Abstract: This study investigated the properties of red algae (RA) biocomposite films reinforced with natural sisal fibers and plasticized with glycerol. The polymer was extracted from locally sourced red seaweed and combined sisal fibers at varying loadings (0–45 wt%) using the doctor blading technique. Composite films were analyzed using a variety of methods to evaluate the chemical composition, thermal behavior and mechanical perfor-mance. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of kappa-carrageenan as the domi-nant polysaccharide in the RA matrix, whereas elemental analysis verified the dilution of sulfur content and enrichment of carbon with increasing fiber incorporation. Thermal analysis revealed that thermal stability increased with fiber loading, peaking at 30 wt% sisal fiber before decreasing slightly at 45 wt% due to poor fiber dispersion. Mechanical testing demonstrated an optimal balance between strength and flexibility at 30 wt% sisal fiber, where tensile strength and modulus improved increased by more than 40% com-pared to the pure RA film. Overall, the findings demonstrate that sisal fiber reinforcement enhances the structural integrity and stability of RA-based films, supporting their poten-tial as biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

Abstract: The present work explores the viscoelastic properties of a homologous series of orga-nosilicon fluids (polymethylsiloxane fluids) using the acoustic resonant method at a frequency of shear vibrations of approximately 100 kHz. The resonant method is based on investigating the influence of additional binding forces on the resonant characteris-tics of the oscillatory system. The fluid under study was placed between a piezoelectric quartz crystal that performs tangential oscillations and a solid cover-plate. Standing shear waves were established in the fluid. The thickness of the liquid layer was much smaller than the length of the shear wavelength, and low-amplitude deformations al-lowed for the determination of the complex shear modulus G* in the linear region, where the shear modulus has a constant value. The studies demonstrated the presence of a viscoelastic relaxation process at the experimental frequency, which is several or-ders of magnitude lower than the known high-frequency relaxation in liquids. In this work, the relaxation frequency of the viscoelastic process in the studied fluids, the ef-fective viscosity were calculated, the lengths of the shear wave and the attenuation co-efficients were determined.

Abstract: The effect of lignosulfonates (LS) of varying molecular weight compositions (\( \overline{Mw} \) 9–50 kDa) on the behavior and aggregation stability of aqueous dispersions of elemental sulfur (S°) was studied under conditions simulating hydrothermal leaching of sulfide ores. A detailed study was conducted of the physicochemical properties of aqueous LS solutions (CLS 0.02–1.28 g/dm³) obtained from various sources (Krasnokamsk, Solikamsk and Norwegian Pulp and Paper Mills). The composition, molecular weight, and concentration of LS were found to significantly affect their specific electrical conductivity, pH, intrinsic viscosity, and surface activity. It has been shown that the introduction of LS during the formation of sulfur sols promotes their stabilization through electrostatic and steric mechanisms. Optimum dispersion stability (293 K, pH 4.5–5.5) was observed at moderate LS concentrations (0.02–0.32 g/dm³), when a stable adsorption layer forms on the surface of sulfur particles. High-molecular-weight LS samples provideed more effective spatial stabilization of sulfur particles. It has been established that increasing temperature (293–333 K) and changing pH (1–7) significantly affect the aggregative stability of systems, namely: with increasing temperature, sol stability decreases, and, the stabilizing effect of different LS types is reversed with changing pH. The obtained results highlight the potential of using naturally occurring polymeric dispersants to control the aggregation stability of sulfur-containing heterophase systems and can be applied to the design of stable colloidal systems in chemical engineering and hydrometallurgy.

Abstract:

This study investigates the modulation effects of varying infill densities and phase angles on the radiation attenuation properties of three 3D-printed polymers: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Using the EpiXS software for radiation attenuation simulations, the study assessed the linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) of the materials under different infill densities (30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, and 100%) and phase angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) for radiation in the 1-100 keV energy range, which corresponds to the X-ray spectrum. TPU demonstrated the highest attenuation values, with a baseline coefficient of 20.199 cm⁻¹ at 30% infill density, followed by PLA at 18.835 cm⁻¹, and ABS at 13.073 cm⁻¹. Statistical analysis via the Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed that infill density significantly impacts attenuation, while phase angle exhibited no significant effect, with p-values exceeding 0.05 across all materials. TPU showed the highest sensitivity to infill density, with a slope of 1.1194, compared to 0.7257 for ABS and 0.9251 for PLA, making TPU the most suitable candidate for radiation shielding applications, particularly in applications where flexibility and high attenuation are required. The findings support the potential of 3D printing to produce customized, cost-effective radiation protection gear for medical and industrial applications. Future work can further optimize material designs by exploring more complex infill geometries and testing under broader radiation spectra.

