Influence of poly(butylene succinate) and calcium carbonate nanoparticles on the biodegradability of high density-polyethylene nanocomposites

Melt electrowritten poly(caprolactone) lattices incorporated with silver nanoparticles for directional water transport antibacterial wound dressings

The composite dressing has excellent antibacterial ability and directional water transport effect, showing potential application in wound care.

Wooden Polymer Composites of Poly(vinyl chloride), Olive Pits Flour, and Precipitated Bio-Calcium Carbonate

As a filler to be inserted into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), low-cost olive pits flour (OPF) and precipitated bio-calcium carbonate (PBCC)-produced PVC/OPF/PBCC composites have been used with high stability and rigidity compared to PVC. Hydrogen bonding is generated between OH cellulose in OPF and H in PVC. Composite tensile modulus increased in PVC grid in the presence of PBCC and OPF, possibly because of a filler restriction effect on the polymer chains. The hardness also increased as both OPF and PBCC increased. The mechanical tendency of the PVC/OPF composite was improved by adding a low content of PBCC particles with the PVC network, resulting in a smart distribution in the range of 10% by weight, and it was reduced by adding more than that percentage. The successful distribution of PBCC in PVC/OPF composite strengthened the mechanical path. The morphology and possible interface adhesion of components in the composite were demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PVC SEM images showed a homogeneous, smart, and consistent surface, while the PVC/60 wt % OPF SEM images showed a large number of voids that suggested weak PVC/OPF interactions. The SEM images showed outstanding PBCC distribution in the PVC/OPF matrix for the PVC/50 wt % OPF/10 wt % PBCC composite. Due to the accumulation of PBCC particles producing cavities, the distribution of particles became nonhomogeneous at percentages above 10 wt %. At a low filler material, better spread of PBCC particles in the PVC grid was achieved. Owing to the polarity of OPF, the H2O absorption and thickness swelling of PVC/OPF/PBCC composites showed higher amounts than PVC. PBCC improved the thermal stabilization and the neutralization of Cl- negative ions as an acid acceptor of secondary PVC stabilization.

Fungal biodegradation of low-density polyethylene using consortium of Aspergillus species under controlled conditions

Low-Density polyethylene is subject to biodegradation using a fungal consortium comprising of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus oryzae under laboratory conditions. The extent of biodegradation has been compared with the use of potato dextrose broth and czapek dox broth media and also in the presence and absence of Tween 80 additive. Biodegradation was performed replacing the sucrose in czapek dox broth with shredded Low-Density polyethylene as well. The biodegradation was carried out for a period of 55 days. The degree of biodegradation has been analyzed using the loss of weight, FT-IR, and SEM analysis. A maximum weight loss of 26.15% was obtained by using potato dextrose broth over a period of 55 days.