Abstract: The rapid accumulation of plastic waste has become a major environmental concern, while at the same time it is necessary to create opportunities to rethink how these materials can be reintegrated into productive use, particularly within the construction sector. This study provides a sustainability-oriented review of the reuse of plastic waste, both fossil-based plastics and bioplastics, as building materials, with a specific emphasis on structured decision-support approaches. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and analyze peer-reviewed studies examining the incorporation of plastic waste into construction applications, including composites, panels, insulation systems, and structural or non-structural components. Particular attention is given to research applying Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and SWOT analysis as tools for evaluating sustainability performance across environmental, economic, technical, and social dimensions. The findings indicate that recycled plastic and bioplastic-based construction materials can deliver significant advantages, such as diverting waste from disposal pathways, reducing reliance on virgin resources, and, in certain cases, enhancing durability. However, these materials also face important challenges, including limitations in recyclability, concerns related to fire performance, regulatory acceptance, and uncertainties in end-of-life management. MCDA-based studies underscore the critical role of criteria selection and weighting, especially regarding environmental impact reduction and cost competitiveness, in shaping final rankings and decision outcomes. SWOT analyses, in turn, offer complementary strategic insights by highlighting issues related to market readiness, regulatory frameworks, and implementation barriers. By integrating these decision-oriented evaluation approaches, this review contributes to more transparent and evidence-based material selection processes and supports policy development aimed.

Abstract: Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing polymer nanofibers with high ratios of surface area to volume and tunable porosity. Conventional approach to the optimization of processing parameters such as voltage and flow rate frequently encounters limitations in reproducibility and scalability. This review proposes a comprehensive framework that integrates macromolecular design principles with established electrohydrodynamic theories. We analyze how intrinsic molecular traits, specifically, chain entanglement density, molecular weight distribution (MWD), topological architecture, and polymer-solvent thermodynamic interactions define the boundaries of jet stability and solidification. Key findings highlight that while molecular weight establishes a baseline for spinnability, the MWD dictates the dynamic response under extreme deformation. Notably, high-molecular-weight fractions act as elastic load-bearers that suppress capillary breakup. Furthermore, we discuss here how molecular architecture and solvent-mediated segmental mobility determine whether molecular orientation is kinetically trapped or relaxed during the nanosecond timescales of jet flight. By establishing a hierarchical design logic prioritizing molecular and formulation variables over processing parameters, this framework provides a robust strategy to overcome challenges in scalability and reproducibility, positioning electrospinning as a sensitive probe for macromolecular dynamics under extreme elongation.

Abstract: This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite materials based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and/or supplement-ed with biobased additives derived from blueberry pruning wastes, with the objective of developing biodegradable food packaging systems with antimicrobial properties. The nanocomposites were prepared using a solvent-casting processing approach, and their thermal, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were assessed. All the nanocomposites exhibited thermal stability up to 200 °C, confirming their suitabil-ity for conventional food packaging processing conditions. Antimicrobial activity tests re-vealed inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Bleached PVA/CNFs films showed complete growth inhibition (100%) against E. coli and S. aureus. In contrast, unbleached PVA/CNFs and PVA/CNFsB supplemented with blueber-ry-derived additives exhibited selective inhibition against E. coli, highlighting the influ-ence of nanofibril composition and additive incorporation on antimicrobial performance. Zeta potential measurements revealed values of –35.3 mV for the CNFs, confirming their negatively charged surface, which may contribute to interactions with bacterial mem-branes. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the incorporation of CNFs generates nanostructured surfaces with exposed fibrillar domains, where bacteri-al cells become adhered and immobilized. These topographical features suggest that the antimicrobial behavior of the nanocomposites is associated with direct bacteria–surface interactions, supporting a contact-active antimicrobial behavior associated with the CNFs.

