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Polymer Composites from Renewable Resources

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Dr. Anna Masek

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Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 12/16, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
Interests: cellulose fibers; surface modification; moisture content; ethylene–norbornene copolymer; biocomposites; polylactide; polymers; elastomers; flavonoids; polyphenol; antioxidant; aging of polymer; degradation of polymer; stabilization; stabilizers; substances of plant origin; biodegradation; extracts; biopolymers; polyester; PLA; PHA
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Mr. Stefan Cichosz

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Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Stefanowskiego 12/16, Poland
Interests: cellulose fibres; surface modification; moisture content; ethylene-norbornene copolymer; biocomposites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biopolymers are polymers generated from renewable natural sources, which are often biodegradable and nontoxic. The relative importance of macromolecular materials based on renewable resources suffered a gradual setback, first with the rapid surge of coal-based chemistry starting from that period and later with the petrochemical revolution of the 20th century. The growing number of publications on biodegradable materials, however, indicates persistent interest in and demand for this type of materials. Hence, it seems advisable to continue the studies aimed at the preparation of biodegradable composites. The equally relevant aspects related to the use of renewable resources to produce a remarkable variety of chemicals through the implementation of the biorefinery strategy have been recently assessed in a series of comprehensive reviews. Manuscripts describing studies pointing to such targets will be welcome in this Special Issue of Polymers (MDPI).

Prof. Anna Masek
Mr. Stefan Cichosz
Guest Editors

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19 pages, 4603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(vinyl chloride) Composites with Raspberry Pomace Filler

by Jacek Mirowski, Rafał Oliwa, Mariusz Oleksy, Jolanta Tomaszewska, Joanna Ryszkowska and Grzegorz Budzik

Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071079 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3416

Abstract

This study examined, the effect of chemically extracted raspberry pomace on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, flammability, chemical structure and processing of poly(vinyl chloride). It was observed that the pomace in this study was used to extract naphtha, thereby permitting the removal of bio-oil as a factor preventing the obtaining of homogeneous composites. Furthermore, adding 20% raspberry pomace filler after extraction extended the thermal stability time for the composites by about 30%. It was observed that composite density, impact strength, and tensile strength values decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of filler in the PVC matrix. At the same time, their modulus of elasticity and Shore hardness increased. All tested composites were characterized by a good burning resistance with a flammability rating of V0 according to the UL94 test. Adding 20 to 40% of a natural filler to the PVC matrix made it possible to obtain composites for the production of flame resistant elements that emitted less hydrogen chloride under fire conditions while ensuring good rigidity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites from Renewable Resources)

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16 pages, 4550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Rubber Latex Foam Reinforced with Micro- and Nanofibrillated Cellulose via Dunlop Method

by Sirilak Phomrak, Adun Nimpaiboon, Bi-min Zhang Newby and Muenduen Phisalaphong

Polymers 2020, 12(9), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12091959 - 29 Aug 2020

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 10881

Abstract

Natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) was reinforced with micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose at a loading content of 5–20 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) via the Dunlop process. Cellulose powder from eucalyptus pulp and bacterial cellulose (BC) was used as a microcellulose (MC) and nanocellulose (NC) reinforcing agent, respectively. NRLF, NRLF-MC, and NRLF-NC exhibited interconnected macroporous structures with a high porosity and a low-density. The composite foams contained pores with sizes in a range of 10–500 µm. As compared to MC, NC had a better dispersion inside the NRLF matrix and showed a higher adhesion to the NRLF matrix, resulting in a greater reinforcement. The most increased tensile strengths for MC and NC incorporated NRLF were found to be 0.43 MPa (1.4-fold increase) and 0.73 MPa (2.4-fold increase), respectively, by reinforcing NRLF with 5 phr MC and 15 phr NC, whereas the elongation at break was slightly reduced. Compression testing showed that the recovery percentage was improved to 34.9% (1.3-fold increase) by reinforcement with 15 phr NC, whereas no significant improvement in the recovery percentage was observed with MC. Both NRLF-MC and NRLF-NC presented hydrophobic surfaces and good thermal stability up to 300 °C. Due to their highly porous structure, after a prolong immersion in water, NRLF composites had high water uptake abilities. According to their properties, the composite foams could be further modified for use as green absorption or supporting materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites from Renewable Resources)

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