The development of sustainable adhesives is essential to reducing reliance on petroleum-based adhesives in wood composite production. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a water-soluble polysaccharide derived from cellulose, offers promising adhesive properties due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with lignocellulosic surfaces (1, 2). This study investigates the effects of molecular weight and degree of substitution (DS) on the adhesion performance of CMC-based adhesives. The rheological behavior of neat aqueous CMC solutions is examined to understand their structure(3), as viscosity and network formation play a crucial role in adhesive performance. Additionally, the adhesion properties of CMC-based adhesives are compared with those of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) (4) to assess the potential of these cellulose derivatives as alternative adhesive components with tunable rheological properties. The differences in morphology, entanglement, and network-forming abilities among CMC, HEC, and HPMC influence their dispersion, rheological behavior, and mechanical strength, ultimately affecting their adhesive performance as analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) to provide a detailed understanding of their microstructural characteristics. In particular, the gelation behavior of HPMC solutions at different temperatures is investigated, as HPMC undergoes thermal gelation, forming a structured network upon heating, which could be advantageous for adhesive applications requiring temperature-dependent viscosity control. Furthermore, crosslinking with citric acid is explored to enhance adhesion strength and processability. By optimizing these parameters, this study aims to develop a bio-based adhesive with improved mechanical stability and moisture resistance adhesives for wood composites.

Smart wearable devices are extensively employed in health monitoring, human motion detection, human-machine interfaces, and soft robotics, driving the need for robust, stretchable, and flexible materials. Hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for such applications due to their soft and flexible nature. Thus, the development and characterization of highly stretchable conducting hydrogels is an essential step in this field.

This study focuses on developing bio-based hydrogels for wearable strain sensors. As a bio-based material to build the hydrogel matrix we select carrageenan, a biopolymer derived from red algae. This carrageenan was successfully integrated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS ) to enhance electrical conductivity. Epichlorohydrin was used as a crosslinking agent to achieve high stretchability.

The FTIR analysis confirmed crosslink formation, yielding hydrogels with thermal stability up to 200°C. The hydrogels exhibited excellent stretchability, mechanical stability, and electrical conductivity. The optimal formulation, CG/P5%, with 5 wt.% PEDOT: PSS loading, achieved a conductivity > 0.5 S/m. This material demonstrated soft and elastic properties, with a fracture stress of 40 kPa, Young’s modulus of 18 kPa, and fracture strain of 335%. Additionally, CG/P5% showed stability under repetitive cyclic testing, low hysteresis, and excellent fatigue resistance. As a strain sensor, it achieved a gauge factor of 3.99 within a 0-200% strain range.

This study highlights the potential of CG/PEDOT: PSS hydrogels as stretchable, flexible, and conductive materials for wearable devices. Their easy manufacturing process and superior properties make them promising candidates for advancing wearable sensor technology.

The shift towards sustainability and a circular economy is driven by the growing issue of post-consumer plastic waste, causing significant environmental and economic challenges. Given the complexity of the plastic value chain, creating an ecosystem with various stakeholders is essential to address these issues.
The project “Sustainable Plastics – Mobilizing Agenda” aims to enhance the economic and social role of the plastic industry by fostering a smart, innovative, and sustainable practices focused on reuse, repair, and recycling. Key components of circularity in material design include the adoption of safer design concepts, circular materials, and resource efficiency.
In this context, the development of biopolymer formulations incorporating corn starch is important in addressing concerns about plastic waste and the need for sustainable alternatives.
Biopolymers, derived from renewable resources, offer a promising solution to reduce the environmental impact of conventional petroleum-based plastics. Corn starch, a widely available and cost-effective natural polymer, can be used to produce biodegradable and compostable materials, contributing to a circular economy.
This study investigates the development and characterization of biopolymer blends incorporating corn starch, focusing on the behaviour of biopolymers and the effect of varying corn starch content on blend properties. The formulations were characterized for their mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties and optimized for the injection moulding process.
This work was developed in the scope of the Project “Sustainable Plastics – Mobilizing Agenda for Sustainable Plastics”, co-financed by Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), through the Incentive System “Agendas for Business Innovation”.