Abstract: In 2.5D/3D stacked advanced packaging, one-part additive curing silicone composites are widely employed to achieve structural bonding and efficient heat dissipation. In this study, a thermally conductive silicone adhesive was prepared using medium viscosity vinyl silicone oil, hydrogen containing silicone oil, and micron-sized alumina powder as the primary components. The results demonstrated that the adhesive exhibited excellent thermal and mechanical performance. Specifically, its thermal decomposition temperature exceeded 400 °C, the thermal conductivity reached over 1.80 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, and the thermal resistance was below 12.0 °C·cm²·W⁻¹. The shear strength exceeded 5.00 MPa. Furthermore, after exposure to uHAST for 384 h, 1,000 thermal cycles, and thermal aging for 1,000 h, the adhesive maintained stable thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. The thermal conductivity remained above 1.70 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, and the shear strength remained higher than 5.00 MPa. In addition, the tensile modulus was maintained below 100 MPa, and the coefficient of linear thermal expansion was less than 160 ppm·°C⁻¹. Overall, the comprehensive performance of the adhesive satisfies the reliability requirements for advanced packaging substrates and heat dissipation lid assemblies.

Abstract:

Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are essential for addressing heat dissipation challenges in high-performance electronic devices. Among various TIMs, thermal conductive gels exhibit significant potential in high heat flux applications due to their excellent flexibility and superior gap-filling capability. Current research primarily concentrates on the fabrication and performance characterization of novel thermal conductive gels, while comparatively little attention has been devoted to the optimization of processing parameters. Furthermore, existing characterization methods often fail to accurately replicate real-world operating conditions, resulting in discrepancies between laboratory measurements and actual performance. An orthogonal experimental design was adopted to systematically elucidate the influence of filler ratio, wetting time, and silicone oil viscosity on the bonding strength of thermal conductive gels. The filler ratio exerts the most significant influence, followed by silicone oil viscosity and wetting time. Subsequently, the thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of both commercial thermal conductive gels and the as-prepared gels were characterized using the steady-state heat flow method and the double-interface method, respectively. The prepared thermal conductive gel exhibits a thermal conductivity of 3.75 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ and a service thermal resistance of 0.611 ℃·W⁻¹, outperforming commercial counterparts and demonstrating promising application potential. This study provides a practical reference for the development and engineering application of high thermal conductivity, low thermal resistance thermal conductive gels.

Abstract: Given the urgency imposed by the UNEP Global Plastics Treaty and emerging safety regulations, robust methodologies are needed to assess chemical complexity and ensure the safe reuse of recycled plastics. This study introduces an advanced, multi-technique analytical framework to characterize feedstock composition and hazardous contaminants in mixed plastic waste streams (nine samples P1 to P9), including post-consumer, post-commercial, and post-industrial sources, collected from industrial recycling facilities. To mirror the uncertainty that commercial sorters face, waste samples were analysed blind—their polymer identities, fillers, and additives were undisclosed until after testing. Using a comprehensive suite of techniques—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG–MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Ion Chromatography this study identifies dominant polymers (HDPE, LDPE, PP), residual additives, non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), and inorganic contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and transition metals. The results inform tailored recycling strategies, including mechanical recycling for clean streams, pre-treatment for moderately contaminated fractions, and chemical recycling for highly contaminated or chlorine-rich plastics. This paper (Part I) focuses on the comprehensive feedstock characterization and contaminant profiling. A companion paper (Part II) presents a detailed analysis of the pyrolysates generated from these same plastic samples using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOF–MS), with an emphasis on identifying degradation products, additive-derived NIAS, and recyclability-relevant heteroatom compounds. Together, these papers offer an end-to-end understanding of contamination dynamics—from waste input to pyrolysis output—thereby informing safe and circular strategies for plastic recycling. This work provides a replicable model for identifying and mitigating toxicological risks in plastic recycling and supports regulatory compliance with emerging global standards.

