Journal of Polymers and the Environment最新文献

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends were prepared via reactive melt blending in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and Joncryl ADR^®-4468 (ADR) as a compatibilizer and characterized using theoretical and experimental methods. In-situ compatibilization was confirmed by evaluating torque variation during mixing and through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscope images demonstrated enhanced phase compatibility and a reduction in PBAT droplet size from 1.9 μm to 1.1 μm in the compatibilized sample. The melt viscosity of the compatibilized samples increased markedly, exhibiting shear thinning behavior (decrease in viscosity) at lower frequencies compared to the unmodified blend. Mechanical testing revealed that, in the formulation containing 0.5 phr ADR, elongation at break increased from 6 to 190%, while fracture energy rose from 10 MJ/m³ to 81 MJ/m³ relative to neat PLA. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis indicated shifts in the glass transition temperatures of the phases and variations in the height of the tan(δ) peak due to the presence of compatibilizer. The findings suggest that DCP promotes crosslinking and elevates viscosity, whereas ADR improves phase interactions, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the blend. Shape recovery ratios were also improved in the presence of the compatibilizer, attributed to stronger interfacial adhesion and retraction of oriented chains resulting from the formation of compatibilized structures. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the impact of the compatibilizer on intermolecular radial distribution functions, solubility parameters, free volume fraction, and mechanical properties. The simulation results exhibited good agreement with experimental observations.

The design of sustainable epoxy precursors and hardeners is under investigation since more than a decade to produce thermosets with outstanding thermomechanical properties and reduced environmental impact. Herein, we prepared four biobased amines using furan-carbonyl acidic condensation. Furfurylamine was condensed with acetone, benzaldehyde, cyclohexanone and terephthalaldehyde to reach di and tetraamines, employed to harden a fully biobased cardanol epoxy resin. The viscosity and functionality of the amines were suggested as the key factors governing the epoxy-amine curing kinetics. The structure-property relationship of polyfurfurylamines-cured epoxy resins were then assessed. The terephthalaldehyde-based amine was highlighted as the most performing hardener in terms of T_g, moduli and crosslink-density thanks to its tetrafunctionality. Finally, furanic amines containing benzene cores allowed to increase the char-yield of cardanol epoxy up to 15 wt%.

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel series of sunlight-driven solid-solid phase change materials (S-SPCMs) based on cross-linked polyurethane networks. These materials were engineered by reacting epoxy-terminated poly (ethylene glycol)-containing polyurethane macromonomer (EPU) with amine-terminated aniline trimer (ATD). The design leverages the crystalline domains of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the phase-change functional component, while the aniline trimer serves a dual role: acting as a covalent cross-linker and enabling efficient solar energy harvesting through its photothermal conversion properties. The molecular structure, phase-change behavior, thermal conductivity, solar-thermal conversion efficiency, crystallinity, and thermal stability of the synthesized S-SPCMs were systematically investigated. Notably, the materials achieved latent heat values of 57.1–79.2 J/g, comparable to state-of-the-art solid-solid PCMs, while maintaining structural integrity during phase transitions. The incorporation of ATD into the polyurethane network enhanced thermal conductivity, facilitating rapid heat transfer across the material. Optimized formulations with tailored ATD concentration demonstrated exceptional thermal reliability, retaining > 95% of their latent heat storage capacity after 50 thermal cycles, alongside robust thermal stability up to 250 °C. Furthermore, the S-SPCMs exhibited outstanding solar-thermal conversion efficiency under simulated sunlight, underscoring their potential for real-world solar energy applications. These results highlight the synergistic interplay between the PEG phase-change domains and the photothermal ATD cross-linker, which collectively enable efficient energy capture, storage, and release. This work advances the development of multifunctional, recyclable phase-change materials for sustainable thermal management systems, offering a promising pathway toward reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-derived energy in heating and cooling applications.

Endophytic fungi and their secondary metabolites represent a valuable microbial resource with diverse bioactivities and potential applications. In this study, Talaromyces sp. CCTCC M2025051 was isolated from wheat bran, and its extracellular polysaccharide (TSP) was investigated. Compositional analysis revealed that the yield of TSP was 3.34 ± 0.17 g/L, comprising 93.11 ± 2.93% carbohydrate and 2.82 ± 0.07% protein. TSP was identified as a heteropolysaccharide composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 0.0985: 4.0208: 35.6949: 2.0528: 0.1718, with a molecular weight of 235.187 kDa and a polydispersity of 1.886. In vitro assays demonstrated that TSP effectively scavenged ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TSP exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages by reducing the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). This effect was accompanied by the modulation of oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA). This work provides a scientific basis for the potential application of TSP as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

The design of biodegradable scaffolds that enhance plant development while improving water management is gaining importance in sustainable agriculture. In this study, semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) scaffolds based on collagen and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) were synthesized and evaluated for their physicochemical performance and plant cell interaction. Varying the HEC content (0–60 wt%) modulated scaffold morphology, producing fibrillar-granular architectures with tunable gelation (3 min), superabsorbent capacity (> 2800%), and thermal resistance. Increased HEC levels reduced chemical crosslinking (~ 27%) but improved mechanical stiffness (complex modulus up to 140 Pa), indicating strong physical interactions through hydrogen bonding. Biodegradability assays revealed rapid enzymatic degradation under collagenase exposure and slower hydrolytic and plant enzymatic breakdown, supporting scaffold stability during early plant development. When embedded in Horticultural substrate, the scaffolds retained up to 92% of absorbed water and enabled gradual release over 15 days. Biological assays using tomato-derived plant cells (Solanum lycopersicum and Physalis philadelphica) confirmed that scaffolds with 20–40 wt% HEC significantly enhanced cell adhesion, migration, metabolic activity, and proliferation. Seed germination studies in Horticultural substrate further demonstrated that scaffolds containing 20 wt% HEC promoted greater foliage development, while in vitro assays with MS-supplemented media revealed that C–HEC40% scaffolds effectively supported tomato growth through controlled sucrose delivery. Under real cultivation conditions, C-HEC scaffolds significantly enhanced cherry tomato growth, increasing stem length, stem diameter, and leaf number, likely due to improved water retention, nutrient availability, and a favorable rhizosphere microenvironment.