Functional block copolymers have for many years attracted significant attention as a material for use in surface coating [1], as micellar nanocarriers [2] or as templates for mesoporous materials [3]. One method to produce such polymers is the anionic ring opening polymerization (AROP) of glycidyl ethers (GE) using polyethylene oxide (PEO) as macroinitiator. In addition, the mild conditions used for AROP allow the introduction of additional functional groups, e.g. for reversible crosslinking.
Recently, the Naumann group has introduced bisborane catalysts for the rapid acquisition of polyethers with high molecular weights and low dispersity [4]. We herein demonstrate the application of such catalysts for the synthesis of high molecular weight polyether block copolymers, including sterically hindered acetonide-protected catechol glycidyl ether (CAGE). These block copolymers are then used to prepare core-corona micelles with pH-dependent crosslinks in the core. Besides structural characterization, we employ nanoscale AFM-based techniques to follow crosslinking and changes in mechanical properties [5].

Piezoelectric materials can transform electrical into mechanical energy and vice versa. They are widely used in actuation, sensing and energy harvesting devices. Nowadays, the most used piezoelectric materials are inorganic ceramics due to their high piezoelectric response. However, they are brittle and rigid, which is a drawback in the manufacture of current devices [1]. Among alternatives, piezoelectric polymers could resolve most of the limitations, but they present rather low piezoelectric coefficients. One approach to overcome this issue is the fabrication of piezoelectric composites [2]. Nevertheless, the processing of these materials is complicated, not only for obtaining a good dispersion of ceramic particles into a polymer matrix, but also to achieve excellent compatibility between the two components, resulting in optimized interfaces. These organic-inorganic interfaces play an important role in the electrical and mechanical performance of the piezoelectric composites, so it is crucial to know the nature and strength of the interactions between ceramic particles and polymeric matrix, as well as to use different type of additives, coupling agents or modifications to improve the interfaces [3]. This work reports the preparation of piezoelectric hybrid composites via tape casting method, by using ceramic fillers of different perovskite oxides, such as barium titanate (BTO), barium calcium zirconium titanate (BCZT), and a solid solution of bismuth ferrite and bismuth potassium titanate (BFO-BKT). Commercial PLLA is used as polymeric matrix, and the role of a combinations of additives on the interface quality is studied through the analysis of dielectric, piezoelectric and mechanical properties.

Bioresorbable piezoelectric polymeric devices offer great potential for biomedical applications, particularly in implantable bioelectronics [1]. Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), despite its intrinsic piezoelectric properties, presents significant limitations such as inherent brittleness, poor thermal stability, and prolonged bioresorption times [2]. In this study, polymeric blends based on PLLA and poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) were formulated to overcome these drawbacks and thoroughly characterized in terms of piezoelectric response, mechanical properties and degradation rates [3]. PLCL was incorporated in various weight ratios (PLLA, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50) and films were fabricated in three structural states with varying degrees of macromolecular orientation and crystallinity: (1) unstretched amorphous films (DR1), (2) 400% stretched quasi-amorphous films (DR4), and (3) 400% stretched films with post-annealing at 80 °C to induce oriented crystalline domains (DR4AN80). The results demonstrated that PLCL can be incorporated up to 40 wt.% without compromising the piezoelectric response while enabling the modulation of mechanical properties. Accordingly, films with reduced stiffness and increased flexibility and toughness were obtained. The addition of PLCL also enhanced thermal stability, facilitating the processing of the materials via advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g., melt electrowritting). These findings highlight the potential of PLLA:PLCL piezoelectric blends for applications in implantable bioelectronic devices, soft robotics, and tissue engineering scaffolds, where tunable mechanical and electrical properties are required.

The folding of synthetic polymers into single chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) draws inspiration from the precise folding of amino acid chains into proteins [1]. Most SCNPs reported to date, however, are made using synthetic polymers lacking biodegradability and secondary structure, thus limiting their resemblance to proteins [2].
Polypeptides are an ideal alternative because they are biodegradable and have an inherent tendency to form secondary structures [3]. In this work, we introduce two new approaches for synthesizing SCNPs using polypeptides. In the first approach, we used poly-L-glutamic acid (PLGA), a polymer known to adopt either a random coil confirmation or alpha helices depending on pH, and an intramolecular crosslinking strategy to produce SCNPs between 10 to 15 nm depending on the degree of crosslinking and solvent conditions.
In the second approach, we again use PLGA but introduce phenylalanine as an aromatic hydrophobic comonomer. Phenylalanine naturally tends to form hydrophobic domains, which play a crucial role in proteins by helping them achieve and maintain a stable three-dimensional structure. This happens because hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking minimize entropic loss and promote compact folding [4,5]. Inspired by this, we aim to investigate how the presence of phenylalanine influences the structural properties of SCNPs. To achieve this, we use a range of analytical techniques to assess how phenylalanine impacts the self-assembly, secondary structure, and stability of SCNPs. These findings open new possibilities for developing SCNP-based platforms for efficient and controlled drug delivery, particularly in crossing tight junctions such as Blood Brain Barrier (BBB).

