Polymer International最新文献

Researchers are diligently striving towards generating sustainable successors for man-made fibers. Naturally derived fibers/fillers have gained much attention these days due to their use in the development of renewable and biodegradable components. This research emphasizes the physical, mechanical and tribological aspects of silanized Corchorus olitorius particle-based thermoset composites. With the help of a contact lay-up technique, varied weight fractions (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5%)-based composites as per ASTM standards were generated. The experimental results reveal that silanization promotes the interfacial relationship between particles of Corchorus olitorius and the matrix and also the established silanized particle-based composites demonstrated a potential modest density feature. The minimal weight fraction-based composite exhibited the best mechanical and wear-resistant features. Furthermore, the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Schweizer–Sklar power weighted average approach has been developed as a distinctive structure for obtaining the most effective composite material for any further industrial applications. From this optimization strategy, the specimen with 5 wt% particle content is found to be the best, followed by the specimen with 7.5 wt% particle content. This work highlights the crucial function of surface modification techniques, especially silanization, in enhancing the effectiveness and stability of composites that include Corchorus olitorius particles. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

For cancer treatment, a novel nanocarrier has been developed, utilizing natural compounds. Zein protein (Z) and methylcellulose (MC) polysaccharide were formulated as a nanocarrier for nutraceutical curcumin (Cur). The zein–methylcellulose nanoconjugate (ZMC) appeared spherical/monodispersed in transmission electron microscopy images. Hydrodynamic sizes were 164 ± 20.2 and 190 ± 28.2 nm for ZMC and ZMC@Cur, respectively. For both formulations, zeta potential, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses were conducted. Curcumin encapsulation efficiency was 92%, and its release profile was pH responsive. Using MTT assay, ZMC@Cur demonstrated a significant cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 and HepG2, surpassing the impact of curcumin. This underscores the pivotal role of ZMC@Cur in enhancing curcumin properties, thereby potentiating cancer cell death. Compared with free curcumin, ZMC@Cur markedly promoted DNA damage in cancer cells, owing to precise curcumin targeting into the nucleus. Accordingly, the proposed bionanocomposite stands as an efficient vehicle for curcumin, showcasing its crucial role in combating cancer via improving the pharmaceutical properties of curcumin. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The influence of density and shape of hollow silicas (silica hollow tubes (SHT) or hollow glass microspheres (HGM)) on dielectric and heat-resisting characteristics of poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK)/SHT and PEKK/HGM films was systematically investigated. The dielectric characteristics of PEKK/SHT or PEKK/HGM films decrease to a minimum, as their SHT or HGM contents approach 8 or 20 wt%, respectively, and the minimum dielectric constant (ε_r) and dielectric loss (tan δ) of PEKK/SHT or PEKK/HGM films decrease visibly with decreasing SHT densities. By filling with 0.46 g cm⁻³ mean density of SHT or HGM fillers, the minimum ε_r and tan δ of PEKK/SHT films are somewhat smaller than those of PEKK/HGM films. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion (LCTE) values of PEKK/SHT or PEKK/HGM films reduce and their onset degradation temperature values increase gradually with increasing SHT and HGM contents. Low ε_r/tan δ (2.11/0.0022 and 2.2/0.0027 at 1 MHz), LCTE (35.5 × 10⁻⁶ and 31.2 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹) and excellent heat-resisting properties favorable for sixth generation (6G) ultrarapid communication are realized for appropriately prepared PEKK/SHT and PEKK/HGM substrate films. The free-volume-hole characteristics of PEKK/HGM or PEKK/SHT films approach a maximum as SHT or HGM contents reach an optimum value of 8 or 20 wt%, respectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The widespread use of synthetic polymers in various industries has raised worldwide concerns regarding their ecological impact and effects on human health. As a result, biopolymers have emerged as a promising alternative. Among them, exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by microbes from terrestrial niches have been extensively studied. However, recent reports have indicated that microbes from marine environments can also produce unique EPSs that could serve as sustainable substitutes to meet the escalating demand for biopolymers. The present study, for the first time, reports EPS production from novel marine bacterium Algoriphagus sp. K5R for sustainable application development. Interestingly, physicochemical analyses suggest that EPS K5R is a high molecular weight (1190.63 kDa) heteropolysaccharide composed of galacturonic acid, glucose and mannose. To evaluate EPS production, growth and fermentation kinetics were performed, which revealed that it was a primary metabolite having a maximum production of 4.79 ± 0.57 g L⁻¹ with 2% (w/v) glucose. Moreover, EPS K5R exhibits exceptional functional properties, namely high water-holding capacity (720% ± 80.29%) and oil-holding capacity (493.33% ± 49.74% for coconut oil and 533.32% ± 17.47% for olive oil), and non-Newtonian pseudo-plastic behavior which render it a promising candidate for application in the cosmetics and food industries. In fact, its anti-oxidant capabilities make it an ideal biological reducing agent for metal nanoparticle synthesis. Overall, this study highlights the potential of marine EPSs for a diverse array of industrial applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A new starch derivative with antibacterial properties and non-hemolytic effect was synthesized through the chemical grafting of 4-chloroaniline onto the backbone of potato starch. In a first step, starch was extracted from potatoes grown in the region of Coahuila, Mexico, using the water steeping method. The hydroxyl groups (C5-C6) of the native starch were oxidized using sodium periodate. The resulting dialdehyde was then chemically modified through a Schiff base reaction with 4-chloroaniline. The chemical structure of this starch derivative was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and ¹H NMR spectroscopies, the thermal properties were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis without finding significant changes and the product showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus strains. Finally, the hemolytic and cytotoxic effects of native starch and its derivative were studied, showing no hemolytic effect on isolated human red blood cells and no cytotoxic effect; therefore, it can be considered biocompatible. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fiber-reinforced composites have emerged as versatile materials with applications spanning diverse industries, driven by their exceptional mechanical properties and lightweight nature. This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural fiber-reinforced composites, focusing on their enhanced mechanical and functional properties achieved through modern processing techniques. The study delves into various manufacturing methods, such as thermoforming, additive manufacturing, compression molding, electro-spinning, pultrusion and autoclave molding, which have significantly contributed to the advancement of these composites. The review further investigates the multifaceted properties of these composites, which highlights the versatility and applicability of these materials and provides a holistic understanding of their potential applications. Additionally, the work addresses current research gaps and identifies prospects, shedding light on the evolving landscape of natural fiber-reinforced composites. The synthesis of processing techniques, material properties and potential applications offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners and industries aiming to harness the full potential of these sustainable and high-performance materials. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.