Polymers

Research

24 pages, 10960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacterial Cellulose-Based Nanocomposites for Wound Healing Applications

by Alexandra-Ionela Dogaru, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Gabriela-Olimpia Isopencu, Adela Banciu, Sorin-Ion Jinga and Cristina Busuioc

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091225 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a polysaccharide produced by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with a strictly aerobic metabolism, having a huge number of significant applications in the biomedical field. This study investigates the development of bacterial cellulose (BC)-based composite systems that incorporate cerium dioxide [...] Read more.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a polysaccharide produced by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with a strictly aerobic metabolism, having a huge number of significant applications in the biomedical field. This study investigates the development of bacterial cellulose (BC)-based composite systems that incorporate cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) used as antibacterial agents to enhance wound healing, particularly for burn treatments. The innovation of this study resides in the integration of CeO₂ NPs synthesized by using a precipitation method using both chemical and green reducing agents, ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) and turmeric extract (TE), in BC membranes composed of ultrathin nanofibers interwoven into a three-dimensional network appearing as a hydrogel mass. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the effective deposition of this agent onto the BC matrix. Antibacterial activity tests against E. coli and B. subtilis indicated strong inhibition for the composites synthesized following these routes, particularly for the BC-CeO₂-TE-OH sample, processed by employing both precipitating agents. Cytotoxicity evaluations showed no inhibition of cell activity. Additionally, loading the composites with dexamethasone endowed them with analgesic release over 4 h, as observed through ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), while the FTIR spectra revealed a sustained drug presence post-release. These findings highlight BC-based films as promising candidates for advanced wound care and tissue engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 10757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Wear Resistance and Adhesion of Primer Coatings on Laser-Textured Milled Carbon Fiber-Filled Basalt Composites

by Özer Coşkun, Sinan Fidan, Mehmet İskender Özsoy, Mustafa Özgür Bora, Satılmış Ürgün, Alp Eren Şahin and Taner Yılmaz

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091150 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 217

Abstract

The present study explores the effects of pre-coating on the wear performance of milled carbon fiber-filled basalt composites via laser texturing. Laser texturing was used to change surface topography, enhancing adhesion and wear resistance. Incorporated 0 wt.% and 5 wt.% milled carbon fibers [...] Read more.

The present study explores the effects of pre-coating on the wear performance of milled carbon fiber-filled basalt composites via laser texturing. Laser texturing was used to change surface topography, enhancing adhesion and wear resistance. Incorporated 0 wt.% and 5 wt.% milled carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix. A fiber laser system was employed for surface treatment, in which power, scanning speed, and pulse frequency were optimized. For pre-coating, an epoxy-based primer was used, and the adhesion and wear performance of the coating was studied using ball-on-disc wear tests. Experimental results demonstrate that laser texturing significantly increases coating adhesion by enhancing the surface roughness and mechanical interlocking. The laser-induced textures displayed mostly square-shaped dimples, reducing practically by around 22% the deformation of the primer coating when used in combination with 5 wt.% carbon fiber milling. The textured surfaces reduced friction noticeably, leading to a decrease of as much as 23% in the coefficient of friction from untreated surfaces. SEM and 3D profilometry analysis indicate that the lower delamination observed in the laser treatment led to optimal coating retention. The original contribution of this work consists of the unique integration of laser surface engineering with pre-coating treatments toward improved tribological performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Made Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Polycaprolactone Composites

by Yanji Yin, Xiaotong Wang, Jiayan Zhang, Wenyan Wang and Rui Han

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070834 - 21 Mar 2025

Viewed by 257

Abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a widely used polymer in biomedical applications due to its excellent processability, ductility, and biodegradability. However, single-component PCL devices often fail to meet the multifunctional and high-performance demands of modern biomedical devices. In this study, we introduced biodegradable and environmentally [...] Read more.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a widely used polymer in biomedical applications due to its excellent processability, ductility, and biodegradability. However, single-component PCL devices often fail to meet the multifunctional and high-performance demands of modern biomedical devices. In this study, we introduced biodegradable and environmentally friendly cyclodextrin (CD) to fabricate CD inclusion complexes with low-molecular-weight polycaprolactone (LPCL). These complexes were incorporated into commercial PCL to prepare the resulting composites. The effects of PCL molecular weight and CD type on the properties and inclusion ratios of the complexes were systematically investigated. Among the tested complexes, the one formed with LPCL (Mw = 8 × 10⁴) and α-CD exhibited the highest inclusion ratio (2:1), significantly enhancing the crystallization and mechanical properties of the resulting composite (PCL/8-α-CD). Compared to pure PCL, the PCL/8-α-CD composite shows a 14.8% increase in crystallinity, along with improvements of 63.6% and 30.9% in tensile strength and elongation at break, respectively. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of CD inclusion complexes can effectively enhance the mechanical performance of PCL, making it a promising candidate for high-performance biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acoustic, Mechanical, and Thermal Characterization of Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)-Based Wood Composites Reinforced with Beech and Oak Wood Fibers

