Article
Physics, Applied
Pankaj Kolhe, B. B. Musmade, Pankaj Koinkar, Sachin Khedkar, Namita Maiti, Sunil Kulkarni, Kishor Sonawane
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of Cu2NiSnS4 thin films using two different methods and investigates their physico-chemical properties. XRD analysis confirms that both films have a polycrystalline Kesterite structure. SEM analysis reveals a dense coverage of CNTS on the substrate. Optical analysis shows that both CNTS films exhibit absorption of visible wavelength within an optimal range. The CNTS thin film synthesized through thermal evaporation technique followed by sulfurization demonstrates potential for improved photovoltaic properties for solar cell applications.
MODERN PHYSICS LETTERS B
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. R. Jaya Sheeba, Jagadeesh Kumar Alagarasan, Jeyaprakash Dharmaraja, S. Anne Kavitha, Sutha Shobana, Sundaram Arvindnarayan, Manoharan Vadivel, Moonyong Lee, Krishna Priya Retnam
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of alkali treatment on the morphology, chemical composition, tensile capabilities, structural changes, and thermal degradation of Acacia pennata stem fibers. SEM image and pXRD analyses support the improved surface roughness of the fibers after alkaline treatment. XRD analysis reveals an improved fiber crystallinity index, which is consistent with the SEM pictograms. Alkali-treated fibers exhibit a higher percentage of cellulose and ash, and a lower percentage of hemi-cellulose, lignin, pectin, wax, and moisture compared to untreated fibers. The low density and high cellulosic content of alkali-treated fibers enhance their suitability as fiber matrices. The thermal behavior of the fibers at various temperatures is demonstrated by TG-DTA analysis, and their tensile strength is also investigated.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Suthasinee Yarnpakdee, Pimonpan Kaewprachu, Chalalai Jaisan, Theeraphol Senphan, Muralidharan Nagarajan, Sutee Wangtueai
Summary: The study investigated the use of mantis shrimp exoskeleton to extract chitosan through different deacetylation times. Increasing deacetylation time led to higher deacetylation degree but lower extraction yield, intrinsic viscosity, and average molecular weight of chitosan. Composite films were developed by combining chitosan with agarose, and the properties of the films improved with higher agarose proportion.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Barbara Staniewicz-Brudnik, Malgorzata Karolus, Katarzyna Cholewa-Kowalska, Grzegorz Skrabalak, Jolanta Laszkiewicz-Lukasik, Justyna Drukala, Joanna Stalinska, Katarzyna Dziedzic
Summary: This paper describes the physicochemical and structural properties of two types of composite sinters and their suitability as scaffolds for human chondrocyte cell culture. The results show that the tested scaffolds support cellular attachment and proliferation of chondrocytes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa Silvestri, Paola Di Donato, Irene Bonadies, Annarita Poli, Mariaenrica Frigione, Marco Biondi, Laura Mayol
Summary: The widespread use of synthetic plastics and the waste generated at the end of their life cycle have significant environmental impacts. Bio-based plastics, made from renewable resources, offer a promising alternative to petroleum-based materials. The food industry's waste is one potential source of biopolymers, which can provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to waste management. This study aims to extract polysaccharide fractions from lemon, tomato, and fennel waste and characterize their chemical-physical and thermodynamic properties. The solubility of the extracted polysaccharides in different solvents was determined, and acid-base titration and thermoanalytical tests were conducted. The feasibility of electrospinning waste polysaccharides to obtain polysaccharide-based membranes was also investigated. Electrospun fibers could be a promising structure/system for applying waste polysaccharides in packaging or well-being applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rajat Suhag, Atul Dhiman, Dhruv Thakur, Anit Kumar, Ashutosh Upadhyay
Summary: The research investigated the effects of microfluidization treatment on various properties of egg yolk, including color, rheology, particle size, emulsifying properties, and thermal denaturation. Results showed changes in color parameters, rheological properties, particle size, emulsifying activity, and thermal denaturation temperature with increasing microfluidization pressure.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Peng-Fei Dang, Zheng-Xin Yang, Yang-Yang Yan, Qing-Kai Han, Zhi-Hao Jin
Summary: This paper studied the influence of temperature rise on the vibration characteristics of rotating composite blades with thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) using dynamic model and nonlinear vibration analysis. The results show that the temperature rise enhances the softening-type nonlinearity of rotating blades.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
