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This study investigates the incorporation of algae-based activated carbon into polyurethane foam to improve a biocomposite for gasoil sorption. The biocomposites were thoroughly analyzed using various techniques to examine the properties of both the blank foam and the algae activated carbon foam with a carbon content of 4.41 mass% and particle diameter of 500 µm. These techniques included Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and density analysis. The TGA analysis revealed that the biocomposites had an impact on the onset temperature (Tonset) of the foams. Higher concentrations of the biocomposites resulted in a decrease in Tonset from approximately 310 °C in the blank foam (PUF0) to 300 °C in the composite (PUF3B). The final residue percentage also decreased from around 20% in PUF0 to 10% in PUF3B. Density analysis showed that the apparent density of the foam increased from 0.016 g/cm3 in the blank foam to 0.020 g/cm3 in the biocomposite (PUF3B), while the real density slightly decreased from 0.092 g/cm3 to 0.076 g/cm3, indicating a reduction in overall porosity from 82.5% to 74.4%. All foams that were modified showed an increase in their ability to absorb gasoil in a PUF/gasoil/water system. The optimized biocomposite (PUF1B), with 1.14 mass% of 500 µm algae carbon, displayed the highest sorption capacity, starting at approximately 50 g/g at 1.5 h and increasing to 53 g/g over 72 h. The analysis of adsorption kinetics revealed that by utilizing adsorption isotherms, particularly the Langmuir isotherm, a more accurate fit to the data was achieved. This allowed for the prediction of the maximum gasoil adsorption capacity. This study aims to further develop, analyze, and utilize biocomposites made from algae-based activated carbon and polyurethane. These materials offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to cleaning up oil spills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been considerable focus on ensuring that energy is used in the most efficient manner possible. This is due to the fact that globally, over 70% of energy is generated from fossil fuels. Consequently, the matter of designing and utilizing materials that will negate energy losses within the construction industry is of paramount importance. Simultaneously, the necessity for a sustainable approach to the design and production of materials is strongly emphasized. This paper presents an innovative approach to the use of a combination of mineral and plant-based fillers in polyurethane foam technology as a thermal insulation material with the potential to be used in construction to reduce energy consumption. Polyurethane composites containing fly ash from biomass combustion and the addition of rice, sunflower, and buckwheat husks as plant fillers were proposed. The structure of the obtained materials was studied, and the most important physical properties were analyzed. These included apparent density, dimensional stability, water absorption, and the effects of UV radiation and water influence on the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen content. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the materials were investigated, including compressive strength and brittleness. Additionally, the foams were subjected to flammability tests using a cone calorimeter. Furthermore, additional parameters were determined, including the limiting oxygen index and the vertical and horizontal flammability tests. The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of combining mineral and vegetable fillers in polyurethane foam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the increasing rate of infections following hip arthroplasty, one of the current options is the application of a biocomposite at the site of the infection. One of the products used is Stimulan, a completely resorbable calcium sulfate, designed to treat acute and chronic infections. This biocomposite has a controlled purity, is easy to mix with liquid, powder, and antibiotics, and can be applied directly to the site of infection, or it can be injected. Methods: We analyzed data from 76 patients, who were admitted to the County Clinical Hospital of Emergency "St. Apostol Andrei" in Galati during January 2017–September 2023, with a diagnosis of infection associated with hip arthroplasty. Results: In 69.73% of cases (52 patients), we decided to keep the implant in place. In this subgroup, Stimulan was applied in 26 cases (57.78%). Of these, 100% were cured—compared to the subgroup in which Stimulan was not applied, where this percentage was lower. All patients underwent chemical and mechanical toileting, and for 24 patients (20.27%), it was necessary to ablate the implant with or without the application of Stimulan, then reimplantation of the prosthesis. Conclusions: The patients with Stimulan had a longer average length of hospitalization, almost half of them required intervention in two periods, and a quarter required the implantation of spacers. However, the cure rate was higher, only in three people could we not control the infection, and there was no death. This study confirms the effectiveness of the treatment when using a biocomposite in addition to the classical treatment for both acute and chronic cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the integration of paper industry waste with high cellulose content into biocomposites of polylactic acid (PLA), a widely used biobased polymer material, was investigated. The PLA/waste biocomposite samples (0–25 wt.%) were manufactured using the extrusion and injection moulding techniques. The mechanical test results showed improvements in terms of tensile properties and a decrease in impact strength as the percentage of residue increased. The melting temperature decreased, and the crystallinity increased in all biocomposites according to the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Water absorption increased proportionally with the percentage of residue, attributed to the higher cellulose content in the biocomposites, determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fracture analysis demonstrated effective reinforcement–matrix cohesion, supporting the previously observed behaviour of the analysed materials. This work highlights the potential of using waste from the paper industry as reinforcement in PLA matrices, opening new perspectives for sustainable applications in the framework of the manufacture of composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymers are biodegradable and renewable and can significantly reduce environmental impacts. For this reason, biocomposites based on a plasticized starch and cross-linker matrix and with a microfibrillated OCC cardboard cellulose reinforcement were developed. Biocomposites were prepared by suspension casting with varied amounts of microfibrillated cellulose: 0, 4, 8, and 12 wt%. Polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) was used as a cross-linking, water-soluble, and non-toxic agent. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from OCC cardboard showed appropriate properties and potential for good performance as a reinforcement. In general, microfiber incorporation and matrix cross-linking increased crystallization, reduced water adsorption, and improved the physical and tensile properties of the plasticized starch. Biocomposites cross-linked with PEGDE and reinforced with 12 wt% MFC showed the best properties. The chemical and structural changes induced by the cross-linking of starch chains and MFC reinforcement were confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and XRD. Biodegradation higher than 80% was achieved for most biocomposites in 15 days of laboratory compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic fibers obtained from Barley straw were utilized to reinforce PHB. Four different processed fibers were employed as reinforcing material: sawdust (SW), defibered (DFBF), delignified (DBF), and bleached (BBF) fibers. The composite was processed from two different perspectives: a discontinuous (bach) and an intensification process (extrusion). Once processed and transformed into final shape specimens, the materials were characterized by mechanical testing (tensile mode), scanning electron microscopy, and theoretical simulations by finite elements analysis (FEA). In terms of mechanical properties, only the elastic moduli (Et) exhibited results ranging from 37% to 170%, depending on the reinforcement composition. Conversely, strengths at break, under both tensile and bending tests, tended to decrease, indicating poor affinity between the components. Due to the mechanical treatment applied on the fiber, DFBF emerged as the most promising filler, with mechanical properties closest to those of neat PHB. DFBF-based composites were subsequently produced through process intensification using a twin-screw extruder, and molded into flowerpots. Mechanical results showed almost identical properties between the discontinuous and intensification processes. The suitability of the material for agriculture flowerpots was demonstrated through finite analysis simulation (FEA), which revealed that the maximum von Mises stresses (5.38 × 105 N/m2) and deformations (0.048 mm) were well below the limits of the composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic containers, commonly produced from non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), raise significant