Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jingjing Liao, Nicolas Brosse, Sandrine Hoppe, Xiaojian Zhou, Xuedong Xi, Guanben Du, Antonio Pizzi
Summary: Bio-composites based on tannin acetate and polylactic acid (PLA) were successfully prepared with improved molecular weight, Young's modulus, and tensile strength, showing strong interfacial adhesion. Enhanced thermal stability and crystallinity were observed, along with a more hydrophobic characteristic suitable for food packaging applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dominik Wolosz, Aleksandra Marta Fage, Pawel Grzegorz Parzuchowski, Aleksandra Swiderska, Robert Bruell, Peter Elsner
Summary: This paper presents a new synthesis method for isocyanate-free hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethanes (IFHEURs) as rheological modifiers. The hydrophilic core of IFHEURs was prepared through polyaddition between diamine and poly(ethylene glycol) bis(cyclic carbonate) synthesized using CO2 as a green source. This solvent-and catalyst-free method allowed the incorporation of up to 11 wt% of CO2. Structural analysis confirmed the desired telechelic architecture, and rheological study proved the typical thickening mechanisms of IFHEURs.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia P. Makri, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Miguel Angel Valera, Ana Mangas, Giacomo Marra, Victor Ruiz, Savvas Koltsakidis, Dimitrios Tzetzis, Alexandros Zoikis Karathanasis, Ioanna Deligkiozi, Nikolaos Nikolaidis, Dimitrios Bikiaris, Zoi Terzopoulou
Summary: In this study, PLA composites with 0.5 wt% lignin or nanolignin were prepared using conventional melt-mixing and in situ Ring Opening Polymerization (ROP) methods. The reactive processing method allowed for rapid synthesis of the composites in less than 20 minutes, with a reduction in reaction time to under 15 minutes when the catalyst amount was doubled. The resulting composites were evaluated for their dispersion, thermal transitions, mechanical properties, antioxidant activity, and optical properties, showing improved properties when nanolignin was used in the reactive processing.
Article
Polymer Science
Zoi Terzopoulou, Alexandra Zamboulis, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Miguel Angel Valera, Ana Mangas
Summary: Block copolymers with tunable properties based on poly(lactic acid) were prepared via reactive extrusion, successfully increasing the elongation and biodegradation rate of PLA. Reactive extrusion is an efficient and economical method for the fast and continuous synthesis of PLA-based copolymers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhaoliang Jiang, Meng Ma, Xinpeng Wang, Si Chen, Yanqin Shi, Huiwen He, Xu Wang
Summary: Researchers have successfully designed and synthesized a bio-based flame retardant, APP@CS, by electrostatic self-assembly method and prepared toughened PLLA composites. The CS shell not only reduces the hydrophilicity of the flame retardant, but also exhibits excellent flame retardant property. The addition of 10 phr APP@CS improves the flame retardancy to UL-94 V-2 rating and increases the LOI value to 24.9% for PLLA/CPU composites. Furthermore, the CS shell participates in an in-situ reaction, resulting in improved mechanical properties of the composite.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Juliana V. C. Azevedo, Esther Ramakers-van Dorp, Roman Grimmig, Berenika Hausnerova, Bernhard Moeginger
Summary: This study investigates the morphology changes of PBAT/PLA blends modified with various multifunctional chain-extending cross-linkers (CECLs) during blown film extrusion. The results show that the CECLs not only modify the molecular weight of the blend, but also significantly affect the morphology formed during the processing. SEM observations reveal that the CECLs change the thickness of PLA fibrils, modify the interface adhesion, and alter the deformation behavior of the PBAT matrix. The study confirms that the CECLs selectively react with PBAT, PLA, and their interface, and these reactions are influenced by the deformation directions during processing.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Vincent Kroeze, Lucas Braakhuis, Antoon J. B. ten Kate, Sascha R. A. Kersten
Summary: The paper presents a method for determining the minimum catalyst amount needed in a heterogeneously catalyzed reactive distillation column based on kinetic and VLE data, validated against literature cases. The method provides a conservative estimate for catalyst amount in the early design phase and information on column operability.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Xiang Ou, Yunxuan Weng, Jian-Bing Zeng, Yi-Dong Li
Summary: Improved compatibility and interfacial adhesion of PLA/lignin composites were achieved through reactive compatibilization with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as a compatibilizer. The interfacial reaction of ENR with both PLA and lignin was confirmed by morphology analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation and increase in the content of ENR significantly enhanced the compatibility, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical properties of the composites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Massimiliano Barletta, Elisa Pizzi
Summary: This work focuses on the design and experimental development of bioplastic materials for high-performance packaging products suitable for food contact, characterized by high thermo-mechanical stability. By adding nucleating agents, four different PLA/PBS formulations were produced and the crystallinity of the materials was evaluated using various analysis methods.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Waranya Reungdech, Wanpen Tachaboonyakiat
Summary: Polylactide (PLA) was functionalized with multibranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) to add active functional groups along the molecular chain. The effects of the proportion of maleic anhydride (MA) and the free radical initiator on the degree of grafting were investigated. Two different molecular weights of PEI were successfully modified onto PLA through a ring opening reaction. The structure, thermal properties, and antibacterial activities of the modified PLA were characterized.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jacek Andrzejewski, Michal Nowakowski
