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Functional/Structural Polymers and Composites Produced by the Addition of Plant Biomass or Waste Materials Using Various Production Technologies

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 January 2026 | Viewed by 4942

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Beata Anwajler

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Energy Conversion Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego Street, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: 3D printing; composites; bioplastics; printing technology; PCM thermal insulation; porous materials; biocomposites; cellular materials; thermal conductivity; energy performance of buildings; heat exchangers; food preservation; 3D printed food packaging; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the recycling of plastics and plastic-derived products has become one of the most important environmental and waste management issues. While their durability is a major advantage, plastics also contribute to significant waste accumulation. Recycling is considered the preferred option for waste management, with the aim of reusing materials to create new products, whether using traditional methods or 3D printing. Research is now moving towards the production of materials not only from pure polymers but also from their composites. Bioplastics, especially biodegradable and compostable ones, have emerged as sustainable alternatives.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present the possibility of producing composites based on plant biomass and waste materials, and to produce innovative functional and structural materials from them. Further development in this field is both essential and promising, as the use of recycled materials contributes to waste reduction, energy conservation, and the sustainable use of natural resources. One of the most promising applications is the use of 3D printing technology to process recycled materials.

Both original research and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Beata Anwajler
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • additive manufacturing
  • 3D printing
  • sustainability
  • natural fillers
  • biocomposites
  • biomass

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3147 KB  
Article
Biological and Physicochemical Characterization of Biodegradable Aliphatic Polyesters with Copper Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
by Malgorzata Latos-Brozio, Aleksandra Drzazga, Anna Masek, Zdzisława Mrozińska and Marcin H. Kudzin
Materials 2026, 19(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010057 - 23 Dec 2025
Abstract
Biodegradable polymer materials, which reduce the problem of waste and are often produced from renewable raw materials, contribute to sustainable development. The imparting of antimicrobial properties to biodegradable materials represents a significant advantage in a variety of potential applications, including the domain of [...] Read more.
Biodegradable polymer materials, which reduce the problem of waste and are often produced from renewable raw materials, contribute to sustainable development. The imparting of antimicrobial properties to biodegradable materials represents a significant advantage in a variety of potential applications, including the domain of packaging materials and medical applications. In this study, biodegradable polymer compositions, including polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), were prepared with copper, which was applied to the polymers using a magnetron sputtering technique. PLA and PCL were selected as representatives of biodegradable polymers of natural and synthetic origin. Copper was used as an alternative to other more expensive metals with antimicrobial properties. The microbiological properties of the samples were examined, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was determined, and the influence of controlled thermo-oxidative and weathering aging on the surface properties of the materials (color, wettability, surface energy, UV-Vis spectra) was analyzed. The UPF values for the PLA and PCL samples containing copper were UPF > 50, so the materials provided excellent UV protection. Thermo-oxidative aging of PCL and weathering aging of PLA influenced the change in color and surface properties (wettability and surface energy) of the composition, resulting from the oxidation of the copper layer deposited on the polymers. Biological evaluation included measurements of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to assess how the synthesized materials influence the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of blood coagulation, reflecting their potential biomedical relevance. Furthermore, the antimicrobial performance of the obtained samples was examined against representative bacterial strains—Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative)—to verify their ability to inhibit microbial growth and ensure their suitability for use in infection-prone environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional/Structural Polymers and Composites Produced by the Addition of Plant Biomass or Waste Materials Using Various Production Technologies)
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13 pages, 5000 KB  
Communication
Synthesis of Few-Layer Graphene from Lignin and Its Application for the Creation of Thermally Conductive and UV-Protective Coatings
by Aleksei Vozniakovskii, Alexander Voznyakovskii, Anna Neverovskaya, Nikita Podlozhnyuk, Sergey Kidalov and Evgeny Auchynnikau
Materials 2025, 18(23), 5429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18235429 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
Coatings based on graphene nanostructures exhibit high thermal conductivity and are capable of effectively protecting materials from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. However, due to the imperfections of the methods for synthesizing graphene nanostructures and coatings based on them, the practical application [...] Read more.
Coatings based on graphene nanostructures exhibit high thermal conductivity and are capable of effectively protecting materials from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. However, due to the imperfections of the methods for synthesizing graphene nanostructures and coatings based on them, the practical application of such coatings remains unprofitable. This paper presents the results of a study of the thermal conductivity and UV-protective properties of coatings synthesized by chemically crosslinking few-layer graphene particles on ABS plastic substrates. Few-layer graphene particles synthesized under self-propagating high-temperature synthesis conditions were used as the starting material for the coating synthesis. The synthesized coatings were found to have a thermal conductivity of 244 W/(m × K) and are capable of effectively protecting ABS plastic substrates from the negative effects of UV radiation, allowing the products to maintain their required strength characteristics. The high productivity of the method for synthesizing few-layer graphene (up to 10 kg/month at the laboratory production level), as well as the simplicity of the method for synthesizing coatings based on it, allows us to hope for the cost-effectiveness of such coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional/Structural Polymers and Composites Produced by the Addition of Plant Biomass or Waste Materials Using Various Production Technologies)
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Graphical abstract