Abstract: Chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste can return polymers to fuel- and feedstock-range hydrocarbons, but legacy additives and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) may persist in the products or leach during use. We investigated six polyolefin-rich wastes (P1–P6) by analytical pyrolysis coupled to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Py-GC×GC-TOF-MS) and profiled potential emissions from three consumer-grade plastics (P7–P9) via headspace/solvent-extraction GC–MS and water-migration tests. When the plastics were polysized at 650°C, the resulting pyrolysates are dominated by aliphatic hydrocarbons (C₅–C₃₀): n-paraffins and α-olefins for PE-rich feeds, and branched olefins with modest mono-aromatics for PP. Oxygenates are negligible in non-oxidized feeds but persist at low levels in weather-aged HDPE, consistent with carry-through of pre-existing carbonyls; one aged film (P5) shows an epoxide spike (~5–6 area %). Across oils we identify hallmark NIAS from antioxidant packages (e.g., 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol; Irganox®-1010 spiro-dione) at trace to sub-percent levels, while heavy polycyclic aromatics are not detected above method limits. A 3D GC×GC visualization highlights the dense, resolved hydrocarbon envelope and the minor heteroatom features that guide upgrading targets. VOC/SVOC and leachate analyses (P7–P9) reveal mainly low-intensity hydrocarbons, esters, and fragrance/cosmetic residues; no phthalates were detected in the tested samples, although caprolactam and other additive-related NIAS occur sporadically. Collectively, the results indicate that well-sorted polyolefins yield oils suitable for refining to fuels or monomers, but quality assurance should address oxygenate tails in oxidized PE and antioxidant-derived NIAS.

Abstract: This study investigates the structural and antimicrobial properties of coconut water–derived microcellulose biocomposites incorporated with glycerol, chitosan, and silver nanoparticles. Microcellulose-based films were fabricated as silver nanoparticle–deposited microcellulose (MN), microcellulose–glycerol–silver nanoparticles (MG), microcellulose–chitosan–silver nanoparticles (MChN), and microcellulose–glycerol–chitosan–silver nanoparticles (MGChN). Antimicrobial performance was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans using inhibition zone assays. The MG and MGChN films exhibited enhanced elasticity compared to MN and MChN, indicating the plasticizing effect of glycerol. Enzymatic hydrolysis using xylanase yielded microcellulose particles with sizes ranging from 1.19 to 2.07 μm and induced a bio-bleaching effect. Among all formulations, MGChN demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis (strong category), as well as moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans. Overall, the synergistic incorporation of glycerol, chitosan, and silver nanoparticles significantly improved the antimicrobial efficacy of coconut water–based microcellulose, underscoring its potential for advanced biomedical polymer applications.

Abstract: The growing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has intensified re-search into sustainable, biodegradable alternatives for food packaging. Among bio-derived polymers, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) has attracted increasing atten-tion due to its abundance, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and excellent film-forming ability. Nevertheless, the intrinsic hydrophilicity and limited mechanical strength of neat CMC restrict its direct application in packaging systems. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of recent strategies developed between 2015 and 2025 to enhance the performance of CMC-based films for food packaging applications. Emphasis is placed on physical and chemical modification routes, including polymer blending, polyelectrolyte complex formation, incorporation of functional fillers and nanomaterials, and ionic or covalent crosslinking approaches. The influence of these strategies on key functional properties, such as mechanical behavior, water barrier performance, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, is systematically discussed. Par-ticular attention is given to CMC-rich systems, enabling meaningful comparison across studies. By highlighting structure-property relationships and identifying current limi-tations, this review aims to provide guidance for the rational design of advanced CMC-based materials as viable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.

Abstract: The current research demonstrates boundaries of waste red seaweed furcellaran (FUR) for development of thermoplastically processable thermoplastic starch (TPS) compositions. Three different FUR concentrations (10, 30 and 50 wt.%) in relation to potato starch replacement were examined for their thermoplastic processability. Thermogravimetric (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology and tensile mechanical tests were performed to assess performance of the developed TPS/FUR compositions. It was observed that the highest mechanical stress at break (almost 3 times higher than for neat TPS) is observed for TPS+50wt.% FUR composition, however, on the account of decreased deformability (only ca 10%), reduced thermal resistance at processing temperatures (150oC) as well as high shear sensitivity. Thus compositions TPS+30wt.% FUR and especially TPS+10wt.% FUR are more suitable for thermoplastic processing and development of TPS based composites with improved exploitation properties.

