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The recycling of carbon fibers (CFs) from composites is becoming a necessity, with a gain both from economic and environmental point of views because carbon fibers are a high value‐added material and the energy requirement for their production is pretty high. The use of such recycled fibers needs to find reliable applications to fully close the circular economic loop and here it is demonstrated that their applications as short fiber reinforcement in thermoplastics are not only convenient but as reliable as prostin fibers. This work wants to evaluate the effect of the recycling and reprocessing recycled carbon fibers versus pristine fibers, when inserted in polyprolylene (PP), in the presence of different amounts of compatibilizer to promote a better fiber/matrix interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a multidisciplinary approach for dealing with the environmental problems related to agro‐industrial coffee residues. The exploitation of these residues allows biomolecules to be obtained from renewable sources and enables the preparation of CO2‐neutral biocomposites, with the advantages of reducing fossil depletion, avoiding climate‐altering emissions, and limiting plastic pollution. Coffee silverskin (CSS), a by‐product deriving from coffee bean roasting, was subjected to different eco‐friendly extraction processes, such as ultrasound‐assisted, CO2‐supercritical, and water‐subcritical extractions to recover caffeine, phytosterols, and polyphenols. The residues remaining after the extractions were further valorized as fillers into biocomposites based on poly(1,4‐butylene succinate) (PBS). Biocomposites (filler content up to 30 wt%) were prepared by melt mixing, and they were characterized in terms of their thermal, mechanical, and morphological performance. The effect of the presence of residues derived from different extraction procedures on the resulting properties of biocomposites was assessed and discussed, and the ultrasound‐assisted treatment was found to leave the CSS residue as the most compatible with the PBS matrix. The results of this study indicate that the proposed bio‐refinery could successfully and fully valorize the CSS agro‐industrial residues, even in its ultimate step, producing biocomposites characterized by low economic and environmental impact; these new materials will be a possible bio‐alternative to the traditional polymers commonly used by the packaging industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanillic acid represents a potentially interesting bio‐based building block for the production of new aliphatic‐aromatic polymers, characterized by thermal properties similar to those of the analogous terephthalic polyesters. However, poly(ethylene vanillate) proved to be a very brittle material, probably due to a very high degree of crystallinity, and, then, not suitable for melt processing. Therefore, the synthesis of copolymers, based on vanillic acid and pentadecalactone is considered as a strategy to obtain new polymeric materials with a low degree of crystallinity, tunable properties, and better performances. The synthesis of these fully bio‐based random copolymers is successful. The thermal properties have been studied in order to correlate chemical structure and final performances. The polymers proved to be processable and films are obtained, suggesting possible applications of the copolymers in a new sustainable flexible packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of natural phenolic compounds is performed and compared to that of a conventional antioxidative agent. Phenolic molecules, extracted from industrial processing coffee residues, are added to a matrix of poly(1,4‐butylene succinate) (PBS). The apparent activation energy (Ea) of the thermo‐oxidative degradation is calculated by employing different methods like Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose, Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa and Friedman. The results are compared with the antioxidant activity evaluation obtained through the ABTS radical scavenging assay. From the average activation energies, it is observed that the addition of the natural antioxidants led to an increase in the activation energy of the degradation process as a function of the phenolic compound content. This trend is confirmed by the results of the ABTS assay. Hence, this study proves that the active molecules extracted from agri‐food waste could be employed to improve the antioxidant capacity of the biopolymer, even if the composition of the extract must be evaluated in order to mitigate the effects of other components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copolymerization of poly(m-xylylene adipamide) (MXD6) and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide-co-terephthalamide) (PA6I-6T) was used as an efficient strategy to prepare amorphous homogeneous systems with improved properties mainly for packaging applications. The preparation of block copolymers was first of all tried by coextrusion of the two polymers and then by thermal treatments at high temperatures in DSC or mixing in Brabender, also in the presence of a catalyst. The occurrence of transamidation reactions led to macromolecular structures with different randomness degrees. Further, random copolymers, with the full range of compositions, were synthetized from monomers, by a fast and simple two-stage melt polycondensation. For all the copolymers, the sequence distribution was studied by using a ¹H NMR method developed by the Authors. The effects of preparation procedures, of mixing temperature and time, of the presence of a catalyst on the chemical structure, and, then, on final properties were studied. Interesting correlations among block length, monomer distribution and phase behavior were discussed., INTRODUCTION Polyamides are materials with interesting characteristics that make them suitable for many applications in different fields, such as automotive, electrical, electronics, and packaging, in form of films, fibers, or [...]

