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5 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue Titled “Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications”

by Catarina Dias de Almeida

Materials 2025, 18(9), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18091947 - 25 Apr 2025

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Abstract

As the world faces a turning point where it is necessary to find effective replacements for oil-based products, new strategies must be pursued [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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Research

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13 pages, 2466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Using Biomass-Activated Carbon Nanosheets Derived from Eucalyptus Leaves

by Sankar Sekar, Atsaya Shanmugam, Gokilapriya Senthilkumar, Kiruthiga Thangasami, Hyun Jung, Youngmin Lee and Sejoon Lee

Materials 2025, 18(3), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030670 - 3 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 841

Abstract

Carbonaceous-based metal-free catalysts are promising aspirants for effective electrocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, we synthesized mesoporous-activated carbon nanosheets (ELC) from biomass eucalyptus leaves through KOH activation. The microstructure, structural, and textural characteristics of the prepared materials were characterized by FE-SEM, Raman, XRD, and BET [...] Read more.

Carbonaceous-based metal-free catalysts are promising aspirants for effective electrocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, we synthesized mesoporous-activated carbon nanosheets (ELC) from biomass eucalyptus leaves through KOH activation. The microstructure, structural, and textural characteristics of the prepared materials were characterized by FE-SEM, Raman, XRD, and BET measurements. The high temperature (700 °C) KOH-activated ELC nanosheets exhibited an interconnected nanosheet morphology with a large specific surface area (1436 m²/g) and high mesoporosity. The ELC-700 catalyst exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic HER performance with a low overpotential (39 mV at 10 mA/cm²), excellent durability, and a Trivial Tafel slope (36 mV/dec) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. These findings indicate a new approach for developing excellent biomass-derived electrocatalysts for substantially efficient green hydrogen production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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22 pages, 3581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Hot Water Extraction on the Compaction Efficiency and Material Properties of Miscanthus giganteus in Pellet Production

by Kamil Roman, Julia Dasiewicz and Monika Marchwicka

Materials 2024, 17(24), 6137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246137 - 15 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 778

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effect of material modification by hot water extraction (HWE) on the compaction efficiency of shredded Miscanthus giganteus stalks in the pellet production process. Samples were prepared to differ in the number of HWE cycles: HWE I [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of material modification by hot water extraction (HWE) on the compaction efficiency of shredded Miscanthus giganteus stalks in the pellet production process. Samples were prepared to differ in the number of HWE cycles: HWE I was subjected to a single cycle, HWE II was subjected to two cycles, and HWE III was subjected to three cycles and unmodified material. An analysis of the compaction process was carried out to evaluate the effect of HWE on density and energy consumption. In this study, HWE pre-treatment was applied to improve biomass compaction efficiency and material properties, improving biofuel production’s sustainability and efficiency. A small change was found in glucose and xylose content, suggesting that HWE slightly affects these sugars. It was found that HWE significantly increased the density of compacted Miscanthus giganteus biomass, with a peak density of 388.7 kg·m⁻³ after the first HWE cycle. Ash content was reduced by 50% after one HWE cycle, making the biomass more suitable for biofuel applications. Furthermore, pretreatment with HWE reduced energy consumption during compaction, enhancing process efficiency. This study highlights the role of hot water extraction (HWE) in improving miscanthus compaction, enhancing density, reducing ash, and lowering energy use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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23 pages, 10566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocomposites Based on Mould Biomass and Waste Fibres for the Production of Agrotextiles: Technology Development, Material Characterization, and Agricultural Application

by Beata Gutarowska, Dominika Gibka, Konrad Olejnik, Piotr Pospiech, Tomasz Boruta, Tomasz Kapela and Krzysztof Makowski

Materials 2024, 17(24), 6084; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246084 - 12 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1487

Abstract

This study explores the potential use of mould biomass and waste fibres for the production of agrotextiles. First, 20 mould strains were screened for efficient mycelium growth, with optimized conditions of temperature, sources of carbon and nitrogen in the medium, and type of [...] Read more.