by Youssef Cherradi, Camelia Cerbu, Ioan Calin Rosca, Adnane Seman, Hamid El Qarnia, Ahmed Dimokrati and Mustafa Benyoucef

Polymers 2025, 17(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020142 - 8 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 910

Abstract

Considering the growing need for developing ecological materials, this study investigates the acoustic, mechanical, and thermal properties of wood composites reinforced with beech or oak wood fibres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a complex network of interconnected pores within the composite materials, with [...] Read more.

Considering the growing need for developing ecological materials, this study investigates the acoustic, mechanical, and thermal properties of wood composites reinforced with beech or oak wood fibres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a complex network of interconnected pores within the composite materials, with varying pore sizes contributing to the material’s overall properties. Acoustic characterization was conducted using a two-microphone impedance tube. The results revealed that the fibre size significantly impacts the sound absorption coefficient, demonstrating that the highest sound absorption coefficient of 0.96 corresponds to the composites reinforced with oak wood fibres with a size of 2 mm in the low-frequency range of 1000–2500 Hz. Mechanical testing revealed a significant reduction in compressive strength as fibre size increased from 0.4 mm to 2 mm, correlating with the observed changes in sound absorption and thermal properties. Thermal analysis indicated thermal conductivity (λ) values ranging from 0.14 to 0.2 W/m·K, with a notable increase in conductivity as fibre size decreased. It was shown that composites reinforced with beech or oak wood fibres with a size of 2 mm are recommendable for insulation materials due to the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.14 W/(m·K). Oak wood composites with a fibre size of 0.4 mm recorded the highest heat capacity, which is 54.4% higher than the one corresponding to the composites reinforced with the largest fibres. The results regarding heat diffusion rates are also reported. The findings about the effects of fibre size and pores on thermal, acoustic and mechanical properties provide valuable insights for designing sustainable materials, offering potential applications in industries where balanced performance across multiple properties is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles/Organophilic-Clay/Polyethylene Glycol Nanocomposites for the Reduction of Organic Pollutants

by Amina Sardi, Bouhadjar Boukoussa, Aouicha Benmaati, Kheira Chinoune, Adel Mokhtar, Mohammed Hachemaoui, Soumia Abdelkrim, Issam Ismail, Jibran Iqbal, Shashikant P. Patole, Gianluca Viscusi and Mohamed Abboud

Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3608; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243608 - 23 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 915

Abstract

This work focuses on the preparation and application of silver nanoparticles/organophilic clay/polyethylene glycol for the catalytic reduction of the contaminants methylene blue (MB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in a simple and binary system. Algerian clay was subjected to a series of treatments including acid [...] Read more.

This work focuses on the preparation and application of silver nanoparticles/organophilic clay/polyethylene glycol for the catalytic reduction of the contaminants methylene blue (MB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in a simple and binary system. Algerian clay was subjected to a series of treatments including acid treatment, ion exchange with the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTABr), immobilization of polyethylene glycol polymer, and finally dispersion of AgNPs. The molecular weight of polyethylene glycol was varied (100, 200, and 4000) to study its effect on the stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the catalytic activity of the resulting samples. The results showed that the catalyst with the highest molecular weight of polyethylene glycol had the highest AgNP content. Catalyst mass, NaBH₄ concentration, and type of catalyst were shown to have a significant influence on the conversion and rate constant. The material with the highest silver nanoparticle content was identified as the optimal catalyst for the reduction of both pollutants. The measured rate constants for the reduction of methylene blue (MB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) were 164 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ and 25 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, respectively. The reduction of MB and 4-NP in the binary system showed high selectivity for MB dye, with rate constants of 64 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ and 9 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ for MB and 4-NP, respectively. The reuse of the best catalyst via MB dye reduction for four cycles showed good results without loss of performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of γ-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-Modified Halloysite Nanotubes on the Reinforcement of Halloysite/Polypropylene (PP) Nanocomposites

by Zuguo Bao, Yunxiang Yan and Weijian Han

Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3332; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233332 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 916

Abstract

Halloysite was successfully grafted with silane APTES using both wet and dry modification methods. Among them, wet modification using aqueous solution possessed the highest modification efficiency and grafting ratio. Morphological observations demonstrated that APTES grafting on halloysite improved both the filler dispersion and [...] Read more.