Abstract: The deinking of plastic packaging waste offers the potential of decreasing contamination and thus increasing the overall quality of recycled plastics, enabling their use in more demanding applications. The removal of printing inks from the usually heavily printed flexible polyethylene (PE) plastic films yields transparent flakes that generally allow the recycling into materials with better mechanical properties as well as lower odor and optical defects. However, for flexible PE packaging waste, the deinking is not yet implemented on an industrial scale and there is currently no objective methodology to evaluate the deinking effect on those inhomogeneous flakes. In this study, a novel approach for the objective assessment of the ink removal on flexible post-consumer waste (PCW) is proposed. Via an image-based analysis, the transparency of the flakes is transformed into the 8-bit grey scale, and the calculation of statistical characteristics from these grey value distributions allows to quantifiably compare the deinking efficiency of several experiments. Using this analysis method allows to investigate the general behavior of contaminated PCW materials in deinking and to identify the most effective parameters for ink removal.

Abstract: Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles reinforced in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix structure were synthesized by the melting method. Fe₂O₃ was added in an amount of 2.5% by weight. Mixing times of 6 and 12 minutes were used, and materials with different homogenization properties were produced. In the final section, optimized binary nanocomposites were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing the strong interaction of the PMMA matrix with nanometal particles. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to determine the thermal behavior of Fe₂O₃-reinforced PMMA nanocomposite. Activation energies of thermal degradation were calculated by using the Kissinger, Takhor, and Augis-Bennett methods. The increasing of the mixing time in the extruder also contributed to material homogenization. In addition, the Fe₂O₃ supplement lowered the polymer degradation temperature and increased the activation energy. Depending on the increasing mixing time, a decrease was observed in the maximum mass loss temperature (Tx) of the samples.

Abstract: Fast-curing polyurethane (PU) systems are attractive for high throughput manufacturing, but quantifying cure kinetics, gelation, and cure-dependent glass transition temperature (Tg) is difficult, especially at low degree of cure (DoC). Here, a fast-reacting BASF PU formulation was studied using non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at multiple heating rates, rheometry at 50 °C, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to extend Tg(α) in the low-DoC regime. DSC provided reaction enthalpy and conversion histories, and Kamal–Sourour (KS) parameters were identified by robust nonlinear fitting, reproducing conversion and curing-rate profiles (R² > 0.99 and > 0.95). Rheology indicated gelation at ~550–600 s (DoC ≈ 0.53), and DSC-based Tg at uncured, gelation, and fully cured states established the experimental Tg trend. MD (LAMMPS) with topological crosslinking and NPT thermal scans extracted Tg from density–temperature slopes at selected DoC points. Experimental and MD Tg data were fused with Gaussian process regression constrained by the DiBenedetto relationship (5-fold cross-validation), giving λ ≈ 0.28 and confidence intervals. This framework links kinetics, gelation, and Tg evolution for fast-curing PU and identifies the low-DoC region as the main source of uncertainty.

Abstract: This study investigates the statistical optimization of cellulose extraction from Carludovica palmata fibers, an underexplored lignocellulosic resource with potential for sustainable polymer applications. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied to optimize acid and alkaline hydrolysis parameters, including reagent concentration, temperature, and reaction time, with the aim of maximizing cellulose yield while minimizing process severity. The multivariate approach enabled the identification of nonlinear effects and optimal operational windows that cannot be resolved using conventional single‐variable methods. Under optimized conditions, cellulose yields of 42.7% for the acid stage and 57.7% for the alkaline stage were obtained, and the statistical models showed good predictive reliability. Structural and thermal characterization confirmed that optimization influenced polymer‐relevant properties: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy evidenced effective removal of hemicellulose and lignin, X‐ray diffraction revealed an increase in crystallinity from 41% in untreated fibers to 64% after alkaline treatment, and thermogravimetric analysis showed enhanced thermal stability, with the main degradation temperature increasing from 328 °C to 352 °C. These results demonstrate that statistical optimization is an effective strategy to improve both yield and physicochemical properties of cellulose, supporting the valorization of C. palmata fibers for biopolymer‐based materials.