environmental concerns due to their persistence. The disposal of agricultural waste, specifically rice straw (RS), through burning, further compounds these environmental issues. In response, this study explores the integration of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable material, with RS using a twin-screw extruder and injection process, resulting in the creation of a biodegradable packaging material. The inclusion of RS led to a decrease in the melt flow rate, thermal stability, and tensile strength, while concurrently enhancing the hydrophilic properties of the composite polymers. Additionally, the incorporation of maleic anhydride (MA) contributed to a reduction in the water absorption rate. The optimized formulation underwent migration testing and met the standards for food packaging products. Furthermore, no MA migration was detected from the composite. This approach not only provides a practical solution for the disposal of RS, but also serves as an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic plastic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic-acid–starch-based polymer composite (PLA/TPS) has good thermal stability for biocomposites. However, the physical and mechanical properties of PLA/TPS do not meet the standards. It needed additives to enhance its physical and mechanical properties. The aim was to improve the physical and mechanical properties of PLA/thermoplastic starch using sucrose. In addition, this study evaluated the enhancement of thermal properties of PLA/thermoplastic starch using sucrose. This study used sucrose as an additive to enhance the PLA/TPS composite. The addition of sucrose inhibits the degradation of biocomposites. This means that thermal stability increases. The thermal stability increased because the degree of crystallinity increased with the addition of sucrose, which was also proven in the XRD result. The addition of sucrose caused the morphology of the biocomposite to have pores. The FESEM results showed that biocomposites with the addition of sucrose had pores and gaps. These gaps result from low adhesion between polymers, causing a decrease in the mechanical and physical properties of the sample. Based on the FTIR spectra, biocomposite PLA/TPS blends with the addition of sucrose still have many hydroxyl groups that will lead to attracting other molecules or ions, such as oxygen or water. This phenomenon affects the physical and mechanical properties of materials. The physical and mechanical properties increased with sucrose addition. The best composite was prepared using 3% sucrose. This is because sucrose has a crystalline structure that affects the properties of biocomposites. However, the addition of 3% sucrose was not as effective as that of neat PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wheat middlings (WM) and rice husks (RH) as biofillers for mixing with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix to produce new 3D-printable biocomposites was assessed. Filaments containing 10 and 20 wt.% agro-waste-derived biofillers were manufactured and, for the sake of comparison, filaments of neat PLA were also produced. The obtained filaments were characterized via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showing potential for further application in additive manufacturing processing. Three-dimensionally printed specimens were thus produced and characterized via: DSC, also evaluating the specific heat capacity (CP) of specific 3D-printed specimens; dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), also applied for determining the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) measured on 3D-printed specimens in two different directions (X and Y); and tensile tests. The latter testing campaign was carried out along three printing directions (X, Y, and Z axes) to test the intrinsic biocomposite features (X-printed samples) as well as interbead and interlayer adhesion (Y- and Z-printed specimens, respectively). All samples demonstrated acceptable properties. The inclusion of a cost-free natural material leads to a strong reduction of the whole material cost. Implementing this new class of composite material to an additive manufacturing technique can significantly reduce the environmental impact of 3D-printed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of sustainable materials, this study explores the effects of accelerated weathering testing and bacterial biodegradation on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/rapeseed microfiber biocomposites. Accelerated weathering, simulating outdoor environmental conditions, and bacterial biodegradation, representing natural degradation processes in soil, were employed to investigate the changes in the mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of these materials during its post-production life cycle. Attention was paid to the assessment of the change of structural, mechanical and calorimetric properties of alkali and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO)-treated rapeseed microfiber (RS)-reinforced plasticized PHBV composites before and after accelerated weathering. Results revealed that accelerated weathering led to an increase in stiffness, but a reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break, of the investigated PHBV biocomposites. Additionally, during accelerated weathering, the crystallinity of PHBV biocomposites increased, especially in the presence of RS, due to both the hydrolytic degradation of the polymer matrix and the nucleating effect of the filler. It has been observed that an increase in PHBV crystallinity, determined by DSC measurements, correlates with the intensity ratio I1225/1180 obtained from FTIR-ATR data. The treatment of RS microfibers increased the biodegradation capability of the developed PHBV composites, especially in the case of chemically untreated RS. All the developed PHBV composites demonstrated faster biodegradation in comparison to neat PHBV matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low carbon footprint, biodegradability, interesting mechanical properties, and relatively low price are considered some of the reasons for the increased interest in polylactic acid-based (PLA-based) filaments supplied with natural fillers. However, it is essential to recognize that incorporating natural fillers into virgin PLA significantly impacts the printability of the resulting blends. The complex inter-relationship between process, structure, and properties in the context of fused deposition modeling (FDM)-manufactured biocomposites is still not fully understood, which thus often results in decreased reliability of this technology in the context of biocomposites, decreased accuracy, and the increased presence of defects in the manufactured biocomposite samples. In light of these considerations, this study aims to identify the optimal processing parameters for the FDM manufacturing process involving wood-filled PLA biocomposites. This study presents an optimization approach consisting of Grey Relational Analysis in conjunction with the Taguchi orthogonal array. The optimization process has identified the combination of a scanning speed of 70 mm/s, a layer height of 0.1 mm, and a printing temperature of 220 °C as the most optimal, resulting in the highly satisfactory combination of good dimensional accuracy (Dx = 20.115 mm, Dy = 20.556 mm, and Dz = 20.220 mm) and low presence of voids (1.673%). The experimentally determined Grey Relational Grade of the specimen manufactured with the optimized set of process parameters (0.782) was in good agreement with the predicted value (0. 754), substantiating the validity of the optimization process. Additionally, the research compared the efficacy of optimization between the integrated multiparametric method and the conventional monoparametric strategy. The multiparametric method, which combines Grey Relational Analysis with the Taguchi orthogonal array, exhibited superior performance. Although the monoparametric optimization strategy yielded specimens with favorable values for the targeted properties, the analysis of the remaining characteristics uncovered unsatisfactory results. This highlights the potential drawbacks of relying on a singular optimization approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main advantage of green composites is their biodegradability, but this biodegradability can also be considered a drawback if the degradation appears during the service life of the component. Therefore, the study of the mechanical behavior of green composites after hygrothermal aging tests is necessary to analyze their degradation process. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the hygrothermal aging behavior and aging mechanism of flax-fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. The fully biodegradable composites are manufactured by compression molding. In addition, the influence of atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment on the mechanical properties of the biocomposite is studied. Specimens are exposed to water vapor and 40 °C environmental conditions in a stove for up to 42 days. Several specimens of each type are taken out at regular intervals and tested to examine the water absorption, mechanical properties, and thermal characterization. The results show that the stiffness was significantly reduced after 24 h due to matrix degradation, while the strength was reduced only after three weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biobased and biodegradable polymer. This polymer is considered promising, but it is also rather expensive. The objective of this study was to compound PHBV with three different organic fillers considered waste: human hair waste (HHW), sawdust (SD) and chitin from shrimp shells. Thus, the cost of the biopolymer is reduced, and, at the same time, waste materials are valorised into something useful. The composites prepared were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile strength and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Tests showed that chitin and HHW did not have a reinforcing effect on tensile strength while the SD increased the tensile strength at break to a certain degree. The biodegradation of the different composites was evaluated by a soil burial test for five months. The gravimetric test showed that neat PHBV was moderately degraded (about 5% weight loss) while reinforcing the polymer with organic waste clearly improved the biodegradation. The strongest biodegradation was achieved when the biopolymer was compounded with HHW (35% weight loss). The strong biodegradation of HHW was further demonstrated by characterisation by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Characterisation by SEM showed that the surfaces of the biodegraded samples were eroded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fiber-filled polymer composite is one of the best materials which provides a symmetrical superior strength and stiffness to structures. With the strengthening of people's environmental protection and resource reuse consciousness, the development of renewable materials, especially natural fiber-filled polymer composites, is receiving great attention. This study investigated the mechanical properties of polymer composites incorporating waste materials from the food processing industry and agricultural sources. Waste vegetal fiber-filled polymer biocomposites (WVFFPBs) with varying fiber types and 3D printing orientations were systematically fabricated. Subsequently, the tensile tests were executed to comprehensively assess the anisotropic mechanical behaviors of the WVFFPBs. The results demonstrated that WVFFPBs performed excellent anisotropic mechanical properties compared to pristine matrix samples as print orientation changed. As the printing angle increased from 0° to 90°, the tensile mechanical properties of the WVFFPBs displayed a decreasing trend. Moreover, the print orientation–anisotropic mechanical behavior relationship of 3D-printed WVFFPBs was revealed through the analysis of the material manufacturing characteristics and damage features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel cheminformatics approach for the design and synthesis of hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposites, which have potential biomedical applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopedic and dental implants. The nanocomposites are synthesized by the co-precipitation method with different ratios of hydroxyapatite and collagen. Their mechanical, biological, and degradation properties are analyzed using various experimental and computational techniques. Attenuated total reflection–Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction unveil the low crystallinity and nanoscale particle size of hydroxyapatite (22.62 nm) and hydroxyapatite/collagen composites (14.81 nm). These findings are substantiated by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the Ca/P ratio between 1.65 and 1.53 and attesting to the formation of non-stoichiometric apatites in all samples, further validated by molecular simulation. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites is evaluated in vitro against several bacterial and fungal strains, demonstrating their medical potential. Additionally, in silico analyses are performed to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and the bioavailability of the collagen samples. This study paves the way for the development of novel biomaterials using chemoinformatics tools and methods, facilitating the optimization of design and synthesis parameters, as well as the prediction of biological outcomes. Future research directions should encompass the investigation of in vivo biocompatibility and bioactivity of the nanocomposites, while exploring further applications and functionalities of these innovative materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposable surgical gowns are usually made from petroleum-based synthetic fibers that do not naturally decompose, impacting the environment. A promising approach to diminish the environmental impact of disposable gowns involves utilizing natural fibers and/or bio-based synthetic fibers. In this study, composite webs from polylactic acid (PLA) bicomponent fiber and natural fibers, cattail and kapok fibers, were prepared using the hot press method. Only the sheath region of the PLA bicomponent fiber melted, acting as an adhesive that enhanced the strength and reduced the thickness of the composite web compared with its state before hot pressing. The mechanical and physical properties of these composite webs were evaluated. Composite webs created from kapok fibers displayed a creamy yellowish-white color, while those made from cattail fibers showed a light yellowish-brown color. Additionally, the addition of natural fibers endowed the composite webs with hydrophobic properties. The maximum natural fiber content, at a ratio of 30:70 (natural fiber to PLA fiber), can be incorporated while maintaining proper water vapor permeability and mechanical properties. This nonwoven material presents an alternative with the potential to replace petroleum-based surgical gowns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polymers have recently become attractive and have been increasingly used as matrix materials to replace fossil plastics due to concerns about the environmental issue. However, their application areas are limited due to their high costs and natural properties. In this study, we fabricated ecofriendly and economical polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) composites loaded with various concentrations of wood flour (WF) to investigate the effects on the PBAT and WF interfaces as well as the physical properties of the WF/PBAT biocomposites. Then, WF was acetylated with acetic anhydride, and the effect of WF acetylation on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites were investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus increased with WF loading in the composites, and acetylation could not only further increase these properties, but also increase the impact strength and elongation at break. The incorporation of WF would weaken the thermal stability of PBAT, but the thermal stability of the biocomposite could be improved after WF acetylation. The cold crystallization temperature and hydrophobicity of the WF/PBAT samples would be increased with the increasing load of the WF, while the melting enthalpy and the crystallinity of the samples reduced gradually. A morphological analysis of the modified composites revealed that the matrix exhibited greater interfacial interactions with the WF compared to the WF/PBAT. Considering the much lower cost of WF compared to PBAT, the improved properties of WF/PBAT biocomposites will make it economically competitive with other commercial polymers, and these biocomposites should have much wider application areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study is focused on the modification of commercially available epoxy resin with flame retardants by means of using natural substances, including quercetin hydrate and potato starch. The main aim was to obtain environmentally friendly material dedicated to rail transport that is resistant to the aging process during exploitation but also more prone to biodegradation in environmental conditions after usage. Starch is a natural biopolymer that can be applied as a pro-ecological filler, which may contribute to degradation in environmental conditions, while quercetin hydrate is able to prevent a composite from premature degradation during exploitation. To determine the aging resistance of the prepared materials, the measurements of hardness, color, mechanical properties and surface free energy were performed before and after solar aging. To assess the mechanical properties of the composite material, one-directional tensile tests were performed for three directions (0, 90, 45 degrees referred to the plate edges). Moreover, the FT-IR spectra of pristine and aged materials were obtained to observe the changes in chemical structure. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to achieve information about the impact of natural substances on the thermal resistance of the achieved composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA), tall wheatgrass (TWG), and hemp (H) were made by injection molding. The article discusses the impact of the agrofiller content on the composite properties, including thermal (DSC, DMA, and TG) and mechanical characteristics (tensile modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength). Generally, the introduction of a plant filler into the polylactide matrix reduced the thermal resistance of the resulting composites. Plant fillers influenced primarily the cold crystallization process, probably due to their nucleating properties. The addition of fillers to the PLA matrix resulted in an increased storage modulus across all tested temperatures compared to pure PLA. In the case of a composite with 50% of plant fillers, it was almost 118%. The mechanical properties of the tested composites depended significantly on the amount of plant filler used. It was observed that adding 50% of plant filler to PLA led to a twofold increase in tensile modulus and a decrease in tensile strength and impact strength by an average of 23 and 70%, respectively. It was determined that composites incorporating tall wheatgrass (TWG) particles exhibited a slightly elevated tensile modulus while showcasing a marginally reduced strength and impact resistance in comparison to composites containing hemp (H) components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the biodegradation of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/wheat bran (WB) biocomposites. Injection mouldings were subjected to biodegradation in compost-filled bioreactors under controlled humidity and temperature conditions. The effects of composting time (14, 42 and 70 days) and WB mass content (10%, 30% and 50% wt.) on the structural and thermal properties of the samples were investigated. Measurements were made by infrared spectral analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography. Results demonstrated that both the thermal and structural properties of the samples depended greatly on the biodegradation time. Specifically, their crystallinity degree increased significantly while molecular mass sharply decreased with biodegradation time, whereas their thermal resistance only showed a slight increase. This resulted from enzymatic hydrolysis that led to the breakdown of ester bonds in polymer chains. It was also found that a higher WB content led to a higher mass loss in the biocomposite samples during biodegradation and affected their post-biodegradation properties. A higher bran content increased the degree of crystallinity of the biocomposite samples but reduced their thermal resistance and molecular mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we utilized a hybridization approach for two different fibers to overcome the drawbacks of single-fiber-reinforced PLA composites. Coir fiber and bamboo leaf fiber were used as reinforcing natural fibers as their properties complement one another. Additionally, we combined thermal annealing with hybridization techniques to further improve the overall properties of the composites. The results showed that the hybridization of BF: CF with a ratio of 1:2 gave PLA-based hybrid composites optimal mechanical and thermal properties. Furthermore, the improvement in the thermal stability of hybrid composites, attributable to an increase in crystallinity, was a result of thermal annealing. The improvement in HDT in annealed 1BF:2CF hybrid composite was about 13.76% higher than that of the neat PLA. Annealing of the composites led to increased crystallinity, which was confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The synergistic effect of hybridization and annealing, leading to the improvement in the thermal properties, opened up the possibilities for the use of PLA-based composites. In this study, we demonstrated that a combined technique can be utilized as a strategy for improving the properties of 100% biocomposites and help overcome some limitations of the use of PLA in many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradability of the biocomposite produced from a binary mixture of thermoplastic banana starch (TPS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) reinforced with fique fibers (Fs) was evaluated in three different environments (soil, compost, water). An experimental design with two factors (soil and compost) and three levels (5, 10, and 20 cm) was used, with additional tests for a third aqueous environment (water from the lake of the Universidad del Valle) at a depth of 20 cm. The biocomposite was prepared from the implementation of a twin-screw extrusion process of the binary mixture TPS/PCL and fique fibers (54, 36, and 10% composition, respectively), followed by hot compression molding, and after that, generating ASTM D638 type V specimens using a stainless-steel die. The specimens were dried and buried according to the experimental design, for a total experimental time of 90 days, and removing samples every 30 days. After 90 days, all samples showed signs of degradation, where the best results were obtained in the compost at a depth of 20 cm (34 ± 4% mass loss and a decrease in tensile strength of 77.3%, which indicates that the material lost mechanical properties). TPS was the fastest disappearing component and promoted the degradation of the composite material as it disappeared. Finally, the aqueous media presented the lowest degradation results, losing only 20% of its initial mass after 90 days of the experiment, being the least effective environment in which the biocomposite can end up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the development of collagen films with graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs), aiming toward the development of a new generation of functional sustainable sensors. For this purpose, different GO NP contents up to 3 wt % were incorporated into a collagen matrix, and morphological, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties were evaluated. Independently of the GO NP content, all films display an increase in thermal stability as a result of the increase in the structural order of collagen, as revealed by XRD analysis. Further, the inclusion of GO NPs into collagen promotes an increase in the intensity of oxygen characteristic absorption bands in FTIR spectra, due to the abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, which lead to an increase in the hydrophilic character of the surface. GO NPs also influence the mechanical properties of the composites, increasing the tensile strength from 33.2 ± 2.4 MPa (collagen) to 44.1 ± 1.0 MPa (collagen with 3 wt % GO NPs). Finally, the electrical conductivity also increases slightly with GO NP content, allowing the development of resistive bending sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood flour–poly(butylene succinate)–poly(lactic acid) biocomposite samples were prepared by fused-deposition-molding 3D-printing technology, and modifications with glycerol and a silane coupling agent (KH550) were carried out. The samples were then hydrothermally aged. Modification with glycerol and KH550 enhanced the hydrophilicity of the samples and increased their tensile strength. Hydrothermal aging clearly whitened the surfaces of all the samples and made them more hydrophobic. Meanwhile, their tensile properties and thermal stability became poor; a higher hydrothermal aging temperature affected the mechanical properties more negatively. The modified samples turned out to be more resistant to the hydrothermal aging, and modification with KH550 could improve the anti-hydrothermal aging properties of the samples better than that with glycerol, where the tensile properties and the cross-sectional morphologies of the fractured specimens were concerned. Generally, the effects of hydrothermal aging temperature on the physico-mechanical properties of the printed specimens were greater than those by hydrothermal aging time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) represent composite materials that employ shredded wood combined with a thermoplastic substance, such as polylactic acid (PLA), to establish structural cohesion within the product profile. This amalgamation of materials results in a robust structure designed to fulfill specialized roles under the influence of pressure and temperature. Given the nature of the constituent materials, the resultant product can be classified as a biocomposite. The creation of such biocomposites entails a rigorous process necessitating the fine-tuning of specific parameters and suitable technologies. The foundational materials employed in this process must be both natural and biodegradable. However, it is noteworthy that natural components like fibers exhibit anisotropic behavior, wherein their mechanical attributes are contingent on the direction of the applied force. Consequently, predicting their performance during biocomposite production proves challenging. The principal objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of wood-based composites incorporating PLA thermoplastic binding agents. The intention was to discern variations in density profiles arising from distinct measurement methodologies. Two measurement methods were used for the measurement: X-ray and spectrum desaturation. Additionally, the study sought to investigate the impact of introducing PLA additives at 25% and 50% concentrations on the fabrication of WPC from wood chips. The properties of these composites were assessed by considering the inherent traits of the composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the paper industry has led to the discharge of a large amount of papermaking waste liquid containing lignosulfonate. These lignin black liquids cause a lot of pollution in nature, which runs counter to the current environmental protection strategy under the global goal. Through the development and use of lignosulfonate in papermaking waste liquid to increase the utilization of harmful substances in waste liquid, we aim to promote waste liquid treatment and reduce environmental pollution. This paper proposes a new strategy to synthesize novel glue-free biocomposites