Article
Materials Science, Textiles
N. J. R. Belino, Tra Barata, Roshan Paul
Summary: This research work aims to develop an electrospinning system for controlling the deposition of electrospun nanofibers of polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) by adding metal rings connected to a secondary direct current voltage power supply. The use of this system proved successful in obtaining thinner nanofibers with lower standard deviation and fewer beads.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gianluca Viscusi, Elena Lamberti, Maria Rosaria Acocella, Giuliana Gorrasi
Summary: This paper focuses on fabricating hybrid materials using electrospun polyamide fibers reinforced with hemp fibers dissolved in an ionic liquid. The physical properties of the hybrid materials are evaluated, showing an interconnected structure between polyamide 6 and the dissolved hemp fibers. Analysis of X-ray, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and barrier properties suggests improvements in thermal stability, water sensitivity, water clustering phenomena, and mechanical properties. The enhanced antioxidant properties and surface energy distribution are also reported.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiaolian Niu, Longfei Wang, Mengjie Xu, Miao Qin, Liqin Zhao, Yan Wei, Yinchun Hu, Xiaojie Lian, Ziwei Liang, Song Chen, Weiyi Chen, Di Huang
Summary: The novel PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 bilayered tissue guided membranes show good physical and mechanical properties, biological compatibility, and osteoconductivity. Through a series of tests, it is confirmed that the membranes have good porosity and bioactivity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Ileana Covaliu-Mierla, Ecaterina Matei, Oana Stoian, Leon Covaliu, Alexandra-Corina Constandache, Horia Iovu, Gigel Paraschiv
Summary: Electrospinning is a unique technique for synthesizing polymer and metal oxide nanofibers. Titanium dioxide plays a crucial role in the synthesis of nanofibrous membranes, providing good photocatalytic activity and stable nanostructures.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Feiyan Xu, Haiyan Tan, Jiajie Fan, Bei Cheng, Jiaguo Yu, Jingsan Xu
Summary: Solar-driven semiconductor photocatalysis using electrospun TiO2 nanofibers shows great potential to solve energy and environmental crises. The unique unwoven nanofibrous network facilitates mass transportation, making them ideal substrates for growing secondary nanostructures and constructing heterojunction photocatalysts. Strategies to load electron or hole cocatalysts and hybridize secondary semiconductors enhance electron-hole separation, light absorption, and photocatalytic performance of electrospun TiO2 NFs.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yinzhou Guo, Heloise Therien-Aubin
Summary: Combining plasmonic nanoparticles with semiconductor photocatalysts and embedding them in polymer fibers to design photocatalytic membranes can enhance catalytic activity. Gold nanoparticles covered with patches of cerium oxide outperformed fully covered and naked nanoparticles in catalytic efficiency in model reactions. This approach was successfully applied in water remediation experiments.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Chan-Geun Song, Jonghan Won, Inhoon Jang, Hyeunseok Choi
Summary: This study developed an anatase TiO2 nanofiber as a high-efficiency catalyst using the electrospinning method and a residual organic matter cleaning method with UV light. This method achieved anatase structure TiO2 nanofibers through heat treatment at 260 degrees C and improved photocatalytic efficiency by removing residual organics with UV light. The photocatalytic efficiency of the fabricated TiO2 nanofibers was approximately six times higher than P25 and heat-treated nanofibers, as confirmed by a methylene blue decomposition experiment under visible light irradiation.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wen Zhou, Xinxin Zhang, Xiaobao Gong, Mingle Ding, Jianyong Yu, Shichao Zhang, Bin Ding
Summary: In this study, a unique and simple method was used to assemble environmentally friendly polyamide nanofiber membranes for seawater desalination. The membranes demonstrated impressive performance in terms of salt rejection and water flux, highlighting their potential for practical applications in water purification.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Wen Zhou, Jianyong Yu, Shichao Zhang, Bin Ding