2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is currently considered one of the most relevant bio‐sourced building blocks, representing a fully sustainable competitor for terephthalic acid as well as the main component in green polymers such as poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PEF). The oxidation of biobased 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) represents the most straightforward approach to obtain FDCA, thus attracting the attention of both academia and industries, as testified by Avantium with the creation of a new plant expected to produce 5000 tons per year. Several approaches allow the oxidation of HMF to FDCA. Metal‐mediated homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, metal‐free catalysis, electrochemical approaches, light‐mediated procedures, as well as biocatalytic processes share the target to achieve FDCA in high yield and mild conditions. This Review aims to give an up‐to‐date overview of the current developments in the main synthetic pathways to obtain FDCA from HMF, with a specific focus on process sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the issues related to the end of life of traditional plastics are very urgent due to the important pollution problems that plastics have caused. Biodegradable plastics can help to try to mitigate these problems, but even bioplastics need much attention to carefully evaluate the different options for plastic waste disposal. In this Minireview, three different end‐of‐life scenarios (composting, recycling, and upcycling) were evaluated in terms of literature review. As a result, the ability of bioplastics to be biodegraded by composting has been related to physical variables and materials characteristics. Hence, it is possible to deduce that the process is mature enough to be a good way to minimize bioplastic waste and valorize it for the production of a fertilizer. Recycling and upcycling options, which could open up many interesting new scenarios for the production of high‐value materials, are less studied. Research in this area can be strongly encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro-waste reduction and reuse are among the current main social challenges. In this perspective, the present research was aimed at the complete valorisation of Garganega grape pomace by recovering bioactive phenol extracts and by testing the solid fibre extract residues in composite formulation for packaging applications. The pomace was derived from white wine production, therefore, respect to red pomace, it was promptly removed from must after pressing, and its exploitation can be particularly interesting and valuable as still rich in active compounds. Phenol extracts were obtained both via solvent-based and pressurised liquid extractions and their phytochemical compositions were compared in terms of total amount of phenols, flavonoids, flavanols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and reducing sugars. Antioxidant activity and detailed phenol profiles were also achieved. The highest phenol yield was obtained via solvent-based extraction with 75% acetone (v/v), solid/liquid ratio 1:5, 2h incubation at 50°C (77.9 gGAeq/kgDW). The fibrous solid residue of the extraction was characterized via thermogravimetric analysis and used for composite preparation by melt mixing with the renewable and biodegradable PHBV polymer through a green approach (solvent-less process). The composites resulted thermally stable at high temperatures, showing initial degradation processes only at temperatures higher than 250°C. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses were carried out to study melting and crystallization phenomena, while mechanical properties were investigated by tensile tests. The materials finally showed properties similar to those of the matrix. The bio-composites can be considered as an alternative to plain PHBV, since they are less expensive and eco-friendlier thanks to a reduced polymeric content, and they could represent a suitable way for full agro-waste exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiaromatic polyamides belong to a large family of polymers commonly utilized in demanding engineering applications due to a unique set of outstanding mechanical properties as well as in terms of thermal and chemical resistance. Somewhat less understood is the use of certain members of this family in packaging applications such as the manufacturing of films and sheets or thin-walled containers, as well as the motivations and limitations in designing film structures containing them. This article reviews how m -xylylene diamine (MXD)-based polyamides are used in packaging applications. Attention is also given to film manufacturing and criticalities in its processing. Recent developments in MXD-based polyamides for gas barrier applications are also reported, while examining future perspectives in speciality film manufacturing. The new described copolymers based on MXD6 were synthesized by introducing different co-units, like isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, glutaric acid, oxalic acid or 1,6-hexamethylene diamine. The performed characterization analyses (DMTA, DSC, density and OTR) allowed the polymer structures and properties to be correlated. Introducing 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid along the MXD6 chain led to the highest Tg (101°C) and density (1.233 g/cm3) and the lowest OTR (0.0035 cm3·cm/m2·day·atm, up to one order of magnitude lower). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new synthetic pathway for the production of p-toluic acid has been developed starting from reagents derived from renewable resources. A Diels-Alder reaction between sorbic and acrylic acids is followed by a combined dehydrogenation/ decarboxylation process, providing p-toluic acid in high yields. This route permits to use milder conditions compared to other Diels-Alder approaches reported in the literature, and therefore can contribute to a more sustainable terephthalic acid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EVOH32 is a semicrystalline copolymer with high barrier performances and therefore suitable for packaging applications. In order to improve its processability through a decrement of its crystallization temperature from the molten state, EVOH32 was mixed with a wide range of low-molecular-weight additives. The strategy is based on the possibility that the additives create hydrogen or covalent bonds with the OH groups of the EVOH main chains, thus influencing the crystallization process. Interesting correlations between the chemical nature of the functional groups present in the organic molecules and their effect on the polymer crystallization have been found. 