering a sustainable pathway for the extraction of cellulose and nanocellulose.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Federico Olivieri, Fabio Scherillo, Rachele Castaldo, Mariacristina Cocca, Antonino Squillace, Gennaro Gentile, Marino Lavorgna
Summary: In this study, high-surface-area amino-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2) were synthesized and functionalized with benzoyl chloride (MSN-BC) for the release of benzoic acid (BA) in response to acidic and alkaline conditions. These MSN-BC nanoparticles were embedded in acrylic coatings for corrosion protection of aluminum alloys. The coatings showed long-lasting efficiency and were validated through morphological and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, demonstrating their potential for aluminum alloy protection.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rachele Castaldo, Inna Berezovska, Michael S. Silverstein, Gennaro Gentile
Summary: PolyHIPEs templated with HCLRs exhibit advanced sorbent systems due to the synergistic combination of the adsorption capabilities of micro/mesoporous HCLRs and the absorption capacities of polyHIPEs. The amino-functionalized HCLRs significantly enhance the specific surface areas and sorption capacities of polyHIPEs for polar VOCs and CO2. The addition of HCLRs does not negatively affect the high uptake of organic solvents by polyHIPEs, and regenerability above 99% is achieved in five sorption cycles.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Viel, Mariacristina Cocca, Loredana Manfra, Davide Caramiello, Giovanni Libralato, Valerio Zupo, Maria Costantini
Summary: Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue, and the improper management of plastic waste leads to serious environmental problems. Efforts are being made to develop sustainable and circular materials, and biodegradable polymers show promise. However, the lack of data on the fate and toxicity of these polymers on marine organisms limits their applicability. This research analyzed the impact of microplastics from biodegradable polyesters on the physiology of Paracentrotus lividus.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paola Amato, Marica Muscetta, Virginia Venezia, Mariacristina Cocca, Gennaro Gentile, Rachele Castaldo, Raffaele Marotta, Giuseppe Vitiello
Summary: The mismanagement of plastics leads to high levels of waste and release into the environment, where they can persist for long periods of time due to low degradation rates. Photocatalytic methods, using Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated by semiconductor materials, offer a promising and cost-effective solution for plastic degradation. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this eco-sustainable approach in creating hybrid photocatalysts with enhanced ROS-generating ability for improved plastic photo-oxidation in aqueous environments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Federico Olivieri, Roberto Avolio, Gennaro Gentile, Annamaria Mazzone, Rosanna Rizzi, Michele Nacucchi, Rachele Castaldo, Maria Emanuela Errico, Cinzia Giannini, Luigi Ambrosio, Marino Lavorgna
Summary: An innovative process was used to develop ABS-based composites with a high content of tungsten and bismuth oxide for lead-free x-ray shielding materials. The composites showed good mechanical properties and filler dispersion, and their x-ray attenuation properties were comparable to lead. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the composites can be tailored by adjusting the filler content.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
