Search Results (67)

Fiber-forming polymers are increasingly used to control blood coagulation, either by accelerating the onset of hemostasis or by limiting thrombogenic events in contact with blood. Despite rapid progress in materials engineering, a unified view linking the molecular mechanisms of the coagulation cascade with specific design strategies of procoagulant and anticoagulant polymeric fibers is still missing. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on how natural and synthetic polymers interact with plasma proteins, platelets, and coagulation factors, emphasizing the role of fiber morphology, surface chemistry, charge distribution, and functionalization. Particular attention was paid to systems based on natural polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, alginate, and cellulose derivatives), as well as synthetic polymers (e.g., PLA, PCL, polyurethanes, and zwitterionic materials). Two possible courses of action were described: their bioactivity may activate the contact pathway and/or support platelet adhesion or their ability to minimize protein adsorption and inhibit thrombin generation. We discuss how metal–polymer coordination, surface immobilization of heparin or nitric oxide donors, and nanoscale texturing modulate coagulation kinetics in opposite directions. Finally, we highlight emerging fiber-based strategies for achieving either rapid hemostasis or long-term hemocompatibility and propose design principles enabling precise tuning of coagulation responses for wound dressings, vascular grafts, and blood-contacting devices. This general compendium of knowledge on blood–material interactions provides a foundation for further design of biomaterials based on fiber-forming polymers and the development of manufacturing processes. Full article

High-voltage equipment imposes increasingly stringent demands on polymeric insulating materials, particularly in terms of dielectric strength, space charge suppression, thermo-electrical stability, and interfacial reliability. Conventional polymers are prone to critical failure modes under high electric fields, including electrical treeing, partial discharge, interfacial degradation, and thermo-oxidative aging. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in polymer modification strategies specifically designed for high-voltage applications, covering nanofiller reinforcement, plasma surface engineering, and the development of self-healing insulating polymers. Multi-scale structural control and interface engineering, aligned with the specific requirements of high-voltage environments, have emerged as pivotal approaches to enhance insulation performance. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence-driven materials design, digital characterization, and application-oriented modeling holds significant promise for accelerating the development of next-generation high-voltage polymeric systems, thereby offering robust materials solutions for the reliable long-term operation of high-voltage equipment. Full article

This work presents a multifactorial strategy for reusing waste thermoplastics and generating multifunctional filaments for additive manufacturing. Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) waste and commercial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were compounded with carbon black (CB), graphene (G), or graphene foam (GF) at different loadings and extruded into composite filaments. The aim is to couple filler-induced bulk modifications with atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) surface coatings of TiO₂ and graphene oxide (GO) to obtain waste-derived filaments with tunable morphology, wettability, and thermal stability for advanced 3D-printed architectures. The filaments were subsequently coated with TiO₂ and/or GO using an APPJ process, which tailored surface wettability and enabled the formation of photocatalytically relevant interfaces. Digital optical microscopy and SEM revealed that CB, G, and GF were reasonably well dispersed in both polymer matrices but induced distinct surface and cross-sectional morphologies, including a carbon-rich outer crust in ABS and filler-dependent porosity in PMMA. For ABS composites, static contact-angle measurements show that APPJ coatings broaden the apparent wettability window from ~60–80° for uncoated filaments to ~40–50° (TiO₂/GO) up to >90° (GO), corresponding to a ≈150% increase in contact-angle span. For PMMA/CB composites, TiO₂/GO coatings expand the accessible contact-angle range to ~15–125° while maintaining surface energies around 50 mN m⁻¹. TGA/DSC analyses confirm that the composites and coatings remain thermally stable within typical extrusion and APPJ processing ranges, with graphene showing only ≈3% mass loss over the explored temperature range, compared with ≈65% for CB and ≈10% for GF. Fused deposition modeling trials verify the printability and dimensional fidelity of ABS-based composite filaments, whereas PMMA composites were too brittle for reliable FDM printing. Overall, combining waste polymer reuse, tailored carbonaceous fillers, and APPJ TiO₂/GO coatings provides a versatile route to design surface-engineered filaments for applications such as photocatalysis, microfluidics, and soft robotics within a circular polymer manufacturing framework. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable, high-performance, and structurally reliable construction materials has intensified research on natural fibre-reinforced composites (NFCs). Among these, hemp stands out due to its high cellulose content, low density, excellent tensile strength, and renewability, making it a promising reinforcement for cementitious and other inorganic matrices, including lime- and geopolymer-based systems. This review focuses exclusively on structural and civil engineering applications, while polymer-based composites are mentioned only for comparative context regarding adhesion and durability. A comprehensive bibliometric and technical analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of hemp fibre treatment methods in improving fibre–matrix adhesion, mechanical performance, and long-term durability. A systematic search covering major scientific databases from 2014 to 2024 identified global research trends, key treatment techniques, and their performance outcomes. Both chemical (alkaline, silane, acetylation, alkyl ketene dimer—AKD) and physical (plasma, ozone) modification strategies were critically assessed for adhesion, mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and resistance to environmental cycling. Quantitative results indicate that combined alkaline–AKD treatments produce the most consistent improvement, increasing compressive strength by approximately 30% and flexural strength by up to 25% compared with untreated composites. Physical surface treatments were also found to enhance roughness and interfacial bonding without degrading fibre integrity. Unlike previous reviews that address natural fibres in general, this article specifically targets hemp fibre treatments for inorganic matrices, correlating modification mechanisms with the structural performance indicators relevant to civil engineering. By integrating bibliometric mapping of research evolution, keyword networks, and technological gaps, this review provides a quantitative and engineering-oriented synthesis that highlights its original contribution to sustainable and resilient construction materials. The findings emphasise the need for standardised testing protocols and performance-based evaluations to enable the broader structural application of hemp-based composites in modern construction. Full article