Summary: This study focused on developing flax fiber reinforced composites using a PLA/PBAT blend system to improve impact properties and reduce brittleness. The addition of a chain extender in the form of an epoxy-functionalized oligomer improved modulus and strength, while the use of PBAT as an impact modifier reduced PLA brittleness. The study also showed that the reactive extrusion process enhanced fiber-matrix interactions, resulting in higher stiffness and strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Talita Rocha Rigolin, Lidiane Cristina Costa, Silvia Helena Prado Bettini
Summary: This study investigated the chemical modification of poly(lactic acid) with different monomers, finding that the monomers had different effects on the acidity percentage and molar mass of the PLA. The presence of maleic anhydride (MA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) resulted in contrasting outcomes, with MA increasing acidity percentage and decreasing molar mass while GMA had the opposite effect. The concentration of peroxide had the most impact on acidity percentage when MA was used, while the monomer concentration had the most effect when GMA was used.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bastien Turlier, Jerome Gimenez, Laurent Goujard, Alain Rousseau, Noellie Ylla, Veronique Bounor-Legare, Francoise Fenouillot
Summary: The synthesis of a biobased aliphatic polyester, PE 6-10, was achieved through reactive extrusion, reducing the overall reaction time significantly. The use of specific catalysts and optimized operating conditions were crucial for the success of the process. This method shows promise for fast and flexible continuous synthesis of new polyesters and copolyesters.
Article
Polymer Science
Gizem Urtekin, Ayse Aytac
Summary: The study investigated the effects of different functional groups of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the properties of polycarbonate/poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites. Functionalization was confirmed by FTIR analysis, showing that MWCNT-OH increased the onset decomposition temperature significantly, while MWCNT-COOH improved the elongation at break, tensile strength, and modulus. The selective localization of PC-g-MWCNT provided the highest electrical conductivity in the nanocomposites.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fouad Laoutid, Hadrien Lenoir, Adriana Molins Santaeularia, Antoniya Toncheva, Tim Schouw, Philippe Dubois
Summary: Biobased and biocompatible polymers have great potential in green chemistry and recycling strategies. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a promising biocompatible polymer, but its brittleness restricts its applications. In this study, a melt-processing method was proposed to improve the mechanical properties of PHB by combining it with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) for better compatibility. The incorporation of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and low molecular polyethylene glycol (PEG) further enhanced the ductility and impact resistance of the resulting materials. Successful 3D printing of a prosthetic finger using the PHB/PCL-based blends demonstrated the potential of this approach for next-generation biomaterials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Romain Schieber, Yago Raymond, Cristina Caparros, Jordi Bou, Enrique Herrero Acero, Georg M. Guebitz, Cristina Canal, Marta Pegueroles
Summary: The study investigated the effect of different functionalization strategies on PLLA surfaces to enhance endothelial cell adhesion and the fabrication of 3D printed BRS. Surface functionalization with oxygen plasma, sodium hydroxide etching, or cutinase enzyme hydrolysis increased hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, improving endothelial cells adhesion without affecting degradation. 3D printed PLLA BRS stents were successfully produced using the solvent-cast direct writing technique.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Wilco M. H. Verbeeten, Miguel Sanchez-Soto, Maria Lluisa Maspoch
Summary: The strain-rate dependence of a commercial grade ABS copolymer in compression and tension has been studied. The hydrostatic pressure-dependence on the material's deformation behavior can be determined through measuring in two loading geometries. An alternative method to determine pressure-dependence, based on the difference in strain-rate dependence for various loading geometries, has been shown to be effective for both thermorheologically simple and complex materials. The study also compared a yield criterion based on a pressure-modified rate equation with finite element simulations, and found that only the fully 3D EGP model can accurately represent large-strain deformation behavior.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
L. Martinez-Orozco, N. Leon, J. Cailloux, M. Sanchez-Soto, M. L. Maspoch, O. Santana
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of manufacturing MFCs by inducing microfibrillation and evaluates the optimal processing conditions and mechanical properties of the materials. The results show that adjusting the matrix through rheological modification can improve the mechanical properties of the fabricated parts.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nicolas Candau, Noel Leon Albiter, Pol Roura Coll, Maria Lluisa Maspoch
Summary: By dynamically vulcanizing PLA/NR blends using waste tire rubber and an appropriate crosslinking agent content, similar properties to pure PLA blends can be achieved.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Noel Leon Albiter, Orlando Santana Perez, Magali Klotz, Kishore Ganesan, Felix Carrasco, Sylvie Dagreou, Maria Lluisa Maspoch, Cesar Valderrama
Summary: The study evaluated the environmental performance of using recycled opaque PET as a reinforcement for recycled polypropylene. The blend with TiO2 showed better performance in all impact categories compared to the blend without TiO2, indicating potential for improvement in full-scale implementation.