B. M. Alotaibi, Haifa A. Al-Yousef, Norah A. M. Alsaif, A. Atta
Summary: Polyaniline (PANI) and lead sulfide (PbS) composite materials were prepared by casting method and irradiated with oxygen ions. The effects of irradiation on the optical behavior and structural characteristics of PANI/PbS materials were investigated. The results showed that the irradiation could induce modifications and provide opportunities for optical applications.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Dipak Das, Parmjit S. Panesar, Charanjiv S. Saini, John F. Kennedy
Summary: Edible film packaging is a suitable alternative for maintaining food quality and increasing storage life. Advanced technologies and nanomaterials can be used to improve the structural and functional properties of edible films.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Betina Maria Gamba Miglioranza, Fernanda Rodrigues Spinelli, Fernanda Stoffel, Luciani Tatsch Piemolini-Barreto
Summary: The study evaluated the application of a biodegradable film based on grape seed flour extract for raisin packaging. It was found that raisins packed in the biodegradable film had higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, making it suitable for conservation and preservation.
Article
Polymer Science
Seonmin Lee, Jooheon Kim
Summary: A novel composite film was developed in this study, incorporating MXene and ABN to enhance thermal conductivity of the composite material. The PSZ-coated ABN formed a heat conduction path in the film, supported by MXene to further improve thermal conductivity. The prepared composite film showed good through-plane and in-plane thermal conductivities as well as high tensile strength.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Payal Mazumder, P. M. Akhil, Jyoti, Meena Khwairakpam, Umesh Mishra, Ajay S. Kalamdhad
Summary: The study investigated the impact of different composts on soil nutrient quality and engineering properties, finding that compost at 15-45% proportions enhanced soil nutrient value, with VWC showing the most efficient results in improving soil quality within 60 days.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Herman de Beukelaer, Marieke Hilhorst, Yarek Workala, Evelien Maaskant, Wouter Post
Summary: This study offers an overview of the processing and performance properties of various biobased and biodegradable plastic materials currently available commercially, showing that these materials can meet most functionalities offered by fossil-based polymers, if considered favorable at end-of-life.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Allen Yushark Fosu, Ndue Kanari, Daniele Bartier, Harrison Hodge, James Vaughan, Alexandre Chagnes
Summary: Spodumene concentrate from the Pilbara region in Western Australia was characterized and studied for its major minerals, particle sizes, thermal behavior, and polymorph transformations. The study found that temperature significantly influences the transformation of spodumene polymorphs, with 1000 degrees Celsius suggested as the ideal processing temperature. The application of a first-order kinetic model yielded kinetic parameters confirming the strong temperature dependence for the spodumene polymorph transformations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Dinagaran, J. Gajendiran, S. Gokul Raj, S. Gnanam
Summary: The aim of this work was to grow organic single crystals of 4-Aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) and investigate their crystal structure, optical properties, thermal stability, material rigidity, and dielectric behavior. The experimental results showed that the 4-AAP single crystals exhibited good transparency and nonlinear optical characteristics, and their electrical conductivity and dielectric behavior changed with the applied frequency.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arushri Nehra, Deblina Biswas, Valentina Siracusa, Swarup Roy
Summary: Edible films and coatings are a growing trend in food packaging, providing a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based options. Gums, as natural polysaccharides, have potential applications in the development of these edible films and coatings, helping to extend shelf life and preserve food quality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Eleonora Iaccheri, Valentina Siracusa, Luigi Ragni, Ana Cristina De Aguiar Saldanha Pinheiro, Santina Romani, Pietro Rocculi, Marco Dalla Rosa, Paulo Jose do Amaral Sobral