Summary: In this study, fluorine-free polyamide/poly-dimethylsiloxane (PA/PDMS) composite nanofibrous waterproof and breathable membranes (WBMs) were successfully synthesized by direct electrospinning using alcohol-based green solvents. The resulting membranes exhibited excellent breathability, moisture permeability, and hydrostatic pressure performance, making them promising for applications in outdoor clothing, medical gowns, and wound dressings.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wen Zhou, Xinxin Zhang, Xiaobao Gong, Mingle Ding, Jianyong Yu, Shichao Zhang, Bin Ding
Summary: Seawater desalination is a promising solution to freshwater scarcity, but existing membranes face challenges such as poor channel interconnectivity and tradeoff between salt rejection and water flux. This study presents a one-step green solvent/nonsolvent spinning method to assemble environmentally friendly polyamide nanofiber membranes for seawater desalination. The membranes show highly interconnective amphiphobic channels and stable bonding structure, resulting in impressive salt rejection and permeate flux.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gongxun Zhai, Jialiang Zhou, Min Xie, Chao Jia, Zexu Hu, Hengxue Xiang, Meifang Zhu
Summary: This work developed TiO2-loaded lignin-derived carbon nanofibers (TiO2@LCNFs) using electrospinning, per-oxidation, and carbonization. The study systematically investigated the effects of TiO2 content, carbonization temperature, initial RhB concentration, and solution pH value on photocatalytic efficiency. Under optimized conditions, TiO2@LCNFs achieved up to 86% photocatalytic efficiency and excellent cycling stability for rhodamine B. The superior catalytic property of TiO2@LCNFs is attributed to the synergistic effect of uniform TiO2 distribution on fiber surface and good electrical conductivity of LCNFs.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deng Ding, Zhiwei Li, Sooyung Yu, Bingxin Yang, Yadong Yin, Ling Zan, Nosang Vincent Myung
Summary: In this study, a method of synergistic enhancement of oxidation was reported by simultaneously harvesting solar and mechanical vibrations through flexible piezo and photocatalytic composite nanofiber mats. By incorporating photocatalytic TiO2 in flexible piezoelectric PAN nanofiber support, the piezoelectric fields generated under the mechanical deformation promote the separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes to accelerate oxidation of pollutants. The experimental results demonstrated that the catalytic activity of PAN/TiO2 nanofibers can be greatly enhanced by environmental vibration-induced piezoelectricity, with a maximum enhancement factor of about 2.5.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sanita Ahmetovic, Zorka Z. Vasiljevic, Vladimir Rajic, Dragana Bartolic, Mirjana Novakovic, Nenad B. Tadic, Nikola Cvjeticanin, Maria Vesna Nikolic
Summary: Pure and doped TiO2 nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning and exhibited improved properties such as inhibited phase transformation, increased surface area, and enhanced photocatalytic activity. Doping with Sm3+ and Zr4+ ions significantly affected the crystal lattice and led to high degradation efficiency of methylene blue under visible light.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tomas Kalous, Pavel Holec, Radek Jirkovec, Ondrej Batka, Petr Zabka, Pavel Pokorny, Petra Stepanova, Jiri Chvojka
Summary: This study examined the influence of frequency on the electrospinning process of polyamide 6 using an alternating electric field. The results showed that frequency had a significant impact on the efficiency of the spinning process. It was found that higher frequencies than the standard 50 Hz could enhance the efficiency of the polyamide 6 spinning process. The nanofibrous layers produced by this method are suitable for applications in chemical analytics or filtration.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xu Han, Yun Tao, Chao Xu, Yicong Deng, Zisen Meng, Zhenhao Dou, Peng Wang, Quan Feng
Summary: The study developed an electrospinning approach to immobilize hemin particulates onto PAN nanofibers and utilized H2O2 as an oxidant to simulate hemin's enzymatic catalysis in organisms. The nanocomposite membranes showed excellent properties in adsorption and degradation, with a significant red shift in light absorption attributed to the molecular interaction between polymer and hemin.