This study explores the potential use of mould biomass and waste fibres for the production of agrotextiles. First, 20 mould strains were screened for efficient mycelium growth, with optimized conditions of temperature, sources of carbon and nitrogen in the medium, and type of culture (submerged or surface). A method was developed for creating a biocomposite based on the mould mycelium, reinforced with commercial bleached softwood kraft (BSK) pulp and fibre additives (cotton, hemp). The best properties, including mechanical, water permeability, and air permeability, were shown by the biocomposites containing 10–20% Cladosporium cladosporioides mycelium grown in surface or submerged cultures, milled with BSK pulp, cotton, and hemp (10–20%). The mould mycelium was refined with cellulosic fibrous material, formed, pressed, and dried, resulting in a biomaterial with good mechanical parameters, low water permeability, and high air permeability. The biocomposite was fully biodegradable in soil after 10 days in field conditions. The use of the biocomposite as a crop cover shortened the germination time and increased the percentage of germinated onion, but had no effect on parsley seeds. This study shows the potential of using mould mycelium for the production of biomaterial with good properties for applications in horticulture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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17 pages, 1513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Small Gas Turbine Engine Using Hexanol as a Biomass-Derived Fuel

by Tomasz Suchocki

Materials 2024, 17(23), 6011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17236011 - 9 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 848

Abstract

The global transition to renewable energy has amplified the need for sustainable aviation fuels. This study investigates hexanol, a biomass-derived alcohol, as an alternative fuel for small-scale gas turbines. Experimental trials were conducted on a JETPOL GTM-160 turbine, assessing blends of 25% (He25) [...] Read more.

The global transition to renewable energy has amplified the need for sustainable aviation fuels. This study investigates hexanol, a biomass-derived alcohol, as an alternative fuel for small-scale gas turbines. Experimental trials were conducted on a JETPOL GTM-160 turbine, assessing blends of 25% (He25) and 50% (He50) hexanol with kerosene (JET A) under rotational velocities ranging from 40,000 to 110,000 RPM. The parameters measured included thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC), turbine inlet and outlet velocities, and the emission indices of NO_x and CO. The results demonstrated that the He25 and He50 blends achieved comparable thermal efficiency to pure JET A at high rotational velocities, despite requiring higher fuel flows due to hexanol’s lower heating value. CO emissions decreased significantly at higher velocities, reflecting improved combustion efficiency with hexanol blends, while NO_x emissions exhibited a slight increase, attributed to the oxygen content of the fuel. This study contributes a novel analysis of hexanol-kerosene blends in gas turbines, offering insights into their operational and emission characteristics. These findings underscore hexanol’s potential as an environmentally friendly alternative fuel, aligning with global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency and carbon emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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14 pages, 3770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporating Birch Bark Suberinic Acid Residue Powder into Structural Particleboards: Exploring Fractional Influence on Material Properties in Circular Economy Framework

by Anita Wronka and Grzegorz Kowaluk

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5750; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235750 - 24 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 786

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of suberic acid residue (SAR) additions on structural single-layer particleboard (like the P5 type, according to EN 312) properties, specifically the water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), screw withdrawal resistance [...] Read more.

This study investigates the effects of suberic acid residue (SAR) additions on structural single-layer particleboard (like the P5 type, according to EN 312) properties, specifically the water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), screw withdrawal resistance (SWR), and internal bond (IB) strength. The results indicate that finer SAR fractions (1/0.25 and 2/1) reduce the WA after 2 h of soaking, while larger fractions increase the WA after 24 h, with only the smallest fraction meeting the TS standards. The MOR values (18.5–19.6 N mm⁻²) and MOE (3627–3811 N mm⁻²) remain largely unaffected by SAR additions, while the SWR shows minimal variation across various SAR fractions (203–209 N mm⁻¹). The IB strength improves with SAR additions, peaking at 2.10 N mm⁻² for the 5/2 fraction, though slightly decreasing with the largest fraction (8/5). A density analysis reveals an increased surface density with finer SAR fractions, benefiting the surface strength but reducing the core uniformity with larger fractions. These findings suggest that SAR-enhanced particleboards could be valuable in applications requiring moisture resistance, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior cladding. Further research should explore optimizing the SAR concentration, combining it with hydrophobic agents, and examining its long-term stability under varying environmental conditions to enhance its structural performance for sustainable building applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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20 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Activity of Hydrophobized Modified Starch Hydrolysates in Mixed Systems

by Emilia Konował, Marta Sybis and Krystyna Prochaska

Materials 2024, 17(22), 5526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225526 - 12 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 797

Abstract

The manuscript presents research focusing on the adsorption and emulsion properties of starch hydrolysates modified through acetylation, oxidation, and cross-linking. The techniques used in this study included measurements of equilibrium surface tension (du Noüy ring) dynamic surface tension (drop shape analysis), and the [...] Read more.

