Abstract This study presents the green synthesis of bacterial cellulose-zinc oxide (BC-ZnO) composites. Bacterial cellulose (BC) was produced through the fermentation of Acetobacter xylinum, using tofu liquid waste as a bacterial medium under optimal conditions. Following purification, BC underwent characterization through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results confirmed the successful formation of BC, highlighting its functional groups, crystallinity, surface morphology, and elemental composition. The BC-ZnO composite was synthesized using an ex-situ chemical method, with characterization data revealing that ZnO was successfully impregnated onto the BC template, constituting 40.92% of the BC-ZnO material by mass. The antibacterial efficacy of the BC-ZnO composite was evaluated against Propionibacterium acnes using the diffusion method. The results demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect, with a zone of inhibition measuring 18.7 mm, categorizing it as strongly antibacterial. cellulosezinc zinc BCZnO (BC-ZnO composites (BC xylinum conditions purification FTIR, FTIR , (FTIR) XRay X Ray XRD, XRD (XRD) SEM, SEM (SEM) EnergyDispersive Energy Dispersive Xray ray EDX. EDX . (EDX) groups crystallinity morphology composition exsitu ex situ method template 4092 40 92 40.92 mass effect 187 18 7 18. mm (FTIR (XRD (SEM (EDX 409 4 9 40.9 1 40.

Abstract Banknotes often have a short lifespan and are frequently removed from circulation due to wear and tear, leading to a significant disposal challenge given the millions of banknotes discarded annually. This study evaluated the utilization of these waste banknotes, primarily composed of cotton fibers, in producing polymer composites. The mechanical and thermal properties, hydrophilicity, and degradation through accelerated aging of composites made from recycled polypropylene (PPR) and banknote residues were evaluated. The results indicated that including banknote waste increased the hydrophilicity of the composites relative to pure PPR and improved mechanical properties against weathering. Notably, composites with 10 wt% banknote content enhanced Young’s modulus and tensile strength, both in weathered and non-weathered conditions. This approach not only offers a potential solution for the disposal of waste banknotes but also aligns with the broader goal of reducing ecological impact and promoting the development of sustainable composite materials. tear annually fibers (PPR weathering Notably 1 wt Youngs Young s strength nonweathered non conditions materials

Abstract Chitosan-based adsorbents have high efficiency in removing heavy metals from water. In this study, the adsorption of Hg2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ onto chitosan/glutaraldehyde hydrogels were analyzed using the semi-empirical method PM3. Based on thermodynamic analysis of these systems, the adsorption processes were spontaneous, exothermic and highly stable, because all the values of the Gibbs free energy, the enthalpy of formation and the binding energy were negative, on the other hand, each of the systems were analyzed using electrostatic potential maps, where it was observed that the functional groups amino (NH2) and hydroxyl (OH) are the main active sites of the adsorbent. Through an FTIR analysis, the correct cross-linking between chitosan and glutaraldehyde was confirmed, as well as the union of the different cations on the surface of the adsorbent. Chitosanbased Chitosan based water study Hg2 Hg Hg2+ Ni2 Ni Cu2 Cu chitosanglutaraldehyde semiempirical semi empirical PM3 PM spontaneous stable negative hand maps NH2 NH (NH2 OH (OH adsorbent crosslinking cross linking confirmed (NH

Abstract This study explores the development of biodegradable filaments for additive manufacturing, aiming to create membranes for oil and water separation. Using a mixture of poly (lactic acid) and poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) with additives such as zinc oxide, biocide and carnauba wax. The research evaluates the potential of these materials in membrane prototyping for this application. Characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, DSC and tensile strength were employed. The results showed that the addition of the additives did not induce the formation of new bands in the FTIR. However, new diffraction peaks appeared in the composites indicating the presence of the zinc oxide. DSC revealed a double peak in melting and crystallization temperatures and the mechanical tests showed significant influence of additives on tensile strength. The composite filaments proved to be suitable for 3D printing, suggesting their applicability in the manufacture of filter membranes for oil and water separation. manufacturing separation lactic acid butylene coterephthalate co terephthalate co-terephthalate PLA/PBAT PLAPBAT PLA PBAT (PLA/PBAT oxide wax application FTIR XRD employed However D printing