Article
Polymer Science
Lorenzo Pezzana, Giuseppe Melilli, Nathanael Guigo, Nicolas Sbirrazzuoli, Marco Sangermano
Summary: This article investigates the use of furfuryl glycidyl ether (FGE) as a monomer to design a two-step cured coating. Linear polymer chains are produced using cationic UV technique, and the UV reactivity of FGE is evaluated using real-time Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). After a thermal treatment, the formation of cross-links in the UV-irradiated linear chains is confirmed using various techniques.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elisabeth Rossegger, Rita Hoeller, Katja HrbiniC, Marco Sangermano, Thomas Griesser, Sandra Schloegl
Summary: Magnetoresponsive polymers are important materials in the design of soft actuators, allowing for controlled movement through an external magnetic field. By incorporating magnetoresponsiveness into photocurable resins, personalized and complex structures can be created and driven by a magnetic field using 3D printing technology.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marco Sangermano, Antonio Grieco, Camilla Noe, Giancarlo Rizza
Summary: The development of a novel technique using photopolymerization to obtain PDMS membranes provides a fast and simple solution to the worldwide challenge of oil removal from water. The high reactivity of the acrylated PDMS formulation in photo-induced free radical polymerization is evaluated using differential scanning photo-calorimetry. Two types of membranes, dense or porous, are developed and studied, with the porous membranes obtained using an environmentally friendly sodium chloride template. The hydrophobic/oleophilic nature of PDMS allows the UV-cured membranes to selectively remove the target oil, dodecane, from water. The dodecane sorption capability of both membranes is investigated and compared, and the membranes can be easily reused by compressing them to recover the adsorbed oil. These PDMS sorbents exhibit high mechanical stability after five adsorption/desorption cycles.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Diego Omar Sanchez Ramirez, Claudia Vineis, Iriczalli Cruz-Maya, Cinzia Tonetti, Vincenzo Guarino, Alessio Varesano
Summary: Keratin is a biocompatible and biodegradable protein that can be extracted by sulphitolysis. It can be processed into nanofibers through electrospinning, which is an eco-friendly and economical method. Keratin nanofibers have great potential in biomedical applications due to their high specific surface area.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Widera, Riccardo Conti, Andrea Cosola, Ashling Fah, Debora Thony, Marco Sangermano, Joelle Levalois-Grutzmacher, Hansjoerg Grutzmacher
Summary: A N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester substituted bis(acyl)phosphane oxide (ACTIVE-BAPO) was synthesized and used for one-step ligation with substrates containing primary amino groups. This led to the formation of new molecular and polymeric photoinitiators. The PAMAM BAPOs exhibited high efficiency as photoinitiators for free radical polymerization. Interestingly, they also acted as crosslinking agents without additional additives, resulting in thermosetting networks with varying degrees of crosslinking and swelling capabilities in water.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Optics
Andrea Baggio, Matteo Turani, Massimo Olivero, Milena Salvo, Diego Pugliese, Marco Sangermano
Summary: A new system is developed to detect hydrocarbons using optical fiber distributed sensing. The system utilizes a custom-designed optical fiber with silica core and thin silicone cladding, providing quick and selective absorption of oil products and insensitivity to water. By detecting Rayleigh backscattering, the system demonstrates a rapid response to high refractive index hydrocarbons, with a response time of approximately 1 s. Furthermore, in its high-resolution version, the system can accurately locate leakages with an accuracy of 14 cm.
OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Matteo Bergoglio, David Reisinger, Sandra Schloegl, Thomas Griesser, Marco Sangermano
Summary: In this study, a bio-based solvent-free vitrimer was successfully synthesized using epoxidized castor oil (ECO) through a UV-curing process. Real-time Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and photo-DSC were used to monitor the UV-curing process. The UV-cured polymer networks exhibited thermo-activated bond exchange reactions due to the presence of a transesterification catalyst. The ECO-based vitrimer showed high thermal resistance and good mechanical properties, making it a promising starting point for sustainable vitrimers.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Michael Zanon, Raquel Cue-Lopez, Enrique Martinez-Campos, Paula Bosch, Davy-Louis Versace, Hassan Hayek, Nadia Garino, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Marco Sangermano, Annalisa Chiappone
Summary: The importance of 3D printable hydrogels in tissue engineering is increasing due to their similarity with the human body's extracellular matrix. This study utilized Quinizarin-based bioderived photoactive dyes to enable 3D printing of methacrylated chitosan through vat photopolymerization. The use of these dyes improved printability and resolution while also acting as photosensitizers and fillers/crosslinkers. The study successfully achieved defined chitosan 3D structures with suspended features using Digital Light Processing, and also evaluated the mechanical and swelling properties of the hydrogels, as well as their potential application in tissue engineering through cell proliferation analysis.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sathiyaraj Subramaniyan, Matteo Bergoglio, Marco Sangermano, Minna Hakkarainen
Summary: In order to move towards a circular bioeconomy, a paradigm shift from traditional petroleum-based non-recyclable thermosets to biobased repeatedly recyclable materials is required. Two mechanically and chemically recyclable extended vanillin-derived epoxy thermosets were successfully fabricated by introducing Schiff-base/imine covalent dynamic bonds. These thermosets exhibited good thermal and mechanical properties, stability in common organic solvents, and the ability to be thermally reprocessed through compression molding. Furthermore, they could be rapidly and completely chemically recycled to water-soluble aldehydes and amines by imine hydrolysis in 0.1M HCl solution.
