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Year 2022
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Highly sensitive large strain cellulose/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposite foams: From design to performance evaluation
PublicationAerogel-based polymer composite foams are promising for large strain piezoresistive sensors, but their aerogel skeleton is partially destroyed during the foaming process, limiting their sensitivity. Herein, the thermoplastic polyurethane was synthesized on the aerogel skeleton to obtain cellulose/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposite materials foamed with the aid of supercritical carbon...
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Hydrogels Based on Natural Polymers for Cardiac Applications
PublicationIn this work agar- and borax-based hydrogels with and without the addition of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) at different concentrations were synthesized. Hydrogels were modified by the same amount of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) which exhibits antithrombotic properties. The effect of modification by ASA on the properties of hydrogels was analyzed.
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Hyperbranched polyethylenimine functionalized silica/polysulfone nanocomposite membranes for water purification
PublicationHyperbranched polyethyleneimine functionalized silica (PEI-SiO2) nanoparticles with considerable hydrophilicity were synthesized and incorporated into a polysulfone (PSF)/dimethylacetamide (DMA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) membrane casting solution in five different ratios to fabricate PEI-SiO2/PSF nanocomposite membranes using nonsolvent-induced phase separation. The hydrophilic PEI-SiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by TEM,...
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Impact and stretching standardized tests as useful tools for assessment of viscoelastic behavior for highly rubberized asphalt binder
PublicationAsphalt binder is generally identified as a brittle material at low service temperature or under high-speed load, and the brittleness becomes serious after weathering aging. Improving the toughness of asphalt binder through adding high-content of crumb tire rubber is an efficient method to solve this problem. Devulcanized rubber modified asphalt binder (DRMA) with different contents (15–40%) of devulcanized rubber (DR) were prepared...
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Insights into Stoichiometry Adjustments Governing the Performance of Flexible Foamed Polyurethane/Ground Tire Rubber Composites
PublicationPolyurethanes (PU) are widely applied in the industry due to their tunable performance adjusted by changes in the isocyanate index—stoichiometric balance between isocyanate and hydroxyl groups. This balance is affected by the incorporation of modifiers of fillers into the PU matrix and is especially crucial for PU foams due to the additional role of isocyanates—foaming of the material. Despite the awareness of the issue underlined...
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Integration of antifouling properties into epoxy coatings: a review
Publicationhe need for nontoxic antifouling coatings has encouraged material scientists to develop a class of organic coatings for diverse applications. As a versatile thermosetting resin and well known for coating application, antifouling characteristics have been integrated into epoxy along with anticorrosion and adhesive functions. Accordingly, both micro- and macro-biofoulings have been successfully controlled by using epoxy-based antifouling...
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Layer-by-layer polymer deposited fabrics with superior flame retardancy and electrical conductivity
PublicationSmart and multifunctional textiles and fabrics are progressively developing, such that multifunctional fabrics are becoming more widespread. We elaborated herein multi-layered flax fabrics with superior flame retardancy and conductivity, which revealed fireproof feature while keeping conductivity during burning. The flax fabric was reinforced by layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of sodium polyacrylate (SPA), polyethylenimine (PEI),...
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Magnetic nanocomposites for biomedical applications
PublicationTissue engineering and regenerative medicine have solved numerous problems related to the repair and regeneration of damaged organs and tissues arising from aging, illnesses, and injuries. Nanotechnology has further aided tissue regeneration science and has provided outstanding opportunities to help disease diagnosis as well as treat damaged tissues. Based on the most recent findings, magnetic nanostructures (MNSs), in particular,...
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Mater-Bi/Brewers’ Spent Grain Biocomposites—Novel Approach to Plant-Based Waste Filler Treatment by Highly Efficient Thermomechanical and Chemical Methods
PublicationThermoplastic starch (TPS) is a homogenous material prepared from native starch and water or other plasticizers subjected to mixing at a temperature exceeding starch gelatinization temperature. It shows major drawbacks like high moisture sensitivity, poor mechanical properties, and thermal stability. To overcome these drawbacks without significant cost increase, TPS could be blended with bio-based or biodegradable polymers and...
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Metal nanoparticles-assisted early diagnosis of diseases
PublicationEarly diagnosis is essential for the effective illness treatment, but traditional diagnostic approaches inevitably have major downsides. Recent advancements in nanoparticle-based biosensors have created new opportunities for accelerating diagnosis. High surface area, exceptional sensitivity, high specificity, and optical characteristics of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have made it possible to detect a variety of health conditions...
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Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) based heat transfer: A comprehensive review
PublicationHigher than a standard level, the humidity provides a suitable environment for the pathogenic microorganisms to grow and increases energy consumption for cooling, increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Desiccant air-conditioning (DAC) is an effective method to reduce humidity and energy simultaneously. Conventional desiccants are not suitable for use as a desiccant in building air conditioners, mainly because of high regeneration...
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Methods for biomaterials printing: A short review and perspective
PublicationPrinting technologies have opened larger windows of innovation and creativity to biomaterials engineers by providing them with the ability to fabricate complex shapes in a reasonable time, cost, and weight. However, there has always been a trouble with function adjusting in printing technologies in view of the multiplicity of materials and apparatus parameters. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, revolutionized biomaterials...
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Mission impossible for cellular internalization: When porphyrin alliance with UiO-66-NH2 MOF gives the cell lines a ride
PublicationIs it possible to accelerate cell internalization by hybridization of nanomaterials? Herein we support the realization of using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the assistance of rigid porphyrin structure (H2TMP) aimed at drug loading, drug release, relative cell viability, and targeted in vitro drug delivery. There are several MOFs, i.e., UiO-66-NH2 (125 ± 12.5 nm), UiO-66-NH2 @H2TMP (160 ± 14 nm), UiO-66-NH2 @H2TMP@DOX, and...