37 pages, 6941 KB  
Article
Investigating the Thermal Properties of Structural Partitions Produced Using Additive Technology (3D Printing) from Biodegradable Materials for Use in Construction
by Beata Anwajler, Arkadiusz Wieleżew, Krystian Grabowski, Tullio de Rubeis, Dario Ambrosini, Ewa Zdybel and Ewa Tomaszewska-Ciosk
Materials 2025, 18(18), 4379; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184379 - 19 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1228
Abstract
Advancements in material technologies and increasingly stringent thermal insulation requirements are driving the search for innovative solutions to serve as an alternative to traditional insulating materials. Using 3D printing techniques to produce thermal insulation opens up new possibilities for creating structures, geometries, and [...] Read more.
Advancements in material technologies and increasingly stringent thermal insulation requirements are driving the search for innovative solutions to serve as an alternative to traditional insulating materials. Using 3D printing techniques to produce thermal insulation opens up new possibilities for creating structures, geometries, and shapes from a variety of raw materials, ranging from synthetic polymers to biodegradable composites. This study aimed to develop a modern thermal insulation barrier with a comparable thermal conductivity to conventional materials to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. Cellular materials based on the Kelvin cell were fabricated using additive manufacturing via 3D SLS printing from a composite consisting of a biodegradable material (TPS) and a recyclable polymer (PA12). The printed cellular structural partitions were tested for their thermal insulation properties, including thermal conductivity coefficient, thermal transmittance (U-value), and thermal resistance. The best thermal insulation performance was demonstrated by a double-layer partition made from TPS + PA12 at a mass ratio of 5:5 and with a thickness of 60 mm. This sample achieved a thermal conductivity of λ = 0.026 W/(m·K), a thermal resistance of R = 2.4 (m2·K)/W, and a thermal transmittance of U = 0.42 W/(m2·K). Cellular partition variants with the most favorable properties were incorporated into building thermal balance software and an energy simulation was conducted for a single-family house using prototype insulating materials. This enabled an assessment of their energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional/Structural Polymers and Composites Produced by the Addition of Plant Biomass or Waste Materials Using Various Production Technologies)
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Review