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid turns out to be the most effective molecule to decrease the crystallization temperature of EVOH32. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel bio-based and biodegradable electrospun membranes, containing bactericidal ricinoleic acid (RA) units either by copolymerization with butylene succinate (BS) units or by blending PRA and PBS homopolymers, are characterized in their chemical, thermal, mechanical and surface properties. In the blends E. coli and S. aureus mortality rate increases with PRA amount, while the copolymer shows lower bactericidal activity compared to the blend with similar composition. XPS demonstrates that in the blends an enrichment of RA units at the fiber surface occurs during electrospinning due to phase separation, while in the copolymer RA units are homogeneously dispersed along fiber cross-section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High molecular weight, amorphous poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) has been aged at 135 °C for different times. The crystal phase contributes to achieve exceptionally low oxygen transmission rates and also good impermeability to water vapors, making PPF one of the most interesting fully biobased polyesters for packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT To solve problems of stiffness of EVOH in film preparation, new formulations are investigated. First, dipentaerythritol (DPE) is blended with EVOH: it acts as plasticizer, decreases the EVOH crystallization temperature and allows the preparation of articles featuring enhanced flexibility and stretchability. However, beyond a certain loading (above 10 wt %) DPE can crystallize and segregate during cooling, causing further problems in EVOH processability due to material embrittlement. Then, a small amount of montmorillonite (MMT) is mixed in the EVOH/DPE system: it results that for specific compositions MMT inhibits the DPE crystallization. At the same time, DPE, thanks to its high polarity and affinity with both clay and polymeric matrix, improves the intercalation of the nanoclays, promoting the penetration of the polymer chains within the layers of the clay. The synergistic effects of DPE and MMT in EVOH matrix is confirmed by DSC, WAXD, SAXS and TEM analyses. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42265. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copolymerization of poly( m-xylylene adipamide) (MXD6) and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide- co-terephthalamide) (PA6I-6T) was used as an efficient strategy to prepare amorphous homogeneous systems with improved properties mainly for packaging applications. The preparation of block copolymers was first of all tried by co-extrusion of the two polymers and then by thermal treatments at high temperatures in DSC or mixing in Brabender, also in the presence of a catalyst. The occurrence of transamidation reactions led to macromolecular structures with different randomness degrees. Further, random copolymers, with the full range of compositions, were synthetized from monomers, by a fast and simple two-stage melt polycondensation. For all the copolymers, the sequence distribution was studied by using a 1H NMR method developed by the Authors. The effects of preparation procedures, of mixing temperature and time, of the presence of a catalyst on the chemical structure, and, then, on final properties were studied. Interesting correlations among block length, monomer distribution and phase behavior were discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., SCI., 55:1475-1484, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monomers used for the synthesis of terephthalate polyesters have been prepared starting from renewable resources. In particular, dimethyl terephthalate was synthesised starting from bio-limonene while butanediol was synthesised starting from bio-succinic acid. Using these bio-monomers it was possible to synthesise polyesters with the same chemical structure and molecular weight of commercially available polymers. Moreover, the polymers obtained from bio-based monomers, present the same thermal properties of the polyesters obtained using petrol-derived monomers. A poly(butylene terephthalate) completely obtained from renewable resources was also synthesised. The radiocarbon and isotope mass spectroscopy analysis confirmed that this polyester contains 94 ± 3% of bio-based material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New telechelic poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) ionomers, characterized by the presence of some aliphatic sulfonated chain ends, were prepared by reaction with the 1,4-butane sultone. Two methods of synthesis were compared and the final polymers, containing different percentages of ionic groups, were characterized, with particular attention to the thermal properties. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the presence of ionic groups does not modify the thermal stability of PBT. The differential scanning calorimetry indicates that the crystalline phase and the crystallinity degree of PBT do not change in the presence of ionic chain ends, whereas the crystallization rate was found to be strongly modified. The ionomers crystallize at very high rate, due to the nucleating effect of the ionic aggregations formed in the melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ intercalative polymerization has been investigated as a strategic way to obtain poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPF) and poly(hexamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PHF) nanocomposites with different graphene types and amounts. Graphene (G) has been dispersed in surfactant stabilized water suspensions. The loading range in composites was 0.25–0.75 wt %. For the highest composition, a different type of graphene (XT500) dispersed in 1,3 propanediol, containing a 6% of oxidized graphene and without surfactant has been also tested. The results showed that the amorphous PPF is able to crystallize during heating scan in DSC and graphene seems to affect such capability: G hinders the polymer chains in reaching an ordered state, showing even more depressed cold crystallization and melting. On the contrary, such hindering effect is absent with XT500, which