The manuscript presents research focusing on the adsorption and emulsion properties of starch hydrolysates modified through acetylation, oxidation, and cross-linking. The techniques used in this study included measurements of equilibrium surface tension (du Noüy ring) dynamic surface tension (drop shape analysis), and the preparation and evaluation of emulsion stability (TURBISCAN). The surface activity of the acetylated starch hydrolysates is affected by the degree of acetylation. The acetylated starch 0.02Ac-H exhibited higher surface activity than the more highly substituted derivative 0.1Ac-H. Furthermore, it was shown that the surface activity of the components increased as the acetylated oxidized starch underwent hydrolysis. The fractions collected after 180 min using a membrane with a low separation capability (8 kDa) revealed the highest capacity for reducing surface tension. In binary systems consisting of starch derivatives and surfactants, synergistic effects in reducing surface tension were particularly noticeable in systems containing ionic surfactants. The addition of a cationic surfactant to the modified starch hydrolysate solution (1:6 mol/mol) resulted in a significantly more efficient saturation of the air/water interface. This study demonstrated that emulsions stabilized with modified starch hydrolysates remained stable over time, even when these hydrolysates constituted up to 60% of the emulsifier mixture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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16 pages, 3802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiphase Biopolymers Enriched with Suberin Extraction Waste: Impact on Properties and Sustainable Development

by Anita Wronka and Grzegorz Kowaluk

Materials 2024, 17(22), 5472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225472 - 9 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 947

Abstract

This manuscript explores the development of sustainable biopolymer composites using suberin extraction waste, specifically suberinic acid residues (SAR), as a 10% (w/w) reinforcing additive in polylactide (PLA) and thermoplastic starch–polylactide blends (M30). The materials were subjected to a detailed [...] Read more.

This manuscript explores the development of sustainable biopolymer composites using suberin extraction waste, specifically suberinic acid residues (SAR), as a 10% (w/w) reinforcing additive in polylactide (PLA) and thermoplastic starch–polylactide blends (M30). The materials were subjected to a detailed analysis using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to assess their thermal, mechanical, and structural properties. The study confirmed the amorphous nature of the biopolymers and highlighted how SAR significantly influences their degradation behavior and thermal stability. M30 exhibited a multi-step degradation process with an initial decomposition temperature (T5%) of 207.2 °C, while PLA showed a higher thermal resistance with decomposition starting at 263.1 °C. Mechanical performance was assessed through storage modulus (E′) measurements, showing reductions with increasing temperature for both materials. The research provides insights into the potential application of SAR-enriched biopolymers in sustainable material development, aligning with circular economy principles. These findings not only suggest that SAR incorporation could enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of biopolymers, but also confirm the effectiveness of the research in reassurance of the audience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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13 pages, 5753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring Macro/Meso/Microporous Structures of Cellophane Noodle-Derived Activated Carbon for Electric Double-Layer Capacitors

by Hyeong-Rae Kim, Myeong-Hun Jo and Hyo-Jin Ahn

Materials 2024, 17(14), 3474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143474 - 13 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1212

Abstract

To address the bottleneck associated with the slow ion transport kinetics observed in the porosity of activated carbons (ACs), hierarchically structured pore sizes were introduced on ACs used for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) to promote ion transport kinetics under fast-rate charge–discharge conditions. In [...] Read more.

To address the bottleneck associated with the slow ion transport kinetics observed in the porosity of activated carbons (ACs), hierarchically structured pore sizes were introduced on ACs used for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) to promote ion transport kinetics under fast-rate charge–discharge conditions. In this study, we synthesized cellophane noodle-derived activated carbon (CNAC) with tailored porous structures, including the pore volume fraction of macro/meso/micropores and the specific surface area. The porous structures were effectively modulated by adjusting the KOH concentration during chemical activation. In addition, optimized KOH activation in CNAC modulated the chemical bonding ratios of C=O, pyrrolic-N, and graphitic-N. Given the hierarchically designed porous structure and chemical bonding states, the CNAC fabricated with optimized KOH activation exhibited a superior ultrafast rate capability in EDLCs (132.0 F/g at 10 A/g). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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26 pages, 8699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmentally Friendly o–Cresol–Furfural–Formaldehyde Resin as an Alternative to Traditional Phenol–Formaldehyde Resins for Paint Industry

by Marta Depta, Sławomir Napiórkowski, Katarzyna Zielińska, Katarzyna Gębura, Daria Niewolik and Katarzyna Jaszcz

