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Hejna A, Barczewski M, Kosmela P, Mysiukiewicz O, Piasecki A, Tercjak A. Compatibility of Sustainable Mater-Bi/poly(ε-caprolactone)/cellulose Biocomposites as a Function of Filler Modification. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:6814. [PMID: 37895795 PMCID: PMC10608571 DOI: 10.3390/ma16206814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite their popularity and multiplicity of applications, wood-polymer composites (WPCs) still have to overcome particular issues related to their processing and properties. The main aspect is the compatibility with plant-based materials which affects the overall performance of the material. It can be enhanced by strengthening the interfacial adhesion resulting from physical and/or chemical interactions between the matrix and filler, which requires introducing a compatibilizer or a proper modification of one or both phases. Herein, the impact of cellulose filler modifications with varying contents (1-10 wt%) of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) on the compatibility of Mater-Bi/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based biocomposites was evaluated. An analysis of surface wettability revealed that the filler modification reduced the hydrophilicity gap between phases, suggesting compatibility enhancement. It was later confirmed via microscopic observation (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM)), which pointed to the finer dispersion of modified particles and enhanced quality of the interface. The rheological analysis confirmed increased system homogeneity by the reduction in complex viscosity. In contrast, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the efficient modification of filler and the presence of the chemical interactions at the interface by the shift of thermal decomposition onset and the changes in the degradation course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Hejna
- Institute of Materials Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 61-138 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (O.M.)
- Department of Polymer Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Barczewski
- Institute of Materials Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 61-138 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (O.M.)
| | - Paulina Kosmela
- Department of Polymer Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Olga Mysiukiewicz
- Institute of Materials Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 61-138 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (O.M.)
| | - Adam Piasecki
- Institute of Materials Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 61-138 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Tercjak
- Group ‘Materials + Technologies’ (GMT), Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Gipuzkoa, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Europa 1, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain;
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Zhao L, Yin Y, Xiao W, Li H, Feng H, Wang D, Qu C. Rapid Crystallization and Fluorescence of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Using Graphene Quantum Dots as Nucleating Agents. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3506. [PMID: 37688132 PMCID: PMC10490498 DOI: 10.3390/polym15173506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with a diameter of ~3 nm were successfully synthesized and incorporated into a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) matrix to fabricate PET/GQDs nanocomposites. The impact of GQDs on the crystallization and thermal stability of the PET/GQDs nanocomposites was investigated. It was observed that the addition of only 0.5 wt% GQDs into the nanocomposites resulted in a significant increase in the crystallization temperature (peak temperature) of PET, from 194.3 °C to 206.0 °C during the cooling scan process. This suggested that an optimal concentration of GQDs could function as a nucleating agent and effectively enhance the crystallization temperature of PET. The isothermal crystallization method was employed to analyze the crystallization kinetics of the PET/GQDs nanocomposites, and the data showed that 0.5 wt% GQDs significantly accelerated the crystallization rate. Furthermore, the incorporation of GQDs into the PET matrix imparted photoluminescent properties to the resulting PET/GQDs nanocomposites. The PET crystals with GQDs as crystal nuclei and the crazes caused by defects played a vital role in isolating and suppressing the concentration quenching of GQDs. This effect facilitated the detection of defects in PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Zhao
- Institute of Petrochemistry, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China; (W.X.); (H.L.); (H.F.); (D.W.); (C.Q.)
| | - Yue Yin
- Harbin FRP Institute, Harbin 150036, China;
| | - Wanbao Xiao
- Institute of Petrochemistry, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China; (W.X.); (H.L.); (H.F.); (D.W.); (C.Q.)
| | - Hongfeng Li
- Institute of Petrochemistry, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China; (W.X.); (H.L.); (H.F.); (D.W.); (C.Q.)
| | - Hao Feng
- Institute of Petrochemistry, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China; (W.X.); (H.L.); (H.F.); (D.W.); (C.Q.)
| | - Dezhi Wang
- Institute of Petrochemistry, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China; (W.X.); (H.L.); (H.F.); (D.W.); (C.Q.)
| | - Chunyan Qu
- Institute of Petrochemistry, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150040, China; (W.X.); (H.L.); (H.F.); (D.W.); (C.Q.)