with high-performance interfacial compatibility from papermaking by-product sodium lignosulfonate/chitosan (L/C) and waste bamboo. This L/C bamboo biocomposite material has good mechanical properties and durability, low formaldehyde emissions, a high recovery rate, meets the requirements of wood-based panels, and reduces environmental pollution. This method is low in cost, has the potential for large-scale production, and can effectively reduce the environmental pollution of the paper industry, promoting the recycling of biomass and helping the future manufacture of glue-free panels, which can be widely used in the preparation of bookcase, furniture, floor and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation seeks to assess the impact of fillers on the mechanical characteristics of entirely biodegradable composites, introducing an advanced solution to fulfil long-term durability demands within point-of-purchase (POP) industries. The inclusion of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) fillers on the various properties of the flax fibre-reinforced composites, after accelerated irradiation in an ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure has been investigated in the present study. Different types of flax fibre-reinforced poly lactic acid (PLA) biocomposites (with and without filler) were fabricated. The mechanical (tensile and flexural), and physical properties of the specimens were assessed after 500 h of exposure to accelerated UV irradiation of 0.48 W/m2 at 50 °C and were compared with those of the unexposed specimens. The results indicate that the presence of the inorganic filler significantly improved the performance of the biocomposites compared to the unfilled biocomposites after UV exposure. After adding 20% of fillers, the tensile strength was increased by 2% after UV degradation, whereas the biocomposite without filler lost 18% of its strength after UV exposure. This can be attributed to the change in the photo-degradation of the PLA due to the presence of the CaCO3 filler, which acts as a safeguard against UV light penetration by creating a protective barrier. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the degraded specimen surface show substantial difference in the surface topography of the composites with and without fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic development of the food industry and the growing interest of consumers in innovative solutions that increase the comfort and quality of life push the industry towards seeking pioneering solutions in the field of food packaging. Intelligent and active packaging, which affects the quality and durability of food products and allows one to determine their freshness, is still a modern concept. The aim of our study was to obtain two types of films based on chitosan and starch with micellar nanostructures containing extracts from turmeric rhizomes and hibiscus flowers. The presence of spherical nanostructures was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope. The structural and optical properties of the obtained composites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UltraViolet-Visible (UV-VIS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical micellar structures with a size of about 800 nm in the obtained biocomposites. The presence of nano-/microstructures containing extracts affected the mechanical properties of the composites: it weakened the strength of the films and improved their elongation at break (EAB). Films with nano-/microparticles were characterised by a higher water content compared to the control sample and lower solubility, and they showed stronger hydrophilic properties. Preliminary storage tests showed that the obtained biocomposites are sensitive to changes occurring during the storage of products such as cheese or fish. In addition, it was found that the film with the addition of turmeric extract inhibited the growth of microorganisms during storage. The results suggest that the obtained bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or intelligent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the study of the degradation of polylactic acid (PLA) material structures and biocomposite systems with a PLA matrix containing ground natural particulate waste fillers, buckwheat husks and egg shells. Waste fillers were used without difficult cleaning operations to describe the effect of the raw waste material on PLA. Biocomposites with raw waste materials are increasingly coming to the forefront in car interiors and packaging products. The prepared material systems were exposed to controlled climatic ageing simulating long-term solar radiation and cyclic outdoor conditions. The degradation of the biocomposite systems was evaluated via thermal (differential scanning calorimetry) and mechanical properties (tensile and flexural tests, Charpy impact toughness). In addition to evaluating the degradation of the material structures using standardized tests, the influence and effect of controlled climatic ageing was visually assessed using SEM images (electron microscopy) of the surfaces and fracture surfaces of the test specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyapatite doped with magnesium and zinc in chitosan matrix biocomposites have great potential for applications in space technology, aerospace, as well as in the biomedical field, as a result of coatings with multifunctional properties that meet the increased requirements for wide applications. In this study, coatings on titanium substrates were developed using hydroxyapatite doped with magnesium and zinc ions in a chitosan matrix (MgZnHAp_Ch). Valuable information concerning the surface morphology and chemical composition of MgZnHAp_Ch composite layers were obtained from studies that performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), metallographic microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The wettability of the novel coatings, based on magnesium and zinc-doped biocomposites in a chitosan matrix on a titanium substrate, was evaluated by performing water contact angle studies. Furthermore, the swelling properties, together with the coating's adherence to the titanium substrate, were also analyzed. The AFM results emphasized that the composite layers exhibited the surface topography of a uniform layer, and that there were no evident cracks and fissures present on the investigated surface. Moreover, antifungal studies concerning the MgZnHAp_Ch coatings were also carried out. The data obtained from quantitative antifungal assays highlight the strong inhibitory effects of MgZnHAp_Ch against C. albicans. Additionally, our results underline that after 72 h of exposure, the MgZnHAp_Ch coatings display fungicidal features. Thus, the obtained results suggest that the MgZnHAp_Ch coatings possess the requisite properties that make them suitable for use in the development of new coatings with enhanced antifungal features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus residue powder (ARP)/thermoplastic starch (TPS)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites were prepared by fused-deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printing technology for the first time in this paper, and certain physico-mechanical properties and soil-burial-biodegradation behaviors of the biocomposites were investigated. The results showed that after raising the dosage of ARP, the tensile and flexural strengths, the elongation at break and the thermal stability of the sample decreased, while the tensile and flexural moduli increased; after raising the dosage of TPS, the tensile and flexural strengths, the elongation at break and the thermal stability all decreased. Among all of the samples, sample C—which was composed of 11 wt.% ARP, 10 wt.% TPS and 79 wt.% PLA—was the cheapest and also the most easily degraded in water. The soil-degradation-behavior analysis of sample C showed that, after being buried in soil, the surfaces of the samples became grey at first, then darkened, after which the smooth surfaces became rough and certain components were found to detach from the samples. After soil burial for 180 days, there was weight loss of 21.40%, and the flexural strength and modulus, as well as the storage modulus, reduced from 82.1 MPa, 11,922.16 MPa and 2395.3 MPa to 47.6 MPa, 6653.92 MPa and 1476.5 MPa, respectively. Soil burial had little effect on the glass transition, cold crystallization or melting temperatures, while it reduced the crystallinity of the samples. It is concluded that the FDM 3D-printed ARP/TPS/PLA biocomposites are easy to degrade in soil conditions. This study developed a new kind of thoroughly degradable biocomposite for FDM 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is extremely challenging with high amputation rates reported alongside a five-year mortality risk of more than fifty percent. We describe our experience in using adjuvant antibiotic-loaded bio-composite material (Cerament) in the surgical management of DFO and infected Charcot foot reconstruction. We undertook a retrospective evaluation of 53 consecutive patients (54 feet) who underwent Gentamicin or Vancomycin-loaded Cerament application during surgery. The feet were categorised into two groups: Group 1, with infected ulcer and DFO, managed with radical debridement only (n = 17), and Group 2, requiring reconstruction surgery for infected and deformed Charcot foot. Group 2 was further subdivided into 2a, with