Abstract: The sound absorption efficiency of the wood based sandwich panels with reinforced bas-alt fiber reinforced (BFRP), glass fiber reinforced (GFRP), and jute fabric composite materi-als and evaluate their potential as acoustic panels were investigated. Four experimental groups were created. Wood based sandwich panels were reinforced with BFRP (Group A), jute fabric (Group B), GFRP (Group C), and unreinforced (Group D). The sound absorption coefficients of the unreinforced and experimental groups were tested via the impedance tube method, according to ASTM standard E1050 (2006). Attention was paid to the acoustic behavior at low frequencies (200 Hz to 800 Hz), mid frequencies (1000 Hz to 1600 Hz), and high frequencies (1800 Hz to 2400 Hz). The sound absorption coefficient was highest in sapwood at 200 Hz frequency level with 0.67, while the highest in heartwood was 0.05 at 2400 Hz frequency level. It can be suggested that the experimental groups be used as sound absorbing acoustic panels.

Abstract: We present two methods for post-processing thermoplastic fused filament fabrication (FFF) parts in efforts to create suitable low vacuum vessels. We compare ABS-CF, PC, PC+ABS, PAHT-CF, and PPS-CF filaments with and without post-processing. This study finds polycarbonate FFF parts to be suitable for vacuum applications with leak requirements in the 10⁻⁴ − 10⁻⁵ mbar · l · s⁻¹ range after treatment with methylene chloride.

Abstract: In this study, we prepared guar gum (GG) films using a compression molding technique for the first time, incorporating glycerol as a plasticizer and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a reinforcing filler. The chemical structures, thermal properties, crystalline structures, phase morphology, mechanical properties, moisture content, and film opacity of thermo-compressed GG films were investigated. The results show that using glycerol as a plasticizer enhanced the flexibility of the thermo-compressed GG film and promoted its crystallization. The incorporation of glycerol and MCC enhanced the thermal stability of the GG film matrix. The addition of MCC enhanced the tensile strength of the plasticized GG film; however, it resulted in a decrease in elongation at break. The incorporation of MCC in plasticized GG films resulted in enhanced opacity and a decrease in moisture content. Thermo-compressed GG films can be customized to exhibit various properties by adjusting the glycerol and MCC contents, making them suitable for a range of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging applications.

Abstract: Oral drug delivery remains one of the most attractive routes for achieving safe, effective, and controlled therapeutic administration. Hydrogels represent promising systems for this purpose due to their biocompatibility, the versatility of natural and synthetic materials, and their tunable physicochemical properties. Among various candidates, dextrin-based hydrogels are particularly noteworthy, as they can respond to physiological gradients along the gastrointestinal tract, enabling targeted, site-specific, and sustained drug release for both localized and systemic treatments. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize dextrin-based hydrogels formulated from β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), KLEPTOSE® Linecaps (LC), and GluciDex®2 (GLU2) as building units, using citric acid (CA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) as cross-linkers, for potential application in oral drug delivery systems. The obtained polymers displayed adjustable particle dimensions, pH-sensitive swelling characteristics, and an optimized cross-linking density, as calculated using the Flory–Rehner theory. Furthermore, rheological evaluations and mucoadhesion assays revealed pronounced viscoelastic behavior and strong adhesion to mucosal surfaces, confirming their suitability for oral drug delivery applications. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of dextrin-based hydrogels as mucoadhesive carriers for oral drug delivery, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, where they may facilitate drug transport across biological barriers and enhance therapeutic concentrations within the brain.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used, yet the accumulation of its waste poses serious environmental challenges, making efficient recycling essential. PET glycolysis using EG as solvent has emerged as a green‑recycling strategy. In this study, cyclic alkylamino carbene copper (CAAC‑Cu) complex was prepared as catalyst for PET glycolysis. Under optimized conditions (160 °C, 90 min, catalyst amount 3 wt %, and PET:EG=1:4.), PET conversion reached 98.2 %, the selectivity toward BHET was 88.1 %, and the yield was 86.5 %. Kinetic analysis indicated that the glycolysis follows first‑order kinetics with an activation energy of 98.7 kJ mol⁻¹. In addition, the catalyst can be recovered together with excess EG, and after multiple recycles, PET degradation remained above 95 % and BHET yield stayed above 80 %. A possible mechanism has also been proposed, Cu acts as a Lewis acid coordinating to the carbonyl oxygen of PET, facilitating ester bond activation, while the amino‑carbene forms hydrogen bonds with EG, assisting bond cleavage in a Brønsted‑base manner. This catalytic system provides a novel and efficient approach for the green, high‑performance glycolysis of PET.