Abstract: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is extensively used in food-contact applications due to its bio-based origin, compostability, and transparency; however, its limited resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation remains an obstacle for applications involving repeated thermal exposure. The moderate but repetitive heating conditions commonly encountered during food use and pre-recycling stages were analyzed for the samples filled with algal biomass and rosemary extract, aditives accepted for use in food industry. In this context, the present study introduces a comparative and application-driven approach by evaluating the effect of food-grade fillers—rosemary extract, spirulina biomass, and kelp biomass—incorporated at low loadings (0.5–3 wt%) on the thermal and oxidative behavior of PLA subjected to repeated heating at 80 °C. The presented results show algal biomasses as multifunctional fillers and benchmarks their performance against a well-established natural extract. By combining DSC, FTIR, and chemiluminescence analyses, the study aims to clarify whether such bio-fillers act as stabilizing or destabilizing factors under realistic service-life thermal stress. This strategy provides insight into the suitability of algae-based fillers for food-contact PLA materials from both performance and recyclability perspectives.

Abstract: Plastic manufacturing depends heavily on petroleum-derived monomers like terephthalic acid, the main component of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the depletion of fossil resources and increasing environmental concerns have heightened the need for sustainable alternatives. Lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a promising resource due to its renewable, abundant, and eco-friendly nature. Understanding its chemical composition enables conversion of this biomass into platform chemicals, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and lactic acid, derived from cellulose and hemicellu-lose. These can be polymerized into bioplastics such as polyethylene furanoate (PEF) and polylactic acid (PLA), offering greener alternatives to fossil-based plastics. PEF features rigid furan rings that enhance thermal stability, mechanical strength, and barrier proper-ties, and reduce gas permeability compared to PET. PLA is a renewable, biodegradable plastic widely used in packaging and medical applications. This review covers the chem-ical makeup of lignocellulosic biomass cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and various pretreatment strategies, chemical, physicochemical, and physical, to overcome biomass recalcitrance and improve conversion efficiency. It also highlights recent catalytic ad-vances in transforming lignocellulosic carbohydrates into bioplastic precursors such as FDCA and lactic acid. Lastly, the review discusses polymerization pathways for produc-ing PEF and PLA, emphasizing their role in reducing the environmental impact of poly-mer manufacturing and promoting green chemistry principles.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has long stood as the prevailing standard in drug delivery, celebrated for its capacity to enhance solubility, extend circulation, and improve pharmacological performance. Nevertheless, the emergence of anti-PEG antibodies, accelerated clearance, and limited biodegradability increasingly undermine its role as a universal solution. In response, a new generation of polymers has been developed to address these shortcomings, offering the potential to sustain or surpass PEG’s benefits while mitigating immunogenicity, improving biocompatibility, and enabling finer control over therapeutic fate. This review examines current research to articulate a coherent perspective on the replacement of PEG, tracing how advances in polymer design are reshaping the foundations of targeted drug delivery. Taken together, these developments signal not only a corrective to the limitations of PEG but also a broader paradigm shift toward safer, more versatile, and clinically translatable systems that define the next frontier in precision therapeutics.