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Mussel‐inspired biomaterials: From chemistry to clinic
PublicationAfter several billions of years, nature still makes decisions on its own to identify, develop, and direct the most effective material for phenomena/challenges faced. Likewise, and inspired by the nature, we learned how to take steps in developing new technologies and materials innovations. Wet and strong adhesion by Mytilidae mussels (among which Mytilus edulis—blue mussel and Mytilus californianus—California mussel are the most...
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Nanomaterials for photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapy
PublicationIn recent years, the role of optically sensitive nanomaterials has become powerful moieties in therapeutic techniques and has become particularly emphasized. Currently, by the extraordinary development of nanomaterials in different fields of medicine, they have found new applications. Phototherapy modalities, such as photothermal therapy (PTT) by toxic heat generation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) by reactive oxygen species, are...
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Non-Isocyanate-Based Waterborne Polyurethanes
PublicationNon-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) are a greener alternative for the conventional polyurethanes synthesized using toxic and moisture-sensitive di- or polyisocyanates. The most often described method of NIPU synthesis involves the reaction of five-membered cyclic carbonates with amines, and resulting polymers containing primary and secondary hydroxyl groups (so they are also known as polyhydroxyurethanes), which can be further...
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Polydopamine Biomaterials for Skin Regeneration
PublicationDesigning biomaterials capable of biomimicking wound healing and skin regeneration has been receiving increasing attention recently. Some biopolymers behave similarly to the extracellular matrix (ECM), supporting biointerfacial adhesion and intrinsic cellular interactions. Polydopamine (PDA) is a natural bioadhesive and bioactive polymer that endows high chemical versatility, making it an exciting candidate for a wide range of...
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Polylysine for Skin Regeneration: A Review of Recent Advances and Perspectives
PublicationThere have been several attempts to find promising biomaterials for skin regeneration, among which polylysine (a homopolypeptide) has shown benefits in the regeneration and treatment of skin disorders. This class of biomaterials has shown exceptional abilities due to their macromolecular structure. Polylysine-based biomaterials can not only be used as tissue engineering scaffolds for skin regeneration, but also as drug carriers...
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Polysaccharide-based electroconductive hydrogels: Structure, properties and biomedical applications
PublicationArchitecting an appropriate platform for biomedical applications requires setting a balance between simplicity and complexity. Polysaccharides (PSAs) play essential roles in our life in food resources, structural materials, and energy storage capacitors. Moreover, the diversity and abundance of PSAs have made them an indispensable part of food ingredients and cosmetics. PSA-based hydrogels have been extensively reviewed in biomedical...
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Polysaccharide-based Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications: A Critical Review
PublicationPolysaccharides (PSA) are taking specific position among biomaterials for advanced applications in medicine. Nevertheless, poor mechanical properties is known as the main drawback of PSA, which highlights need for PSA modification. Nanocomposites PSA (NPSA) are a class of biomaterials widely used as biomedical platforms, but despite their importance and worldwide use have not been reviewed. Herein we critically reviewed application...
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Polysaccharides in fabrication of membranes: A review
PublicationSustainability concerns have motivated and directed a great deal of interest over the past decade towards the development of green technologies. Polysaccharides are green polymers, which experienced growing demand to substitute chemically synthetic polymers. Different types of polysaccharides i.e. cellulose-, starch-, chitin- alginate-, and chitosan-based carbohydrate polymers have been applied in the fabrication of separation...
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Polyurethane based hybrid ciprofloxacin-releasing wound dressings designed for skin engineering purpose
PublicationPurpose Even in the 21st century, chronic wounds still pose a major challenge due to potentially inappropriate treatment options, so the latest wound dressings are hybrid systems that enable clinical management, such as a hybrid of hydrogels, antibiotics and polymers. These wound dressings are mainly used for chronic and complex wounds, which can easily be infected by bacteria. Materials and methods Six Composite Porous Matrices...
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Preparation and Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites Filled with Powdered Buckwheat Husks
PublicationBio-based fillers for the polymer composites are still interesting from the scientific and industrial point of view, due to their low cost and renewable nature. In this work partially green composites were obtained by the mixing of thermoplastic poly(ester-urethane) with the unmodified and modified (by acetylation) grinded buckwheat husks. Obtained biocomposites were characterized in the terms of their chemical structure (FTIR),...
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Pressure-induced flow processing behind the superior mechanical properties and heat-resistance performance of poly(butylene succinate)
PublicationWe propose a pressure-induced flow (PIF) processing method for the simultaneous enhancement of strength, toughness, and heat resistance of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The pressure and temperature were systematically adjusted to optimize the tensile strength of PBS. Under the optimized processing conditions, the structured PBS was characterized by relatively high strength of 89.5 MPa, toughness of 21.4 kJ·m−2 ,...
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Recent advances in aqueous virus removal technologies
PublicationThe COVID-19 outbreak has triggered a massive research, but still urgent detection and treatment of this virus seems a public concern. The spread of viruses in aqueous environments underlined efficient virus treatment processes as a hot challenge. This review critically and comprehensively enables identifying and classifying advanced biochemical, membrane-based and disinfection processes for effective treatment of virus-contaminated...
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Recent Advances in Development of Waste-Based Polymer Materials: A Review
PublicationLimited petroleum sources, suitable law regulations, and higher awareness within society has caused sustainable development of manufacturing and recycling of polymer blends and composites to be gaining increasing attention. This work aims to report recent advances in the manufacturing of environmentally friendly and low-cost polymer materials based on post-production and postconsumer wastes. Sustainable development of three groups...