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23 pages, 2468 KB  
Review
Nanocellulose-Reinforced Poly(Lactic Acid) and Poly(ε-caprolactone) Bio-Nanocomposites: A Review and Future Outlook for Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Blend Systems
by Mbongeni Ngwenya, Thandi Patricia Gumede, Ricardo Arpad Pérez Camargo and Bennie Motloung
Materials 2025, 18(22), 5172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225172 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 997
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable materials has intensified research on biodegradable polymers, particularly poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and their blends. PLA and PCL offer biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them attractive for biomedical, packaging, and agricultural applications; however, their practical utility remains limited [...] Read more.
The growing demand for sustainable materials has intensified research on biodegradable polymers, particularly poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and their blends. PLA and PCL offer biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them attractive for biomedical, packaging, and agricultural applications; however, their practical utility remains limited owing to intrinsic drawbacks. PLA has low impact strength and poor thermal resistance, while PCL suffers from low tensile strength and slow degradation kinetics. Blending PLA with PCL can complement their properties, providing a tunable balance of stiffness and flexibility. Further improvements can be achieved through the incorporation of micro- and nanocellulose (NC), which act as reinforcements, nucleating agents, as well as compatibilizers. We critically examine fabrication strategies for NC-reinforced PLA, PCL, and their blends, highlighting NC extraction, surface modification, processing strategies, and dispersion techniques that prevent agglomeration and facilitate uniform distribution. Comparative insights into composite and nanocomposite systems reveal that NC incorporation significantly enhances mechanical properties, thermal resistance, crystallization, and biodegradation kinetics, particularly at low filler loadings, owing to its high surface area, specific strength, and hydrophilicity. The review underscores the potential of PLA/PCL-based nanocomposites as eco-friendly biomaterials with tunable properties tailored for diverse sustainable applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional/Structural Polymers and Composites Produced by the Addition of Plant Biomass or Waste Materials Using Various Production Technologies)
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30 pages, 1506 KB  
Review
Recent Developments in Cellulose/Chitosan Biopolymer Composites for Winery Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: A Review
by Fisokuhle Innocentia Kumalo, Innocent Mugudamani, Ernestine Atangana and Thandi Patricia Gumede
Materials 2025, 18(21), 5028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18215028 - 4 Nov 2025
Viewed by 802
Abstract
Winery wastewater, characterized by high organic load, fluctuating pH, and seasonal variability, presents a major environmental challenge for sustainable water management in viticulture regions. Recent advances in bio-based polymer composites, particularly those incorporating cellulose and chitosan matrices blended with synthetic polymers such as [...] Read more.
Winery wastewater, characterized by high organic load, fluctuating pH, and seasonal variability, presents a major environmental challenge for sustainable water management in viticulture regions. Recent advances in bio-based polymer composites, particularly those incorporating cellulose and chitosan matrices blended with synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), provide promising possibilities for effective wastewater treatment and water reuse in irrigation. This review critically explores the synthesis, structural properties, and functional performance of cellulose/chitosan-based composites, with a particular emphasis on their adsorption, flocculation, and biodegradability in the context of winery effluent treatment. Evidence from recent laboratory- and pilot-scale studies highlights the significance of pH-responsive functional groups, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding in controlling pollutant capture and regeneration efficiency. While notable removal efficiencies of these composites have been demonstrated to exceed 85–95% for COD, 80–98% for turbidity, and >90% for heavy metals, challenges remain in terms of regeneration, long-term field applicability, and scale-up. Overall, biopolymer composites represent a promising pathway toward sustainable wastewater treatment and irrigation reuse in winery operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional/Structural Polymers and Composites Produced by the Addition of Plant Biomass or Waste Materials Using Various Production Technologies)
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17 pages, 665 KB  
Review
Micro- and Nanoplastics in Dentistry: Challenges in Obtaining High-Quality Evidence
by Luka Šimunović, Ivana Bačić and Senka Meštrović
Materials 2025, 18(18), 4269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184269 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1275
Abstract
The increasing concern over micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) pollution has extended into the field of dentistry, where polymer-based materials and clinical procedures may contribute to environmental and occupational exposure. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on MNPs in dentistry and identify [...] Read more.
The increasing concern over micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) pollution has extended into the field of dentistry, where polymer-based materials and clinical procedures may contribute to environmental and occupational exposure. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on MNPs in dentistry and identify gaps that hinder high-quality evidence generation. Methods include a critical appraisal of existing literature across dental disciplines, including orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and prosthodontics, with emphasis on experimental designs, sampling strategies, and analytical methods. Results reveal that while in vitro studies suggest measurable particle release from common dental materials, real-world exposure data remain sparse, especially regarding airborne and ingested microplastics. Furthermore, inconsistencies in study design, lack of standardized detection methods, and underrepresentation of clinical settings limit the generalizability of findings. This review highlights that while micro- and nanoplastic release from dental materials is evident in laboratory studies, real-world exposure data remain limited and inconsistent. To advance the field, harmonized research protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and standardized detection methods are urgently required. Practical measures, such as improved clinical practices and sustainable material choices, can already help reduce emissions. By outlining both current knowledge gaps and actionable strategies, this work provides a foundation for informed decision-making in clinical, regulatory, and environmental contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional/Structural Polymers and Composites Produced by the Addition of Plant Biomass or Waste Materials Using Various Production Technologies)
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