Introduction: Diltiazem hydrochloride (DH) is a calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and arrhythmias. Its short half-life and frequent dosing requirements limit patient adherence and cause plasma concentration fluctuations. Objective: This review critically examines recent pharmaceutical technologies and formulation strategies for modified-release dosage forms (MRDFs) of diltiazem hydrochloride, emphasizing their impact on pharmacokinetics, clinical performance, and regulatory aspects. Methodology: A structured literature review (2010–2025) was conducted using databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, MDPI, and ACS Publications. Studies were selected based on relevance to solid oral MRDFs of DH and their associated manufacturing techniques. Results: Techniques including direct compression, granulation, extrusion–spheronization, spray drying, solvent evaporation, and ionotropic gelation have enabled the development of hydrophilic matrices, coated pellets, microspheres, and osmotic systems. Functional polymers such as HPMC, Eudragit^®, and ethylcellulose play a central role in modulating release kinetics and improving bioavailability. Conclusions: This review not only synthesizes current formulation strategies but also explores reverse engineering of ideal release profiles and the integration of advanced modeling tools such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC). These approaches support the rational design of personalized, regulatory-compliant DH therapies. Full article

Municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling is constrained by contamination, heterogeneity, and infrastructure built around material-specific pathways. We introduce effectiveness-normalized greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a system-level metric that adjusts reported process burdens by feedstock eligibility (Effectiveness Fraction, EF) and carbon recovery efficiency (CRE) to reflect real-world MSW conditions. Using published LCA data and engineering estimates, we benchmark six pathways, mechanical recycling, PET depolymerization, enzymatic depolymerization, pyrolysis, supercritical water gasification (SCWG), and Regenerative Robust Gasification (RRG), at the scale of mixed MSW. Normalizing for EF and CRE reveals large differences between process-level and system-level performance. Mechanical recycling and PET depolymerization show low process intensities yet high normalized impacts because they can treat only a small share of plastics in MSW. SCWG performs well at broader eligibility. RRG, a plasma-assisted molten-bath approach integrated with methanol synthesis, maintains the lowest normalized impact (~1.6 t CO₂e per ton of recycled polymer) while accepting virtually all organics in MSW and vitrifying inorganics. Modeled methanol yields are ~200–300 gal·t⁻¹ without external hydrogen and up to ~800 gal·t⁻¹ with renewable methane reforming. The metric clarifies trade-offs for policy and investment by rewarding technologies that maximize diversion and carbon retention. We discuss how effectiveness-normalized results can be incorporated into LCA practice and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks and outline research needs in techno-economics, regional scalability, hydrogen sourcing, and uncertainty analysis. Findings support aligning infrastructure and procurement with robust, scalable routes that deliver circular manufacturing from heterogeneous MSW. Full article