Abstract Fossil-origin plastics have raised great concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. Biodegradable polymers can be an alternative for these materials’, however they have higher cost. The use of agro-industrial waste in blends with biopolymers can provide cheaper materials’ with improved properties. This study aims to develop low-cost biodegradable materials by extrusion and thermoplastic injection using oat hulls, polybutylene succinate (PBS), and starch. Six formulations with different concentrations of oat hulls (0-56% w/w) were extruded in a single-screw extruder, and then the materials were produced by thermoplastic injection. The extrusion aligned the oat hull fibers, making the material dimensionally stable. The oat hulls enhanced stiffness and reduced material density compared to non-hull counterparts. Besides that, the oat hulls are a low-cost agro-industrial byproduct, and it was possible to produce biodegradable materials with up to 56% hulls and only 20% PBS. These biodegradable materials are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Fossilorigin Fossil origin nonbiodegradable non nature materials, , cost agroindustrial agro industrial properties lowcost low PBS, PBS (PBS) starch 056% 056 0 56 (0-56 w/w ww w singlescrew single screw extruder fibers stable nonhull counterparts that byproduct 20 nontoxic. nontoxic toxic. toxic non-toxic (PBS 05 5 (0-5 2 (0- (0 (

Abstract This article details the development of hybrid composites with a PLA matrix filled with coffee husks, potassium feldspar, and Bahia Beige marble. Comprehensive analysis included FTIR, hardness, contact angle, density tests, SEM for microstructural insights, and XRF for optimizing raw material compositions. Also, variance analysis was applied in all results. The study revealed that these biodegradable composites hold promise for sustainable applications. Density variations were noted due to particle compaction, and hardness slightly decreased with coffee husks, attributed to uneven component distribution. Increased hydrophilicity was observed with filler addition. SEM confirmed strong interfacial adhesion, and color consistency was maintained. Notably, coffee husks significantly enhanced the degradation rate of PLA, achieving a 100% higher rate compared to pure PLA. The presence of calcium and potassium minerals offers additional benefits for soil health. The study suggests that thermoformed, multi-layered composite capsules can be fully biodegradable, promoting environmental sustainability in coffee capsule production. feldspar marble FTIR angle tests insights compositions Also results applications compaction distribution addition adhesion maintained Notably 100 health thermoformed multilayered multi layered production 10 1

Abstract This study presents a novel approach to obtaining nano-antimicrobial hybrid material by integrating electrospun nanofibers based on cellulosic biopolymer (BP) associated with antimicrobial agents, specifically silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Clavanin A (ClavA), an antimicrobial peptide obtained from the marine tunicate Styela clava. The electrospinning technique produced the blended polyvinyl alcohol:BP nanofibers. Chemical crosslinking was performed to ensure the stability of the nanofibers. The nanofibers had an average diameter of 568 nm for PVA nanofibers and 648 nm for PVA nanofibers functionalized with silver nanoparticles. The nanohybrid material demonstrates significant inhibition zones against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria. P. aeruginosa exhibits a substantial inhibition zone of 15 mm. Thus, the nanohybrid material was effective against this challenging pathogen. Combining electrospun nanofibers, bacterial cellulose hydrogel, and antimicrobial agents establishes a solution that could combat microbial threats in wound care. nanoantimicrobial nano BP (BP AgNPs (AgNPs ClavA, ClavA , (ClavA) clava alcoholBP alcohol 56 64 Grampositive Gram positive Bacillus subtilis aureus Gramnegative negative Pseudomonas pneumoniae bacteria P 1 mm Thus pathogen hydrogel care (ClavA 5 6

Abstract In this work, magnetic polymeric microspheres were prepared through the copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene in the presence of magnetite synthesized in our laboratory. The effects of magnetite modification with oleic acid, stirring speed, initiator concentration and stabilizer concentration on the particles’ properties were studied. The magnetic microspheres were characterized according to morphology, thermal stability, particle size and distribution, and magnetic properties. The microspheres had spherical shape, micrometric size and superparamagnetic properties. Particle size was mainly affected by stirring speed, while particle size dispersion was strongly affected by initiator and stabilizer concentrations. The saturation magnetization of the microspheres was similar to the values reported in the literature for microspheres with the same content of magnetic material. The modification with oleic acid promoted the incorporation of magnetic material. work laboratory speed particles studied morphology stability distribution shape concentrations material