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Removal of diphenols using pine biochar. Kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and mechanism of uptake
PublicationThermal pyrolysis synthesized activated biochar from the Pinus elliottii sawdust (PS) at 600° C. The obtained activated biochar (PB600) was used for the removal of three diphenols, catechol (CAT), resorcinol (RES), and hydroquinone (HYD), which are utilized mainly in different industries. The PB600 was characterized by several analytical techniques. The BET surface area of 1473 m2.g−1 and a total pore volume of 0.707 cm3 g−1 was...
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Rotational molding of polylactide (PLA) composites filled with copper slag as a waste filler from metallurgical industry
PublicationThe research work carried out so far indicates the ever wider possibilities and demand for shaping composite products in the rotational molding technology. This trend was the main reason to use waste-based filler from the metallurgical process as a filler for manufacturing polylactide (PLA)-based remolded composites. Copper slag (CS) was introduced in the single-step processing method to PLA matrix at 5, 10, 20, and 35 wt%. The...
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Successive cytotoxicity control by evolutionary surface decorated electronic push-pull green ZnCr-LDH nanostructures: Drug delivery enlargement for targeted breast cancer chemotherapy
PublicationThe reason for the increasing bioavailability and biocompatibility of the porous nanomaterials in the presence of different (bio)molecules is still unknown. The role of difference functional groups and their interactions with the potential bioavailability and biocompatibility is of great importance. To investigate the potential contribution of the electronic effects (especially on the surface of the porous nanomaterials) on their...
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Super tough interpenetrating polymeric network of styrene butadiene rubber‐poly (methyl methacrylate) incorporated with general purpose carbon black ( N660 )
PublicationA classic set of polymeric interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) microcomposites has been fabricated using an elastomer—styrene butadiene rubber [SBR], a thermoplastic poly(methyl methacrylate)-PMMA and with carbon black (CB)-N660 as a filler and reinforcing agent. This synthesized IPN composite can be promisingly employed as a toughened plastic and vibrational damper in a wide service range with excellent thermal stability,...
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Surface engineering of graphene oxide membranes for selective separation of perfluorooctanoic acids
PublicationPerfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) are environmental toxicants and their widespread detection and accumulation in the environment can be detrimental to the ecosystem. In this study, surface charge of GO membranes was engineered to enhance selectivity of graphene oxide (GO) membranes and for the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA ∼400 Da) in real concentration ranges in wastewater streams. The structure and physicochemical properties...
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Synthesis and characterization of biopolyols through biomass liquefaction of wood shavings and their application in the preparation of polyurethane wood composites
PublicationThe sustainability of production systems in wood processing, wood industry, and wooden waste disposal is an important issue for European industry and society. Proper development of products based on renewable wood resources gives an opportunity to provide materials with long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This study aims to establish a new way of forestry and agricultural waste materials utilization by...
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Synthesis Attempt and Structural Studies of Novel A2CeWO6 Double Perovskites (A2+ = Ba, Ca) in and outside of Ambient Conditions
PublicationSynthesis Attempt and Structural Studies of Novel A 2 CeWO 6 Double Perovskites (A 2+ = Ba, Ca) in and outside of Ambient Conditions Damian Wlodarczyk,* Mikolaj Amilusik, Katarzyna M. Kosyl, Maciej Chrunik, Krystyna Lawniczak-Jablonska, Michal Strankowski, Marcin Zajac, Volodymyr Tsiumra, Aneta Grochot, Anna Reszka, Andrzej Suchocki, Tomasz Giela, Przemyslaw Iwanowski, Michal Bockowski, and Hanka Przybylinska Cite This: ACS Omega...
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Synthesis of green benzamide-decorated UiO-66-NH2 for biomedical applications
PublicationMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) biocompatible systems can host enzymes/bacteria/viruses. Herein we synthesized a series of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-decorated UiO-66-NH2 based on Citrus tangerine leaf extract for drug delivery and biosensor applications. Five chemically manipulated FAAH-like benzamides were localized on the UiO-66-NH2 surface with physical interactions. Comprehensive cellular and molecular analyses were...
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The Efficacious Benefit of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D to Prevent COVID-19: An In-Silico Study Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
PublicationThe environment has rapidly looked at proven specialist task forces in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to build public health policies and measures to mitigate the effects of emerging coronaviruses. According to the researchers, taking 10 μg of 25-hydroxy vitamin D daily is recommended to keep us safe. There have been several studies recently indicating that there is a reduced risk of contracting Coronavirus by 25-hydroxy...
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The Impact of Isocyanate Index and Filler Functionalities on the Performance of Flexible Foamed Polyurethane/Ground Tire Rubber Composites
PublicationThe structure and performance of polyurethane (PU) foams are strongly driven by the stoichiometry of the polyaddition reaction, quantitatively described by the isocyanate index. It determines the balance between isocyanate and hydroxyl groups in the reacting system and is affected by the introduction of additional functionalities originated, e.g., from applied fillers. Nevertheless, this issue is hardly taken into account in research...
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The impact of thermomechanical and chemical treatment of waste Brewers’ spent grain and soil biodegradation of sustainable Mater-Bi-Based biocomposites
PublicationDue to the massive plastic pollution, development of sustainable and biodegradable polymer materials is crucial to reduce environmental burdens and support climate neutrality. Application of lignocellulosic wastes as fillers for polymer composites was broadly reported, but analysis of biodegradation behavior of resulting biocomposites was rarely examined. Herein, sustainable Mater-Bi-based biocomposites filled with thermomechanically-...