Article
Electrochemistry
M. Longo, M. Gandolfo, C. Francia, S. Bodoardo, M. Sangermano, J. Amici
Summary: This article presents a method of preparing efficient gel electrolytes using gelatin from cold water fish skin to address various challenges in the practical application of lithium-oxygen batteries. The gel polymer electrolytes obtained through this method demonstrate good thermal and mechanical properties, as well as excellent electrochemical stability and high ionic conductivities.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lazaros Papadopoulos, Lorenzo Pezzana, Natalia Maria Malitowski, Marco Sangermano, Dimitrios. N. N. Bikiaris, Tobias Robert
Summary: In the search for sustainable thermosets, research has been conducted on various polymer classes, including epoxy, benzoxazines, acryl-/methacrylates, etc. Itaconic acid-based unsaturated polyester resins are a particular group that can also be used as sustainable inks for additive manufacturing. This study synthesized a series of itaconic acid-based polyesters with different reactive diluent contents and evaluated their physicochemical properties and reactivity toward UV light. The same formulations were used for 3D printing and their thermomechanical properties were examined.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Marta Piccioni, Roberta Peila, Alessio Varesano, Claudia Vineis
Summary: In this study, cotton and polyamide 6,6 fabrics coated with chitosan were tested for their antibacterial activity against two different bacteria strains. The study aimed to investigate the possibility of obtaining interesting results with shorter contact times and also evaluated the antibacterial activity of chitosan-treated fibers dyed with Carmine Red. Additionally, the resistance of the dye and the maintenance of the antibacterial property were tested through washing cycles.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Cristian Mendes-Felipe, Riccardo Cofano, Ander Garcia, Marco Sangermano, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: The manufacturing industry is adopting plant-based and renewable resources to replace fossil fuel materials for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable economy. The combination of these materials with conductive fillers allows for the fabrication of conductive tracks and sensors essential for the implementation of the IoT and Industry 4.0 concepts.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lorenzo Pezzana, Alice Emanuele, Raffaella Sesana, Cristiana Delprete, Eva Malmstrom, Mats Johansson, Marco Sangermano
Summary: The scientific community is actively researching bio-based derivatives to reduce the consumption of fossil-based materials and their environmental impact. Developing bio-based plastics is a significant challenge in achieving sustainability and a green economy. A study focused on using a bio-based monomer, isosorbide, for the production of bio-based resins used in coatings. They successfully functionalized isosorbide to introduce epoxy groups, which were then activated through UV radiation for cross-linking. The bio-based resin showed potential for UV-cationic curing, reaching conversion rates above 85%. Additionally, they added a bio-based filler, macadamia nutshell powder (MAC), to increase the surface hardness of the coating. The resulting coating with 30% MAC showed a significant increase in hardness compared to the pristine bio-based epoxy resin. Thermo-mechanical analysis revealed that the addition of MAC also increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the coating.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amandine L. Flourat, Lorenzo Pezzana, Sabrina Belgacem, Abdouramane Dosso, Marco Sangermano, Sami Fadlallah, Florent Allais
Summary: In this study, tunable bis-allylated compounds were efficiently synthesized from cellulose-derived levoglucosenone via a chemo-enzymatic pathway, and then polymerized through photocuring, resulting in thermosets suitable for 3D printing.