Abstract A novel conjugated rod–coil diblock copolymer poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly(furfuryl methacrylate) (P3HT-b-PFMA) has been successfully synthesized for the first time using photoinduced organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP). This process utilized an organic photoredox catalyst of N-aryl phenoxazine, namely 10-(Perylene-3-yl-10H-Phenoxazine, under 365 nm UV irradiation. The diblock copolymer P3HT-b-PFMA was produced efficiently in a controlled manner, resulting in designed average molecular weights and a narrow polydispersity index. Notably, the furfurylmethacrylate (FMA) monomer derived from biomass-based furfuryl compounds was applied for this controlled polymerization, leading to the formation of conjugated diblock copolymers. The synthesized P3HT-b-PFMA was characterized through 1H-NMR, FT-IR, and GPC methods. Furthermore, the optical and hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of P3HT-b-PFMA were also evaluated through UV-Vis spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. rodcoil rod coil poly3hexylthiopheneblockpolyfurfuryl polyhexylthiopheneblockpolyfurfuryl poly 3 hexylthiophene block methacrylate P3HTbPFMA PHTbPFMA P3HT b PFMA P HT (P3HT-b-PFMA OATRP. OATRP O ATRP . (O-ATRP) Naryl N aryl phenoxazine 10Perylene3yl10HPhenoxazine, 10Perylene3yl10HPhenoxazine PeryleneylHPhenoxazine 10 Perylene yl 10H Phenoxazine, Phenoxazine H 10-(Perylene-3-yl-10H-Phenoxazine 36 irradiation manner index Notably FMA (FMA biomassbased biomass based copolymers 1HNMR, 1HNMR HNMR 1H NMR, NMR 1H-NMR FTIR, FTIR FT IR, IR FT-IR methods Furthermore hydrophilichydrophobic hydrophilic hydrophobic UVVis Vis measurements hexylthiopheneblockpolyfurfuryl HTbPFMA PHT (O-ATRP HPhenoxazine 1

Abstract One of the most widespread applications of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is as a raw material in the form of filaments for 3D printing. To improve final disposal alternatives and minimize their effects on the environment, the aim of this study is to determine the biodegradability of 3D-printed PLA waste composted in a landfill with leachate soil and garden soil for 90 days and 180 days. The soil characteristics and material properties were evaluated by laboratory analyses. Changes in soil chemical composition and the loss of microorganisms were recorded. The thermal and mechanical properties of PLA did not change significantly, but fungal colonies, encrustation, and changes in the original colour were found, indicating the onset of surface biodegradation of the samples. Controlled conditions or longer periods would be needed to maintain an ecosystem favourable to biodegradation; otherwise, PLA could accumulate in the environment, causing future pollution problems. polylactic poly lactic acid (PLA D printing environment 3Dprinted Dprinted printed 9 18 analyses recorded significantly colonies encrustation found samples otherwise problems 1

Abstract This paper investigates the electrical, morphological, and mechanical behavior of ultrathin layer-by-layer polyaniline/poly(vinyl sulfonic acid) (PANI/PVS) ultrathin films for ammonia gas sensing. Atomic force microscopy shows that the PANI/PVS surface's roughness increases almost linearly with the number of PANI/PVS bilayers, while the surface morphology varies from a rod-like structure to a film-like architecture. Impedance measurements and their representation by a Cole-Cole model confirm this transition at ~15 bilayers. The designed sensor shows low response time (< 1 min), an optimal operating frequency range (1–100 Hz), high stability and sensibility to ammonia (~ 98 kΩ/ppm), and low sensibility to strain (~ 3.6 kΩ/%). This study suggests that hopping carriers' concentration remains constant, and hopping carriers' mobility changes with the number of bilayers. The simultaneous analysis of morphology with complex impedance measurements is a strategy for enhancing the electrical performance of low-cost and flexible organic sensing devices. morphological layerbylayer layer polyaniline/polyvinyl polyanilinepolyvinyl polyaniline/poly vinyl polyaniline poly acid PANIPVS PANI PVS (PANI/PVS surfaces s bilayers rodlike rod like filmlike film architecture ColeCole Cole 15 ~1 < ( min, min , min) 1–100 1100 100 (1–10 Hz, Hz Hz) ~ 9 kΩ/ppm, kΩppm kΩ/ppm kΩ ppm kΩ/ppm) 36 3 6 3. kΩ/%. kΩ/% . kΩ/%) carriers constant lowcost cost devices polyvinyl polyanilinepoly 1–10 110 10 (1–1 kΩ/ 1–1 11 (1– 1– (1