Summary: This study investigated the water and macromolecular physical state of cassava starch, chitosan, and their blend films through DSC and dielectric properties analysis. The results showed that the glass transition temperature of the films decreased with increasing moisture content, and the dielectric constant changed depending on the moisture content. When the moisture content was below a certain value, the dielectric constant remained constant.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tommaso Tabanelli, Michelina Soccio, Silvia Quattrosoldi, Valentina Siracusa, Maurizio Fiorini, Nadia Lotti
Summary: A new homopolyurea with enhanced functional properties was synthesized by combining a bio-based vegetable oil derived diamine, Priamine 1075, with catechol carbonate as carbonylating agent employing an ecofriendly synthetic strategy. The synthesized transparent rubbery material exhibited good thermal stability, low elastic modulus, exceptional elongation at break, and excellent gas-barrier properties, particularly to CO2 molecules, surpassing the performance of polyolefins, which are commonly used in food packaging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Doaa Abouelenein, Ahmed M. M. Mustafa, Franks Kamgang Nzekoue, Giovanni Caprioli, Simone Angeloni, Silvia Tappi, Juan Manuel Castagnini, Marco Dalla Rosa, Sauro Vittori
Summary: Plasma activated water (PAW) is a potential alternative for food preservation. The study investigated the effect of PAW processing time on bioactive compounds and antioxidant/peroxidase activities in rocket-salad leaves. Results showed that PAW treatment increased the content of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid in rocket. PAW-20 treatment also improved antioxidant activity and reduced peroxidase activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enrico Bianchi, Giulia Guidotti, Michelina Soccio, Valentina Siracusa, Massimo Gazzano, Elisabetta Salatelli, Nadia Lotti
Summary: In recent years, the increasing demand for petroleum-based plastic materials and the excessive exploitation of nonrenewable resources have led to poor management of their disposal and ecological issues caused by their dispersion in the environment. One innovative solution is the design of biobased and biodegradable polymers based on poly(lactic acid), aiming to improve the properties of poly(L-lactic acid) for sustainable packaging applications. Through a novel top-down approach, a copolymer called P(LLA50PeF50)-CE was successfully synthesized and showed improved thermal stability and reduced brittleness, making it suitable for flexible packaging. The copolymer also exhibited significant biodegradability within 60 days.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Swarup Roy, Valentina Siracusa
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Guidotti, Michelina Soccio, Massimo Gazzano, Valentina Siracusa, Nadia Lotti
Summary: High molecular weight, fully biobased random copolymers of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) containing different amounts of (1R, 3S)-(+)-Camphoric Acid (CA) were successfully synthesized and characterized. The addition of camphoric co-units led to modulation of the properties such as thermal, structural, mechanical, and barrier properties. The improved properties were associated with enhanced interchain interactions.
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia Santi, Michelina Soccio, Giulia Fredi, Nadia Lotti, Andrea Dorigato
Summary: This study successfully produced electrospun nanofibrous mats based on two furan-based polyesters, PBF and PPeF, which have similar chemical structure but different physical and mechanical properties. The feasibility of producing nanofibrous mats of PBF and PPeF by optimizing the solubility, viscosity, spinning rate, and applied voltage was systematically investigated. Morphological analysis of the resulting mats allowed the identification of the best processing conditions for biomedical applications.
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Valentina Siracusa, Nadia Lotti, Michelina Soccio, Alexey L. Iordanskii
Article
Cell Biology
Chiara Argentati, Francesco Morena, Giulia Guidotti, Michelina Soccio, Nadia Lotti, Sabata Martino
Summary: Mechanotransduction is a molecular process that allows cells to convert physical stimuli from the external environment into biochemical pathways to control cellular shape and function. Understanding the molecular events involved in this process is still a challenge. Tissue engineering provides an opportunity to study the effect of physical stimuli on stem cells and the mechanotransduction pathways involved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Guidotti, Daniele Massari, Matteo Gigli, Michelina Soccio, Valentina Siracusa, Claudia Crestini, Nadia Lotti
Summary: This research focuses on the preparation of fully biomass-derived blends from natural extracts and polyester to develop an innovative packaging system. The addition of natural extracts increases the flexibility and toughness of the blends and enhances the diffusion of CO2, while also providing antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)