Abstract: Polymers are widely used across diverse industries, including medicine, energy storage, construction, aerospace, agriculture, transportation, and electronics. However, the complexity and variability of polymer chemical compositions and structures present significant challenges for their development. The integration of machine learning (ML) algorithms with large datasets has opened new avenues for advancements in polymer science. Polymer informatics focuses on predicting polymer performance and optimizing synthesis conditions using ML models. With the growing availability of comprehensive datasets and ongoing improvements in ML techniques, polymer informatics can now be applied more effectively and systematically. This study provides a concise overview of the application of various ML approaches, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and artificial neural networks (ANNs), for predicting and classifying the properties of different polymers.

Abstract: Plastics streams dominated by polyolefins and PVC demand a design framework that links synthesis to end-of-life reactivity. This work integrates polymerization-derived microstructure with depolymerization mechanisms to guide selective valorization. We synthesize mechanistic and kinetic evidence connecting coordination and radical polymerization (linear HDPE, branched LDPE, stereoregular PP; PVC with backbone C–Cl) to degradation pathways, and evaluate catalytic topologies (Brønsted/Lewis acidity, framework Al siting, micro/mesoporosity), initiators, and termination/quench strategies under relevant process variables (temperature, heating rate, vapor residence time, pressure). The analysis shows that microstructure prescribes reaction manifolds and attainable product slates: strong Brønsted acidity and shape-selective micropores favor C₂–C₄ olefins and BTX, whereas weaker acidity and hierarchical porosity preserve chain length to paraffinic oils/waxes; mesopore enrichment shortens contact times and suppresses secondary cracking; initiators lower onset energies and expand operability; diffusion management and surface passivation mitigate deactivation. For PVC, continuous HCl removal and basic/redox co-catalysts or ionic liquids lower dehydrochlorination temperatures and yield cleaner fractions, making staged dechlorination followed by residue cracking essential. Framing process design as “polymerization → structure → depolymerization” enables predictive yield targeting and energy-lean operation across mixed wastes, providing actionable guidance on catalyst selection, severity and residence-time control, regeneration, and integrated halogen management.

Abstract: End-of-life tyres (ELT) are an important source of energy and materials, with ELT powder (ELTp) being a secondary raw material of increasing industrial interest. However, the complex structure and composition of ELTp rubber pose technological difficulties and scientific challenges in some high-performance applications in the rubber industry. The mechanical recycling of ELTp produces ground tyre rubber (GTR) powder, which is used, among other applications in the rubber field, to prepare thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) due to the interest in these materials in the automotive and construction sectors. Over the last decades, different approaches have been explored to minimize the limitations of these TPVs relating to the large particle size and poor compatibility of GTR powder with other polymer matrices. This study applies different recycling procedures to GTR powder, based on thermal, chemical and mechanical methods, and combinations thereof, to minimize interfacial issues with other matrices used in TPV preparation. The effect of the different rubber recycling processes on the performance of the resulting TPVs was evaluated, optimizing the fraction of recycled rubber from ELTp and the vulcanization system to enhance the mechanical properties and obtain industrially competitive products.