feet previously cleared of infection and undergoing a single-stage reconstruction (n = 19), and 2b, with feet having an active infection managed with a two-stage reconstruction (n = 18). The mean age was 56 years (27–83) and 59% (31/53) were males. The mean BMI was 30.2 kg/m2 (20.8–45.5). Foot ulcers were present in 69% (37/54) feet. At a mean follow-up of 30 months (12–98), there were two patients lost to follow up and the mortality rate was 11% (n = 5). The mean duration of post-operative systemic antibiotic administration was 20 days (4–42). Thirteen out of fifteen feet (87%) in group 1 achieved complete eradication of infection. There was a 100% primary ulcer resolution, 100% limb salvage and 76% bony union rate within Group 2. However, five patients, all in group 2, required reoperations due to problems with bone union. The use of antibiotic-loaded Cerament resulted in a high proportion of patients achieving infection clearance, functional limb salvage and decrease in the duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy. Larger, preferably randomised, studies are required to further validate these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high incidence of osteochondral defects has increased the interest in the development of improved repairing alternatives, with tissue engineering being considered a promising approach. The hierarchical, complex structure of osteochondral tissue requires the design of a biomimetic multilayered scaffold. Here, a multilayered and multiphasic 3D macroporous structure was achieved at subzero temperature by the Michael addition reaction of amino functionalities of collagen with acryloyl groups of a bifunctionalized poly(ε-caprolactone). This green approach has been successfully applied to crosslink layers of different composition, both for their efficient sequential formation and connection. Polyethylenimine functionalized nano-hydroxyapatite (nHApLPEI) was added to the bottom layer. The resulting hybrid cryogels were characterized by morphology, equilibrium swelling ratios, compressive strength analysis, and MTS assay. They presented good stability, integrity, and biocompatibility. The results revealed that the properties of the prepared constructs may be tuned by varying the composition, number, and thickness of the layers. The Young modulus values were between 3.5 ± 0.02 and 10.5 ± 0.6 kPa for the component layers, while for the multilayered structures they were more than 7.3 ± 0.2 kPa. The equilibrium swelling ratio varied between 4.6 and 14.2, with a value of ~10.5 for the trilayered structure, correlated with the mean pore sizes (74–230 µm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When developing new innovative building materials, their performance characteristics as well as their environmental friendliness are important. It is difficult to produce a fully ecological material for building envelopes, because there is a lack of ecological binding materials on the market, good binding materials are very expensive, and cheaper ones have poorer adhesive properties and performance characteristics. In this work, natural organic sapropel was used as an ecological binder. Before use, an organic sapropel was additionally mechanically activated. Its activation efficiency was evaluated on the basis of consistency and tensile strength. Sapropel activation increased its consistency from 112 to 168 mm and its tensile strength from 466 to 958 kPa. Wood processing waste was used as a filler for the thermal insulation biocomposite. Additionally, the wood waste was chopped to regulate the density and main performance properties of the biocomposite. The density of the biocomposite was also regulated using different amounts of sapropel and the degree of compaction of the composite mixture. In this work, the influence of the amount of sapropel, the level of compression of the biocomposite mixture, and the size of the wood waste particles on the thermal conductivity and compressive stress of the biocomposite was analyzed. It was found that the compression level had the greatest influence on both the compressive stress and thermal conductivity, up to 12 times and 43.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extrusion and hot compressing molding processes were used to create bio-polyethylene (BioPE) composites reinforced with argan byproducts (shell, pulp, and argan cake) as bio-fillers. The thermal stability of the composites wass analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Dynamical mechanical analysis and rheological testing were used to investigate their mechanical properties. The morphological results showed a good adhesion between the argan and BioPE matrix. More efficient mechanical properties have been distinguished in the case of argan byproduct-based composite. A higher Young's modulus was noted for all the biocomposites compared to pure BioPE. Thermal analysis revealed that the addition of bio-filler to polymer reduced decomposition temperatures. This study provides an ecological alternative for upgrading the valorization of abundant and underutilized Moroccan biomass. Furthermore, the possibility of using argan byproducts in composite manufacturing will help open up new markets for what is currently considered waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus is widely cultivated in China, and the residue of Astragalus particles (ARP) can be used as reinforcements in fused filament-fabricated (FFF) natural fiber/Poly(lactic acid)(PLA) biocomposites. To clarify the degradation behavior of such biocomposites, 3D-printed 11 wt% ARP/PLA samples were buried in soil, and the effects of soil burial duration on the physical appearance, weight, flexural properties, morphology, thermal stability, melting, and crystallization properties were investigated. At the same time, 3D-printed PLA was chosen as a reference. The results showed that, with prolonged soil burial, the transparency of PLA decreased (but not obviously), while the surface photographs of ARP/PLA became gray with some black spots and crevices; especially after 60 days, the color of the samples became extremely heterogeneous. After soil burial, the weight, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of the printed samples all reduced, and greater losses happened to ARP/PLA pieces than pure PLA. With an increase in soil burial time, the glass transition, cold crystallization, and melting temperatures, as well as the thermal stability of PLA and ARP/PLA samples, all increased gradually. Additionally, soil burial had a greater effect on the thermal properties of ARP/PLA. The results showed that the degradation behavior of ARP/PLA was more significantly affected by soil burial than the behavior of PLA. Additionally, ARP/PLA more easily degraded in soil than PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobased composites offer unique properties in the context of sustainable material production as well as end-of-life disposal, which places them as viable alternatives to fossil-fuel-based materials. However, the large-scale application of these materials in product design is hindered by their perceptual handicaps and understanding the mechanism of biobased composite perception, and its constituents could pave the way to creating commercially successful biobased composites. This study examines the role of bimodal (visual and tactile) sensory evaluation in the formation of biobased composite perception through the Semantic Differential method. It is observed that the biobased composites could be grouped into different clusters based on the dominance and interplay of various senses in perception forming. Attributes such as Natural, Beautiful, and Valuable are seen to correlate with each other positively and are influenced by both visual and tactile characteristics of the biobased composites. Attributes such as Complex, Interesting, and Unusual are also positively correlated but dominated by visual stimuli. The perceptual relationships and components of beauty, naturality, and value and their constituent attributes are identified, along with the visual and tactile characteristics that influence these assessments. Material design leveraging these biobased composite characteristics could lead to the creation of sustainable materials that would be more attractive to designers and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing concerns about plastic pollution and climate change have encouraged research into bioderived and biodegradable materials. Much attention has been focused on nanocellulose due to its abundance, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties. Nanocellulose-based biocomposites are a viable option to fabricate functional and sustainable materials for important engineering applications. This review addresses the most recent advances in composites, with a particular focus on biopolymer matrices such as starch, chitosan, polylactic acid, and polyvinyl alcohol. Additionally, the effects of the processing methods, the influence of additives, and the outturn of nanocellulose surface modification on the biocomposite's properties are outlined in detail. Moreover, the change in the composites' morphological, mechanical, and other physiochemical properties due to reinforcement loading is reviewed. Further, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and the oxygen–water vapor barrier properties are enhanced with the incorporation of nanocellulose into biopolymer matrices. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment of nanocellulose and composites were considered to analyze their environmental profile. The sustainability of this alternative material is compared through different preparation routes and options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of growing plastic consumption, food waste by consumers and overproduction caused by economic reasons, the global goal is to decrease these phenomena. Biocomposite films investigated in the past years are creating a promising future toward ecological, intelligent and active packaging. Due to their unique properties, they can be used in many areas of our life and reduce the constantly increasing pollution of our planet. The aim of our study was to obtain innovative and flexible biopolymer films based on sodium alginate and chitosan, as well as to develop methods for generating nanocapsules with turmeric extract in them. Bionanocomposites were analyzed using UV-VIS, FTIR, photoluminescence spectroscopy and SEM microscopy, while contact angles, surface free energy, particle size (DLS) and zeta potential were determined. The mechanical and colorimetric properties of the produced films were investigated, and the water content, solubility and water absorption were determined. Microbiological tests were carried out to analyze the influence of the produced films on the development of microorganisms. The results of the performed analyses allowed us to confirm the presence of curcumin nano- and microcapsules in the alginate–chitosan composite. Moreover, studies have shown that the structure of polysaccharides does not change during capsule manufacturing. The film with the highest concentration of the capsules showed better parameters in tests of solubility, water content, degree of swelling and mechanical properties. The obtained properties of the developed films allow them to be used as active and intelligent packaging materials, or as their parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further explore the feasibility of the application of the residue of Chinese herbal medicine in FDM 3D technology and enrich the kinds of printing materials, Astragalus residue powder(ARP)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposite was FDM 3D-printed, meanwhile, two traditional biocomposites, i.e., wood flour (WF)/PLA and rice straw powder (RSP)/PLA, were prepared by the same method, and the properties of the biocomposites were comparatively investigated. The results showed that, the tensile and flexural strengths of ARP/PLA were 28.33 MPa and 97.60 MPa, respectively, which were 2.85% and 10.89% smaller than those of WF/PLA, while 15.73% and 7.04% greater than those of RSP/PLA. WF/PLA showed typical brittle fracture characteristics, ARP/PLA and RSP/PLA both showed ductile fracture, but not obviously. Among the three kinds of biocomposites, ARP/PLA was the most thermally stable, followed by WF/PLA and RSP/PLA in turn. The incorporation of natural plant powder had no significant effect on the glassy transition, melting, and cold-crystallization behaviors of PLA, but the crystallinity of PLA could be increased from 0.3% to 2.0% and 1.9%, respectively, by adding ARP and WF. At 20 °C, the storage modulus of ARP/PLA, WF/PLA and RSP/PLA was 2759.4 MPa, 3361.3 MPa, and 2691.5 MPa, respectively, indicating that WF/PLA has the greatest stiffness, and the stiffness of RSP/PLA was the least. In addition to these, all the biocomposites were hydrophilic, the contact angle of the distilled water on the surface of ARP/PLA, WF/PLA or RSP/PLA was correspondingly 73.5°, 77.6° and 71.2°. Overall, it can be concluded that ARP/PLA has moderate strengths, stiffness and wettability, meanwhile, it is the most thermal stable among the three biocomposites, and can be processed at a temperature close to that of PLA. ARP/PLA is suitable as a new kind of feedstock material for FDM 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the development of a novel biocomposite material formed by a thermoplastic biodegradable polyester, poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), and a carbonaceous filler as biochar (BC) derived by the pyrolysis of woody biomass waste. Composites with various BC contents (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) were obtained by melt extrusion and investigated in terms of their processability, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. In all the composites, BC lowered melt viscosity, behaving as a lubricant, and enhancing composite extrudability and injection moulding at high temperatures up to 20 wt.% of biochar. While the use of biochar did not significantly change composite thermal stability, it increased its stiffness (Young modulus). Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) revealed the presence of a second crystal phase induced by the filler addition. Furthermore, results suggest that biochar may form a particle network that hinders polymer chain disentanglement, reducing polymer flexibility. A biochar content of 10 wt.% was selected as the best trade-off concentration to improve the composite processability and cost competitiveness without compromising excessively the tensile properties. The findings support the use of biochar as a sustainable renewable filler and pigment for PBSA. Biochar is a suitable candidate to replace more traditional carbon black pigments for the production of biodegradable and inexpensive innovative PBSA composites with potential fertilizing properties to be used in agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to obtain biocomposites consisting of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), bacterial cellulose (BC) and α-tocopherol by a melt processing technique for potential use in biomedical applications. The melt processing and roughness of biocomposites were evaluated and compared to sample without BC. The degradation rate of PHBV/BC biocomposites was measured in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) by determining the mass variation and evidencing of thermal and structural changes by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR). The cell viability, cell morphology, cell cycle distribution and total collagen content were investigated on murine NCTC fibroblasts. Overall, the adding of BC to polyester matrix led to an adequate melt processing of biocomposites and increased surface roughness and cytocompatibility, allowing the cells to secrete the extracellular matrix (collagen) and stimulate cell proliferation. Results showed that the PHBV/BC biocomposites were favorable for long-term degradation and could be used for the design of medical devices with controlled degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging concepts of sustainable textiles and controlled production strategy demands ideally zero emissions of contaminants into the aquatic environment. However, the currently in-practiced conventional processes in textiles dispose of a number of contaminants especially super toxic synthetic dyes as effluents. In recent years, nanomaterials have become attractive choice for eco-friendly removal of organic dyestuff. Accordingly, this article reports synthesis and characterization of biocomposite wherein copolymer of polyaniline (PANI) and Polypyrrole (PPY) was grafted onto hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). Further, adsorption properties of as-prepared composite were evaluated using textile dyes Rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl Orange (MO)- as model adsorbate. The characterization of novel biocomposite (HEC/PANI-PPy) was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyzer (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The operational parameters such as dye initial concentration, adsorbent amount, pH and contact time were also studied to evaluate the efficiency level of the prepared biocomposite. Interestingly, the composite-mediated adsorption of RhB and MO followed pseudo-second order and the Langmuir isotherm. It is found that the adsorption capacity HEC/PANI-PPy is 30.06 and 29.3 for RhB and MO respectively. Thus, HEC/PANI-PPy is an inexpensive and highly efficient adsorbent that could be employed for could be employed for the separation and removal of toxic organic dyes from polluted textile effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ facile synthesis and the characterization of nanohydroxyapatite/chitosan (nHAP/CS) biocomposites were investigated for examining their potential applications in orthopedic implant technology. Firstly, the bare nHAP, europium-doped hydroxyapatite (Eu-nHAP), yttrium-doped hydroxyapatite (Y-nHAP), and Eu- and Y-codoped hydroxyapatite (Eu,Y-nHAP) nanoparticles were synthesized by the wet precipitation technique using biowaste-eggshell-derived calcium oxide powders. Then, through ultrasonication using the nanohydroxyapatite/chitosan mixtures (molar ratio = 1:2), the nHAP/CS, Eu-nHAP/CS, Y-nHAP/CS, and Eu,Y-nHAP/CS biocomposites were fabricated. Among them, Eu,Y-nHAP/CS showed higher cell viability (94.9%), higher solubility (pH = 7.6 after 21 days), and greater antibacterial activity than those of the other composites. In addition, Eu,Y-nHAP/CS exhibited improved mechanical properties compared with the other composites. For example, the nanoindentation test displayed the Eu,Y-nHAP/CS-coated 316L stainless steel implant to possess a higher Young's modulus value (9.24 GPa) and greater hardness value (300.71 MPa) than those of the