The extensive use of plastic materials presents significant environmental challenges due to both their resource-intensive production and non-biodegradable nature. As the most abundant renewable biopolymer, cellulose is emerging as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic plastics, with bacterial cellulose (BC) offering distinct advantages across multiple industries. BC consists of an interwoven network of nanometric cellulose fibers, possessing a unique structure, exceptional mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. However, to fully harness these properties in practical applications, enhancing its functionality through composite materials is essential [1]. One promising strategy is film stacking, where BC films are combined with thermoplastic polymers to develop advanced composites with tailored properties [2].
This work, conducted in collaboration with Bioniks srl (Verona, Italy), aims at the valorization of peculiar properties of BC through the preparation of laminated biodegradable nanocomposites of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-impregnated BC sheets alternated with polylactic acid (PLA) films. First, different PEGs with various molecular weights were considered for BC impregnation at different concentrations. Then, composite samples consisting of 1, 3, and 5 PEG-impregnated BC sheets alternated with an even number of PLA films were produced by hot pressing. Moreover, composites with not-impregnated neat BC were prepared as a reference. The interface between BC and PLA results improved by PEG impregnation, presenting a continuous interface and fewer signs of detachment. Moreover, mechanical tests demonstrated enhanced stiffness, strength, and strain at break of the PEG-impregnated BC/PLA composites compared to neat PLA. Additional experimental testing covered various properties, including chemical, thermal, and optical characteristics of the prepared composites.

Polymer brushes are chain-end tethered assemblies of polymers that are anchored to a solid and flat substrate. The newly developed surface-initiated polymerization techniques, such as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and so on have facilitated the synthesis of polymer brushes with precisely defined film thickness and grafting densities, as well as polymer molecular weight, chemical composition, functionality and architecture. Densely packed polymer brushes obtained by surface-initiated ATRP are located at intermolecular distances that enforce a parallel alignment of the main chain, which may even impact the alignment of the side chain functional groups. Here, we fabricate a thin polyacrylonitrile films by photo-induced surface-initiated ATRP reaction and characterize its polarized properties, for instance, piezo- and pyroelectricity, to intuitively demonstrate the fact that the side groups in a more general polar monomer are oriented to accommodate the stretched main chain of polymer brush.

Friction causes huge loss of energy and fuel in many processes and areas of application. Improving the effectiveness of water-based lubricants would be a great step towards green processes and can potentially save huge amounts of energy. This study explores the application of acrylamide and acrylate nanoparticles and their related composites to enhance the tribological behaviour of water-based systems. The nanoparticles are considered to behave as small spheres which prevents direct surface-to-surface contact and instead enables surfaces to roll above them. Indeed, experimental results show a significant reduction in friction and wear when those particles are added to water. But those microgels are soft and will deform and wear off over time. It has also been confirmed that the microgels will decompose to graphite under high pressure. To increase mechanical stability inorganic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) as TiO₂ and MoS₂ are incorporated into the nanoparticles to enhance their mechanical stability and their lubrication behaviour. Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mappings are used to investigate lubrication behaviour further on microscopic level. The already gathered promising experimental results highlight the interesting scope of application on water-based lubricants and reduce friction by addition of tailored composite particles into water.

The development of biopolymers has increased in the last decade, due to the growing awareness regarding sustainable development and the search for alternatives to petro-sourced polymers. Among these biopolymers, poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) is the most relevant and thus produced, thanks to its biosourced origin, biocompatibility and compostability under industrial conditions¹. It currently accounts for 31% of global biopolymer production² and is widely used in biomedical and packaging fields³. However, its low glass transition temperature (± 60°C) and low elongation at break (2-4 %) limit its use, particularly for durable applications. To overcome its thermo-mechanical properties, PLLA is increasingly used as a matrix in composite materials⁴.
Among composite processing methods, thermoplastic resin transfer molding (TP-RTM) enables the production of composite materials with a high reinforcement ratio via in situ polymerization of the monomer(s) to form the matrix, leading to high reinforcement impregnation⁵. Previous work conducted at UMET led to the production of glass fabric-reinforced⁵ and fully compostable flax fabric reinforced⁵ composites with PLLA matrix by TP-RTM, in a one-step solvent free process. Additionally, unprecedented glass fiber reinforced poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) copolymer matrix composites, displaying 87% higher impact resistance than their PLLA matrix counterparts, were also developed⁵. In this contribution, the production of recyclable all-thermoplastic composites (matrix and reinforcement) in a single step solvent-free process from the monomers, along with their complete characterization are presented.