Abstract: Injection moulding of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) requires reliable computer-aided engineering simulations to support process optimisation, which in turn depend on accurate material data. In this study, thermo-physical and kinetic properties of a highly filled injection moulding (IM) grade of LSR were systematically characterised using complementary experimental approaches and their impact on simulation fidelity was critically assessed. Specific heat capacity was measured using both modulated DSC and the standard sapphire method, revealing temperature dependence but no intrinsic change during curing, with sapphire-based data incorporating enthalpic effects more realistically for process prediction. Thermal conductivity was found to be nearly constant across the processing temperature range. Curing kinetics were investigated by calorimetry and rheology, with the former supporting an autocatalytic mechanism and the latter suggesting an $n^{th}$-order model, reflecting differences in detection sensitivity and onset characterization. When implemented into injection moulding simulations, viscosity primarily affected injection pressures, while differences in specific heat capacity and curing kinetics strongly influenced predicted curing profiles and cycle times. These results emphasize that dataset choice, particularly for curing-related parameters, is critical to achieving predictive accuracy in LSR injection moulding simulations.

Abstract: The tiny movements of parts of the polymer chains in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) affect how the material behaves. When zeolite particles are added, they change these movements. This change is important because it affects the overall performance of the final composite material, which can be useful in many industrial applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the addition of zeolites on the local dynamic behaviour of PDMS chain segments in PDMS-zeolite composites. Three types of zeolites were used: Zeolite A with cubic morphology, Zeolite A with spherical morphology, and Zeolite X, each incorporated into the PDMS matrix at 20, 30, and 40 wt%. Local segmental dynamics was investigated using the powerful electron spin resonance (ESR) - spin probe method, while the thermal behaviour was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). ESR results showed that the presence of zeolites increases the isothermal crystallisation rate, which significantly affects the segmental mobility in the amorphous phase below the crystallisation temperature. This effect was found to depend more strongly on zeolite morphology than on filler content. DSC measurements showed no change in glass transition temperature with the addition of zeolite but shifts in cold crystallisation and melting behaviour were observed, indicating changes in crystal structure and its perfection. These results indicate that zeolites act as heterogeneous nucleation agents and that their structural properties critically influence the crystallisation behaviour of PDMS.

Abstract: The growing dependence on plastics is driving a sharp increase in environmental pollution, posing serious risks to human health. This issue necessitates immediate attention and proactive measures to mitigate its impact on both individuals and the broader ecosystem. From this viewpoint, Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, both synthetic and natural, have emerged as vital materials for applications in biomedicine, packaging, and environmental sustainability. The main advantages of biodegradable polymer materials lie in conserving fossil fuel resources, utilizing inedible biomass, and enabling environmentally friendly production processes. In this context, this review thoroughly discusses the categorization of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers into natural and synthetic types, detailing their structural characteristics, mechanisms of biodegradation, and compatibility matrices appropriate for biomedical, environmental, and industrial uses. It also addresses recent advancements in polymer synthesis technology, highlighting significant progress in polymer functionalization, responsiveness to stimuli, and environmentally friendly biobased synthesis methods. Additionally, it identifies challenges such as mechanical constraints, control over degradation, and expense, while also discussing future opportunities in the field of polymer science.

Abstract: The alginate, a naturally occurring polymer, is mainly obtained from brown algae such as Laminaria, Macrocystis and Aspirin. This review shall examine the sources, processes and uses of alginate, with a focus on modern, high-tech extraction techniques. Although conventional alkaline extraction is still widely used, newer techniques such as supercritical CO2 extraction, microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and ex-traction by ultrasound are viable alternatives because of their higher efficiency, low environmental impact and scalability. Alginate is useful for applications in the food industry such as texture modification, food coating and encapsulation of bio-active substances because of its functions such as glazing, film-forming and stabilization. Vigorifyingly, vitamins, polyphenols, probiotics and essential oils can be encapsulated for increased stability, bioavailability and controlled dispersion. Alginate is also considered an environmentally friendly substitute for food packaging because of its potential as a sustainable and biodegradable material. The review focuses on recent studies on the bio-activities of alginate and its potential for use in the formulation of pharmaceuticals and functional foods. Despite these developments, more studies are needed to optimise the extraction of alginate, to improve knowledge of its biological activity and to explore new applications in food and other areas. This in-depth review highlights the growing importance of alginate in the food industry and its potential for future innovation in sustainable food technologies.