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Theoretical examination of the fracture behavior of BC3 polycrystalline nanosheets: Effect of crack size and temperature
Publication2D carbon graphene nanostructures are elements of advanced materials and systems. This theoretical survey provides explanation to the mechanical and fracture behavior of mono- and polycrystalline BC3 nanosheets (denoted as MC- and PCBC3NS, respectively) as a function of temperature and the type of crack defects. The mechanical performance of PCBC3NS at elevated temperatures was monitored varying the number of grain boundaries (the...
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Thermal degradation of polylactic acid (PLA)/polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) blends: A systematic review
PublicationPolylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) are two biopolyesters obtained from renewable resources like corn or sugar under bacterial fermentation. PLA is the most widely used biopolymer in diverse applications. Addition of PHB to PLA can improves the crystallinity of PLA, and thereby its mechanical strength. However, both PLA and PHB suffer from poor thermal stability, which limits their potential industrial application....
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Thermomechanical and Fire Properties of Polyethylene-Composite-Filled Ammonium Polyphosphate and Inorganic Fillers: An Evaluation of Their Modification Efficiency
PublicationThe development of new polymer compositions characterized by a reduced environmental impact while lowering the price for applications in large-scale production requires the search for solutions based on the reduction in the polymer content in composites’ structure, as well as the use of fillers from sustainable sources. The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate introducing low-cost inorganic fillers, such as copper slag (CS),...
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Waste tire rubber devulcanization technologies: State-of-the-art, limitations and future perspectives
PublicationWaste tires management is a serious and global environmental problem. Therefore, searching for low-cost and industrial-scale applicable tire recycling methods is gaining more and more attention. Waste tire rubber is valuable source of secondary raw materials for the circular economy and current trends indicate that application of waste rubbers during manufacturing value-added products should increase in near future. Sustainable...
Year 2021
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Adsorption onto zeolites: molecular perspective
Publication2D minerals are among key elements of advanced systems, but the need for understanding their interactions/reactions with materials and systems in which they are involved necessitates tracking their molecular and atomic monitoring. Zeolitic structures are microporous materials formed in the nature through volcanic activities or synthesis. Because of their outstanding physicochemical properties like cation exchange capacity and excellent...
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Applying molecular dynamics simulation to take the fracture fingerprint of polycrystalline SiC nanosheets
PublicationGraphene-like nanosheets are the key elements of advanced materials and systems. The mechanical behavior of the structurally perfect 2D nanostructures is well documented, but that of polycrystalline ones is less understood. Herein, we applied molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) to take the fracture fingerprint of polycrystalline SiC nanosheets (PSiCNS), where monocrystalline SiC nanosheets (MSiCNS) was the reference nanosheet....
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Assessment of the devulcanization process of EPDM waste from roofing systems by combined thermomechanical/microwave procedures
PublicationEthylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) is a elastomer widely used in common industrial applications. EPDM can be shaped into sheets and employed as isolating material for roofing systems. In this study, scraps of EPDM from commercial, industrial and residential roofing systems were treated by combined thermo-mechanical and microwave devulcanization processes including peroxide of benzoyl (BPO). The devulcanized EPDM (Dev-EPDM)...
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ASSESSMENT OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS EMISSIONS FROM RECYCLED LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE STREAMS
PublicationThe recycling of plastics is currently one of the most significant industrial challenges. Due to the enormous amounts of plastic wastes generated by various industry branches, it is essential to look for the potential methods of their utilization. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that recycled plastics are not pure materials, and they still may show an unfavorable environmental impact. They may contain different contaminants...
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Bio-Based Polyurethane Networks Derived from Liquefied Sawdust
PublicationThe utilization of forestry waste resources in the production of polyurethane resins is a promising green alternative to the use of unsustainable resources. Liquefaction of wood-based biomass gives polyols with properties depending on the reagents used. In this article, the liquefaction of forestry wastes, including sawdust, in solvents such as glycerol and polyethylene glycol was investigated. The liquefaction process was carried...
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By-Products from Food Industry as a Promising Alternative for the Conventional Fillers for Wood–Polymer Composites
PublicationThe present paper describes the application of two types of food-industry by-products, brewers’ spent grain (BSG), and coffee silverskin (ŁK) as promising alternatives for the conventional beech wood flour (WF) for wood–polymer composites. The main goal was to investigate the impact of partial and complete WF substitution by BSG and ŁK on the processing, structure, physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of resulting...
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Cellulosic bionanocomposites based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and Cuscuta reflexa: adjusting structure-properties balance for higher performance
PublicationDesign and manufacture of cellulosic nanocomposites with acceptable performance is in the period of a transition from fantasy to reality. Typically, cellulosic nanofillers reveal poor compatibility with polymer matrices. Thus, adjusting the balance between structure and properties of cellulosic bionanocomposites by careful selection of parent ingredients is the first priority. Herein, we incorporated Cuscuta reflexa derived cellulose...
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Characterization of Highly Filled Glass Fiber/Carbon Fiber Polyurethane Composites with the Addition of Bio-Polyol Obtained through Biomass Liquefaction
PublicationThis work aims to investigate the process of obtaining highly filled glass and carbon fiber composites. Composites were manufactured using previously obtained cellulose derived polyol, polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). As a catalyst, dibutyltin dilaurate 95% and Dabco® 33-LV were used. It was found that the addition of carbon and glass fibers into the polymer matrix causes an increase in the mechanical properties...
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Chemical surface etching methods for ground tire rubber as sustainable approach for environmentally-friendly composites development– a review
PublicationGround tire rubber (GTR) has been used as a sustainable low-cost modifier in various composites. However, due to the hydrophobic nature of GTR, it is in compatible with most matrices and results in deterioration in both mechanical and physical properties of composites. This necessitates pre-modification of the powdered rubber to improve the interfacial bonding at the rubber-matric interface. The most common GTR modification research...