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its applications such as packaging, electronics, biomedical materials, and water treatment. However, its high flammability poses a substantial limitation in fire-sensitive environments. To address this challenge, significant research efforts have been devoted to improving the flame retardancy and suppressing the smoke toxicity of PVA through various strategies. This review presents diverse modification strategies that have been developed for PVA, including physical blending with polymers and nanofillers, chemical modifications such as esterification, acetalization, and crosslinking, and advanced surface engineering techniques such as plasma treatment, layer-by-layer assembly, and surface grafting. Beyond fire safety, these modifications enable multifunctional applications, expanding PVA use in optical, energy, sensing, and biomedical fields. Finally, this review explores current challenges, environmental considerations, and future directions for the development of sustainable, high-performance flame-retardant PVA systems. Full article

Antibacterial surfaces inspired by biological micro- and nanostructures, such as those found on the wings of cicadas and dragonflies, have attracted interest due to their ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion and damage microbial membranes without relying on chemical agents. However, conventional fabrication techniques like photolithography or nanoimprinting are limited by substrate shape, size, and high operational costs. In this study, we developed a scalable method using atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma (APLTP) to fabricate sharp-edged nanospikes on solvent-cast polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films. The nanospikes were formed through plasma-induced modification of pores in the film, followed by annealing to control surface wettability while maintaining structural sharpness. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the formation of micro/nanostructures, and contact angle measurements revealed reversible hydrophilicity. Antibacterial performance was evaluated against Escherichia coli using ISO 22196 standards. While the film with only plasma treatment reduced bacterial colonies by 30%, the film annealed after plasma treatment achieved an antibacterial activity value greater than 5, with bacterial counts below the detection limit (<10 CFU). These findings demonstrate that APLTP offers a practical route for large-area fabrication of biomimetic antibacterial coatings on flexible polymer substrates, holding promise for future applications in healthcare, packaging, and public hygiene. Full article

Polymers and polymer composites offer versatile possibilities for engineering the physico-chemical properties of materials on micro- and macroscopic scales. This review provides an overview of polymeric and polymer-decorated particles that can serve as drug-delivery vectors: linear polymers, star polymers, diblock-copolymer micelles, polymer-grafted nanoparticles, polymersomes, stealth liposomes, microgels, and biomolecular condensates. The physico-chemical interactions between the delivery vectors and biological cells range from chemical interactions on the molecular scale to deformation energies on the particle scale. The focus of this review is on the structure and elastic properties of these particles, as well as their circulation in blood and cellular uptake. Furthermore, the effects of polymer decoration in vivo (e.g., of glycosylated plasma membranes, cortical cytoskeletal networks, and naturally occurring condensates) on drug delivery are discussed. Full article

Platinum has emerged as an optimal catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes owing to its high hydrogenation activity, selectivity, and stability. In this study, we report the fabrication of platinum nanoparticles stabilized on a composite support consisting of gum acacia polymer (GAP) and TiO₂. It was engineered for the targeted reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines via selective hydrogenation in methanol at ambient temperature. The non-toxic and biocompatible properties of GAP enable it to act as a reducing and stabilizing agent during synthesis. The synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphological and structural analyses revealed that the fabricated catalyst consisted of minuscule Pt nanoparticles integrated within the GAP framework, accompanied by the corresponding TiO₂ nanoparticles. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was employed to ascertain the Pt content. The mild reaction conditions, decent yields, trouble-free workup, and facile separation of the catalyst make this method a clean and practical alternative to nitroreduction. Selective hydrogenation yielded an average arylamine production of 97.6% over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating the stability of the nanocatalyst without detectable leaching. Full article

Tribological processes in extreme environments pose serious material challenges, requiring coatings that resist both wear and corrosion. This review summarizes recent advances in protective coatings engineered for extreme environments such as high temperatures, chemically aggressive media, and high-pressure and abrasive domains, as well as cryogenic and space applications. A comprehensive overview of promising coating materials is provided, including ceramic-based coatings, metallic and alloy coatings, and polymer and composite systems, as well as nanostructured and multilayered architectures. These materials are deployed using advanced coating technologies such as thermal spraying (plasma spray, high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), and cold spray), chemical and physical vapor deposition (CVD and PVD), electrochemical methods (electrodeposition), additive manufacturing, and in situ coating approaches. Key degradation mechanisms such as adhesive and abrasive wear, oxidation, hot corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and tribocorrosion are examined with coating performance. The review also explores application-specific needs in aerospace, marine, energy, biomedical, and mining sectors operating in aggressive physiological environments. Emerging trends in the field are highlighted, including self-healing and smart coatings, environmentally friendly coating technologies, functionally graded and nanostructured coatings, and the integration of machine learning in coating design and optimization. Finally, the review addresses broader considerations such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, long-term durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental regulations. This comprehensive analysis aims to synthesize current knowledge while identifying future directions for innovation in protective coatings for extreme environments. Full article