Abstract: Growing concern about the environmental impact of conventional plastics has driven the need to roll out biodegradable plastic materials. In this context, natural polymers, such as starch, emerge as sustainable alternatives. The commercial Montmorillonite implemented as a nanomaterial of reference, allows you to improve the properties of biodegradable materials. In this study, commercial Cassava foil was used, laminated with water and glycerol 35%, and reinforced with commercial clay at 2% and 4% for film retention. The manufacturing process included the extrusion technique, which allowed to evaluate the effectiveness of the reference to improve the mechanical and functional characteristics of the produced films. If three films were rolled starting from the commercial yuca medium, the optimal concentration of different glycerol concentrations for the process was deter-mined, evaluating their thermal and theoretical properties. These films were subjected to exhaustive analysis using international normalized techniques, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential barrio calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR) and morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aspects evaluated include water vapor permeability (WVTR). The results showed that a higher content of arc in the films favored moisture retention, which, more often than not, increased the barrier properties. According to the results obtained from the mechanical tests, the film with higher arc concentration F-g35-NC4 obtained tensile strength values of 0.23 ± 0.02 MPa and a 66.90 ± 4.85% deformation between those F-g35-NC0 and F-g35-NC2 will obtain lower values than the properties evaluated. Furthermore, it was observed in the determination of the contact and angle with values 89.93° ± 8.78 of 0.740 kg ± 0.009 kg. Finally, I obtained a film with a water vapor barrier of 0.003 g/m2.day ± 0.011, which allows me to project applications in the packaging sector.

Abstract: This study investigates the self-assembly behavior of a series of amphiphilic diblock co-polymers, each consisting of a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PNVP) block and a hydrophobic block derived from n-alkyl vinyl esters, namely poly(vinyl butyrate) (PVBu), poly(vinyl decanoate), (PVDc) and poly(vinyl stearate) (PVSt), in aqueous solutions. Dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS) techniques were employed to monitor the micellization behavior. The effect of the nature of the hydrophobic block, the copolymer composition and the copolymer molecular weight on the self-assembly properties were thoroughly examined. The encapsulation of curcumin and indomethacin within the dry cores of the micellar structures was conducted in aqueous solutions for all block copolymers at various curcumin/indomethacin-to-polymer mass ratios. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to evaluate the drug loading capacity and efficiency (%DLC and %DLE). In several cases, the encapsulation of both hydrophobic drugs was found to be nearly quantitative. Combined with the observed stability of the micellar structures, these findings suggest that the block copolymers demonstrate significant potential as carriers for drug delivery applications.

Abstract: Pyrolysis has emerged as a commercially viable material recovery process capable of supporting circularity in the tyre industry. Here it is demonstrated that a high degree of control can be imparted over the UK tyre waste stream and that statistically different feedstocks can be used to produce different grades of rCB based on their ash contents. The lower ash content rCB produced from truck tyres had superior in-rubber properties, closely matching those of the N550 reference. Silica, absent a coupling agent, is known to be less reinforcing than CB, lowering the reinforcing behaviour of the high ash content rCB variant produced from car tyres. This justifiably places ash content within the classification and specification development discussion. However, proximate analysis of UK waste tyres suggests that typical rCB ash specifications of <20 wt% are unrealistic. Such limits would force producers to consider modifying process conditions to allow the deposition of carbonaceous residues to artificially dilute the ash content. This study investigated this process philosophy but conclusively demonstrated that carbonaceous residue is more detrimental to rCB performance than ash content. As such, carbonaceous residue content demands far more attention from the industry than it is currently afforded.

Abstract: In this study, NiO nanoparticle–reinforced PMMA nanocomposites were fabricated by melt blending, and the influence of extrusion mixing time on structural and thermal properties was examined. Mixing durations of 6 and 12 minutes were applied, and the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron mi-croscopy (SEM). These analyses confirmed the presence of NiO within the PMMA ma-trix and indicated that prolonged mixing promoted particle agglomeration. Thermal behavior was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 °C·min⁻¹, and activation energies of decomposition were calculated using the Kissinger, Tachor, and Augis–Bennett methods. The results showed that extended mixing reduced composite homogeneity and adversely affected thermal stability. In-corporation of NiO nanoparticles decreased both the onset decomposition temperature and the activation energy compared to pure PMMA, facilitating earlier degradation. At 620 K, pure PMMA exhibited an 8% mass loss, whereas the 12-minute blend displayed a 12% loss. These findings highlight the importance of nanoparticle dispersion and processing parameters in governing the degradation behavior of PMMA/NiO nano-composites.