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Clays as Inhibitors of Polyurethane Foams’ Flammability
PublicationPolyurethanes are a very important group of polymers with an extensive range of applications in different branches of industry. In the form of foams, they are mainly used in bedding, furniture, building, construction, and automotive sectors. Due to human safety reasons, these applications require an appropriate level of flame retardance, often required by various law regulations. Nevertheless, without the proper modifications,...
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Coffee Silverskin as a Multifunctional Waste Filler for High-Density Polyethylene Green Composites
PublicationThis work aims to describe the coffee silverskin effect as a lignocellulosic waste filler for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites development. The main task was to determine various modification effects resulting from the complex chemical composition of coffee silverskin containing compounds with potential antioxidative properties, including caffeine, polyphenols, tannins, or melanoidins. The processing, thermal, physicochemical,...
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Coffee silverskin as a potential bio-based antioxidant for polymer materials: Brief review
PublicationCoffee silverskin is one of the by-products generated by the coffee industry. Although it is not the most burdensome one, because it stands only for ~4.2 wt % of coffee, it seems like an auspicious raw material for industrial processes. Coffee silverskin is characterized by a relatively low moisture content of ~5–7%, so it often does not require quite energy-consuming drying processes. The chemical composition of coffee silverskin,...
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Coffee Wastes as Sustainable Flame Retardants for Polymer Materials
PublicationDevelopment of green flame retardants has become a core part of the attention of material scientists and technologists in a paradigm shift from general purpose to specific sustainable products. This work is the first report on the use of coffee biowastes as sustainable flame retardants for epoxy, as a typical highly flammable polymer. We used spent coffee grounds (SCG) as well as SCG chemically modified with phosphorus (P-SCG)...
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Comparative Study of the Reinforcement Type Effect on the Thermomechanical Properties and Burning of Epoxy-Based Composites
PublicationAramid (AF), glass (GF), carbon (CF), basalt (BF), and flax (FF) fibers in the form of fabrics were used to produce the composites by hand-lay up method. The use of fabrics of similar grammage for composites’ manufacturing allowed for a comprehensive comparison of the properties of the final products. The most important task was to prepare a complex setup of mechanical and thermomechanical properties, supplemented by fire behavior...
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Composite Polyurethane-Polylactide (PUR/PLA) Flexible Filaments for 3D Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) of Antibacterial Wound Dressings for Skin Regeneration
Publicationhis paper addresses the potential application of flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) compositions as a material for the production of antibacterial wound dressings using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing method. On the market, there are medical-grade polyurethane filaments available, but few of them have properties required for the fabrication of wound dressings, such as flexibility...
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Conductive Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposite Foams Derived from a Cellulose/MWCNTs Aerogel Framework: Simultaneous Enhancement of Piezoresistance, Strength, and Endurance
PublicationHigh conductivity and excellent mechanical properties of composite polymers favors their application as piezoresistive strain sensors. Nonetheless, it is difficult to develop composite polymers with desirable piezoresistance, mechanicaland durable properties. Herein, we developed conductive cellulose/MWCNTs aerogel using the freeze-drying technique. Besides, we explored the application of the highly-sensitive piezoresistive polymer...
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Copper Slag as a Potential Waste Filler for Polyethylene-Based Composites Manufacturing
PublicationThe present study aimed to analyze the application of waste material from copper production– copper slag (ŻŻL) as filler for composites based on the high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Copper slag filler was introduced in the amounts of 1–20 wt%, and its influence on the appearance (color analysis), chemical structure (Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy), microstructure (optical microscopy), as well as static (tensile...
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Crystalline Polysaccharides: A Review
PublicationThe biodegradability and mechanical properties of polysaccharides are dependent on their architecture (linear or branched) as well as their crystallinity (size of crystals and crystallinity percent). The amount of crystalline zones in the polysaccharide significantly governs their ultimate properties and applications (from packaging to biomedicine). Although synthesis, characterization, and properties of polysaccharides have been...
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Development, characterization and evaluation of composite adsorbent for the adsorption of crystal violet from aqueous solution: Isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies
PublicationThe purpose of this work focuses on the production and investigations of a new composite material as alternative low-cost adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from waste solution. The production method was performed by in-situ thermal activation technology via extrusion process of polymer wastes containing tire rubber (50 wt%) and polyurethane foam (50 wt%) using single-screw extruder under processing temperature...
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Dynamic mechanical properties and flexing fatigue resistance of tire sidewall rubber as function of waste tire rubber reclaiming degree
PublicationA stepwise downsizing method of gel particles in reclaimed rubber to a micro-nano scale and its excellent dynamic performance in tire sidewall were introduced by this work. The results showed that the size of gel particles decreased from several micrometers to micro-nanometers with the increase of reclaiming degree, accompanied by reduced molecular weight and widened molecular weight distribution of sol fraction. The addition of...
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Eco-Friendly Ether and Ester-Urethane Prepolymer: Structure, Processing and Properties
PublicationThis study concerns bio-based urethane prepolymers. The relationship between the chemical structure and the thermal and processing parameters of bio-based isocyanate-terminated ether and ester-urethane prepolymers was investigated. Bio-based prepolymers were obtained with the use of bio-monomers such as bio-based diisocyanate, bio-based polyether polyol or polyester polyols. In addition to their composition, the bio-based prepolymers...
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Eco-friendly Route for Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers with Bio-based Hard Segments Composed of Bio-glycol and Mixtures of Aromatic–Aliphatic and Aliphatic–Aliphatic Diisocyanate
PublicationApplication of bio-based diisocyanates with low volatility instead petrochemical diisocyanates has positive impact on environment by reduction of hazardous effects on living organisms and lead to bio-based polyurethanes (bio-PUs) with good usage properties. This work was focused on the synthesis and chosen properties examination of partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (bio-PUs) obtained using diisocyanate mixtures,...