rather induces the opposite. Concerning the thermal stability, no improvement has been induced by graphene, even if the onset degradation temperatures remain high for all the materials. A moderate enhancement in mechanical properties is observed in PPF composite with XT500, and especially in PHF composite, where a significative increase of 10–20% in storage modulus E' is maintained in almost all the temperature range. Such an increase is also reflected in a slightly higher heat distortion temperature. These preliminary results can be useful in order to further address the field of application of furan-based polyesters; in particular, they could be promising as packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim to fully exploit the by-products obtained after the industrial extraction of starch from sweet potatoes, a cascading approach was developed to extract high-value molecules, such as proteins and pectins, and to valorize the solid fraction, rich in starch and fibrous components. This fraction was used to prepare new biocomposites designed for food packaging applications. The sweet potato residue was added to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) in various amounts up to 40 wt % by melt mixing, without any previous treatment. The composites are semicrystalline materials, characterized by thermal stability up to 260 °C. For the composites containing up to 10 wt % of residue, the tensile strength remains over 30 MPa and the strain stays over 3.2%. A homogeneous dispersion of the sweet potato waste into the bio-polymeric matrix was achieved but, despite the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between the components, a poor interfacial adhesion was detected. Considering the significant percentage of sweet potato waste used, the biocomposites obtained show a low economic and environmental impact, resulting in an interesting bio-alternative to the materials commonly used in the packaging industry. Thus, according to the principles of a circular economy, the preparation of the biocomposites closes the loop of the complete valorization of sweet potato products and by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic and equilibrium water vapor sorption properties of amorphous and highly crystalline poly(ethylene vanillate) (PEV) films were determined via gravimetric analysis, at 20 °C, over a wide range of relative humidity (0–95% RH). At low RH%, the dynamic of the sorption process obeys Fick's law while at higher relative humidity it is characterized by a drift ascribable to non-Fickian relaxations. The non-Fickian relaxations, which are responsible for the incorporation of additional water, are correlated with the upturn of the sorption isotherms and simultaneously the hysteresis recorded between sorption and desorption cycles. The sorption isotherms of amorphous and highly crystalline PEV are arranged in the same concentration range of that of PET proving the similarity of the two polyesters. Water diffusion coefficients, whose determination from individual kinetic sorption/desorption curves required treatment with the Barens–Hopfenberg model, were demonstrated to be ≈10× higher for amorphous PEV compared to amorphous PET. Such a difference originates from the enhanced segmental flexibility of PEV chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the successful transition towards a circular materials economy, the implementation of biobased and biodegradable plastics is a major prerequisite. To prevent the accumulation of plastic material in the open environment, plastic products should be both recyclable and biodegradable. Research and development actions in the past few decades have led to the commercial availability of a number of polymers that fulfil both end-of-life routes. However, these biobased and biodegradable polymers typically have mechanical properties that are not on par with the non-biodegradable plastic products they intend to replace. This can be improved using particulate mineral fillers such as talc, calcium carbonate, kaolin, and mica. This study shows that composites thereof with polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxybutyrate-hexanoate (PHBH), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as matrix polymers result in plastic materials with mechanical properties ranging from tough elastic towards strong and rigid. It is demonstrated that the balance between the Young's modulus and the impact resistance for this set of polymer composites is subtle, but a select number of investigated compositions yield a combination of industrially relevant mechanical characteristics. Finally, it is shown that the inclusion of mineral fillers into biodegradable polymers does not negate the microbial disintegration of these polymers, although the nature of the filler does affect the biodegradation rate of the matrix polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two winery residues, namely vine shoots (ViSh) and wine pomace (WiPo), were up-cycled as fillers in PHBV-based biocomposites. Answering a biorefinery approach, the impact of a preliminary polyphenols extraction step using an acetone/water mixture on the reinforcing effect of fillers was assessed. Biocomposites (filler content up to 20 wt%) were prepared by melt-mixing and compared in terms of final performance (thermal, mechanical and barrier). It was shown that the reinforcing effect was slightly better in the case of vine shoots, while it was not significantly affected by the pre-treatment, demonstrating that these two winery residues could be perfectly used as fillers in composite materials even after an extraction process to maximize their potential of valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proof of concept for a new copolymerization approach taking advantage of the thermally reversible aptitude of the furan/maleimide Diels–Alder (DA) adducts is reported here. A new monomer bearing two carboxylic acids as end‐groups and a Diels–Alder adduct within its structure is synthesized using benign and mild reaction conditions. Two polyesters are then fabricated from the DA‐diacid and 1,6‐hexanediol and 1,4‐benzenedimethanol, respectively, and characterized by 1H‐NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. Kinetic studies of these polyesters, performed by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy at variable temperatures, establish