Materials 2024, 17(13), 3072; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133072 - 22 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1224

Abstract

This paper describes studies on the preparation of an o–cresol–furfural–formaldehyde resin in the presence of an alkaline catalyst and its modification with n-butanol or 2-ethylhexanol. The novelty of this research is to obtain a furfural-based resin of the resole type and its etherification. [...] Read more.

This paper describes studies on the preparation of an o–cresol–furfural–formaldehyde resin in the presence of an alkaline catalyst and its modification with n-butanol or 2-ethylhexanol. The novelty of this research is to obtain a furfural-based resin of the resole type and its etherification. Such resins are not described in the literature and also are not available on the market. The obtained resin based on furfural, which can be obtained from agricultural waste, had a low minimum content of free o–cresol < 1 wt.%, furfural < 0.1 wt.%, and formaldehyde < 0.1 wt.%. The resin structure was characterized by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy, which showed the presence of hydroxymethylene groups in the resin before modification and alkyl groups derived from n-butanol and 2-ethylhexanol after modification. The etherified resins had a lower viscosity and were more flexible (DSC) than the resin before modification and they can be used as an environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable alternative to traditional phenol–formaldehyde resins in the paint industry. They demonstrate the ability to create a protective coating with good adherence to metal substrates and an excellent balance of flexibility and hardness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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15 pages, 3451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Liquefaction Efficiency: Exploring the Impact of Pre-Hydrolysis on Hazelnut Shell (Corylus avellana L.)

by Luísa Cruz-Lopes, Joana Duarte, Yuliya Dulyanska, Raquel P. F. Guiné and Bruno Esteves

Materials 2024, 17(11), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112667 - 1 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 928

Abstract

Hazelnut shells (HS), scientifically known as Corylus avellana L. shells, are waste produced by companies that process nuts. The main objective of this study was to find an efficient way to maximize the chemical potential of HS by solubilizing the hemicelluloses, which could [...] Read more.

Hazelnut shells (HS), scientifically known as Corylus avellana L. shells, are waste produced by companies that process nuts. The main objective of this study was to find an efficient way to maximize the chemical potential of HS by solubilizing the hemicelluloses, which could then be used to recover sugars and, at the same time, increase the lignin content of this material to produce adhesives or high-strength foams. In order to optimize the pre-hydrolysis process, two different temperatures (160 and 170 °C) and times varying from 15 to 180 min were tested. All the remaining solid materials were then liquefied using polyalcohols with acid catalysis. The chemical composition of hazelnut shells was determined before and after the pre-hydrolysis. All of the process was monitored using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) by determining the spectra of solids and liquids after the pre-hydrolysis and liquefaction steps. The highest solubilization of hazelnut shells was found for 170 °C and 180 min, resulting in a 25.8% solubilization. Chemical analysis after the hydrolysis process showed a gradual increase in the solubilization of hemicelluloses as both the temperature and time of the reactor were increased. Simultaneously, the percentages of α-cellulose and lignin in the material also increased with rises in temperature and duration. FTIR-ATR allowed for the detection of significant spectral changes in the hazelnut shells from their initial state to the solid residue and further into the liquefied phase. This confirmed that pre-hydrolysis was effective in enhancing the chemical composition of the material, making it more suitable for the production of adhesives, polyurethane foams, or in the production of bioplastics and composite materials, combined with other biopolymers or synthetic polymers to enhance the mechanical properties and biodegradability of the resulting materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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13 pages, 1817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production from Eucalyptus Bark’s Enzymatic Hydrolysate

by Thomas Rodrigues, Cristiana A. V. Torres, Susana Marques, Francisco Gírio, Filomena Freitas and Maria A. M. Reis

Materials 2024, 17(8), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081773 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

In recent years, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have gained notoriety because of their desirable properties that include proven biodegradability, biocompatibility, and thermal stability, which make them suitable alternatives to fossil-based polymers. However, the widespread use of PHAs is still challenging because of their production costs, [...] Read more.