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Encapsulation of Amikacin into Microparticles Based on Low-Molecular-Weight Poly(lactic acid) and Poly(lactic acid-co-polyethylene glycol)
PublicationThe aim of this study was to fabricate novel microparticles (MPs) for efficient and long-term delivery of amikacin (AMI). The emulsification method proposed for encapsulating AMI employed low-molecular-weight poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactic acid-co-polyethylene glycol) (PLA−PEG), both supplemented with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The diameters of the particles obtained were determined as less than 30 μm. Based on an in-vitro...
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Encapsulation of an anticancer drug Isatin inside a host nano-vehicle SWCNT: a molecular dynamics simulation
PublicationThe use of carbon nanotubes as anticancer drug delivery cargo systems is a promising modality as they are able to perforate cellular membranes and transport the carried therapeutic molecules into the cellular components. Our work describes the encapsulation process of a common anticancer drug, Isatin (1H-indole-2,3-dione) as a guest molecule, in a capped single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) host with chirality of (10,10). The...
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Enhancement of PUR/PIR foam thermal stability after addition of Zostera marina biomass component investigated via thermal analysis and isoconversional kinetics
PublicationIn the present work, a thorough thermogravimetric (TG) analysis of bio-based polyurethane–polyisocyanurate (PUR–PIR) foams in both nitrogen and oxygen atmosphere is performed. A sustainable element of the foam is a biopolyol obtained via acid-catalyzed liquefaction of Zostera marina and Enteromorpha Algae biomass. Based on isoconversional analysis and apparent activation energies, several conclusions are obtained. In contradiction...
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Epoxy/Ionic Liquid-Modified Mica Nanocomposites: Network Formation–Network Degradation Correlation
PublicationWe synthesized pristine mica (Mica) and N-octadecyl-N’-octadecyl imidazolium iodide (IM) modified mica (Mica-IM), characterized it, and applied it at 0.1–5.0 wt.% loading to prepare epoxy nanocomposites. Dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was carried out for the analysis of the cure potential and kinetics of epoxy/Mica and epoxy/Mica-IM curing reaction with amine curing agents at low loading of 0.1 wt.% to avoid particle...
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Fabrication of toughened plastic using styrene butadiene rubber-poly (methyl methacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks
PublicationA standard set of interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs) has been contrived using an elastomerstyrene butadiene rubber and a thermoplastic poly (methyl methacrylate) through sequential polymerization protocol. This low-cost material can be hopefully engaged as a toughened plastic with cocontinuous morphology. Different morphological protocols including Raman imaging are effectively utilized to envisage the effect of blend ratio...
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Green TPUs from Prepolymer Mixtures Designed by Controlling the Chemical Structure of Flexible Segments
PublicationThis study concerns green thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) obtained by controlling the chemical structure of flexible segments. Two types of bio-based polyether polyols—poly(trimethylene glycol)s—with average molecular weights ca. 1000 and 2700 Da were used (PO3G1000 and PO3G2700, respectively). TPUs were prepared via a two-step method. Hard segments consisted of 4,4?- diphenylmethane diisocyanates and the bio-based 1,4-butanodiol...
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Ground Tire Rubber Filled Flexible Polyurethane Foam—Effect of Waste Rubber Treatment on Composite Performance
PublicationThe application range of flexible polyurethane (PU) foams is comprehensive because of their versatility and flexibility in adjusting structure and performance. In addition to the investigations associated with further broadening of their potential properties, researchers are looking for new raw materials, beneficially originated from renewable resources or recycling. A great example of such a material is ground tire rubber (GTR)—the...
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GTR/NBR/Silica Composites Performance Properties as a Function of Curing System: Sulfur versus Peroxides
PublicationIn this work, conventional sulfur and two types of organic peroxides (dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and di-(2-tert-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)-benzene (BIB)) curing systems were used to investigate the possibility for tailoring of the performance properties of GTR/NBR blends reinforced with a variable content of highly dispersive silica (0–30 phr). The curing characteristics, static mechanical and acoustical properties, swelling behavior,...
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How Chain Transfer Leads to a Uniform Polymer Particle Morphology and Prevents Reactor Fouling
PublicationABSTRACT: The effect of adding diethyl zinc as a chain transfer agent during the polymerization of propylene in heptane performed at 80 °C was studied. Although it was expected that the chain transfer would stop after precipitation of the polymer, the polymer molecular weight continued to increase throughout the whole of the polymerization. The presence of diethyl zinc had an additional effect that the polymerizations were devoid...
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Hydrogen Bonds in Blends of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), Poly(N-ethylacrylamide) Homopolymers, and Carboxymethyl Cellulose
PublicationRecently, it was reported that the physical crosslinking exhibited by some biopolymers could provide multiple benefits to biomedical applications. In particular, grafting thermoresponsive polymers onto biopolymers may enhance the degradability or offer other features, as thermothickening behavior. Thus, different interactions will affect the different hydrogen bonds and interactions from the physical crosslinking of carboxymethyl...
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Inhibition of Polymer Photodegradation by Incorporation of Coffee Silverskin
PublicationOver the last years, the trend associated with the incorporation of materials from renewable resources into polymer technology is getting significantly more vital. Researchers are trying to transfer the properties of natural raw materials into the polymer world. Therefore, different natural materials are more often investigated as potential additives for polymers. Such an effect is noted for the coffee industry by-products, such...