In this work, the mechanical properties of composites with a polymer matrix and reinforced with carbon particles have been studied. It has been established that the obtained engineering materials have increased elastic and plastic characteristics. The thermosetting polymers used are epoxy, polyester, and vinylester resins. The carbon particles are carbon nanotubes and waste carbon from the plasma decomposition of methane in the production of green hydrogen. The carbon particles used are in an amount of 1 wt% and 2 wt% of the weight of the composite, and they are not subjected to pre-treatment (modification). The studied composites are used in shipping, automotive, and aviation technology, and the presence of carbon particles in them is a prerequisite for improving their anti-radar properties. Full article

This comprehensive review systematically explores the molecular design and functional applications of nano-smooth hydrophilic ionic polymer surfaces. Beginning with advanced fabrication strategies—including plasma treatment, surface grafting, and layer-by-layer assembly—we critically evaluate their efficacy in eliminating surface irregularities and tailoring wettability. Central to this discussion are the types of ionic groups, molecular configurations, and counterion hydration effects, which collectively govern macroscopic hydrophilicity through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and molecular reorganization. By bridging molecular-level insights with application-driven design, we highlight breakthroughs in oil–water separation, anti-fogging, anti-icing, and anti-waxing technologies, where precise control over ionic group density, the hydration layer’s stability, and the degree of perfection enable exceptional performance. Case studies demonstrate how zwitterionic architectures, pH-responsive coatings, and biomimetic interfaces address real-world challenges in industrial and biomedical settings. In conclusion, we synthesize the molecular mechanisms governing hydrophilic ionic surfaces and identify key research directions to address future material challenges. This review bridges critical gaps in the current understanding of molecular-level determinants of wettability while providing actionable design principles for engineered hydrophilic surfaces. Full article

Chemiresistive sensors integrated with functionalized conductive polymers have emerged as promising candidates for wearable applications, offering adequate protection against highly toxic and widely prevalent organophosphate compounds, due to their high sensitivity, room-temperature operation, and straightforward fabrication process. However, these chemiresistive sensors exhibit poor resistance to water vapor due to the intrinsic properties of these conducting polymers, likely leading to false sensor alarms. In this study, we engineered a series of water-vapor-resistant, yet organophosphate-sensitive, conducting polymers by electro-copolymerizing hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-grafted 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT-HFIP) with EDOT comonomers bearing hydrophobic alkyl groups of varying lengths (ethyl, butyl, and hexyl). The typical results indicated that increasing the alkyl length and alkyl-bearing EDOT comonomer composition significantly enhanced the water resistance of the EDOT-HFIP copolymers and the copolymer-integrated chemiresistive sensor, but this improvement came at the unacceptable cost of compromising the organophosphate sensitivity. To address this issue, we developed a surface-driven phase-segregation strategy to enrich the alkyl chains on the surface while concentrating the HFIP groups beneath it by treating the silica substrates using oxygen plasma before polymer spin coating, thus decoupling and optimizing the two mutually competing characteristics. Finally, the chemiresistive sensor integrated with the EDOT-HFIP copolymer containing 10% hexyl-grafted EDOT comonomer exhibited an organophosphate (DMMP) resistive response 657 times higher than that to water vapor, and more than two times that of a PEDOT-HFIP sensor, while preserving the original specific sensitivity of the PEDOT-HFIP sensor. Furthermore, it demonstrated a markedly improved shelf storage stability, being directly exposed to air for 14 days without any special protection. We envision that this surface-driven phase-segregation strategy could offer a promising solution to the significant challenge of air moisture interference in highly sensitive polymer sensors, promoting their practical use in real-world applications. Full article

This study focused on the development of a suitable synthetic polymer scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications within the biomedical field. The investigation centered on electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers, examining their intrinsic properties and biocompatibility with the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2. The influence of oxygen, argon, or combined plasma treatment on the scaffold’s characteristics was explored. A comprehensive design strategy is outlined for the fabrication of a suitable PVDF scaffold, encompassing the optimization of electrospinning parameters with rotating collector and plasma etching conditions to facilitate a subsequent osteoblast cell culture. The proposed methodology involves the fabrication of the PVDF tissue scaffold, followed by a rigorous series of fundamental analyses encompassing the structural integrity, chemical composition, wettability, crystalline phase content, and cell adhesion properties. Full article