Abstract: Stimuli-responsive textiles are a rapidly advancing class of functional fiber-based materials able to sense and adapt to environmental triggers. Within these enabling technologies hydrogels and microcapsules are very representative, both of which offer complementary mechanisms for moisture management, controlled release, and adaptive performance. Hydrogels provide soft, water-rich polymer networks with tunable swelling, permeability, and mechanical properties, while microcapsules offer protection and targeted delivery of active agents through engineered shell architectures. When integrated into fibrous networks, these systems can impart dynamic responses moisture, temperature, pH, mechanical stress, light, and chemical or biological agents. This review critically examines progress in the design, synthesis, and textile integration of hydrogel- and microcapsule-based systems, with particular emphasis on materials that exhibit true stimuli-responsive behavior rather than passive or extended-release functionality. Strategies for incorporating bulk hydrogels, micro- and nanogels, and stimuli-responsive microcapsules into fibers, yarns, and fabrics are discussed in addition to key application areas such as smart apparel, medical and hygienic textiles, controlled drug delivery, antimicrobial fabrics, and adaptive filtration media. Current challenges related to durability, washability, response kinetics, scalability, and sustainability are highlighted, while future research directions are proposed to advance the development of robust, intelligent textile systems at the nexus of soft matter science and fiber engineering.

Abstract: The accumulation of polyethylene (PE) waste presents significant environmental and economic challenges, particularly in developing regions where plastic valorisation infrastructure remains limited. In this work, waste polyethylene was upgraded through coordination-catalyzed oxidative functionalization using earth-abundant Schiff base metal complexes of iron, cobalt, manganese, and copper with salen and salophen ligands. The process enables selective incorporation of oxygen-containing functional groups while largely preserving polymer molecular integrity, offering a material-oriented alternative to fuel-focused plastic recycling. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of carbonyl and hydroxyl functionalities, with the carbonyl index (CI) increasing from 0.02 ± 0.01 for untreated polyethylene to 0.48 ± 0.04 and 0.42 ± 0.03 for Fe(salen)Cl and Co(salen) catalysts, respectively, under identical conditions. Salophen-based complexes consistently exhibited slightly higher oxidation efficiencies than their salen analogues. Gel permeation chromatography revealed controlled molecular weight reduction, with number-average molecular weight (Mₙ) decreasing from 62.4 × 10³ g•mol⁻¹ (untreated PE) to 56.8 × 10³ and 54.9 × 10³ g•mol⁻¹ for Fe- and Co-based systems, while dispersity remained within polymer-grade ranges. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis showed only minor changes in melting temperature and thermal stability. Surface-sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed oxidation localized primarily at the polymer surface, while atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated residual metal contents below 10 ppm. Catalyst reusability studies demonstrated sustained activity over multiple cycles. Overall, this coordination-catalyzed strategy provides a scalable and industrially relevant pathway for upgrading polyethylene waste into value-added functional polymers, with strong potential for integration into emerging circular polymer economies in Nigeria and other African regions.

Abstract: The surface properties and electrical behavior of carbon-based materials can be effectively tailored by energetic ion irradiation. In this study, graphene oxide (GO), cyclic olefin copolymer foils (COC, Topas 112 and 011, respectively) were irradiated with 1 MeV Au ions using a 3 MV Tandetron accelerator at fluences of 1 × 10¹⁴, 1 × 10¹⁵, and 2.5 × 10¹⁵ ions/cm². The irradiation induced systematic modifications in surface chemistry, morphology, wettability, and electrical properties. Compositional changes before and after irradiation were investigated using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA), while surface morphology and roughness were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing a clear fluence-dependent evolution of nanoscale topography. The vibrational characteristics will be assessed through Raman spectroscopy. Surface wettability was evaluated by static contact angle measurements, and surface free energy was determined using the Owens–Wendt–Rabel–Kaelble (OWRK) method, showing a consistent decrease in water contact angle and an increase in surface free energy with increasing ion fluence in Topas 112/011 but not in GO. Electrical characterization demonstrated a pronounced fluence-dependent decrease in sheet resistivity across all investigated substrates. The results show that 1 MeV Au-ion irradiation enables controlled modification of both surface and electrical properties of carbon-based foils.