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In-Out Surface Modification of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) for Excellent Cure of Epoxy: Chemistry and Kinetics Modeling
PublicationIn-out surface modification of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) has been successfully performed by taking advantage of 8-hydroxyquinolines in the lumen of HNTs and precisely synthesized aniline oligomers (AO) of different lengths (tri- and pentamer) anchored on the external surface of the HNTs. Several analyses, including FTIR, H-NMR, TGA, UV-visible spectroscopy, and SEM, were used to establish the nature of the HNTs’ surface engineering....
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Insights into modification of lignocellulosic fillers with isophorone diisocyanate: structure, thermal stability and volatile organic compounds emission assessment
PublicationThis study presents an analysis of the structure and properties of different types of lignocellulosic fillers modified by isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) to provide insights into the possibility of their application to the manufacturing of wood polymer composites (WPCs). Moreover, it deals with the environmental aspects of modified fillers, by assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during modification, as well as...
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Insights into the Thermo-Mechanical Treatment of Brewers’ Spent Grain as a Potential Filler for Polymer Composites
PublicationThis paper investigated the impact of twin-screw extrusion parameters on the properties of brewers’ spent grain. The chemical structure, antioxidant activity, particle size, and color properties, as well as the emission of volatile organic compounds during extrusion, were investigated. The main compounds detected in the air during modifications were terpenes and terpenoids, such as α-pinene, camphene, 3-carene, limonene, or terpinene....
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Isocyanate-Free Polyurethanes
PublicationIsocyanate-free polyurethanes (also called non-isocyanate polyurethanes, or NIPUs) are alternatives to the conventional (commercially used) polyurethanes synthesized using di- or polyisocyanates, polyols, and chain extenders with low molecular weight. The major routes of NIPUs’ synthesis involve polyaddition of cyclic carbonates and di- or polyamines, polycondensation of carbamates, and diols. The most important intermediates are...
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Isothermal Vulcanization and Non-Isothermal Degradation Kinetics of XNBR/Epoxy/XNBR-g-Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) Nanocomposites
PublicationThe effect of several concentrations of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (XHNTs) on the vulcanization and degradation kinetics of XNBR/epoxy compounds were evaluated using experimental and theoretical methods. The isothermal vulcanization kinetics were studied at various temperatures by rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained indicated that the...
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MANDARIN PEEL AS AN AUSPICIOUS FUNCTIONAL FILLER FOR POLYMER COMPOSITES
PublicationThis work describes the application of mandarin peel (MP) as a waste filler for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The main goal was to investigate the impact of the filler's essential oils, which include multiple terpenes and terpenoids, on the processing, physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composites as a function of different filler content (1 – 10 wt%), as well as its effect on the color and...
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Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Surface Quality of Polypropylene Green Composites as a Function of Sunflower Husk Waste Filler Particle Size and Content
PublicationAgricultural waste is a still untapped source of materials that can, in case of proper utilization, significantly improve the sustainability of polymers and their composites. In this work, polymer composites based on isotactic polypropylene were produced incorporating ground sunflower husk in the amount of 10 wt% and 20 wt%. The work’s main objective is to evaluate how preliminary fractioning of this agricultural waste filler affects...
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Mechanical Properties of Bio-Composites Based on Epoxy Resin and Nanocellulose Fibres
PublicationThe aim of our research was to investigate the effect of a small nanocellulose (NC) addition on an improvement of the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. A procedure of chemical extraction from pressed lignin was used to obtain nanocellulose fibers. The presence of nanoparticles in the cellulose pulp was confirmed by FTIR/ATR spectra as well as measurement of nanocellulose particle size using a Zetasizer analyzer. Epoxy...
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Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Cancer Therapy
PublicationMOFs exhibit inherent extraordinary features for diverse applications ranging from catalysis, storage, and optics to chemosensory and biomedical science and technology. Several procedures including solvothermal, hydrothermal, mechanochemical, electrochemical, and ultrasound techniques have been used to synthesize MOFs with tailored features. A continued attempt has also been directed towards functionalizing MOFs via “post-synthetic...
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Modification of cellulosic filler with diisocyanates – volatile organic compounds emission assessment and stability of chemical structure over time
PublicationThis paper investigated the impact of type and content of diisocyanate on the structure of modified cellulose fillers. Four the most popular isocyanates were applied – isophorone, hexamethylene, toluene and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate – at loadings of 1–15 wt%. Chemical structure, and its short-term storage stability, were investigated for eight weeks. Moreover, the main volatile organic compounds detected during modification,...
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More than just a beer—the potential applications of by-products from beer manufacturing in polymer technology
PublicationBeer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the world, and its popularity is continuously growing. Currently, global beer production is estimated at around 2 billion hectoliters. Nevertheless, the increasing production capacity implicates the rising issue of generated by-products—brewers’ spent grain, spent hops, spent yeast, and wastewater. They are generated in massive amounts, so having in mind the current pro-ecological...
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Morphology, Thermo-Mechanical Properties and Biodegradibility of PCL/PLA Blends Reactively Compatibilized by Different Organic Peroxides
PublicationReactive blending is a promising approach for the sustainable development of bio-based polymer blends and composites, which currently is gaining more and more attention. In this paper, biodegradable blends based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were prepared via reactive blending performed in an internal mixer. The PCL and PLA content varied in a ratio of 70/30 and 55/45. Reactive modification of PCL/PLA...
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Novel Cast Polyurethanes Obtained by Using Reactive Phosphorus-Containing Polyol: Synthesis, Thermal Analysis and Combustion Behaviors
PublicationPhosphorus-containing polyol applications in polyurethane synthesis can prevent volatilization of flame retardants and their migration on the surface of a material. In this work, novel cast polyurethanes were prepared by a one-step method with the use of different amounts of phosphorus-containing polyol, 4,4′–diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol. The chemical structure, thermal, physicochemical and mechanical properties...
