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This manuscript details the preparation and characterization of a renewable biocomposite material intended as a soil conditioner based on low-molecular-weight poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and residual biomass (wheat straw and wood sawdust). The swelling properties and biodegradability of the PLA-lignocellulose composite under environmental conditions were evaluated as indicators of its potential for applications in soil. Its mechanical and structural properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the incorporation of lignocellulose waste material into PLA increased the swelling ratio of the biocomposite by up to 300%. The application of the biocomposite of 2 wt% in soil enhanced its capacity for water retention by 10%. In addition, the cross-linked structure of the material proved to be capable of swelling and deswelling repeatedly, indicating its good reusability. Incorporating lignocellulose waste in the PLA enhanced its stability in the soil environment. After 50 days of the experiment, almost 50% of the sample had degraded in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) is a biopolymer which is used to production of implants in the human body. On the other hand, the physical and mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) are compared to the properties of isotactic polypropylene what makes poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) possible substitute for polypropylene. Unfortunately, the melting point of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) is almost equal to its degradation temperature what gives very narrow window of its processing conditions. Therefore, numerous attempts are being made to improve the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) properties. In the present work, hybrid nanobiocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) as a matrix with the use of organic nanoclay - Cloisite 30B and linear polyurethane as a second filler have been manufactured. The linear polyurethane was based on diphenylmethane 4,4'-diisocyanate and diol with imidazoquinazoline rings. The obtained nanobiocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and their selected mechanical properties were tested. The resulting hybrid nanobiocomposites have intercalated/exfoliated structure. The nanobiocomposites characterize a higher thermal stability and a wider range of processing temperatures compared to the unfilled matrix. The plasticizing influence of nanofillers was also observed. In addition, the mechanical properties of the discussed nanobiocomposites were examined and compared with those ones of the unfilled poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). The new-obtained nanobiocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) containing 1% Cloisite 30B and 5% by mass of the linear of polyurethane characterized the highest improvement of processing conditions. They have the biggest difference between the temperature of degradation and the onset melting temperature, about 100°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, research concerning the synthesis and properties of linear polyurethanes (PUs) with the imidazoquinazoline rings was represented. Reaction conditions of 2,6-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylimida-zo[1,5-c]quinazoline-3,5-dione (BHPIQ) with 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate were determined and optimized. These conditions are adapted to reaction of BHPIQ with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 2,4-toluene diisocyanate. New PUs with imidazoquinazoline rings were characterized by spectral methods (1H-NMR and IR spectroscopies), which confirm their structures. Their molar masses and dispersity index were measured by size exclusion chromatography method. The wide-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies have shown that all PUs based on BHPIQ are amorphous. Moreover, thermal properties of PUs were investigated by thermogravimetry analysis, standard DSC, and temperature-modulated DSC methods. During thermogravimetric measurements, the exhaust gases were analyzed by FTIR method. Incorporation of imidazoquinazoline ring into the PU chains escalates their glass transition temperature; thus, their heat resistance was enhanced. Furthermore, their degradation rate and the amount of released degradation products were reduced. The investigated properties of the obtained PUs with imidazoquinazoline rings were compared with those ones of suitable PUs based on 1,4-butanediol. Linear polyurethanes were obtained in reaction of 1-phenyl-2,6-bis(2-hydroxyethylimidazo[1,5-c]quinazoline-3,5-dione with hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and toluene 2,4-diisocyanate. Their composition and structure were confirmed. The phase contents and thermal properties were investigated [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focussed on micro-encapsulation of essential oils in polylactic acid (PLA) and a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix as well as blends of the same. Microspheres were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique and characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). The encapsulation efficiencies and release profiles of the essential oils were studied by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and head-space solid-phase microextraction GC-MS, respectively. Furthermore, the microspheres were tested for antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. The results showed that the microspheres compositions (PLA/PMMA ratio) have significant effect on their characteristics. The process adopted for preparing the microspheres promoted formation of spherical particles at the sizes of 1.5–9.5 µm. The highest encapsulation efficiency of the prepared microspheres was observed in systems consisting of linalool (81.10 ± 10.0 wt. % for PLA system and 76.0 ± 3.3 wt. % for PMMA system). Confirmation was also made that the release rate of the microspheres was affected by the size of the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the degradation and properties of a thermoplastically prepared composite comprising a polylactide/hybrid zinc stearate-silver system. The influence of the zinc stearate-silver system on the properties of the composite is investigated by electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tests. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of the systems are examined. The degradation behaviour of the composites is studied in both abiotic and biotic (composting) environments at an elevated temperature of 58 °C. The results reveal good dispersion of the additive in the PLA matrix, a stabilizing effect exerted by the same on the polylactide matrix during processing, and slight reduction in glass transition temperature. The zinc stearate-silver component also reduces brittleness and extends elongation of the composite. Abiotic hydrolysis is not significantly affected, which is in contrast with pure PLA, although mineralization during the early stage of biodegradation increases noticeably. The composite exhibits antimicrobial activity, even at the lowest dosage of the zinc stearate/silver component (1 wt%). Moreover, Ag and Zn contents were found to be present in the composite during abiotic hydrolysis, which was demonstrated by minimal diffusion of Ag ions from the matrix and very extensive washing of compounds that contained Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is dedicated to polyester urethane (PEU)-based biocomposites, with special focus placed on techniques for compatibilisation to heighten interfacial adhesion between the PEU matrix and flax fibres. Tests were conducted on the effects of modification so as to increase interfacial adhesion between the flax fibres and the polyester matrix. These tests involved a commercial silane-based compatibilising additive, two experimentally synthesised agents, oleic acid (OA) and di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP). Furthermore, the flax fibres underwent acid or alkali treatment. The biocomposites were characterised by gel permeation chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties were investigated through tensile testing. Biocomposites with a commercial silane-based additive and synthesised agent, based on maleic-anhydride, were assessed as the best solution. Nevertheless, all modifications, excluding alkali treatment of fibres, significantly increased the performance of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates antibacterial polymer composites based on polypropylene as modified by caraway essential oil at various concentrations, the latter immobilized on a talc. The caraway essential oil is incorporated in the polypropylene by a thermoplastic processing method. Analysis of the morphology of the composites was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the caraway essential oil in addition to its efficiency of incorporation and release were evaluated by GC/MS and Pyrolysis-GC/MS techniques, respectively. Determination was made as to the influence of such incorporation on thermal and tensile properties of the samples, while antibacterial activity was evaluated through conducting disk diffusion tests and measurement with adherence to the ISO 22196:2011 standard. It was found that incorporating the caraway essential oil in the samples did not affect the homogeneity of the thermoplastic-processed composites at any studied concentration. Stress–strain analysis confirmed the plasticizing effect of the essential oil in the polypropylene matrix, in addition to which, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis revealed that the prepared compositions with essential oil exhibited similar thermal properties to neat polypropylene. Results indicated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at the concentration of essential oil of 4.9 ± 0.2 wt% and higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials based on PLA have been studied in depth for many applications, including food packaging. This manuscript describes extensive research conducted on a biodegradable polymer (PLA), inorganic filler (CaCO 3), and polyester-based plasticizer (PEP, based on a copolymer of low-molecular-weight PLA and PEG) prepared under semi-industrial conditions, as applicable for the packaging of hot food. The properties of the composite were achieved by post-processing annealing, notably its thermal stability, thereby permitting contact of the material with hot food. The manner of processing was deemed suitable for deployment at an industrial scale, moreover, the thermal stability of the final product endured, evidencing its applicability for such packaging. Change in the morphology of the structure of the composite material depended on the composition and annealing process, as detailed herein. The effect of the post-production thermal annealing on the molecular weight of samples was studied using the gel permeation chromatography. The thermal properties of the composites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystallinity was assessed using X-ray diffraction technique, while mechanical behavior was tested in relation to the given tensile properties, shape stability at high temperature, and permeability by the transmission rates of gas/water vapor. [Display omitted] • PLA composite with CaCO 3 and plasticizer was prepared under semi-industrial conditions with a post-processing annealing. • The properties of the composite depended on the morphology and volume fractions of the crystalline and amorphous regions. • The two additive components and given technological conditions lends shape stability to the composite. • The composite was suitable for contact with hot food or use as packaging for foodstuffs that are heated in microwave ovens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]