Article
Polymer Science
Felix Carrasco, Orlando Santana Perez, Noel Leon Albiter, Maria Lluisa Maspoch
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and biosourced polyamide (PA) bioblends were manufactured with a variable PA weight content of 10-50% in order to improve the thermal stability of PLA. The effect of reactive extrusion on the thermal behavior of the bioblends was analyzed, and it was found that reactive extrusion and higher content of PA increased the activation energy and onset decomposition temperature of PLA.
Article
Polymer Science
Francesc Xavier Espinach, Fernando Julian, Manel Alcala, Fabiola Vilaseca, Felix Carrasco, Pere Mutje
Summary: The performance of henequen fibers and polypropylene composites with and without coupling agent were evaluated. Henequen fibers were found to be a possible substitute reinforcement material for sized glass fibers, and the use of a 4% coupling agent improved the tensile strength of the composites significantly within the studied range. The interface quality between the fibers and the composites was also evaluated.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David Cunillera-Montcusi, Jordi Bou, Thomas Mehner, Sandra Brucet, Matias Arim, Ana I. I. Borthagaray
Summary: By using satellite images and three centrality metrics, we identified freshwater hotspots in Europe and found differences in the role of landscape configuration in biogeographic diversity patterns and conservation planning.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nicolas Candau, Adele Zimny, Eduard Vives, Maria Lluisa Maspoch
Summary: The mechanical behavior of elastocaloric materials, especially for cooling applications, is crucial for their practical use. In this study, natural rubber-based materials with optimized thickness and chemical crosslink density were designed, and ground tire rubber (GTR) was used as a reinforcing filler. The elastocaloric properties of the vulcanized rubber composites were evaluated under single and cyclic loading conditions using infrared thermography. The best elastocaloric performance was achieved with a specimen thickness of 0.6 mm and a GTR content of 30 wt.%. The results suggest that the improved performance is attributed to the more homogeneous curing, higher crosslink density, and higher GTR content, which promote strain-induced crystallization. This investigation provides important insights for the design of eco-friendly elastocaloric rubber-based composites in heating/cooling devices.
Article
Polymer Science
Nicolas Candau, Eduard Vives, Ana Ines Fernandez, Oguzhan Oguz, Guillaume Corvec, Carlos Eloy Federico, Joao Paulo Cosas Fernandes, Gregory Stoclet, Maria Lluisa Maspoch
Summary: The strain-induced crystallization and elastocaloric properties of various natural rubber (NR)/ground tire rubber (GTR) blends, consisting of waste particles of different sizes and contents, were investigated. Micro-computed tomography (mu CT) revealed decreasing inter-distance between particles and increasing content, as well as inter-mingling between GTR and NR matrix. Strain localization in the NR matrix at the GTR and NR interface resulted in mechanical reinforcement upon tensile deformation. GTR particles exhibited nucleating ability on strain-induced crystallization (SIC) and elastocaloric properties regardless of particle size. Evidence of these heterogeneities is significant for the design of waste-based rubber composites for heating/cooling applications.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nicolas Candau, Joao Paulo Cosas Fernandes, Emilien Vasmer, Maria Lluisa Maspoch
Summary: In this study, vulcanized natural rubber (NR)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) composites were prepared using physical blending and dicumyl peroxide crosslinking. Tensile properties were tested at slow and high strain rates. The results showed that the addition of CNC improved the elastocaloric properties of the NR matrix and acted as a nucleating agent for strain induced crystallization. Therefore, these materials can be considered as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional carbon black filled rubber.