In recent years, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have gained notoriety because of their desirable properties that include proven biodegradability, biocompatibility, and thermal stability, which make them suitable alternatives to fossil-based polymers. However, the widespread use of PHAs is still challenging because of their production costs, which are greatly associated with the cultivation medium used for bacterial cultivation. In Portugal, one-quarter of the forest area is covered by Eucalyptus globulus wood, making its residues a cheap, abundant, and sustainable potential carbon source for biotechnological uses. In this work, eucalyptus bark was used as the sole feedstock for PHA production in a circular bioeconomic approach. Eucalyptus bark hydrolysate was obtained after enzymatic saccharification using Cellic^® CTec3, resulting in a sugar-rich solution containing glucose and xylose. Although with differing performances, several bacteria were able to grow and produce PHA with distinct compositions, using the enzymatic hydrolysate as the sole carbon source. Pseudomonas citronellolis NRRL B-2504 achieved a high cellular growth rate in bioreactor assays (24.4 ± 0.15 g/L) but presented a low accumulation of a medium-chain-length PHA (mcl-PHA) comprising the monomers hydroxydecanoate (HD, 65%), hydroxydodecanoate (HDd, 25%), and hydroxytetradecanoate (HTd, 14%). Burkholderia thailandensis E264, on the other hand, reached a lower cellular growth rate (8.87 ± 0.34 g/L) but showed a higher biopolymer accumulation, with a polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) content in the cells of 12.3 wt.%. The new isolate, Pseudomonas sp., revealed that under nitrogen availability, it was able to reach a higher accumulation of the homopolymer PHB (31 wt.%). These results, although preliminary, demonstrate the suitability of eucalyptus bark’s enzymatic hydrolysate as a feedstock for PHA production, thus offering an exciting avenue for achieving sustainable and environmentally responsible plastic products from an undervalued forestry waste. Full article

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17 pages, 2503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rice Husk, Brewer’s Spent Grain, and Vine Shoot Trimmings as Raw Materials for Sustainable Enzyme Production

by Ana Guimarães, Ana C. Mota, Ana S. Pereira, Ana M. Fernandes, Marlene Lopes and Isabel Belo

Materials 2024, 17(4), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17040935 - 17 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1674

Abstract

Solid by-products with lignocellulosic structures are considered appropriate substrates for solid-state fermentation (SSF) to produce enzymes with diverse industrial applications. In this work, brewer’s spent grain (BSG), rice husk (RH), and vine shoot trimmings (VSTs) were employed as substrates in SSF with Aspergillus [...] Read more.

Solid by-products with lignocellulosic structures are considered appropriate substrates for solid-state fermentation (SSF) to produce enzymes with diverse industrial applications. In this work, brewer’s spent grain (BSG), rice husk (RH), and vine shoot trimmings (VSTs) were employed as substrates in SSF with Aspergillus niger CECT 2088 to produce cellulases, xylanases, and amylases. The addition of 2% (NH₄)₂SO₄ and 1% K₂HPO₄ to by-products had a positive effect on enzyme production. Substrate particle size influenced enzyme activity and the overall highest activities were achieved at the largest particle size (10 mm) of BSG and RH and a size of 4 mm for VSTs. Optimal substrate composition was predicted using a simplex centroid mixture design. The highest activities were obtained using 100% BSG for β-glucosidase (363 U/g) and endo-1,4-β-glucanase (189 U/g), 87% BSG and 13% RH for xylanase (627 U/g), and 72% BSG and 28% RH for amylase (263 U/g). Besides the optimal values found, mixtures of BSG with RH or VSTs proved to be alternative substrates to BSG alone. These findings demonstrate that SSF bioprocessing of BSG individually or in mixtures with RH and VSTs is an efficient and sustainable strategy to produce enzymes of significant industrial interest within the circular economy guidelines. Full article

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17 pages, 13531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Polybutylene Succinate Content on the Rheological Properties of Polylactic Acid/Polybutylene Succinate Blends and the Characteristics of Their Fibers

by Ik Sung Choi, Young Kwang Kim, Seong Hui Hong, Hye-Jin Seo, Sung-Ho Hwang, Jongwon Kim and Sang Kyoo Lim

Materials 2024, 17(3), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030662 - 29 Jan 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are gaining prominence as environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based polymers due to their inherent biodegradability. For their textile applications, this research is focused on exploring the effects of PBS content on the rheological properties of PLA/PBS [...] Read more.

Polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are gaining prominence as environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based polymers due to their inherent biodegradability. For their textile applications, this research is focused on exploring the effects of PBS content on the rheological properties of PLA/PBS blends and the characteristics of PLA/PBS blend fibers. PLA/PBS blends and fibers with varying PBS contents (0 to 10 wt.%) were prepared using melt-blending and spinning methods. Uniform morphologies of the PLA/PBS blends indicated that PBS was compatible with PLA, except at 10% PBS content, where phase separation occurred. The introduction of PBS reduced the complex viscosity of the blends, influencing fiber properties. Notably, PLA/PBS fibers with 7% PBS exhibited improved crystallinity, orientation factor, and elasticity (~16.58%), with a similar tensile strength to PLA fiber (~3.58 MPa). The results suggest that an optimal amount of PBS enhances alignment along the drawing direction and improves the molecular motion in PLA/PBS blend fiber. This study highlights the potential of strategically blending PBS to improve PLA fiber characteristics, promising advancement in textile applications. Full article

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16 pages, 3205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecofriendly Preparation of Rosmarinic Acid-poly(vinyl alcohol) Biofilms Using NADES/DES, Ultrasounds and Optimization via a Mixture-Process Design Strategy

by Beatrice Campanella, Mattia Simoncini, Elisa Passaglia, Francesca Cicogna, Gianluca Ciancaleoni, José González-Rivera, Luca Bernazzani and Emilia Bramanti

Materials 2024, 17(2), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020377 - 12 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

Green chemistry emphasizes the isolation of biologically active compounds from plants and biomass to produce renewable, bio-based products and materials through sustainability and circularity-driven innovation processes. In this work, we have investigated the extraction of rosmarinic acid (RA), a phenolic acid with several [...] Read more.

Green chemistry emphasizes the isolation of biologically active compounds from plants and biomass to produce renewable, bio-based products and materials through sustainability and circularity-driven innovation processes. In this work, we have investigated the extraction of rosmarinic acid (RA), a phenolic acid with several biological properties, from aromatic herbs using ultrasounds and low environmental risk natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). Various solvent mixtures have been investigated, and the parameters influencing the process have been studied by a mixture-process experimental design to identify the optimal RA extraction conditions. The extraction yield has been calculated by HPLC-diode array analysis. The lactic acid:ethylene glycol mixture using an ultrasound-assisted process has been found to be the most versatile solvent system, giving RA yields 127–160% higher than hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol). The deep eutectic solvent nature of lactic acid:ethylene glycol has been demonstrated for the first time by multi-technique characterization (¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR, DSC, and W absorption properties). The aqueous raw extract has been directly incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) to obtain films with potential antibacterial properties for applications in the field of food and pharmaceutical packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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30 pages, 1793 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Medical Applications and Potential for Use in Dentistry

by Rim Ben Abdeladhim, José Alexandre Reis, Ana Maria Vieira and Catarina Dias de Almeida

Materials 2024, 17(22), 5415; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225415 - 6 Nov 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promising biopolymers as an alternative to traditional synthetic polymers due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. The PHA market is blooming in response to the growing demand for biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastics. These biopolyesters are produced and degraded by a [...] Read more.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promising biopolymers as an alternative to traditional synthetic polymers due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. The PHA market is blooming in response to the growing demand for biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastics. These biopolyesters are produced and degraded by a variety of microorganisms, making them environmentally friendly, while offering benefits such as biocompatibility (when adequately processed) and biodegradability. Their versatility extends to various areas, from biomedicine to agriculture and composite materials, where they pave the way for significative innovations. In the field of regenerative medicine, some PHAs have key applications, namely in vascular grafts, oral tissue regeneration, and development of self-healing polymers. In addition, PHAs have the potential to be used in the creation of dental implant materials and dental medical devices. PHAs can also be used to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, providing an approach for more targeted and effective treatments. To summarize, PHAs open new perspectives in the field of medicine by improving drug delivery and offering ecologically biocompatible solutions for medical devices. The aim of this review is to present the medical and dental applications of PHA, their advantages, disadvantages, and indications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass-Based Materials and Their Applications)

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