Based on previously reported dual encapsulation strategy, we present a systematic investigation of incorporating Tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)³]²+) into amphiphilic polymer particles post-polymerisation. Using [Ru(bpy)³]²+ as a model probe due to similar water solubility and similar chemical structure, we study the key parameters controlling probe encapsulation in core-shell particles comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) core and polyoligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate P(OEGMEM) shell. The particles undergo swelling with methyl methacrylate (MMA) to enhance probe uptake, with increased loading efficiency compared to unswollen particles. Our work focuses on establishing a well-controlled, reproducible method for creating stable responsive hydrogel sensors, with investigation on how particle characteristics, particularly P(OEGMEM) shell length, influence probe retention and subsequent incorporation into HEMA-based hydrogels.

Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) consist of two or more interpenetrating networks, one component of which is in a network structure containing crosslinks and the other is incorporated into the structure as a linear high-weight polymer without crosslinks [1]. In this study, SIPN strategy was used to design hybrid gels with improved mechanical and physical properties to utilize the synergistic effect between biopolymer Xanthan Gum (XG) and chemically cross-linked network based on biocompatible 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and di(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate. One of the hypotheses of the study was to investigate the effect of the synergistic phenomenon on material properties such as composition-dependent swelling and elastic modulus by synthesizing polymer gels at constant XG w/w% concentration while varying the GMA mol% amount in the gelation feed and keeping the preparation temperatures at 24 °C and -18 °C, respectively. The chemical structures of SIPN gels are characterized by FTIR and XRD analyses. In order to simulate their behavior in biological and physicochemical environments, the swelling and mechanical properties of SIPN gels were investigated in aqueous solutions of Hofmeister anions (carbonate, chloride and nitrate) (ranging from 10-5 to 3.0 mol/L) [2]. Since the SIPN gels maintained their mechanical integrity after reaching swelling equilibrium even at high concentrations as 3.0 mol/L, the ion-specific effects on the microstructure of polymer gel networks were elucidated by applying FTIR analysis to the gels after salt-induced swelling. With improved mechanical, salt-resistant and stable properties, Poly(HEMA-co-GMA)/XG-based SIPN gels offer a promising template scaffold for medical research [3].

We systematically investigated the wettability, stereocomplex-crystallization behavior, microstructure, electrical conductivity, and thermal degradation properties of stereocomplexed-polylactide (SCPLA) nanocomposites loaded with graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their nano-hybrid from an interface-geometry combinational point of view. We demonstrated that thermodynamics and nanofiller geometry are determinant in modulating the degree of stereocomplexation and thermal stability. We examined the interactions in a three-component system to predict the dispersion/filler-polymer interaction. The repulsion or attraction between two dissimilar media (GO and CNT) immersed in a third common medium (SCPLA) by calculating W123 (WCNT-SCPLA-GO)[1,2]. W123 positive value suggested that SCPLA could not completely wet both CNT and GO during mixing and there was an attraction between GO-CNT. The CNT/GO interface was revealed to be stronger than the filler-polymer interface. The sum of the interfacial tension energies of SCPLA-CNT and SCPLA-GO was much higher than that at the CNT/GO interface (γ(CNT-SCPLA)+γ(GO-SCPLA)>γ(CNT-GO)), which is necessary, but not sufficient, to conclude the spreading of medium 2 on 1. The sum of γ(CNT-SCPLA)>γ(CNT-GO)+γ(GO-SCPLA) should be satisfied to as well, which it was in this case. In the presence of SCPLA, the CNT/GO interface was formed; SCPLA only could partially wet the hybrid system of CNT and GO, separately. For the first time, we have proposed a mechanism for the stereocomplexation of PLA enantiomeric chains on the surface of GO and CNT in their nano-hybrid. Our results pave the way towards a feasible engineering of the interface to control the stereocomplexation for the desired application of SCPLA-filled hybrid nanocomposites.