the appropriate conditions for their controlled depolymerization, through the retro Diels–Alder reaction (rDA), and their re‐construction through the DA reaction, showing moreover the reproducibility of this rDA/DA cycle. Finally, by exploiting this peculiar feature, a copolyester is successfully synthesized from the concomitant treatment of the two homopolymers, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method. The present approach provides a new method for the fabrication of multicomponent copolymers based on the DA/rDA strategy that is extendable to a variety of other polycondensation materials, such as polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and epoxies, allowing the establishment of a library of novel architectures through this one‐pot approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice endosperm, an industrial by-product containing starch as the main component, has been used for the production of novel biocomposites, based on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The composites were prepared by melt-mixing, using original or enzymatically-treated rice endosperm. This enzymatic treatment enables the extraction of some high value molecules with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols. It results that rice endosperm has a good compatibility with the matrix, does not modify the thermal properties of PBS, but notably improves its mechanical performances from a brittle towards a more ductile behaviour. Therefore, rice endosperm by-product, which actually is used for animal feeding, can potentially find a sustainable valorization into new biocomposites with reinforced properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retting process, carried out with warm inoculated water, has been evaluated as a potential method to modify the structure of fibers in order to prepare polymeric biocomposites. The efficiency of the method was tested by analyzing the final performances of the produced composites, prepared with reinforcing hemp fibers ( Cannabis sativa L.) dispersed in poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) biopolymer matrix. It turns out that the retting process influences the chemical composition of fibers, removing lignin, pectin, waxes and minor components and, then, disaggregating the pectin-lignin matrix that bounds the elementary hemp fibers and creates fiber bundles. The process improves wettability of fibers as well as their compatibility with the polar functional groups of the polymeric matrix. The retting treatment, commonly applied to get higher fiber quality, helps improve the adhesion to the polymer matrix, thus creating a stronger interface and therefore superior composite performances. As a result, the composites, that always benefit from the presence of fibers in terms of mechanical properties, provide the best performances in the presence of retted hemp fibers, in particular with the composition of 20 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High-performance materials in the optical field, with special reference to optical limiting applications, can be obtained by combining nonlinear optical (NLO) active molecules with high optical quality hosts. An interesting method is the synthesis of fullerene–polymer systems. In this paper novel fullerene–polysulfone samples were obtained by direct fullerenation between a commercial sample of polysulfone and fullerene, using electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions in the presence of AlCl3 as catalyst. The synthesis was successful; the molecular structures of the samples, confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, and UV analyses, indicate that fullerene is covalently bonded to the polysulfone chains. C60 is random distributed along the macromolecules, in amounts varying from 0.5 to 3.2mol%. The C60–polysulfone materials show a very high thermal stability, a glass transition temperature depending on the C60 content, and interesting optical limiting properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The evaluation of the randomness degree and block length of polyamides after interchange reactions is a key issue to estimate the transamidation progress, which strongly influences the final properties of the materials. The polymers under examination are poly(m-xylylene adipamide) (MXD6) and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide-co-terephthalamide) (PA6I-6T). They were blended by extrusion and then treated in differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) in order to improve transamidations and copolymer formation. The molecular structure of the final materials was analysed by means of an efficient, new and fast method based on 1H NMR analysis. The results were compared to those obtained by the more widely used 13C NMR analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(butylene terephthalate) ionomers with imidazolium groups selectively located as end-groups (telechelic) have been prepared by melt polycondensation adding a hydroxyl derivatized imidazolium salt at the beginning of the polymerization process. The design of the chemical structure of the imidazolium salt is of fundamental importance in order to achieve the synthesis of ionomers with good thermo-mechanical properties. The final ionomers present high molecular weight, good color, transparency and thermal stability. Imidazolium ionomers present good antimicrobial (AM) properties comparable with those of commercial AM agents. The incorporation of the ionic groups in the polymer chain prevents their migration during use and therefore the antimicrobial activity can be preserved for longer time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Anatase-structured TiO2 films were deposited on a commercial fluorinated polymer (FEP) with a treated surface, by means of a sol–gel dip-coating technique. Two different curing temperatures were investigated and the film microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The prepared samples presented very high performances in terms of photocatalytic activities, analyzed by the degradation of an organic dye in a liquid medium, and of bactericidal activities, tested on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, a Gram positive bacterium) and Escherichia coli (E. coli, a Gram negative bacterium). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]