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Novel Research on Biomedical Polyurethanes
PublicationThe variety of mechanical properties characterizes properly designed PURs. They may be biocompatible and reveal compatibility with blood, making them attractive materials for the fabrication of tissue scaffolds; however, like all synthetic materials, PURs don’t reveal sufficient biocompatibility. PURs may undergo certain chemical modifications (e.g., 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-sorbitol, ascorbic acid (AA), growth factors, covering with...
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OIL-ASSISTED THERMO-MECHANICAL RECLAMATION OF GROUND TIRE RUBBER
PublicationNowadays, it is crucial to seek for the methods of by-products and waste utilization, considering both environmental and economic factors. The example of waste material generated in the massive amounts, which requires the attention is ground tire rubber generated during recycling of post-consumer car tires. It can be applied as a filler into different polymer matrices, but to enhance its effectivity proper modifications should...
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PLA–Potato Thermoplastic Starch Filament as a Sustainable Alternative to the Conventional PLA Filament: Processing, Characterization, and FFF 3D Printing
PublicationThe growing popularity of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technology in science, industry, and in-home use is associated with an increased demand for high-quality polymer filaments. This study presents an in-depth characterization and analysis of a self-made bio-based polylactide (PLA)/thermoplastic potato starch (TPS) filament dedicated for the FFF 3D printing technology. The obtained results were compared with...
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Polyisocyanates from Sustainable Resources
PublicationIsocyanates, next to polyols, constitute the major components essential for polyurethane (PU) production. They have a significant impact on physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PU materials. They also have an impact on those materials’ purposes, forms, textures, and other features. The available and used isocyanates are of a petrochemical origin. With the development of a trend toward green chemistry in the science...
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Polypropylene structure alterations after 5 years of natural degradation in a waste landfill
PublicationUp to 25% of plastic waste in Europe is still disposed of in landfills, despite recycling efforts. The plastic waste in the landfill plot may be exposed both to abiotic and biotic degradation processes, although it is thought that most of the plastic materials tend to be resistant to biodegradation or biodeterioration even after a long time. To verify if polypropylene (PP) can undergo the process of short-term biodegradation and...
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Polyurethanes
PublicationHandbook of Thermoset Plastics, Fourth Edition provides complete coverage of the chemical processes, manufacturing techniques and design properties of each polymer, along with its applications. This new edition has been expanded to include the latest developments in the field, with new chapters on radiation curing, biological adhesives, vitrimers, and 3D printing. This detailed handbook considers the practical implications of using...
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Polyurethanes for Coating, Adhesives, and Other Applications
PublicationAn interesting group of polyurethane (PU) materials are coatings, adhesives, sealants, and thickeners. A wide base of raw materials and various methods of PU synthesis allows production of materials with a wide range of properties that can be commonly used in many industries. This chapter describes the main types of PU coatings and adhesives and special application PUs and the methods of their production. The materials described...
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Potential applications of by-products from the coffee industry in polymer technology – Current state and perspectives
PublicationCoffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and its popularity is continuously growing, which can be expressed by almost doubling production over the last three decades. Cultivation, processing, roasting, and brewing coffee are known for many years. These processes generate significant amounts of by-products since coffee bean stands for around 50% of the coffee cherry. Therefore, considering the current pro-ecological...
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Preparation of Well-Compatibilized PP/PC Blends and Foams Thereof
PublicationThe performance of polypropylene-poly(ethylene brassylate) block and graft copolymers and a polypropylene-polycaprolactone graft copolymer as compatibilizers for polypropylene-rich polypropylene/bisphenol A polycarbonate (PP/PC, 80/20 wt/wt) blends was elucidated. The copolymers were synthesized either by metal-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization or transesterification of a presynthesized polyester, initiated by hydroxyl-functionalized...
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Processing, Performance Properties, and Storage Stability of Ground Tire Rubber Modified by Dicumyl Peroxide and Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymers
PublicationIn this paper, ground tire rubber was modified with dicumyl peroxide and a variable content (in the range of 0–15 phr) of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers characterized by different vinyl acetate contents (in the range of 18–39 wt.%). Modification of ground tire rubber was performed via an auto-thermal extrusion process in which heat was generated during internal shearing of the material inside the extruder barrel. The processing,...
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Recycling of Polyurethanes Containing Flame-Retardants and Polymer Waste Transformed into Flame-Retarded Polyurethanes
PublicationThe growing number of polyurethanes (PUs) produced every year has developed methods for their mechanical and chemical recycling which yield valuable products like substitutes for commercial polyols or flame-retardants. PUs can be produced in different shapes and forms (i.e., elastomers, flexible or rigid foams, coatings, etc.) using several different components (i.e., di- or polyisocyanates, ester- or ether-based polyols, low-molecular...
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Recycling of Waste Rubber by the Manufacturing of Foamed Polyurethane-Based Composites—Current State and Perspectives
PublicationWorn car tires are disruptive waste, and the issue of their management is crucial for the natural environment. In many countries, the primary method of end-of-life tires utilization is energy recovery. However, more effective and beneficial for the environment is material recycling. Using them for the production of polymer-rubber composites seems to be an auspicious direction of research. Incorporation of ground tire rubber into...
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Recycling of Waste Rubber by Thermo-Mechanical Treatment in a Twin-Screw Extruder
PublicationRecycling of waste tires is a significant issue considering both environmental and economic aspects. One of the leading recycling routes is the shredding of tires resulting in the generation of ground tire rubber. This material can be easily introduced into various polymer matrices as a filler, reducing the use of conventionally applied petroleum-based materials. In such cases, it is essential to ensure sufficient interfacial compatibility,...