Bio-based hydrogels that adsorb contaminant dyes, such as methyl orange (MO), were synthesized and characterized in this study. The synthesis of poly(2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) ...and poly(ClAETA) hydrogels containing cellulose nanofibrillated (CNF) was carried out by free-radical polymerization based on a factorial experimental design. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry. Adsorption studies of MO were performed, varying time, pH, CNF concentration, initial dye concentration and reuse cycles, determining that when the hydrogels were reinforced with CNF, the dye removal values reached approximately 96%, and that the material was stable when the maximum swelling capacity was attained. The maximum amount of MO retained per gram of hydrogel (q = mg MO g−1) was 1379.0 mg g−1 for the hydrogel containing 1% (w w−1) CNF. Furthermore, it was found that the absorption capacity of MO dye can be improved when the medium pH tends to be neutral (pH = 7.64). The obtained hydrogels can be applicable for the treatment of water containing anionic dyes.
The demand for eco-friendly packaging materials has urged researchers to look for alternatives to petroleum-based polymers. In this regard, paper-based products have turned out to be a promising ...choice; however, their weak resistance to water has limited their application. The use of various additives to enhance paper's moisture resistance is a common practice. However, considering the growing global agenda for sustainable development, the search for new bio-based paper additives has become increasingly important. This study investigated the potential synergistic impact of the addition of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and chitosan additives (CHIT) to different fiber combinations to improve paper's properties, in particular, their wet strength. The efficacy of the additive application order was examined and was found to be crucial in achieving the desired outcomes. The results showed that incorporating CHIT after NFC enhanced the paper's tensile and burst indicators, as well as the paper stretch in the dry state, by 35-70%, 35-55%, and 20-35%, respectively. In addition, the tensile index and stretch in the wet state improved 9-13 times and 2.5-5.5 times over, respectively. The air permeability decreased 2.5-12 times over. These findings demonstrate that the sequential addition of the NFC and CHIT additives yield a greater enhancement of paper's properties than using each additive separately.
The first three papers describe research activities about poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based blends and their composites with wheat bran that were carried out under the framework of the BIONTOP project ...("Novel Packaging Films and Textiles with Tailored End of Life and Performance Based on Bio-based Copolymers and Coatings", 837761) funded by the European Commission BBI-JU program. The melt fluidity, morphological, thermo-mechanical, creep and fracture properties of these promising biodegradable materials were considered and discussed. The reprint then includes two contributions (a review and a research article) written in the contest of ECOFUNCO project ("ECO Sustainable Multi FUNctional Biobased COATings with Enhanced Performance and End of Life Options", 837863) funded by the European Commission BBI-JU program. The review explores possible innovations in the field of solid and liquid biobased coatings, whereas the research article examines the modification of paper tissues with biobased additives for sustainable personal care applications. A research paper on the production of PLA-based composites to valorize hazelnut shell powder, which represents an agro-food waste, is also included in the reprint. Moreover, the reprint presents research papers investigating different biobased materials for environmental depollution, including hydrogel-based, bacterial cellulose-based and biochar-based materials. Finally, a research paper on the behavior of natural rubber during aging is presented.
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