Abstract Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings used for moisture protection of surfaces have been used broadly. They have been considered environmentally friendly because their synthesis releases less or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the atmosphere. With the Covid-19 pandemic concerns, cleaning protocols of these surfaces have been applied and scientific knowledge about the effects of these liquids on WPU surfaces is necessary. In this work, diffusion experiments were performed using four liquids, in pure WPU and WPU filled with graphene oxide (GO). Detergent had the most severe effect on polyurethane films, causing severe cracks and weight loss. Diffusion parameters of HCl 5% and HCl 10% were greater in WPU/GO nanocomposites than in pure WPU. Mechanical tests under chemical aging showed that alcohol reduced most the tensile strength and Young modulus. Overall, GO protected the films for all liquid exposures, increasing their tensile strength and Young modulus. (WPU broadly VOCs (VOCs atmosphere Covid19 Covid 19 Covid-1 concerns necessary work GO. . (GO) loss 5 10 WPUGO modulus Overall exposures Covid1 1 Covid- (GO

Abstract Scaffolds with osteoconductivity, biocompatibility and good mechanical properties are promising for local drug release of sodium alendronate (ALN), a first-choice drug for treatment of bone tissue diseases, with low bioavailability. The viability to manufacture poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) filaments containing ALN in different proportions, through extrusion, followed by scaffolds using 3D printing by fusion deposition modelling (FDM) and to investigate the influence of processes in mixtures drove this study. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), spectroscopy in the infrared region with Fourier transform (FTIR/ATR), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis indicated that PMMA decelerates crystallinity and confers malleability to PLLA/ALN mixture, besides its good processability and miscibility with PLLA and no relevant changes in physicochemical properties of components. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM/FEG) showed good interfacial compatibility between PLLA/PMMA and homogeneously dispersed drug crystals in matrix. PLLA-PMMA-ALN scaffolds were manufactured by accurate with interesting properties for bone tissue engineering. osteoconductivity ALN, , (ALN) firstchoice first choice diseases bioavailability Llactic L lactic acid PLLA/poly PLLApoly /poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA proportions extrusion D FDM (FDM study DSC, DSC (DSC) FTIR/ATR, FTIRATR FTIR/ATR FTIR ATR (FTIR/ATR) Xray X ray XRD (XRD PLLAALN mixture components SEM/FEG SEMFEG SEM FEG (SEM/FEG PLLAPMMA matrix PLLAPMMAALN engineering (ALN (DSC (FTIR/ATR

Abstract Amburana cearensis tree is used in various applications, from artisanal to pharmaceutical use. However, the gum extracted from its exudate has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to the physicochemical and structural characterization of Amburana cearensis Gum (AcG) by elemental, rheological, and thermal analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Additionally, a hemolytic assay was performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of AcG using human erythrocytes. The results showed that AcG consists of β-D-Galactopyranose monomers linked by glycosidic bonds (1→3). At the same time, the side chains exhibit β-Galactopyranose (1→6) and α-L-Arabinofuranoside (1→3,6) monomers as non-reducing terminals, whose biocompatibility was excellent in the model used. AcG was described for the first time as a biopolymer that could have broad applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, justifying the interest in further studies about AcG applications. use However investigated (AcG elemental rheological analyses Xray X ray XRD, XRD , (XRD) highPerformance high Performance HPLC, HPLC (HPLC) GPC, GPC (GPC) FTIR, FTIR (FTIR) UVVis UV Vis NMR. NMR . (NMR) Additionally erythrocytes βDGalactopyranose β D Galactopyranose 1→3. 13 1→3 1 3 (1→3) βGalactopyranose 1→6 16 6 (1→6 αLArabinofuranoside α L Arabinofuranoside 1→3,6 136 (1→3,6 nonreducing non reducing terminals industries (XRD (HPLC (GPC (FTIR (NMR 1→ (1→3 (1→ 1→3, (1→3, (1 (

Abstract The polymer transition temperature is a crucial parameter in the industry for knowing raw materials before starting the manufacturing process. The current work reports a novel low-cost prototype instrument to measure the transition temperature with reliable accuracy. The equipment was built using commercial load cells composed of strain gauges in combination with an Arduino® microcontroller. The prototype measurement quality was validated by measuring the transition temperatures of most commercial polymers. The obtained values were compared with values obtained by conventional thermal analysis known as differential scanning calorimetric and thermo-mechanical analysis (DSC and TMA), which results in identical values. process lowcost low cost accuracy Arduino microcontroller polymers thermomechanical thermo mechanical DSC TMA, TMA , TMA)