Polyethylene, a highly used polymer in industry, is susceptible to Slow Crack Growth (SCG) which leads to significant application issues, especially in pipes and geomembranes (1). The effect of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and Carbon Black (CB) on the SCG resistance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is examined in this study. The HDPE masterbatches were prepared using solvent-mixing, then final composites fabricated by melt-mixing (2). SCG resistance was assessed through Notched Constant Tensile Load (NCTL), and Strain Hardening Method (SHM) tests. The NCTL showed that while adding CRGO and CB reduced SCG resistance, attributed to agglomeration, FCRGO initially decreased it, then improved it due to improved interaction and reaching the percolation threshold, and finally decreased it again with agglomeration (Figure 1). SHM results validated NCTL findings, FCRGO enhanced SCG resistance, whereas CRGO and CB had no improvement (Table 1 and 2). These findings highlight the potential of functionalized graphene nano-particles to enhance long-term properties of HDPE.

Graphene was incorporated into polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix via melt-mixing using two grades of graphene, GrapheneBlack 3X and EG 3806. Prior to melt-mixing graphene was ultrasonicated in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), wherein PA6 granules were encapsulated with few-layered graphene. Structural and morphological analyses were conducted using wide-angle X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, along with microscopic methods like optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which confirmed the presence of graphene sheets. Mechanical testing revealed that the EG 3806 grade significantly enhanced the Young’s modulus to 1.5 GPa at 3.5 wt,%, while nanoindentation showed a hardness of approximately 180 MPa and a modulus of about 2.5 GPa for EG 3806 nanocomposites, compared to pure PA6 with a hardness of 150 MPa and a modulus of 2 GPa. Additionally, dynamic mechanical analysis indicated an improved storage modulus of approximately 3.7 GPa at 120 °C for the PA6/graphene nanocomposites containing EG 3806. The enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to the effective dispersion of few-layered graphene within the PA6 matrix, underscoring the potential of graphene-based PA6 nanocomposites for applications requiring superior mechanical performance.

The development of sustainable polymer materials is gaining increasing importance as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. In this study, we present a plasticiser system based on chitin and soya lecithin to enhance the properties of polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a widely used bio-based polymer typically derived from biomass such as sugarcane and maize, resources that potentially compete with the food chain. By utilising chitin, a biogenic waste product from the seafood industry, this conflict can be mitigated while simultaneously achieving effective plasticisation of PLA.

The combination of chitin with soya lecithin in a mass ratio of 3:1 led to the development of an additive that was successfully integrated into PLA matrices at loadings of up to 24 wt%, including up to 18 wt% chitin. Mechanical tests demonstrated a significant reduction in stiffness and an increase in ductility of the PLA composite, while the glass transition temperature remained nearly unchanged and cold crystallisation was inhibited.

These results suggest that the chitin-lecithin system effectively modifies PLA, producing biodegradable composites with balanced mechanical and thermal properties. The use of chitin not only adds value to waste streams but also contributes to reducing reliance on food chain resources in the development of sustainable material solutions.

Microplastic pollution is one of the most urgent and complex environmental challenges, with significant consequences for human health (1). Understanding how microplastics are obtained from common consumer pieces and how they behave in the environment is crucial to ensure their removal (2, 3). To explore this further, we propose a simple fluid dynamic model that simulates the behavior of polymeric particles of various densities in stagnant or agitated medium, in order to investigate the settling behavior of microplastics as a function of their size. Specifically, a polypropylene yarn was produced by Rheologic 1000 capillary rheometer; the yarn was gradually inserted into a distilled water vortex generated by magnetic stirring, which ensured that the yarn was wrapped to obtain a spherical fluff few centimeters wide. The fluff produced was then used to filter a suspension of microplastics obtained by weathering of polypropylene pasta bags.
The filtration process ensured high removal efficiency, especially for larger particles. In fact, particle size distribution before and after filtration was evaluated by Dynamic Light Scattering, confirming that the smallest particles remain in the filtrate.
This study highlights the behavior of microplastics from consumer products and the potential of polymeric systems produced by this combined process in reducing microplastic pollution, setting the stage for future developments in water purification using low-impact technologies.

Acknowledgement
This study was carried out within the SAMOTHRACE (sicilian micro and nano technology research and innovation center) extended partnership and received funding from the european union next-generationeu (Piano Nazionaled di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) – missione 4 componente 2, investimento 1.5). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the european union nor the european commission can be considered responsible for them.