others. The results indicate that the biomass-eggshell-derived Eu,Y-doped nHAP is of good use for orthopedic implant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water supply to millions of people worldwide is of alarmingly poor quality. Supply sources are depleting, whereas demand is increasing. Health problems associated with water consumption exceeding 1.5 mg/L of fluoride are a severe concern for the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, it is urgent to research and develop new technologies and innovative materials to achieve partial fluoride reduction in water intended for human consumption. The new alternative technologies must be environmentally friendly and be able to remove fluoride at the lowest possible costs. So, the use of waste from lignocellulosic biomasses provides a promising alternative to commercially inorganic-based adsorbents—published studies present bioadsorbent materials competing with conventional inorganic-based adsorbents satisfactorily. However, it is still necessary to improve the modification methods to enhance the adsorption capacity and selectivity, as well as the reuse cycles of these bioadsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new materials is currently focused on replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable materials. Obtaining new bioplastics that are biodegradable and of the greenest possible origin could be a great alternative for the future. However, there are some limitations—such as price, physical properties, and mechanical properties—of these bioplastics. In this sense, the present work aims to explore the potential of lignin present in black liquor from paper pulp production as the main component of a new plastic matrix. For this purpose, we have studied the simple recovery of this lignin using acid precipitation, its thermoplastification with glycerin as a plasticizing agent, the production of blends with poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and finally the development of biocomposite materials reinforcing the blend of thermoplastic lignin and PCL with stone groundwood fibers (SGW). The results obtained show that thermoplastic lignin alone cannot be used as a bioplastic. However, its combination with PCL provided a tensile strength of, e.g., 5.24 MPa in the case of a 50 wt.% blend. In addition, when studying the properties of the composite materials, it was found that the tensile strength of a blend with 20 wt.% PCL increased from 1.7 to 11.2 MPa with 40 wt.% SGW. Finally, it was proven that through these biocomposites it is possible to obtain a correct fiber–blend interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research was the development of a management method for wood-processing waste that was obtained during the production of parquet flooring. Currently mostly useless, such waste mainly ends up in landfills. The oak waste flour was used as a reinforcement material for epoxy biocomposites based on the polyaddition product of epoxidized soybean oil and bisphenol-A (ESBO_BPA). The biofiller was subjected to mercerization, acetylation, and diisocyanate modification to increase the typically poor compatibility between the highly hydrophilic wood fibers and the hydrophobic polymer matrix. Among the analyzed epoxy biocomposites, which contained about 60% raw materials of natural origin, it was found that the best mechanical properties were recorded for cured samples of the ESBO_BPA composition filled with 5 wt % of oak flour mercerized using a 5% solution of NaOH. It was also proven that a higher concentration of alkali deteriorated the mechanical-strengthening properties of the wood filler. The acetylation of the biofiller independently in the best elimination of hydroxyl groups from its structure also removed irregular strips and smoothed its surface. This resulted in a poorer wettability of the oak flour surface by the polymer and consequently an easier pullout of the filler from the polymer matrix and worse mechanical properties of the wood/epoxy composite. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present research was the first to examine the possibility of the application of parquet flooring post-production wood flour in biomaterials based on a polyaddition product of epoxidized soybean oil and bisphenol-A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop injectable chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) and bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) hybrid biocomposites, and characterise their physiochemical properties for use as a dental pulp-capping material. The COS powder was prepared from chitosan through hydrolytic reactions and then dissolved in 0.2% acetic acid to create a solution. BHA was obtained from waste bovine bone and milled to form a powder. The BHA powder was incorporated with the COS solution at different proportions to create the COS–BHA hybrid biocomposite. Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) powder was included in the blend as a radiopacifier. The composite was characterised to evaluate its physiochemical properties, radiopacity, setting time, solubility, and pH. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the COS–BHA biocomposite shows the characteristic peaks of COS and hydroxyapatite. Compositional analysis via ICP-MS and SEM-EDX shows the predominant elements present to be the constituents of COS, BHA, and ZrO2. The hybrid biocomposite demonstrated an average setting time of 1 h and 10 min and a pH value of 10. The biocomposite demonstrated solubility when placed in a physiological solution. Radiographically, the set hybrid biocomposite appears to be more radiopaque than the commercial mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The developed COS-BHA hybrid biocomposite demonstrated good potential as a pulp-capping agent exhibiting high pH, with a greater radiopacity and reduced setting time compared to MTA. Solubility of the biocomposite may be addressed in future studies with the incorporation of a cross-linking agent. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to evaluate its clinical feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the rheological behavior and characteristics of solutions and convened biopolymer films from Chitosan (Chi) modified by kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose (KBC). The Arrhenius equation and the Ostwald de Waele model (power-law) revealed that the Chi/KBC solutions exhibited non-Newtonian behavior. Both temperature and KBC concentration strongly affected their solution viscosity. With the selection of a proper solvent for chitosan solubilization, it may be possible to improve the performances of chitosan films for specific applications. The elasticity of the prepared films containing KBC 10% w/w was preferable when compared to the controls. FTIR analysis has confirmed the presence of bacterial cellulose, chitosan acetate, and chitosan lactate as the corresponding components in the produced biopolymer films. The thermal behaviors of the Chi (lactic acid)/KBC samples showed slightly higher stability than Chi (acetic acid)/KBC. Generally, these results will be helpful in the preparation processes of the solutions and biopolymer films of Chi dissolved in acetic or lactic acid modified by KBC powder to fabricate food packaging, scaffolds, and bioprinting inks, or products related to injection or direct extrusion through a needle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone defects have prompted the development of biomaterial-based bone substitutes for restoring the affected tissue completely. Although many biomaterials have been designed and evaluated, the combination of properties required in a biomaterial for bone tissue engineering still poses a challenge. In this study, a chitosan–silica-based biocomposite was synthetized, and its physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility were characterized, with the aim of exploring the advantages and drawbacks of its use in bone tissue engineering. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the mean hydrodynamic size of solid silica particles (Sol-Si) was 482 ± 3 nm. Scanning electron microscopy of the biocomposite showed that Sol-Si were homogenously distributed within the chitosan (CS) matrix. The biocomposite swelled rapidly and was observed to have no cytotoxic effect on the [3T3] cell line within 24 h. Biocompatibility was also analyzed in vivo 14 days post-implant using a murine experimental model (Wistar rats). The biocomposite was implanted in the medullary compartment of both tibiae (n = 12). Histologically, no acute inflammatory infiltrate or multinucleated giant cells associated to the biocomposite were observed, indicating good biocompatibility. At the tissue–biocomposite interface, there was new formation of woven bone tissue in close contact with the biocomposite surface (osseointegration). The new bone formation may be attributed to the action of silica. Free silica particles originating from the biocomposite were observed at the tissue–biocomposite interface. According to our results, the biocomposite may act as a template for cellular interactions and extracellular matrix formation, providing a structural support for new bone tissue formation. The CS/Sol-Si biocomposite may act as a Si reservoir, promoting new bone formation. A scaffold with these properties is essential for cell differentiation and filling a bone defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]