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This study presents a novel one-step synthesis method for producing green, flexible, and stretchable superabsorbent polymer sheets with high-performance antibacterial properties, utilizing an energy-efficient and sustainable solution polymerization approach. Acrylic acid was partially neutralized and crosslinked with polyethylene glycol diacrylate, while ethylene glycol was a reactive solvent. Quaternary ammonium compounds (CTAB and TBAB) were incorporated as antibacterial agents, with UV initiation enabling rapid polymerization at room temperature. The resulting SAPs exhibited exceptional swelling capacities (up to 79.8 g/g in water) and mechanical properties, including elongation at break up to 294.2%, attributed to the plasticizing effects of CTAB and TBAB. Antibacterial assays demonstrated > 99.9% bacterial reduction within 1–3 h for CTAB-containing SAPs. The elimination of energy-intensive drying and surface crosslinking steps highlights the scalability and sustainability of this method. Biocompatibility tests confirmed cell viability > 84%, meeting ISO 10993–5 standards. This technology offers a promising pathway for advanced applications in hygiene products and regenerative medicine.

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Cyclodextrin-based Nanosponges (β-CD NS) have been recently used in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmetic industries. In this work, citric acid (CA) crosslinked β-CD NS were firstly prepared by a green and simple protocol and then characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The results showed the formation of thermostable NS with a uniform distribution. These β-CD NS demonstrate their efficiency in vitro against Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) in comparison to the citric acid to reach an inhibition diameter of 3 cm. Using 5 mg/mL, the NS showed to be efficient to inhibit the growth of this phytopathogenic strain introduced into tomato fruit after 14 days of incubation at 30 °C. Thus, these harmless hydrogels could be used in post-harvest disease management to combat the devastation caused by pathogenic fungi on crops.

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This study developed a novel xyloglucan-graft-maleic anhydride (XG-g-MA) hydrogel film via an environmentally friendly one-pot synthesis and solvent casting method. The successful grafting and resulting material properties were confirmed by FTIR, TGA and FESEM analysis. Recognizing the critical link between diabetes and inflammation in wound healing, we investigated the hydrogel’s multi-functional properties. In vitro assays demonstrated that the XG-g-MA hydrogel exhibited a concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 72.13 µg/ml and anti-diabetic activity (α-amylase inhibition, IC₅₀ > 100 µg/ml). The hydrogel also promoted wound healing, achieving a 97.5% cell migration rate in a scratch assay within 36 h. Furthermore, the XG-g-MA film showed good hemocompatibility, as evidenced by its minimal impact on red blood cell counts and a hemolysis rate comparable to the control. These compelling in vitro findings indicate that the XG-g-MA hydrogel possesses a promising combination of anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. The results suggest that this material is a potential candidate for further investigation as a versatile biomaterial, especially for challenging wound management.

New regulations are promoting the production of biobased bead foams to increase sustainability. In this work, expanded biobased propylene (BioEPP) reinforced with nanoparticles are produced and characterized. Bead foams with apparent densities ranging 24 to 34 kg/m³ and homogeneous cellular structures are obtained with BioEPP and the nanocomposites with nanoclays, while the samples with cellulose nanocrystals show higher densities. The BioEPP bead foams are also molded into parts of 105 kg/m³ to evaluate their compressive strength. Results support that this new bead foam can be a good candidate for the replacement of fossil-based bead foams by a more sustainable alternative.

Gray water is a major component of domestic wastewater, containing pollutants such as surfactants, dyes, oils, nitrates, and phosphates. Effective treatment of gray water is critical in terms of increasing water scarcity and sustainable water management. In this study, gum arabic (GA) was used as a low-cost, biocompatible, and functional additive to enhance the properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. Electrospinning was employed to fabricate nanofiber membranes by incorporating GA into PVDF at different weight ratios (1–5 wt%). The membranes were characterized using SEM, FTIR, TGA, and DSC to assess morphological, chemical, and thermal properties. SEM analysis revealed uniform fiber distribution without pilling, and GA addition slightly reduced fiber diameters. Thermal analysis confirmed improved thermal stability and altered degradation behavior with GA. Results showed that the contact angle decreased with GA addition, indicating increased hydrophilicity. Tensile strength increased from 6 MPa to 12.5 MPa at 3 wt% GA. Adsorption experiments for methylene blue (MB), oil, microplastics (MP), and anionic surfactants (LAS) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Filtration tests demonstrated rejection rates of 99% for MB, 87% for oil, and 100% for MP. LAS rejection efficiency increased from 26 to 67.63% at 2 wt% GA. However, adsorption performance remained limited. The results show that the developed PVDF/GA membranes have high potential in the filtration-based treatment of gray water and that this technology can be applied to similar types of wastewater.