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Fabbri F, Bischof S, Mayr S, Gritsch S, Jimenez Bartolome M, Schwaiger N, Guebitz GM, Weiss R. The Biomodified Lignin Platform: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15071694. [PMID: 37050308 PMCID: PMC10096731 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A reliance on fossil fuel has led to the increased emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The excessive consumption of raw materials today makes the search for sustainable resources more pressing than ever. Technical lignins are mainly used in low-value applications such as heat and electricity generation. Green enzyme-based modifications of technical lignin have generated a number of functional lignin-based polymers, fillers, coatings, and many other applications and materials. These bio-modified technical lignins often display similar properties in terms of their durability and elasticity as fossil-based materials while also being biodegradable. Therefore, it is possible to replace a wide range of environmentally damaging materials with lignin-based ones. By researching publications from the last 20 years focusing on the latest findings utilizing databases, a comprehensive collection on this topic was crafted. This review summarizes the recent progress made in enzymatically modifying technical lignins utilizing laccases, peroxidases, and lipases. The underlying enzymatic reaction mechanisms and processes are being elucidated and the application possibilities discussed. In addition, the environmental assessment of novel technical lignin-based products as well as the developments, opportunities, and challenges are highlighted.
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Chen S, De Guzman MR, Tsou CH, Li M, Suen MC, Gao C, Tsou CY. Hydrophilic and absorption properties of reversible nanocomposite polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels reinforced with graphene-doped zinc oxide nanoplates for enhanced antibacterial activity. Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s41428-022-00711-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Tsou CH, Zeng R, Tsou CY, Chen JC, Sun YL, Ma ZL, De Guzman MR, Tu LJ, Tian XY, Wu CS. Mechanical, Hydrophobic, and Barrier Properties of Nanocomposites of Modified Polypropylene Reinforced with Low-Content Attapulgite. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14173696. [PMID: 36080772 PMCID: PMC9459951 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Attapulgite (ATT) has never been used as a barrier additive in polypropylene (PP). As a filler, ATT should be added in high content to PP. However, that would result in increased costs. Moreover, the compatibility between ATT and the PP matrix is poor due to the lack of functional groups in PP. In this study, carboxylic groups were introduced to PP to form a modified polypropylene (MPP). ATT was purified, and a low content of it was added to MPP to prepare MPP/ATT nanocomposites. The analysis from FTIR indicated that ATT could react with MPP. According to the results of oxygen and water permeability tests, the barrier performance of the nanocomposite was optimal when the ATT content was 0.4%. This great improvement in barrier performance might be ascribed to the following three reasons: (1) The existence of ATT extended the penetration path of O2 or H2O molecules; (2) O2 or H2O molecules may be adsorbed and stored in the porous structure of ATT; (3) Most importantly, –COOH of MPP reacted with –OH on the surface of ATT, thereby the inner structure of the nanocomposite was denser, and it was less permeable to molecules. Therefore, nanocomposites prepared by adding ATT to MPP have excellent properties and low cost. They can be used as food packaging materials and for other related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hui Tsou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
- Material Corrosion and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
- Sichuan Zhixiangyi Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610051, China
- Correspondence: (C.-H.T.); (C.-S.W.)
| | - Rui Zeng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
- Material Corrosion and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
| | - Chih-Yuan Tsou
- Sichuan Zhixiangyi Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610051, China
- Sichuan Zhirenfa Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zigong 643000, China
| | - Jui-Chin Chen
- Department of Material and Textile, Asia Eastern University of Science and Technology, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Li Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
| | - Zheng-Lu Ma
- Sichuan Vocational College of Chemical Technology, Luzhou 646300, China
| | - Manuel Reyes De Guzman
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
- Material Corrosion and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
| | - Lian-Jie Tu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
- Material Corrosion and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Tian
- Department of Material and Textile, Asia Eastern University of Science and Technology, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chin-San Wu
- Department of Applied Cosmetology, Kao Yuan University, Kaohsiung 82101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-H.T.); (C.-S.W.)
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