Halloysite was successfully grafted with silane APTES using both wet and dry modification methods. Among them, wet modification using aqueous solution possessed the highest modification efficiency and grafting ratio. Morphological observations demonstrated that APTES grafting on halloysite improved both the filler dispersion and interfacial compatibility in polymer composites. The rheology and crystallization behavior indicated that silane modification improved the halloysite dispersion in the polypropylene (PP) matrix and enhanced the interfacial bonding. Furthermore, the modified halloysite also improved the thermal stability of the PP composites, showing elevated decomposition temperatures of PP. The mechanical properties of halloysite/PP nanocomposites were apparently improved with APTES modification. The filler content of the nanocomposites was finally optimized to 2% by considering trade-offs of the tensile, flexural, and Izod impact properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly Castor Oil-Based Composite with High Clam Shell Powder Content

by Fangqing Weng, Kui Jian, Yazhou Yi, Peirui Zhang, Ernest Koranteng, Qing Huang, Jiahui Liu and Guoping Zeng

Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3232; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233232 - 21 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 856

Abstract

Eco-friendly castor oil-based composites with a high content of clam shell powder were prepared in this study. Biomass composites were prepared by blending castor-oil-based polyurethane prepolymer (COPU) with a filler consisting of high-content clam shell powder (CSP), named CSP-COPU. The structure, microstructure, mechanical [...] Read more.

Eco-friendly castor oil-based composites with a high content of clam shell powder were prepared in this study. Biomass composites were prepared by blending castor-oil-based polyurethane prepolymer (COPU) with a filler consisting of high-content clam shell powder (CSP), named CSP-COPU. The structure, microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the composites were investigated. The results showed that even at a loading as high as 75 wt.% of the CSP filler, the composite still exhibited good tensile strength and elongation at break. Furthermore, compared with the CSP-COPU composites, TCOS-50 synthesized through blending OH-terminated castor oil-based polyurethane prepolymer (TCOPU) and CSP filler proved that the chemical bond between COPU containing terminal -NCO groups and CSP containing active -OH groups was the key reason to obtaining the composite material with desirable properties. These findings provide prospects for applying biomass-loaded CSP-COPU composites in the packaging industry while contributing to carbon peak achievement and carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 7207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water-Soluble Polyglycidol-Grafted Ladder Calix Resorcinarene Oligomers with Open Chain and Cyclic Topologies: Synthesis, Characteristics, and Biological Evaluation

by Hristo Penchev, Erik Dimitrov, Christo Novakov, Emi Haladjova, Ralitsa Veleva, Veselina Moskova-Doumanova, Tanya Topouzova-Hristova and Stanislav Rangelov

Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3219; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223219 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 969

Abstract

Ladder oligomers containing calixarene skeletons in the main chain—calix[4]resorcinarene (CRA) ladder macromolecules with open chain and cyclic macromolecules with double ring-like (Noria-type) topologies—bring particular research attention as functional materials with various applications. However, there is still a remarkable lack of studies into the [...] Read more.

Ladder oligomers containing calixarene skeletons in the main chain—calix[4]resorcinarene (CRA) ladder macromolecules with open chain and cyclic macromolecules with double ring-like (Noria-type) topologies—bring particular research attention as functional materials with various applications. However, there is still a remarkable lack of studies into the synthesis of fully water-soluble derivatives of these interesting macromolecules. Research on this topic would allow their bio-based research and application niche to be at least revealed. In the present study, a strategy for the synthesis of water-soluble polyglycidol-derivatized calix resorcinarene ladder oligomers with open chain and cyclic structures is introduced. A grafting from approach was used to build branched or linear polyglycidol chains from the ladder scaffolds. The novel structures were synthesized in quantitative yields and fully characterized by NMR, FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, analytical ultracentrifugation, and static light scattering to obtain the molar mass characteristics and composition. The biocompatibility and toxicity of the two polyglycidol-derivatized oligomers were investigated and the concentration dependence of the survival of three cell lines of human origin determined. The selective apoptosis effect at relatively low dissolve concentrations toward two kinds of cancerous cell lines was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Synthesis, Design, Preparation and Processing of Functional Polymer Composites

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI